Register of Deeds to Launch First-time Ever E-Recording in Nebraska

Last Updated on Monday, 23 May 2011 14:10

The following news release was distributed to the media on July 20, 2009:

Omaha, NE--About five years ago, Diane L. Battiato made Douglas County history when she was elected as the first woman to lead the ROD (Register of Deeds) office.  Now, Battiato, who began her second term in January, is making history, again--and this time it will impact the entire state.  In August her office will be the first in Nebraska to electronically record land-record documents, such as deeds and mortgages.  Electronic recording, better known as e-recording, is the process of submitting, receiving and processing documents for recording via the Internet.

Although hundreds of US counties e-record, Nebraska counties have been reluctant to do so.  Battiato attributes this reluctance to an absence of a definitive answer regarding the legality of e-recording in Nebraska.  Determined to get an answer, Battiato communicated with the secretary of state's office, until, in June of this year, she received an official opinion from Secretary of State John Gale.

"We were pleasantly surprised to receive such strong support from Secretary of State Gale.  In short, Gale's office expressed complete confidence in what we wanted to do and gave us the go-ahead," Battiato said.  "Our customers are elated.  E-recording will save them time and money because it will eliminate using runners, express mail and couriers.  It will make the ROD's office more efficient by accelerating the recording process and simplifying document workflow."

Battiato said she will sponsor an e-recording kickoff for customers, such as title companies, banks, attorneys, and real estate companies, on August 4.  During the kickoff attendees will see an e-record demonstration led by the ROD's initial e-recording vendor, Simplifile.  They also will be able to register for an e-record training class.

"Hopefully, other counties will jump on the e-record bandwagon, now that the way is clear," Battiato said.  "This is clearly a 'win-win' for all of us."