• Perform a "quality control check" to ensure all documents are correctly completed and legible, including Illinois Real Estate Transfer Declaration Forms (PTAX-203, etc.). MyDec must state 'Closing Completed'.
• Do not use excessive white-out or otherwise affix anything on documents as this will result in a rejection for non-conforming fee and additional fees will apply.
• The document shall be on white paper of not less than 20-pound weight and shall have a clean margin of at least one-half inch on the top, bottom, and each side.
• Do not use highlighters other than yellow – all other colors scan as a black mark, making information unreadable. These documents will be rejected.
• A clear 3"x5" space in the upper right-hand corner is required. If in doubt, add a cover sheet to your document so you will not be charged a non-conforming fee.
• Provide a self-addressed, stamped envelope for return of original documents and copies. Please do not send individual envelopes for each document submitted, but send a properly-sized envelope to accommodate all documents recorded.
• Bound or thick documents must be unbound or unstapled to print recording information; a paper clip is best.
• Send no more than 10 documents, per folder.
• Provide one (1) blank check per folder; all other checks should be paper-clipped to their appropriate document.
• Make sure the McHenry County document number being released, assigned, subordinated, modified or amended is on your document – 2020R0000000 (Year, Letter "R" & seven digits).
• Check Fee Schedule or contact our office to send appropriate fees. 
• Deliver documents prior to 4:00 p.m., if possible.

Check all documents for the following, as they may be required:

• Signature(s) - required on both documents and checks. Legibly, print or type name under signature on documents.
• Notary - not required but recommended for protection of person signing.
• Prepared By - need words "Prepared By" and name and address of person who prepared the document.
• Mail To (MT) - need words "Mail To" or "Return To" and name and address of where the document is to be mailed after recording..
• Complete McHenry County legal description.

Check all Deeds for the following:

• Grantor(s) signature.
• Grantee's address.
• Full McHenry County legal description of property being conveyed.
• A Plat Act Affidavit must accompany the deed if legal description is metes and bounds. The Plat Act must be properly completed, signed and dated.
• A completed exemption paragraph with date & signature OR a completed Illinois Real Estate Transfer Declaration Form (PTAX-203 or MyDec) must accompany all deeds. If a deed is exempt under paragraph B or K, a PTAX-203 or MyDec is also required. For information regarding MyDec, please visit: mytax.illinois.gov .
• Prepared By - need words "Prepared By" and name and address of person who prepared the document.
• Mail To (MT) - needs words "Mail To" or "Return To" and name and address of where the document is to be mailed after recording.

Rental Housing Support Program (RHSP Surcharge)

• If you believe you are exempt from paying the RHSP surcharge, please fill out the RHSP Exemption Declaration Form and include with each document submitted.

Restrictive Covenant Modification to an Unlawful Covenant 

• Please refer to this user guide if recording a Restrictive Covenant Modification to an unlawful covenant.