Q: Why send the Bureau of Land Management $20.?

A: This is the approximate cost for most land patents. This
includes $4.25 for the patent plus a search fee. A copy of the
County Plat Map where you circle the part you want them to find the
patent on makes the search job easier. In your letter, be sure to
ask for a Certified copy of the Land Patent. You should receive it
in 4 to 6 weeks. (Note: if you need the land patent faster, like
in a week or so, go directly to the Bureau of Land Management in
your area (see List) and it can be had in one hour.

Q: Is there another Way to update a land Patent in my name
other than filing a Declaration of Land Patent?

A: Yes, In some parts of he country, Court Clerks are
refusing to file Declaration of Land Patents even though they will
file a copy of the Land Patent itself, Here is what you do.
First, file the Certified Copy of the Land Patent by itself. Then
fill out a Quit Claim deed (available from, local book stores or Title
Companies) and name yourself as the first and the second
party in the deed. After filing in the legal description of your
property, add the following language in the Quit claim Deed:  "The
first party to this deed, (name) grants and deeds to the second
party (name), with all rights, privileges and immunities, Land
Patent #______ per the above legal description and updates the
Land Patent in the second party(s) name and to his heirs and
assigns forever." (Note: a variation of the above when two people
own a property is for one to file ... the land patent and then file
a Quit Claim Deed and assign the Land Patent to the second party.
Example, a wife filing a Quit Claim Deed to her husband and in it
assigning her interest in the Land Patent to her husband. Once
this is filed, the Land Patent is updated in her husbands name).