Deed Recording Requirements in Wisconsin
Wisconsin registers of deeds record a notarized deed, and a state real estate transfer fee of 30 cents per $100 of value is paid by the grantor unless an exemption applies.
Last checked . General information, not legal advice.
Wisconsin at a glance
- Notary acknowledgment
- Required to record
- Witnesses
- None
- Transfer tax
- State tax applies
- Exemptions may apply
The rules in Wisconsin
Does a deed need to be notarized in Wisconsin?
Wisconsin requires a deed to be acknowledged (or, where the statute allows, proved) before it can be recorded.
How many witnesses does a deed need in Wisconsin?
None. Wisconsin does not require witnesses to sign a deed.
Is there a real estate transfer tax in Wisconsin?
Yes. Wisconsin charges a state transfer tax or similar fee when a deed is recorded. Some transfers may be exempt, so check the current statute.
Where do the Wisconsin rules for deeds come from?
They come from Wisconsin DOR, RETR overview and Wisconsin DOR, Real Estate Transfer Fee Common Questions. We last checked them in October 2026. Laws change, so check the current statute before you rely on it.
How Wisconsin compares
Wisconsin is one of 35 jurisdictions that charge a state transfer tax or deed fee.
What this means in practice
Record the signed deed with the county recorder, register of deeds or land records office where the property is located. Recording puts the world on notice of the transfer and generally protects the new owner against later claims.
Recording offices often have formatting rules (margins, paper size, a return address, a parcel number) and charge a fee. Check the county's requirements before you sign.
A deed does not pay off a mortgage. If the property is mortgaged, the loan usually stays in place after the transfer.
General information, not legal advice. Laws change, and cities can add their own rules, so check the current statute before you rely on it.