Real Estate Information

The information provided here is presented as a service to the citizens of La Crosse County and other Internet users. While some of the information on this page or the links associated with this page is about legal issues or forms, it is not legal advice. Moreover, due to the rapidly changing nature of the law and our reliance on information provided by outside sources, we make no warranty or guarantee concerning the accuracy or reliability of the content of this site or to the other sites to which we link.

Ordering Copies

The La Crosse County Register of Deeds has real estate copies of documents recorded or filed for property located in La Crosse County only. If you need copies of documents for property located outside of La Crosse County, please contact the county where the property is located. A listing of Wisconsin counties can be found by clicking here.

All requests for copies received at La Crosse County Register of Deeds office are usually processed the same day and are either emailed same day or mailed within one business day following receipt using regular mail. Payment is required at the time the order is placed and may be by cash or credit card (there is a $1 fee for using a credit card)

You can use Paygov and a major credit card to order real estate document copies online. You must know the volume and page or document number and the approximate year it was recorded. (Call 608-785-9644 or 608-785-9645 for this information if needed.) The cost is $2 for the first page and $1 for each additional page per document (if you don't know how many pages a document is please contact our office before placing an order) plus Paygov charges a service fee of about $1.00. You will also need to scan & email or fax a copy of the cardholder's signature before we can send the document.  Regular service is emailed same day. Expedited service is available for an additional fee. Click here to order.  If you need certified copies those will be mailed within 1 business day.

Standard Document Format

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. Most office supply firms offer forms which do meet the requirements of Wisconsin Statute 59.43(2m)

Use of the standard document format helps to assure that important pieces of information are not inadvertently omitted, that the document is legible, and that it is properly indexed. Use of the standard document format also makes processing and retrieval more efficient.

Most states in the Midwest require some type of standard document format. If you are from a state outside of Wisconsin, you may add a cover-sheet to your document to make it conform to the Wisconsin standard document format. You can print or type the document title, return address, and parcel identification number in the proper locations and attach the cover-sheet to the front of your document so that it becomes the first page.

Requirements of the standard document format are as follows:

• 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 & reproducible.
• The paper is white, standard weight, and letter or legal-sized.
• The ink is black so that the document will scan properly.
• 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.

Remember, you still need:

• 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.
• Please enclose a self-addressed stamped envelope for return of your document, originals will not be returned without one.  You can stop back into the office to pick up the original after it is recorded.
• The document must refer to land within the county in which it is recorded.
• A complete Wisconsin Real Estate Transfer return is required for all conveyances. La Crosse County format for parcel numbers is 00-00000-000.  If your parcel number is 8-245-1 it would be entered 08-00245-001.  Make sure to put the filler zeros in front of the number or it will be incorrect.
• Click here to complete an online return.
• Multiple mortgage, assignments or satisfactions may not be placed on the same instrument.

Real Estate Legal Descriptions
A Complete Legal Description should include the following information:

• The platting information (if property is platted):
  • Subdivision name or Certified Survey Map number (CSM#)
  • Lots and or blocks
    
• Or, if unplatted, then "metes and bounds" tied into the Public Land Survey System (e.g. Commencing 232 feet S 23º 12' 34' W of NW cor)
   
• Public Land Survey Information:
  • Quarter Section or Quarter/Quarter Section (e.g. NE 1/4 or NE 1/4 NE 1/4)
  • Section number (There is 36 sections in a township - e.g. Section 12)
  • Town number (e.g. T 1 N) note all towns in Wisconsin are N (North)
  • Range number (e.g. R 2 W , R 20 E)
    
• Municipality Name (with type: Town, Village or City)
  
• County Name