Register of Deeds – New Document Recording Policy

Please see below message from Chief Deputy Register of Deeds Beth Zimmerman regarding a change to their document recording policy effective May 1, 2026.

“We would like to inform you of an upcoming change to our document recording procedures, effective May 1, 2026.

Pursuant to recent statutory revisions signed into law on April 8, 2026, including Wisconsin Statutes 59.43 (1c)(g), all paper documents submitted for recording must include either:

• A self-addressed, stamped envelope for return of the original document, or
• A valid email address for electronic return of the recorded document.

Documents submitted without one of these two options will be rejected.

Submitters that choose to have their document returned via email will receive the recorded document immediately following the recording process. Documents that are returned via US Mail will be mailed out between 14-21 business days following recording.

Please note that if you choose electronic return via email, the original document will not be returned and will be securely destroyed after recording.

We also encourage you to consider e-recording as a more efficient and timely method for submitting documents.

If you have any questions regarding this change, please feel free to reach out.

Thank you for your continued partnership.”