--- title: "How to Record a Deed in NJ: Forms, Fees, Timeline | MCC" description: "The forms and affidavit you need, what county clerks charge, e-recording and how long it takes in New Jersey, plus common mistakes. We can notarize the deed." url: "https://mcc-solutionsnj.com/notary/guides/how-to-record-a-deed-in-new-jersey" --- Guide · Updated October 2, 2026 # Recording a Deed in NJ: Fees by County, Forms & Timeline A deed transfers property, but recording it with the county is what puts the transfer on the public record. Here's how recording works in New Jersey. By [Matthew Coleman](/about), MCC Solutions **Quick answer.** A deed is recorded with the county clerk, or the register of deeds in some counties, in the county where the property sits. It must be signed by the grantor and acknowledged before a notary, and each county sets its own forms and procedures within state law. Need this notarized? Sign online from home with no travel fee, or ask for a notary to come to you. The price is shown and confirmed before any work starts, and you can book in about two minutes. [See your price and book](/notary/#order)[Call (908) 444-6373](tel:9084446373) **Related:** [How much a NJ notary can charge](/notary/guides/how-much-does-a-notary-cost-in-new-jersey) · [What ID you need for a notary](/notary/guides/what-id-do-you-need-for-a-notary) · [What to expect at a HELOC signing](/notary/guides/heloc-signing-what-to-expect) **Free tools:** [Printable notary journal template](/notary/notary-journal-template) · [Does my document need a notary?](/notary/does-my-document-need-a-notary) ✓ New Jersey commissioned notary, no. 50244803, insured for errors and omissions. [See the credentials](/about/credentials) ## Where deeds are recorded Deeds are recorded with the county clerk (or register of deeds in some counties) in the county where the property is located. Each county sets its own forms and procedures within state law, so check that county's clerk website before you submit. ## What the deed needs before it's recorded The deed must be signed by the grantor (the person transferring the property) and acknowledged before a notary or other authorized officer. It also needs the property description, the names of the parties, and the name of the person who prepared it. Most counties also require their own recording cover sheet on top of every document, including electronic recordings. ## The realty transfer fee When a deed is recorded, New Jersey generally collects a realty transfer fee, which the seller is responsible for. The deed is usually accompanied by an Affidavit of Consideration (RTF-1) showing the price paid and any exemption claimed. Some transfers, such as certain transfers between family members, may qualify for exemptions. Ask your attorney whether one applies. ## Recording fees Counties charge a recording fee based on the type of document and the number of pages, plus extra fees in some cases (for example, more than a certain number of names). For example, Middlesex County lists a deed at $45 for the first page and $10 for each additional page. Check the county's current fee schedule before you submit. ## Want us to handle it? We take your signed deed or other document to the county clerk in New Jersey and send you the recording details. **Price:** From $50 per document, plus the county's recording fees at cost. Starting rates. Your exact price is quoted after we confirm a local notary/runner, before you pay. [Request a recording](/notary/document-recording#request) ## Paper or electronic recording Most New Jersey counties accept electronic recording through approved vendors, which is usually faster than mail. Paper documents can still be mailed or delivered in person with payment. ## Why deeds get rejected The wrong fee amount. A missing or incorrect cover sheet. A missing Affidavit of Consideration. A notarization missing details. Pages that don't meet the county's format rules. A rejection isn't the end; correct the issue and resubmit. ## After recording The county returns the recorded deed (or a recorded copy) with its book and page or instrument number. Keep it with your property records. ## What a clean recording looks like A deed ready for recording is signed and acknowledged, shows the correct parties and a legal description that matches the prior deed, and includes the forms and fees the county clerk requires. If the deed is rejected, the clerk's office states why, such as a missing acknowledgment, unreadable stamp or wrong cover form. Fix the specific item and resubmit. Recording fees and transfer taxes change, so confirm current amounts with the county clerk and the state. ## Mistakes that get documents rejected Submitting an unsigned or unacknowledged deed, a legal description that differs from the prior deed, or a stamp that is not legible are frequent reasons for rejection. Another is forgetting the required cover sheets or fee forms. ## Checklist before you book Confirm the deed type with your attorney or title company. Get it acknowledged. Check names and descriptions. Ask the clerk's office for current fees and forms. ## Common questions **Do I need a lawyer to record a deed?** Recording itself is an administrative step, but preparing a deed and deciding on transfer tax exemptions are legal questions. An attorney should prepare or review the deed. **How long does recording take?** Electronic recording is often done within a day or two. Paper recording depends on the county's processing time. **What are the county clerk recording fees?** Each county sets its own schedule within state law, based on document type and page count, and the schedules change. Check the clerk's current fee page for your county before you submit, and we can confirm the amount when we record for you. **Where do I record a deed in New Jersey?** With the county clerk, or the register of deeds in some counties, in the county where the property is located. ## More notary guides - [How Document Recording Works: From Signing to Public Record](/notary/guides/how-document-recording-works-with-the-county) - [School Enrollment Residency Affidavit Notarization](/notary/guides/school-enrollment-residency-affidavit) - [NJ Notary Fees: $2.50 Per Act and What Mobile Notaries Add](/notary/guides/how-much-does-a-notary-cost-in-new-jersey) This guide is general information, not legal advice. Fees and procedures change; check with the office involved or an attorney for your situation. Let us handle it [### Document Recording We record deeds, mortgages, releases and other documents with New Jersey county clerks, electronically or in person, and send you the recorded copy. Document recording →](/notary/document-recording)[### Mobile Notary A mobile notary near you in New Jersey, at your home, office, hospital or job site. Affidavits, powers of attorney, vehicle titles and business documents. Book online. Mobile notary →](/notary/mobile-notary)[### Document Courier Same-day pickup and delivery of closing packages and original documents for NJ title companies, law firms and lenders. Add it to any signing. Document courier →](/notary/document-courier)[All guides](/notary/guides) Reach notaries, signing agents and people getting documents notarized or apostilled who read this guide: [advertise here](/advertise#notary). Do it yourself ### NJ Family Deed Transfer Kit Get organized before you see the attorney or title company: who signs, what to gather, what the State's RTF-1 says about family exemptions, and where your county records the deed. [See what's inside ($29)](/toolkits/nj-family-deed-transfer-kit) [Free sample](/toolkits/nj-family-deed-transfer-kit#free-starter)14-day full refund Free tool: [Does this document need a notary? Free finder](/notary/does-it-need-a-notary) ## Related - [How do you sign a deed when one owner lives in another state?](/notary/answers/signing-a-deed-when-an-owner-is-out-of-state) - [Where to record a deed in each New Jersey county](/notary/document-recording/new-jersey-county-recording-offices) ## Rather have us handle it? Call the desk. [Book Now](/notary/#order)[Call (908) 444-6373](tel:+19084446373)