Instruments of Conveyance

GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT INSTRUMENTS OF CONVEYANCE

Legal instruments such as warranty deeds, quit claim deeds, etc., that convey title from one property owner to a new owner, are usually drafted by attorneys, or paralegals or legal secretaries under the supervision of an attorney. Some common forms are available online at: https://www.wrdaonline.org/forms

 

The grantor and grantee (seller and buyer) must be identified on the deed. The grantor's signature which has been notarized, and a legal description of the property being conveyed must be on the deed. The return address of the person who is to receive the deed after it has been recorded is required. The parcel identification number, found on the property tax bill, must be placed on the document under the return address. Only the original deed with original signatures may be recorded with the Register of Deeds-- not photocopies.

The moment that a correctly prepared deed is handed from one owner to the next is the moment of actual conveyance. It is wise to protect your interest by recording the deed with the Register of Deeds at 112 Otter Ave., Room #108, Oshkosh, Wisconsin 54901. The recording fee is $30.00.

A Wisconsin Real Estate Transfer Return Receipt must accompany a deed for it to be recorded in the office of the Register of Deeds. The Transfer Return must be filled out electronically by going to: www.revenue.wi.gov/retr/index.html. Once the e-return is correctly filled out, you will be instructed to print the receipt. If you have questions, please call the Register of Deeds office at 920-232-3394. The Real Estate Transfer fee (if any) and the recording fee must accompany the deed and e-receipt when you mail it in or bring it in for recording. We will do our best to provide general guidance, but we cannot give legal advice or specific answers to the real estate transfer return questions. You are responsible for the information you provide to the Department of Revenue. 

If you have any questions regarding filling out the deed form, contact your attorney.