Law makes technical and clarifying changes to the torrens title registration system

Minnesota uses the torrens and abstract title system for registration of land. Under the torrens system, upon the landowner’s application, a court may, after appropriate proceedings, direct the issuance of a certificate of title.

Effective Aug. 1, 2022, a new law makes technical and clarifying changes to torrens title statutes, including clarifying that a torrens registration can apply to two or more owners where the tracts contain a common title defect that requires substantially the same evidence needed for adjudication.

Persons who have an interest in land are allowed to assent in writing to its registration and waive a mailed notice.

The new law also clarifies that applications for initial registration must be in a form approved by the examiner before filing with the court administrator, and specifies if a survey is required to certify land boundaries it must be certified by a licensed surveyor.

An applicant will need to file the final order with both the registrar of titles and the county recorder.

The law is sponsored by Rep. Kelly Moller (DFL-Shoreview) and Sen. Mark Johnson (R-East Grand Forks).

HF2841*/SF2638/CH37

HF2841* / SF2638 / CH37