How to Get a Land Patent
Land patents may seem like an archaic and complicated topic; however, by educating yourself, you could protect your property and yourself from anyone contesting your rights in the future. A land patent is the issuance of title to land from the government to an individual and is the greatest right to land. For this reason, if done properly, it will solidify the rights you have to your property for the rest of your life and your heirs' lives as well.
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Things You'll Need
- Certified warranty deed
- Certified copy of plat map
- Certified copy of land patent
- Declaration of Acceptance of the land patent
Instructions
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Obtain certified copies of your warranty deed and the chain of title for your property. This is proof that you have all rights to the land you wish to receive a land patent for. Certified copies are issued from the county clerk's office where your land is located.
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Obtain a certified copy of the county plat map where your land is located. This is to get the correct legal description, as the version listed on your deed may not be written in the manner you need. You may also hire a certified surveyor who has experience creating official plat maps.
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Take all your documents to the Land Patent Records Office of the Bureau of Land Management and request certified copies of the land patent for the legal description of your property. There are regional offices you can file with as opposed to the main office.
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Prepare a Declaration of Acceptance of the land patent. This document shows your acceptance of the original land patent as issued by the government.
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Combine the Certified Land Patent, the Declaration of Acceptance of the land patent and the certified copy of your warranty deed, and file this document with the county clerk's office to solidify your right to the land you own.
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Tips & Warnings
Be sure to obtain certified copies of all deeds and plat maps. This is done in the clerk's office and proves the documents are true and correct. Obtain two copies of everything you get and the final document that you file. Having two copies allows you to keep them in separate locations for safekeeping.
