Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How do I get a copy of my deed or other land records documents?
You can get copies of land records documents from our office online, in person, or through the mail. For more information on each of these options, please use the "I want a copy of my Deed or Other Land Records Documents" button above, or click this link.
2. How do I get a copy of a plat of survey?
You can get a copy of a plat of survey from our office if one has been filed here either through our website, by coming into our office, or by requesting a copy through the mail with proper payment. You can search through our Public Access website yourself using the links provided above, or you can contact our office for further questions.We do not always have a plat of survey on file for every property.
3. Where do I go for blueprints, permits, or other information related to my house or buildings on my property?
The Register of Deeds only records documents pertaining to the land itself of a property. For records such as blueprints, permits, etc. we recommend contacting the municipality the property is located in and/or the county Parks and Land Use department depending on the circ*mstance.
4. If I ordered documents from the Public Access website, how long does it take to receive them?
If the order processed successfully, you should be redirected to a download page where you click a link to electronically download your documents immediately. If the transaction was successful and you are not given the option to download your documents electronically, please contact our office by email at [emailprotected] and we will send you the documents you ordered. If possible, please email us the receipt of the order when you contact us for more effective service.
5. If I'm worried about property fraud, what can I do to protect myself?
Our office offers Recording Notification Service (RNS) that allows subscribers to sign up and monitor records recorded in our office for property in Waukesha County.While RNS does not prevent fraudulent activity from occurring, it can provide an early warning of fraud that may have otherwise gone undetected.For more information, click here.
6. What is the difference between a deed and a title?
The terms "deed" and "title" are often used interchangeably. A deed is a document that shows ownership of a property and can show how a person or entity holds title to a property. In that sense, the deed can be the "title" to a property. However, when people use the term "title" they may also be referring to a title policy which is a set of documents prepared by a private title company that can cover the history of a property, chain of title, title insurance, etc.
Deeds are recorded in our office; title policies are not. If you want your title policy, it is usually included in the closing paperwork when a property sells. Otherwise you can try contacting the title company involved with the sale of the property to see if they have additional copies to provide.
7. Is my property "free and clear"?
In order to determine if a property is "free and clear" of all liens and encumbrances, a title company would have to perform a full title search which includes searching records found in our office as well as others. The Register of Deeds staff does not perform title searches. If you need a title search, you can contact a title company.
8. Can you recommend a title company to use?
We are a government entity and cannot show preferential treatment by advising any specific private title company to choose. We suggest going online or otherwise doing your own research to find local title companies, and then choosing which company is the best fit for you.
9. What happens after I pay off my mortgage?
Typically, the lender will record a satisfaction of mortgage document with our office confirming that the mortgage has been paid and satisfied. A new deed is not issued at the time a mortgage is paid off or a satisfaction of mortgage is recorded.For any questions or confirmation of a loan being satisfied, you should contact the lender that the loan was with.
10. What does the Land Records Division do?
The Land Records Division is responsible for indexing, storing, maintaining, and making available to the public copies of land records documents that the Register of Deeds records as directed per Wisconsin state statutes. These documents include, but are not limited to: deeds, mortgages, plats of survey, etc.
The Land Records Division doesnotperform title searches, determine the acreage of a parcel, lot lines, gaps in legal descriptions, where trees, bushes, and/or power lines lie, or resolve disputes against neighboring lot lines. We also do not maintain sale information for any properites. Any information regarding sale prices from our office may not be accurate.
The Register of Deeds officecannotprovide legal advice. If you need assistance drafting or interpreting legal documents, you can contact a real estate attorney, title company, or the State Bar of Wisconsin’s Lawyer Referral Service (https://www.wisbar.org/forPublic/INeedaLawyer/Pages/i-need-a-lawyer.aspxor call 1-800-362-9082).
