Document Standards

Review of Standards

The 1996 legislative process passed Minnesota Statute 507.093 to establish document standards for recording real estate documents in Minnesota. These standards are still in effect today.

Documents shall:

• Be no larger than 8 ½ x 14 inches (continuous page documents are non-standard).
• Be printed, typewritten or computer generated in black ink with type no smaller than 8 point.
• Be on white paper of at least 20 pound weight (copy machine weight) with no background color or highlighter and at least a ½ inch border on all sides of each page.
• Contain a 3-inch blank space at the top on the first page for county use.
• Prominently display the title of the document on the first page below the 3-inch blank space.
• Not contain attachments which cover up any information on any page of the document.
• Be legible enough to reproduce a readable copy using Recorder/Registrar’s current method of reproduction.

Note: One sided pages are preferred in case there is bleed through from a notary stamp, etc. so it doesn’t interfere with the print on the other side.

Helpful Hints

• The law includes all documents dated August 1, 1997 or after.
• When creating forms, always leave 3 inches of blank space at the top of the 1st page.
• Do not provide fill in the blanks for county offices since county processes vary.
• The Minnesota UCB software and the pre-printed Minnesota UCB forms are provided for under Section 507.09. Certified copies or any form provided for under Minnesota Statutes are exempt from the document standards.