Recorder

As we face this health crisis, those of us in the Watonwan County Recorder office are working together towards common goals of preserving the integrity of the land records and continuing to facilitate the important transfer of real estate in our local community. Because of the current response to the COVID-19 outbreak, a few things you need to know.

• We are Recording documents
• Closed to the public but processing-delivered by Noon
  • eRecording
  • Mail
  • Drop off
  • Drop Box
  • Or special arrangements
• Passports-unable to process at this time
  • Emergency arrangements can be made if needed
• Marriages-may be applied for through Minnesota Official Marriage System.
• The processing of your marriage license is not possible at this time unless it is an emergency situation. In regards to your already planned wedding, please see the CDC website:  https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/large-events/mass-gatherings-ready-for-covid-19.html

Responsibilities & Services

The county recorder’s primary function is maintaining land records for the county by recording real estate documents. Our land records go back to the late 1800s. Through the years, records have been handwritten, typed, microfilmed (1973-2000), and (most recently) computer imaged for preservation.

Other Functions

Other functions of the recorder’s office are:

• Marriage certificates
• Marriage Officiant Credentials filing
• Notary
• U.S. passports

Restrictions

No marriage or passport applications can be made after 4:30 p.m. unless special arrangements are made and real estate documents should be received by 4 p.m. for same-day recording.