Deed Records in Winona County

Winona County deed records are filed and maintained by the County Recorder in Winona, Minnesota. The recorder's office holds all real estate transfer documents, mortgages, liens, and related instruments that form the county's land record. Historical deed records in Winona County go back to 1854, making the archive one of the older collections in southern Minnesota. Whether you need current ownership data or are tracing a title back through generations, the Winona County Recorder is the primary source for land records in the county.

Winona County Recorder Office

The Winona County Recorder is located at 171 W. Third St., Winona, MN 55987. You can reach the office by phone at (507) 457-6340. The county website at co.winona.mn.us provides department contact details and links to county services.

The recorder's office processes all real estate documents filed in Winona County, including deeds, mortgages, satisfactions, liens, plats, and easements. The office also maintains vital records such as birth and death records going back to 1870, marriage records from 1854, and probate records from 1871. Court records dating back to 1854 round out the historical archive held by Winona County.

The screenshot below shows the Winona County website, which provides access to recorder contact information and county resources for property research.

For older records not available through digital systems, an in-person visit or written request to the recorder's office may be required. Staff can direct you to the right resource depending on what year range you need.

Historical Records in Winona County

Winona County has an extensive archive of historical land and vital records. Land records kept by the District Court and County Recorder cover real estate transactions going back to the earliest years of the county. Court records begin in 1854, the same year as the oldest marriage records. Birth and death records date from 1870. Probate records go back to 1871.

For title searches involving older Winona County land, this long archive is valuable. A chain of title that goes back to the original government patent can often be traced entirely within the county's own records. For genealogical research that combines land, vital, and court records, Winona County offers one of the richer datasets in southeastern Minnesota.

Researchers looking for records before the county's online systems may need to access microfilm or original documents in person. The Minnesota Historical Society and the Minnesota State Archives are also good resources for historical Winona County records that predate or supplement what the county holds directly.

Note: Not all historical records have been digitized. Contact the recorder's office to ask about availability and access options for records from specific time periods.

Recording Requirements and Fees

Documents submitted for recording in Winona County must comply with Minnesota Statute 507.093. The first page must have a three-inch top margin for recording stamps. Text must be legible and reproducible. A return address must be on the document. Documents that fail these requirements are returned without recording.

The standard recording fee is $46 per document. Certified copies are $10. Plat recording costs $56. A Well Disclosure Certificate is $54. Deed tax is due on most property transfers at 0.33% of the net consideration, with a minimum of $1.65, under Minnesota Statute 287.21. County auditor tax certification is required before most transfer deeds are accepted, per Minnesota Statute 272.12. When homestead property is conveyed, Minnesota Statute 507.02 may require both spouses to sign the deed even if only one holds title.

Types of Deed Records

Warranty deeds and quitclaim deeds are the most common instruments filed in Winona County. Warranty deeds are used in standard property sales and include the seller's guarantee of clear title. Quitclaim deeds convey whatever the grantor holds with no warranty, and are common in family transfers, estate planning, and corrective filings. Both types are defined under Minnesota Statute 507.07.

Transfer on Death Deeds (TODDs) let a property owner name a beneficiary who receives the property at death without probate. The deed is filed during the owner's lifetime and takes effect only upon death, under Minnesota Statute 507.071. Contracts for deed are also recorded here. Under a contract for deed, the seller holds title until the buyer completes all payments. These are governed by Minnesota Statute 507.235 and show up in the public record alongside other deed types.

Abstract and Torrens Recording

Winona County uses both the abstract and Torrens recording systems. Abstract land depends on a chain of recorded documents. Under Minnesota Statute 507.34, a deed that is not recorded is void against a later buyer who pays value and records first without notice. Recording promptly after closing is essential for any buyer or lender to protect their interest in the property.

Torrens land is governed by Minnesota Statute 508. A Torrens certificate of title is court-registered and provides conclusive proof of ownership. Torrens transactions require filing with the Registrar of Titles, which is part of the county recorder's office. The recorder's staff can confirm which system applies to a given parcel by parcel number or legal description.

Cities in Winona County

Winona is the county seat of Winona County. No cities in Winona County meet the 100,000 population threshold for a dedicated city page on this site. Deed recording and property record services for all communities in Winona County are handled by the County Recorder at 171 W. Third St., Winona.

Nearby Counties

These counties border Winona County. Property records for neighboring areas are held by their respective recorders.