If you wish to record legal documents affecting real estate such as deeds, land contracts, mortgages, satisfactions and assignments, you will need to use a form which conforms to the Wisconsin standard document format.   
 

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Most states require standard document format. If you are outside of Wisconsin, you may add a cover-sheet to your document. Print or type the document title, return address, and parcel identification number in the proper locations and attach.  
 

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Requirements of the standard document format are as follows:

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• The upper right hand corner of the document must be completely blank (at least 3” by 3”) for our official recording stamp.

• The name and return address must be either (1) directly under the recording area, or (2) on the left side of the page and within the top 3 inches.

• The parcel identifier number must be placed directly under the return address.

• The title of the document must be within the top 3 inches of the page but not in the 3 by 3 inch corner left blank for our recording stamp.

• The entire document must be legible and reproducible.

• The paper is white, standard weight, and letter or legal-sized

• 59.43(2m)(b)5. The ink is black, blue, or red, except that signatures and coded notations on maps may be other colors.

• The top margin is a minimum of 1/2 inch for every page. Other margins are minimum of 1/4 inch.

• The pages are not hinged.

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Remember, you still need:

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• Complete legal descriptions if the document refers to specific parcels of land.

• Original signatures notarized or authenticated.

• Proper fees accompanying the document.

• Name of the document drafter.

• Wisconsin Real Estate Transfer Return (completed and with proper fee or exemption #).

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