Minnesota Warranty Deed

What Is a Minnesota Warranty Deed?

A Minnesota warranty deed transfers Minnesota real estate with statutory warranty covenants. Minnesota's statutory warranty form includes five covenant concepts: the grantor is lawfully seized in fee simple, has good right to convey, the property is free from encumbrances, the grantee will have quiet and peaceable possession, and the grantor will defend title against lawful claims. Do not assume additional covenants unless the completed deed expressly adds them.

When to Use a Warranty Deed in Minnesota

• Buying or selling Minnesota real estate when statutory warranty protection is intended.
• Working with a buyer, lender, title company, or title insurer that expects warranty-deed protection.
• Using the Minnesota deed path when the grantor is willing to provide warranty covenants rather than a no-warranty quitclaim transfer.

Minnesota Requirements for Warranty Deeds

• Signing: The grantor signs the deed. If the property is a married owner's Minnesota homestead, both spouses generally must sign the conveyance unless a statutory exception applies.
• Notarization: Minnesota deeds must be acknowledged before a notary or other authorized officer before recording.
• Witnesses: Minnesota does not require witnesses for ordinary warranty deeds recorded by acknowledgment.
• Recording: Record the deed with the County Recorder for abstract property or the Registrar of Titles for registered (Torrens) property in the county where the property is located.
• Deed Tax / eCRV: Minnesota deed tax generally applies to taxable consideration, with a minimum tax for low- or no-consideration transfers. Many transfers over $3,000 require an electronic Certificate of Real Estate Value (eCRV), unless an exemption applies.
• Well Disclosure: If wells are present or previously disclosed, Minnesota well-disclosure requirements may apply unless a valid prior certificate is already on file and no changes are needed.
• Required Details: Minnesota deeds generally need the drafter's name and address and the name and address of the person to receive property-tax statements.
• Legal Description: Use the full legal description from a prior deed, title commitment, survey, or other reliable title source. A street address or parcel number alone is usually not enough.

Warranty Deed vs Quitclaim Deed in Minnesota

A warranty deed provides statutory warranty protection. A quitclaim deed transfers only the grantor's interest without warranty covenants. Minnesota does not have a separate statutory grant-deed category; a “grant deed” label should not be assumed to provide a distinct Minnesota warranty category without reviewing the actual deed wording.