Ramsey County Property Records
What Is Ramsey County Property Records
Ramsey County property records are official documents that record ownership, transfers, and encumbrances of real property (land and buildings) within Ramsey County, Minnesota. These records serve as the authoritative documentation of property ownership and interests throughout the county. The primary purpose of maintaining these records is to establish legal ownership through a chain of title, provide public notice of property interests, protect property rights, and facilitate real estate transactions.
Property records in Ramsey County are governed by Minnesota Statutes Chapter 507, which establishes the requirements for recording real estate instruments. Pursuant to Minnesota Statutes § 507.24, all deeds, mortgages, and other instruments affecting real estate must be recorded with the county recorder to provide constructive notice to the public.
The Ramsey County Recorder's Office is the primary custodian of these vital records, maintaining a comprehensive system that includes:
- Deeds and property transfers
- Mortgages and mortgage satisfactions
- Liens and encumbrances
- Easements and covenants
- Plats and surveys
- Tax records and assessments
These records form the foundation of real property ownership in Ramsey County, providing essential information for property owners, potential buyers, real estate professionals, and government agencies.
Are Property Records Public Information In Ramsey County?
Property records in Ramsey County are public information and accessible to all citizens under Minnesota law. The Minnesota Government Data Practices Act (Minnesota Statutes Chapter 13) establishes that government data shall be public unless classified otherwise by state or federal law. Additionally, Minnesota Statutes § 507.34 specifically addresses the public nature of recorded real estate documents, stating that properly recorded instruments provide notice to all persons of the rights they contain.
The legal basis for public access to property records includes:
- Property ownership is fundamentally a matter of public record
- Recording statutes require public access to ensure transparency in land ownership
- Public access serves the public interest by facilitating real estate transactions and preventing fraud
- Any member of the public may access property records without demonstrating a specific interest or reason
This commitment to transparency ensures that citizens, businesses, and government agencies can verify property ownership, research property history, and access information necessary for real estate transactions. The Ramsey County property records system maintains this public access while balancing privacy considerations for certain protected information.
How To Search Property Records in Ramsey County in 2026
Members of the public may search Ramsey County property records through multiple channels. The county currently maintains comprehensive systems for accessing these vital documents.
For online searches:
- Visit the Ramsey County Property Records portal
- Select the appropriate search method (by owner name, property address, or parcel identification number)
- Enter the search criteria in the designated fields
- Review the search results and select the property of interest
- Access available property information, including ownership details, tax information, and recorded documents
For in-person searches:
Ramsey County Property Records and Revenue Department
90 Plato Boulevard West, Suite 110
St. Paul, MN 55107
651-266-2000
Ramsey County Property Records and Revenue
Counter hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
When conducting an in-person search:
- Visit the Property Records Resource Center during business hours
- Complete a records request form, available at the service counter
- Provide specific search criteria to the records staff
- Staff will assist in locating the requested records
- Review documents on-site or request copies (fees may apply)
For mail or email requests:
- Download and complete the official records request form from the county website
- Include specific search criteria (property address, owner name, parcel ID)
- Submit the form via mail to the address above or via email to propertyrecords@ramseycounty.us
- Include payment for any applicable fees
- Allow 5-7 business days for processing
How To Find Property Records in Ramsey County Online?
Ramsey County offers comprehensive online access to property records through several digital platforms. The county's commitment to digital accessibility allows residents and interested parties to search and retrieve property information remotely.
The primary online resources include:
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RecordEASE - Ramsey County's official land records search system provides access to:
- Deeds and property transfers
- Mortgages and satisfactions
- Liens and releases
- Certificates of title
- Plats and surveys
To use RecordEASE:
- Create a free account or log in as a guest
- Select search criteria (name, document number, legal description)
- Enter search parameters
- View document index information
- Purchase copies of documents if needed (fees apply)
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Property Tax and Value Lookup - The county's tax information portal allows users to:
- Search by address, owner name, or parcel ID
- View current and historical property tax information
- Access property value assessments
- Review tax payment status
- Print property tax statements
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MapRamsey - The county's interactive property map provides:
- Visual property location and boundaries
- Parcel identification numbers
- Property dimensions
- Zoning information
- Links to associated property records
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Minnesota Geospatial Commons - For advanced users, the state's geospatial data portal provides downloadable parcel data for Ramsey County, including:
- GIS shapefiles of property boundaries
- Parcel attributes and metadata
- Historical parcel information
- Data suitable for mapping and analysis
These online resources are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, providing convenient access to property records outside of normal business hours.
