Out of an abundance of caution to the public and our staff, the lobby of the Register of Deeds Office will be closed to the public until further notice.
The ROD Office will continue to process real estate documents via eRecordings and mail.
The ROD Office will continue to process Birth, Death, Marriage, Divorce and Domestic Partnership/Terminations by mail, email, internet orders or fax at (414) 223-1942.
The ROD Office will continue to research and copy requests by mail or email.
Open AllClose All 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.
- e-RETR Receipt. Exemption 77.25 (11) applies. Completed on WI DOR website
- Certified copy of death certificate
- 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.
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
- e-RETR Receipt. Exemption 77.25 (11m) applies. Completed on WI DOR website
- Certified copy of death certificate
- 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.
How do I make a change to property ownership (add or remove someone’s name)?
To change ownership of real estate, a new deed must be drafted and submitted for recording along with an e-RETR receipt. We do not carry deed forms in our office.
- A new deed is prepared (printed legibly in black ink) to reflect the change
- Answer e-RETR questionnaire online
- View instructions, system overview, e-RETR training/help
- To begin, click “file a return”
- When finished, press the “submit” button, then press “continue” to print e-RETR receipt. Contact Wisconsin Dept of Revenue at (608) 266-1594 or eRETR@Revenue.WI.gov if needed.
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.
On that page there is an interactive Tutorial: How to complete a standard real estate document.
Scroll down that page to find links to other organizations for downloadable real estate forms.
I am having trouble completing the e-RETR questionnaire or I don’t have a computer?
All questions regarding the e-RETR questionnaire should be directed to the Wisconsin Department of Revenue (WI DOR). This not a Register of Deed’s website. Contact WI DOR at (608) 266-1594 or email at eRETR@revenue.wi.gov
Milwaukee County Law Library - The Milwaukee County Law Library (MCLL) has computers available to the public to use and complete the Electronic Real Estate Transfer Return (e-RETR) on your own. If you need assistance, you must call to schedule an appointment call (414) 278-4900.
Located at Milwaukee County Courthouse, 901 N. 9th Street, Room G9, between 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
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
If coming in person to drop off document(s), it is advisable that you be here by 3:45 p.m. to allow sufficient time to review your documents.
- Original document(s)
- e-RETR 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, regardless of the number of pages.
Transfer fee if applicable. This amount will be on your e-RETR receipt.
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 e-RETR receipt, which is required for all conveyance documents.
Check payable to Register of Deeds or cash. NO credit or debit accepted.
How long does it take to get my deed/document back?
It takes three to five business days to be recorded. All documents are then 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.
How do I obtain a copy of recorded deed, mortgage or other real estate document(s)?
In Person: Milwaukee County Register of Deeds, 901 N. 9th Street, Room G6, Milwaukee WI 53233
If you visit the Register of Deeds in person, you should arrive by 3:30 p.m. to allow sufficient time to process your copy order.
Phone: (414) 278-4001 Email: researchdeeds@milwaukeecountywi.gov
How do I find out if my document was recorded and obtain the recording information?
In Person: Milwaukee County Register of Deeds, 901 N. 9th Street, Room G6, Milwaukee WI 53233
Phone: 414-278-4001 Email: researchdeeds@milwaukeecountywi.gov
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