Minnesota Document Stardards

Minnesota Statute 507.093

These are the document standards as passed by the 1996 Legislature.  This information was created so customers can be assured that recorders will interpret the standards the same way, county to county.  The standards are effective for documents executed after July 31, 1997.

NOTE: Anyone producing their own forms should always leave a 3 inch blank space at the top of the first page and follow the other standards.

Standards for Documents to be Recorded or Filed (in part)

The following standards are imposed on documents to be recorded with the County Recorder or Registrar of Titles:

• 1) The document shall consist of one or more individual sheets measuring no larger than 8.5 inches by 14 inches.
• 2) The form of the document shall be printed, typewritten, or computer generated in black ink and the form of the document shall not be smaller than 8-point type.
• 3) The document shall be on white paper of not less than 20-pound weight with no background color, images or writing and shall have a clear border of approximately one-half inch on the top, bottom and each side.
• 4) The first page of the document shall contain a blank space at the top measuring three inches, as measured from the top of the page. The right half is to be used by the County Recorder or Registrar of Titles for recording information and the left half is to be used by the County Auditor or Treasurer for certification. Any person may attach an administrative page before the first page of the document to accommodate this standard. The administrative page may contain the document title, document date, and, if applicable, the grantor and grantee, and shall be deemed part of the document when recorded.
• 5) The title of the document shall be prominently displayed at the top of the first page below the blank space referred to in clause (4), or on the administrative page.
• 6) No additional sheet shall be attached or affixed to a page that covers up any information or printed part of the form.
• 7) A document presented for recording or filing must be sufficiently legible to reproduce a readable copy using the County Recorder’s or Registrar of Title’s current method of reproduction.