Recorder
Services
The Recorder's Office files, records, and maintains legal documents pertaining to real and personal property. Various forms of deeds, mortgages, bankruptcies, mechanic liens, probate papers, corporate name changes, and plat maps are recorded here.
Government Land Survey
The Recorder also keeps the original government land survey with a tract index. The index gives a history of what has happened to a piece of land dating back to 1875. When individuals borrow money for personal property such as a snowmobile, piano, machinery, or to borrow against a crop, the lender files a finance statement referred to as a UCC. However, UCCs are no longer filed on a county level. Please visit the Minnesota Secretary of State website for more information.
Records
The Recorder’s Office also has records of births, deaths, and marriages dating back to 1875. All of the records in this office are considered public information and as such, are used by many people such as abstract companies, attorneys, bankers, and private individuals.
Polk County accepts eRecorded documents. Electronic recording, "eRecording," enables title companies, lenders, law firms and others to electronically record documents via the internet with the Polk County Recorder. Electronic recording is rapidly becoming the preferred method to submit documents for recording because it saves time, money, and paper. All documents can be eRecorded.
Vital records include birth, death and marriage records. Deaths and marriage records for Polk County from 1875 to present would be filed in Crookston. Births from 1875 to 1935 are for Polk County only. Births from 1935 to present are available for any county in Minnesota.
Anyone can purchase plain copies of birth, death or marriage records, but must prove tangible interest to obtain certified copies of birth or death certificates.
Visit Birth and Death Certificates and Marriage Certificates for more information.
Polk County real estate records are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week through the iDoc Market.
Records Search
Review tips to improve your search on the Real Estate Records Search page.
Other services include:
- Marriage License: Getting married in Minnesota? You need to purchase a Civil Marriage License. Visit Marriage Services to view requirements and fees to apply for a Minnesota Civil Marriage License.
- Credentials to Perform Marriages: If you are going to perform a marriage within Minnesota, you need to file your credentials of license or ordination. Visit Credentials to Perform Marriages to view filing requirements and fees.
- Notary Public Commission Registration: To become a Notary, you first need to apply with the Office of Minnesota Secretary of State. Once approved, you need to register your commission within your county of residence. Visit Notary Public for more information and fees.