The names of both the husband and wife are on the deed, but now one is deceased. How do I remove my deceased spouse's name from my deed?
- Complete Termination of Decedent’s Interest form (HT-110). This form and instructions are available at the Wisconsin Register of Deeds Association forms page. Also see HT-110 sample for general guidance. This sample reflects a common scenario.
- Electronic Real Estate Transfer Return Receipt(e-RETR) Exemption 77.25 (11) applies. Completed on WI DOR website
- Copy of recorded ownership deed
- $30 fee payable to Register of Deeds
Milwaukee County no longer requires a copy of the real estate tax bill or death certificate.
A transfer on death document was recorded and the property owner has died. How do I remove the decedent’s name from deed?
- Complete Termination of Decedent’s Interest form (TOD-110). This form and instructions are available at the Wisconsin Register of Deeds Association website. Also see TOD-110 sample for general guidance
- Electronic Real Estate Transfer Return Receipt (e-RETR) Exemption 77.25 (11m) applies. Completed on WI DOR website
- Copy of recorded transfer on death document
- $30 fee payable to Register of Deeds
Milwaukee County no longer requires a copy of the real estate tax bill or death certificate.
How do I make a change to property ownership (add, remove or change someone’s name)?
To change ownership of real estate, a new conveyance document (deed) must be drafted and submitted for recording along with an Electronic Real Estate Transfer Return Receipt (e-RETR) We do not carry blank forms in our office.
Documents must be completed before submitting them for recording. The owner may prepare these items or hire an attorney or title company. We can not attest to the legality of documents, nor can we assist you in preparing your documents, as we are not attorneys.
Lawyer Referral: (414) 274-6768.
Where can I get a blank deed or other real estate forms?
We DO NOT carry any deed forms here. You can purchase blank documents at a Legal Blank Store and complete the documents yourself, or hire an attorney or title company to do this for you.
To find document forms, visit the Wisconsin Register of Deeds Association website.
I am having trouble completing the e-RETR questionnaire or I don’t have a computer?
All questions regarding the Electronic Real Estate Transfer Return (e-RETR) questionnaire should be directed to the Wisconsin Department of Revenue. This is not a Register of Deed’s website. Contact WI DOR at (608) 266-1594 or email at eRETR@revenue.wi.gov
The Milwaukee County Law Library may be able to offer assistance.
Call (414) 278-4900 or visit the library between the hours of 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. to schedule an appointment. The library is located in Room G-9 of the Milwaukee County Courthouse.
DISCLAIMER: The Law Library does not provide legal advice, nor should any response given be construed or interpreted as legal advice. To find legal advice in your area, please refer to our Legal Assistance page or County Legal Resources Database on our website www.wilawlibrary.gov
How can I record my document?
Mail or drop off at the Register of Deeds Office, 901 N. 9th Street, Room 103, Milwaukee WI 53233
- Original document(s)
- eRETR receipt, if applicable (Required for all conveyance documents)
- Check payable to Register of Deeds or cash. NO credit or debit accepted
Each document submitted for recording requires a $30 recording fee (except plats.) We accept cash, checks or money orders made payable to the Register of Deeds
Transfer fee if applicable. This amount will be on your eRETR receipt.
If you would like to purchase a certified copy at the same time as recording the fee would be $2 for the first page, $1 each additional page and then a flat fee of a $1 to certify the document.
Documents must be completed before submitting them for recording. The owner may prepare these items or hire an attorney or title company. We can not attest to the legality of documents, nor can we assist you in preparing your documents, as we are not attorneys.
Lawyer Referral: (414) 274-6768
How much does it cost to record a document?
Each document submitted for recording requires a $30 recording fee, regardless of the number of pages.
Transfer fee if applicable. This amount will be on your eRETR receipt, which is required for all conveyance documents.
If you would like to purchase a certified copy at the same time as recording the fee would be $2 for the first page, $1 each additional page and then a flat fee of a $1 to certify the document.
Check payable to Register of Deeds or cash. NO credit or debit accepted.
How long does it take to get my deed/document back?
Documents are recorded within three to five business days. All documents are mailed back to the name and return address on the document within one to two weeks. The actual document submitted for recording is mailed back. The Register of Deeds does not create new documents.
Still have questions regarding preparation of real estate documents?
The Milwaukee County Register of Deeds cannot provide legal advice. Contact an attorney, title company or one of the resources listed here.
Marquette Volunteer Legal Clinic: Provides free, confidential and brief legal advice.
House of Peace Community Center, 1702 W. Walnut Street, (414) 933-1300, Tuesdays 4 - 6 p.m. (Sign-in starts at 3:30 p.m.)
Lawyer Referral & Information Service: You will speak with a representative who will refer you to one of the highly trained and screened lawyers or a community resources that best fits your needs. Monday - Friday 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. (414) 274-6768 or www.findmilwaukeelawyers.org
Real Estate Terminology
What is the cost to record a plat?
Condominium Plats: There is a $100 review fee that must paid with a separate check from the recording fee. Then there is a $50 recording fee for the Plat.
Subdivision Plat: There is only a $50 recording fee.
DOT Plat: There is only $25 recording fee.
All other documents submitted along with the plat would be the standard $30 recording fee.