Maricopa Recorder: Deeds & Records

The main Recorder office is inside the Maricopa County Administration Building in downtown Phoenix.

Bring the original recordable document, correct payment and photo identification when recording in person under the September 2026 requirement.

The official Recorder search supports both exact recording references and broader party-name research.

If you know the recording number, use it first. It is usually more precise than searching a common name.

1. Open Recorded Document Search.

   Start with the county’s official database rather than a paid people-search website.

2. Use the strongest identifier you have.

   Recording number or book/page is more precise than a broad name search.

3. Try the trust or business name.

   If a deed is held by an entity, a personal-name search may not return the record you expect.

4. Open the matching document.

   Confirm the document code, parties, recording date and recording number.

5. View the unofficial image.

   The Recorder FAQ says the colored Pages box can be used to view an available online image.

6. Purchase only if you need an official copy.

   Use Buying/Purchasing Options for an official or certified version.

Only know the property address?

The Maricopa County Assessor can be faster for finding the current parcel and deed number.

The Assessor says the current deed number appears in the Owner Information area for the parcel.

The Recorder records completed documents. It does not select your deed form, prepare the document or provide legal advice.

Maricopa County also states that Recorder staff do not provide notary services.

1. Prepare the correct deed.

   Use an attorney, title company, estate planner or qualified document preparer when you are unsure which deed is appropriate.

2. Check Arizona formatting requirements.

   The document needs a proper caption, original or otherwise legally permitted signatures, readable text and required margins.

3. Complete the transfer-value requirement.

   A deed must generally include an Affidavit of Property Value or a valid exemption code.

4. Have required signatures acknowledged.

   Complete notarization before visiting because the Recorder does not provide notary service.

5. Calculate the recording fee.

   Most recordable documents use the $30 statutory flat fee, but plats and special categories differ.

6. Choose in-person, mail or electronic recording.

   One-time filers can use the office or mail. High-volume customers can use the Recorder’s digital program.

7. Save the recording number.

   Use it later to view the image, buy copies or track document return information.

Maricopa County’s current FAQ says a deed must include either an Affidavit of Property Value or an applicable exemption code to be accepted.

The affidavit reports information such as the selling price and date of sale when the transaction is not exempt.

A.R.S. § 11-480 sets the basic formatting rules used by the Maricopa County Recorder.

In person, the office accepts cash, card and check. By mail, the FAQ lists check, cashier’s check and money order.

Recording kiosks accept credit card as the recording-payment method.

You can usually view an unofficial image online after locating the correct recorded document.

Purchase an official or certified copy only when your lender, court, agency, title company or other recipient requires it.

1. Search the deed.

   Use personal name, trust/business name or the recording number.

2. Confirm the correct record.

   Check the parties, document code, recording date and recording number.

3. View the Pages option.

   The FAQ describes the colored Pages box as the way to view the unofficial online copy.

4. Select Buying/Purchasing Options.

   Use this when you need an official version.

5. Edit the order.

   Select email download or physical mail delivery and add certification if required.

These examples use the published $1-per-page copy fee plus the $3-per-document certification fee.

Maricopa County provides a Document Return Log for recorded originals.

This is useful when a deed was recorded successfully but you are waiting for the original document to come back.

Maricopa Title Alert is a free Recorder service that monitors new recordings for personal or business names you register.

Alerts can be sent by email, mobile text or both. The service applies to documents recorded after you sign up.

1. Enter your email address.
2. Add each personal or business name variation.
3. Choose email, text or both.
4. Select English or Spanish.
5. Activate the subscription from the confirmation email.

There is no stated limit on how many names you can monitor under an account.

Maricopa County accepts digital recording of recordable instruments, including plat and survey maps.

The county says more than 90% of recordings are submitted digitally, but its direct program is designed primarily for regular high-volume users.

Direct Recorder digital accounts require setup and a Recorder customer account rather than simply uploading a deed anonymously.

Recording kiosks provide alternatives to traveling to downtown Phoenix.

The Recorder says kiosk recording payments are by credit card, and photo identification is required for kiosk recordings beginning September 13, 2026.

These existing guides provide useful context for Arizona property rules and recorder systems in other jurisdictions.

This page is independent informational content. It is not the official website of Maricopa County, the Recorder, Assessor, Treasurer or another Arizona government agency.

This guide is not legal advice, title advice, deed preparation, title insurance advice or an official recording decision.

Deed type, title ownership, beneficiary rights, liens, trusts and estate transfers can have serious legal consequences. Use an Arizona attorney, title company or qualified professional when legal advice is needed.

Recording fees, identification rules, kiosk availability, forms, portal functions and office hours can change. Verify current details before sending an original document or payment.

Do not use Recorder or Assessor records for employment screening, tenant screening, credit eligibility, insurance underwriting or another purpose regulated by the Fair Credit Reporting Act.

This website is not a Consumer Reporting Agency.