Every owner entitled to an award for damages, before the same is paid to the owner by the clerk of court, shall sign and execute a receipt therefor. Such receipt must contain a description of the premises covered by the award. In case the owner fails or refuses to accept such award and execute such receipt therefor, the clerk of court shall execute a receipt, reciting the deposit of such award with the owner and the description of the premises covered by the award.
N.D.C.C. § 24-01-21