Document Recording Requirements

A cover sheet(PDF, 330KB) is required with all land documents submitted for recording.

Please see the required recording information for the following specific document types:

Assignment of Mortgage

  • Assignor(s)/Assignee(s) name(s).
  • Date of the Assignment
  • Description of real property
  • Recording references of original mortgage; book & page / instrument / file number
  • Signature of Assignor
  • Signature(s) must be acknowledged
  • All names printed under all signatures
  • Record & Return information

Cancellation of Mortgage

  • The original mortgage, with the receipt given by the county recording officer at the time it was recorded, must be presented for cancellation.
  • The original mortgage must be endorsed for cancellation, authorizing the recording officer to cancel the mortgage of record.
  • The endorsement signature must be:
    1. The mortgagee
    2. If the mortgage was assigned, the last assignee of record
    3. If the mortgagee is a corporation or other entity, the name and signature of that person authorized by that entity can endorse the mortgage for cancellation
  • The original mortgage presented for cancellation is the mortgage as it was recorded. No copies will be accepted.
  • Signatures of mortgagees do not have to notarized.
  • If the mortgagees are individuals, all mortgagees can sign the endorsement stating that the mortgage is paid in full. One of the mortgagees is able to sign a statement saying that they are signing for all the mortgagees (the mortgagees should be named).
  • ”Cancel & Return” information.

Deed

  • Name of Grantor
  • Name of Grantee
  • Grantee’s address
  • Date of deed
  • Consideration amount
  • New Jersey Realty Transfer Tax, if due (Check made payable to Morris County Clerk)
  • Non-resident Tax payment, if due (Check made payable to NJ Division of Taxation)
  • Mansion Tax if, due (Check made payable to Morris County Clerk)
  • Affidavit of Consideration for use by the Seller for exemptions or commercial property in excess of one million dollars
  • Affidavit of Consideration for use by the Buyer for deeds in excess of one million dollars
  • Seller Residency Certification or Non-Resident Declaration, whichever is applicable
  • Municipal Tax, lot & block number
  • Grantor’s signature and acknowledgement of
  • Name(s) printed under each signature
  • ”Prepared by” with name of the person preparing the deed
  • ”Record & Return” information

Discharge of Lis Pendens

  • Name(s) of plaintiff(s)
  • Name(s) of defendant(s)
  • Date of action
  • Reference to recorded mortgage (foreclosure only)
  • Reference to recorded Lis Pendens
  • Signature of Plaintiff or representative
  • Names appear typed or printed under each signature(s)
  • ”Record & Return” information

Discharge of Mortgage

  • Name(s) of mortgagor(s)
  • Name(s) of mortgagee(s)
  • Date of the discharge
  • Recording reference to the original mortgage
  • Signature(s) of mortgagee(s)
  • Signature(s) acknowledged
  • Name(s) appear typed or printed under each signature(s)
  • ”Record & Return” information

Lis Pendens

  • Name(s) of plaintiff(s)
  • Name(s) of defendant(s)
  • Date of action with Superior Court
  • Object of Lis Pendens must be stated
  • Description of affected real estate
  • Recording reference to original mortgage/tax sale certificate, if referring to foreclosure
  • Signature of plaintiff or representative
  • Name(s) appear typed or printed under each signature(s)
  • “Record & Return” information

Map Filing Requirements

  • At least two Mylar copies of each unique sheet of the map must be submitted for the County Clerk’s Office to keep on file
  • There must be an “on or before” date written on the map (This normally includes wording to the effect of “This map must be submitted to the Morris County Clerk’s Office on or before March 10, 2015…”)
  • The date of the survey must be written on the map
  • The surveyor must have their license number, seal and signature on the map
  • The Municipal Clerk must sign and seal the map or the Municipal Planning Board must sign (Please note that both are not required, just one)
  • The Municipal Engineer must sign and seal the map
  • The Morris County Planning Board must sign the map (No seal is required)

Mortgage

  • Name(s) of mortgagor(s)
  • Name(s) of mortgagee(s)
  • Date of mortgage
  • Description of real property
  • Signature(s) of mortgagor(s)
  • Signature(s) must be acknowledged
  • Name(s) appear typed or printed under all signatures
  • ”Record & Return” information

Notice of Settlement

Be sure to designate the buyer, seller, mortgagor or mortgagee. If a copy is sent with the original, a stamped and self-addressed envelope must accompany it. If the Notice of Settlement is signed by anyone other than a New Jersey attorney, the signature must be acknowledged. Notices of Settlement are effective for a 60 day period but may be extended for an additional 60 days by recording an additional Notice of Settlement before the expiration or a Discharge of Notice of Settlement.

  • Name(s) of parties
  • Addresses of all parties
  • Description of property
  • Signature(s) of all parties or legal representative
  • Signature(s) acknowledged, if other than an attorney
  • Name(s) appear typed or printed beneath signature(s)