How To Look Up Ramsey County Property Records for Free?
Ramsey County provides several no-cost options for accessing basic property records information. These free resources allow residents and interested parties to obtain essential property data without incurring fees.
Free access options include:
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Public Access Terminals - Available at the Property Records Resource Center:
- Self-service computer terminals provide free access to property records
- Staff assistance available for search guidance
- Basic property information viewable at no charge
- Printing and certified copies available for a fee
Property Records Resource Center
90 Plato Boulevard West, Suite 110
St. Paul, MN 55107
651-266-2000
Ramsey County Property Records -
Online Property Tax and Value Lookup - The county's property information portal provides free access to:
- Current property ownership information
- Property value assessments
- Tax classification
- Property characteristics
- Tax payment status
-
MapRamsey Interactive Map - The county's GIS mapping application offers free:
- Property boundary visualization
- Basic property information
- Aerial imagery
- Parcel identification
- Measurement tools
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Public Libraries - Ramsey County Library locations provide:
- Free internet access to county property websites
- Reference assistance for property research
- Access to historical property information
- Computer terminals with printing capabilities (printing fees may apply)
While basic property information is available at no cost, fees may apply for:
- Certified copies of documents
- Large-volume searches
- Historical document retrieval
- Document recording
- Specialized research assistance
Pursuant to Minnesota Statutes § 357.18, the county recorder may charge statutory fees for certain document services, though basic search capabilities remain free to the public.
What's Included in a Ramsey County Property Record?
Ramsey County property records encompass a comprehensive collection of documents and information related to real property within the county. These records distinguish between real property (land and permanently attached structures) and personal property (movable assets not attached to land).
Property records are maintained by multiple county offices, including the Recorder's Office, Assessor's Office, and Property Tax Services. Together, these offices compile the following information:
Ownership Information:
- Current and previous property owners
- Dates of ownership transfers
- Purchase prices and transaction details
- Deed information and document numbers
- Legal description of the property
Property Characteristics:
- Parcel identification number
- Property address and location
- Lot size and dimensions
- Building size and specifications
- Year built and construction details
- Number of rooms, bedrooms, and bathrooms
- Building materials and quality classifications
- Special features and improvements
Financial Information:
- Current assessed value
- Historical valuation trends
- Property tax amounts and payment history
- Special assessments
- Tax classification
- Homestead status
Legal Encumbrances:
- Mortgages and trust deeds
- Liens (tax, mechanic's, judgment)
- Easements and rights-of-way
- Covenants and restrictions
- Pending legal actions
Plats and Surveys:
- Subdivision plats
- Boundary surveys
- Certificates of survey
- Condominium declarations
- Common interest community documents
The content and maintenance of these records are governed by Minnesota Statutes Chapter 507, which establishes requirements for recording, indexing, and preserving property records. Additionally, Minnesota Statutes § 508.47 specifically addresses the registration of title documents for Torrens properties, which constitute a significant portion of Ramsey County real estate.
How Long Does Ramsey County Keep Property Records?
Ramsey County maintains property records permanently in accordance with Minnesota state law and county retention policies. The permanent retention of property records ensures the continuous chain of title and provides historical documentation of property ownership throughout the county's history.
The retention of property records is governed by the Minnesota Records Retention Schedule and Minnesota Statutes § 15.17, which mandates the preservation of government records. Specific retention periods include:
- Deeds and Ownership Documents: Permanent retention
- Mortgages and Satisfactions: Permanent retention
- Plats and Surveys: Permanent retention
- Tax Records: Current year plus 7 years minimum, with summary information retained permanently
- Building Permits: Life of structure plus 10 years
- Variance and Conditional Use Permits: Permanent retention
- Property Assessment Records: Current year plus 10 years, with summary information retained permanently
- Tax-Forfeited Property Records: Permanent retention
The Ramsey County Recorder's Office has implemented a comprehensive digital archiving system to ensure the preservation of historical property records. This system includes:
- Scanning and digitization of historical paper records
- Microfilm backup of essential documents
- Climate-controlled storage for original documents
- Regular backup and disaster recovery protocols
- Conversion of legacy digital formats to current standards
While most property records are retained permanently, certain supplementary documents may have defined retention periods after which they may be destroyed in accordance with state-approved retention schedules. However, core property ownership documents are never destroyed, ensuring that the complete history of property ownership in Ramsey County is preserved for future generations.
