Massachusetts § 38 - Registers of deeds' enumeration of fees
Full text of Massachusetts Massachusetts General Laws § 38 — Registers of deeds' enumeration of fees, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 38. Registers of deeds' enumeration of fees
Section 38. Except as otherwise provided, the fees of the registers of deeds to be paid when an instrument is recorded shall be as follows:
For entering and recording any paper, certifying the same on the original, and indexing it and all other duties pertaining thereto, $50; provided, however, that if the paper includes multiple references to a document or instrument intending or attempting to assign, discharge, release, partially release, subordinate or notice any other document or instrument, each reference shall be separately indexed and separately assessed an additional $50 fee;
For recording a declaration of trust, $200;
For recording a deed or conveyance, $100;
For recording a mortgage, $150;
For recording a declaration of homestead, $30;
For recording and filing a plan, $50 per sheet; and
For all copies of documents, whether copied out of books or generated electronically, $1 per page, and all coin-operated copy machines shall be $.50 per page.
Except as otherwise provided, the fees of the registers of deeds to be paid when the instrument is recorded shall be subject to a surcharge under section 8 of chapter 44B.
Source: official Massachusetts text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Massachusetts § 38
What does Massachusetts General Laws § 38 cover?
Section 38 ("Registers of deeds' enumeration of fees") is part of the Massachusetts General Laws, the codified statutory law of Massachusetts. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Massachusetts § 38?
A common citation format is "Massachusetts General Laws § 38" (Massachusetts). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Massachusetts law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Massachusetts official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Massachusetts attorney.
How does Massachusetts § 38 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Massachusetts can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Massachusetts.