Recording Requirements

Documents Standards and Forms

The Registry of Deeds currently accepts documents presented in person, through the mail or electronic format. Each format has unique requirements. Please select the manner by which you intend to record your document.

Presented in Person

As of January 1, 2008, all documents presented for recording must meet the following requirements:

  • Be on white paper of sufficient weight to reproduce in registry scanners
  • All documents and attachments must be on paper that is no larger than 8.5 inches by 14 inches
  • Printing shall be on one side only; double-sided pages will not be accepted
  • Documents that contain printing, writing or other markings must be sufficiently dark in appearance to be legibly reproduced on standard registry scanners
  • Margins on all sides of all document pages must be of sufficient size to be legibly reproduced on standard registry scanners
  • The first page of all document pages must contain a “recording information area” in the upper right-hand corner measuring three inches from the top edge of the document and three inches from the right edge of the document that is free from all writing or printing
  • If the document does not contain a “recording information area”, an official registry Document Cover Sheet must be attached
  • Document must be signed with an original signature and notarized if required. Signers’ and notaries’ names must be printed under the signature. Notary expiration date is required
  • Do not put social security numbers or personal identification numbers on any recorded document
  • Do not highlight any document text
  • If a document refers to an attached exhibit, ensure the exhibit is included and place all exhibits and addenda at the end of the document. Reduced Registry of Deeds descriptions as attachments are not acceptable
  • Clip all multiple page documents. (Do not staple checks or letters to the document/s)
  • Telephone numbers and addresses must be on all checks. Document recording fees must be in the exact amount and total due should be paid with check or cash. No personal checks shall exceed $500.00 and identification must be presented
  • Excise tax payments can from an attorney’s IOLTA account, certified bank check, or cash. Personal checks are not accepted for excise tax
  • Checks must be payable to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts
  • No more than 10 documents shall be accepted for recording at one time

Mailed

As of January 1, 2008, all documents mailed in for recording must meet the following requirements:

  • Be on white paper of sufficient weight to reproduce in registry scanners
  • All documents and attachments must be on paper that is no larger than 8.5 inches by 14 inches
  • Printing shall be on one side only; double-sided pages will not be accepted
  • Documents that contain printing, writing or other markings must be sufficiently dark in appearance to be legibly reproduced on standard registry scanners
  • Margins on all sides of all document pages must be of sufficient size to be legibly reproduced on standard registry scanners
  • The first page of all document pages must contain a “recording information area” in the upper right-hand corner measuring three inches from the top edge of the document and three inches from the right edge of the document that is free from all writing or printing
  • If the document does not contain a “recording information area”, an official registry Document Cover Sheet must be attached
  • Documents must be signed with an original signature and notarized if required. Signers’ and notaries’ names must be printed under the signature. Notary expiration date is required
  • Return name and address must be placed on the front of the first page of each document
  • Do not put social security numbers or personal identification numbers on any recorded document
  • Property address must be put in the left margin for mortgages, deeds, mortgage discharges, and death certificates unless address appears on the first page
  • Do not highlight any document text
  • If a document refers to an attached exhibit, ensure the exhibit is included and place all exhibits and addenda at the end of the document. Reduced Registry of Deeds descriptions as attachments are not acceptable
  • Clip all multiple page documents. (Do not staple checks or letters to the document/s)
  • Telephone numbers and addresses must be on all checks. Document recording fees must be in the exact amount and total due should be paid with check or cash. No personal checks shall exceed $500.00
  • Excise tax payments can from an attorney’s IOLTA account, certified bank check, or cash. Personal checks are not accepted for excise tax
  • Checks must be payable to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts
  • A self-addressed, stamped envelope must be included with the documents.

eRecording

All Recorded Land documents that meet the recording standards of the Registry may be recorded electronically.
** Registered Land (Land Court) documents cannot be filed electronically at the present time **