How To Find Liens on Property In Ramsey County?
Locating liens on property in Ramsey County requires searching specific records maintained by various county departments. Liens represent legal claims against property that must be satisfied when the property is sold, and identifying these encumbrances is essential for property transactions.
To search for liens on Ramsey County property:
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Search Recorder's Office Records:
- Access the RecordEASE online system
- Search by property owner name or property address
- Review index entries for documents containing terms such as "lien," "judgment," or "notice"
- Request copies of identified documents for detailed information
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Check Tax Records:
- Visit the Property Tax and Value Lookup portal
- Search for the property by address or parcel ID
- Review tax payment status for potential tax liens
- Check for special assessments that may constitute liens
-
Search Court Records:
- Access the Minnesota Court Information System (MNCIS)
- Search for judgments against the property owner
- Judgment liens may attach to all real property owned by the defendant
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Visit the Property Records Resource Center:
Ramsey County Property Records Resource Center
90 Plato Boulevard West, Suite 110
St. Paul, MN 55107
651-266-2000
Ramsey County Property Records- Request a comprehensive lien search from staff
- Provide property information (address, parcel ID, owner name)
- Staff can search multiple databases simultaneously
- Official copies of lien documents can be obtained on-site
-
Check for Mechanic's Liens:
- Search by property address in the Recorder's Office records
- Mechanic's liens must be filed within 120 days of the last work performed
- These liens expire after one year unless an action to foreclose is commenced
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Review Federal Tax Lien Records:
- Federal tax liens are recorded with the county recorder
- Search by property owner name in the RecordEASE system
- Federal tax liens have priority over many other types of liens
Common types of liens found in Ramsey County include:
- Property tax liens
- Mortgage liens
- Mechanic's liens
- Judgment liens
- Federal and state tax liens
- Special assessment liens
- Homeowners association liens
Pursuant to Minnesota Statutes § 514.08, mechanic's liens must be filed within 120 days after completion of the work to be valid, while other liens may have different filing requirements and expiration dates.
What Is Property Owner Rule In Ramsey County?
The Property Owner Rule in Ramsey County refers to a set of regulations and responsibilities that govern property ownership within the county. These rules establish the legal framework for property rights, obligations, and restrictions that apply to all real property owners.
Key components of the Property Owner Rule include:
Ownership Registration Requirements:
- All property ownership must be properly recorded with the Ramsey County Recorder's Office
- Pursuant to Minnesota Statutes § 507.34, unrecorded conveyances are void against subsequent purchasers who record their interest first
- Property owners must update their mailing address with the county to ensure receipt of tax statements and official notices
Property Tax Obligations:
- Property owners are responsible for paying property taxes by the due dates (May 15 and October 15)
- Tax delinquency may result in penalties, interest, and eventually tax forfeiture
- Under Minnesota Statutes § 279.01, penalties begin accruing immediately after the due date
Homestead Classification:
- Property owners who occupy their property as a primary residence may apply for homestead classification
- Homestead status provides property tax benefits and certain legal protections
- Applications must be submitted by December 31 to receive benefits for the following tax year
Property Maintenance Requirements:
- Property owners must maintain their property in compliance with local ordinances
- This includes lawn maintenance, snow removal, and building code compliance
- Failure to maintain property may result in citations, fines, or abatement actions
Disclosure Requirements:
- When selling property, owners must provide disclosure statements regarding property condition
- Sellers must disclose known material facts that could affect the property's value
- Failure to disclose may result in legal liability under Minnesota law
Special Assessments:
- Property owners may be subject to special assessments for public improvements
- These assessments become liens against the property until paid
- Property owners receive notice of proposed assessments and have the right to appeal
Torrens vs. Abstract Property:
- Ramsey County maintains both Torrens (registered) and Abstract property systems
- Different legal rules apply to each system
- Torrens property ownership is guaranteed by the state through a Certificate of Title
The Property Owner Rule is enforced through various county departments, including the Property Management division, which oversees compliance with property regulations and addresses violations through administrative and legal processes.