Access Iosco County Deed Records

Iosco County deed records are kept by the Register of Deeds at 422 W. Lake Street in Tawas City. This office maintains the public record of all property transfers, mortgages, easements, and other instruments recorded in Iosco County. Located on Lake Huron's northwestern shore, the county includes a mix of waterfront, woodland, and residential parcels with active real estate activity. This page explains how to search Iosco County deed records, what it costs to get copies, and what rules govern the recording process.

Iosco County Register of Deeds Office

The Iosco County Register of Deeds is at 422 W. Lake Street, P.O. Box 367, Tawas City, MI 48764. Phone is 989-362-2021 and fax is 989-984-1101. You can also reach the office by email at ROD@ioscocounty.org. The department page with current hours and contact information is at the Iosco County Register of Deeds website.

The Register of Deeds records every document that affects real property in Iosco County. This includes deeds, mortgages, easements, liens, and plats. Each document is indexed by the names of the parties and assigned an instrument number at the time of recording. The public index allows anyone to search for recorded instruments by name or by document number.

Iosco County sits along Lake Huron and includes significant waterfront property. Cottage and lake lot transfers are common here, and many parcels carry riparian rights or access easements that appear in the deed record. Buyers of waterfront property in Iosco County should review the full chain of title in the Register of Deeds office to understand any easements or restrictions on the parcel.

The screenshot below shows the Iosco County Register of Deeds department page, where you can find current contact information and services.

The department page is part of the Iosco County official website, which links to all county departments.

Searching Iosco County Deed Records

To search Iosco County deed records, visit the Register of Deeds office at 422 W. Lake Street in Tawas City or check the department website for available online tools. The office maintains an index of recorded instruments searchable by grantor and grantee name. For current information on remote access options, call 989-362-2021 or email ROD@ioscocounty.org.

In-person searches can be done during regular office hours. Bring the property address, parcel number, or the names of the parties involved in the transaction. Staff can assist in locating documents in the index. Copies of recorded instruments cost $1 per page. Certified copies carry a $5 certification fee in addition to per-page copy costs.

For written requests by mail, send a description of the property or instrument you need to the office at P.O. Box 367, Tawas City, MI 48764. Include contact information and a check for the estimated copy fee. The office can confirm the cost before processing if you call ahead.

Deed Recording Fees in Iosco County

The recording fee in Iosco County is $30 per document, as set by MCL 600.2657. This applies to all document types, including warranty deeds, quitclaim deeds, land contracts, mortgage instruments, and discharge of mortgage documents. Document copies are $1 per page, and certified copies cost an additional $5 for the certification.

Michigan real estate transfer tax is collected at the time of recording when property is conveyed for consideration. The state portion is $3.75 per $500 of value under MCL 207.521, and the county portion is $0.55 per $500 under MCL 207.501. Combined, the total is $8.60 per $1,000 of the sale price. For waterfront property in Iosco County, which often sells at higher prices, transfer tax can be a significant part of closing costs. Review the exemption list at the Michigan Treasury transfer tax page to see if your transaction qualifies.

Types of Documents Recorded in Iosco County

Iosco County deed records include a wide range of property instruments. Common document types recorded at the Register of Deeds office are:

• Warranty deeds conveying ownership with seller guarantees
• Quitclaim deeds transferring the grantor's interest without warranty
• Land contracts for installment purchases of real property
• Mortgages, assignments of mortgage, and discharge of mortgage
• Easements for access, utilities, or riparian rights
• Liens, including judgment liens and tax liens
• Plats and condominium master deeds

Each document creates a public record that anyone can access. The date of recording establishes the priority of competing claims against the same parcel. Title searches in Iosco County require reviewing all recorded instruments for a parcel to confirm clean title before a purchase or refinance closes.

Property Transfer Affidavit Requirements

Michigan law requires buyers who purchase property in Iosco County to file a Property Transfer Affidavit with the local township or city assessor within 45 days of the transfer. This comes from MCL 211.27a. The affidavit informs the assessor about the change in ownership so the property's taxable value can be reviewed. Late filing triggers a penalty on the property tax bill.

The affidavit is filed with the assessor, not with the Register of Deeds. In Iosco County, each township has its own assessor. Identify the correct jurisdiction based on where the property sits, then contact that township to get the current form. The Michigan Treasury also provides the form and instructions at its change of ownership page.

The screenshot below shows the Iosco County main website. You can navigate to county departments, including the Register of Deeds, from this page.

Visit the Iosco County website for department contact information, meeting schedules, and other county services.

Deed Recording Standards in Michigan

All documents submitted to the Iosco County Register of Deeds must meet the requirements of MCL 565.201. These include a minimum 10-point type size, at least 2.5-inch top margins on the first page, 0.5-inch side and bottom margins, a clear legal description of the property, and the name of the person who prepared the document. Documents that fail these standards will be returned unfiled.

E-recording under MCL 565.841 allows electronic submission of documents that meet these same requirements. Approved e-recording vendors include Simplifile (1-800-460-5657), ePN, CSC, and Indecomm. Contact the Iosco County Register of Deeds to confirm current e-recording availability and vendor approvals.

Additional Property Research Resources

The Michigan Department of Treasury maintains resources relevant to Iosco County deed research. The Michigan Register of Deeds page provides statewide information on recording rules and county contacts. The transfer tax page explains rates and exemptions. For questions about easement transfer tax, see the easement conveyances page.

Iosco County waterfront parcels may carry access or riparian easements that are recorded in the deed index. Before purchasing any lake or river property in Iosco County, a complete title search at the Register of Deeds office is essential. Title companies licensed in Michigan can perform this search and issue title insurance. For legal questions about deed terms or title defects, contact a Michigan real estate attorney.

Nearby Counties

Iosco County shares borders with several northeast Michigan counties, each with its own Register of Deeds.