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Recorder's Office

Show All Answers

1. Can I order a birth or death certificate online?

No, you need to download the application, have your signature notarized, and mail it in with the appropriate fees. For more information contact us at 507-332-6114.

Licensing & Records page.

2. How much does it cost to file my notary commission and register my signature?

The fee to file a notary commission and register your signature is $20. For more information contact us at 507-332-6114 or visit the Notary Public page.

3. Do I have to file my notary commission in person?

Yes, you must register your signature in person. For further questions you can contact us at 507-332-6114. We are located at:

Government Services Building
320 Third Street NW
Faribault, MN 55021
You can also visit our Notary page.

4. Is this land torrens or abstract?

All parcels of land in Rice County are abstract except for the parcels on the Torrens Property list. View the Torrens Property list on the Real Estate Recording page.

5. Are well certificates required on all deeds?

In a transferring document, where the consideration is more than $3000, a Well Disclosure Statement is required. The transfer document must contain a statement such as : - The seller certifies that the seller does not know of any wells on the described real property. OR - A well disclosure certificate accompanies this document. OR - I am familiar with the property described in this instrument and I certify that the status and number of wells on the described real property have not changed since the last previously filed Well Disclosure Certificate. The Well Disclosure Certificate form, in addition to further information regarding wells, is available on the Minnesota Department of Health's website. A Certificate of Real Estate Value is also needed when the consideration is more than $3000. For more information contact us at 507-332-6114 or visit the

Well Disclosure page.

6. How do I get a marriage license?

A marriage license must be applied for in person at the Rice County Recorder's Office. Review the sample marriage application on our website before you come to apply, so you have all of the required information. Payment is required at the time you apply.
Contact us at 507-332-6114 or visit the Marriage License page.

7. How do I get a copy of my birth certificate?

Appear in person at the Rice County Recorder's Office with a valid picture ID and payment.
For a certified copy by mail, visit our birth certificates page for more information.

8. Can I get a reduced marriage license fee?

You can save $75 on your marriage license if you bring in a "Reduced Marriage Fee Educators Statement" when you apply for your license. The statement needs to be signed by a licensed or ordained minister or a person authorized to solemnize marriage under Minnesota Statutes, section 148B.33.
For more information contact us at 507-332-6114.

9. Does the Recorder's Office provide notary services?

The Rice County Recorder's Office does not provide notary service. You can check with your personal banker or attorney. Any person wishing to have a document notarized must provide appropriate identification for this service, and all signatures must be completed in the presence of the notary. Fees may be charged for notary service.

10. How long does it take to get a passport?

Please visit the Passport Agency Website for current processing times.

Visit the Passport Agency website.

11. Where can I obtain my birth certificate?

If you were born in Minnesota in 1900 or thereafter, you can obtain your birth certificate in any county office that issues birth certificates in the State of Minnesota. Visit

our birth certificates page for more information.

12. When can I search a property?

The records in the Rice County Recorder's office are available Monday through Friday between 8:00 AM and 4:30 PM by appointment only.  Please call 507-332-6114 to schedule your research appointment.

13. How old must I be to get married?

You must be 18 years of age and provide government issued identification to validate your age when you apply for a marriage license.  For more information, please contact us at 507-332-6114.

14. Where do I go, and what do I need for a passport?

Please visit the Passport Information Page.

Passport Information page for more details.

15. Will the Recorder's Office help me fill out my forms?

No. Forms need to be filled out by the applicant. No one in the Recorder's Office has a license to practice law, so you will need to contact your own attorney for legal advise and for help with completing forms in regards to real property. For more information you can contact us at 507-332-6114.

16. How much does a birth certificate cost?

The fee is $26 for the first birth certificate, and $19 for each additional certificate ordered at the same time for the same person. For more information contact us at 507-332-6114 or visit our Birth Certificate page.

17. How much does a death certificate cost?

The fee is $13 for the first certificate, and $6 for each additional certificate ordered at the same time for the same person. For more information you can contact us at 507-332-6114 or visit the Death Certificates page.

18. How much does a passport cost?

Please visit the Passport Agency Website for the current passport fee schedule.

Passport Agency Website

19. How do I get a passport?

Please visit the Passport Information Page or call us at 507-332-6114 for detailed information on how to get a U.S. Passport.

Passport Information page.

20. How do I get a copy of a marriage certificate?

You need to go to the county that you applied for your marriage license. If you applied in Rice County, you will need to provide both applicants names, as well as the date of marriage. You can contact us at 507-332-6114.

Certified Copy of Marriage Record

21. What is LandShark, and how do I sign-up for access to it?

LandShark is a web-based tool for research and retrieval of land record documents.
To sign up visit the LandShark website.

22. How do I amend my birth record?

Birth Record Amendment Packet