Cochise County Recorder: Deeds & Records

The Recorder receives qualifying documents, indexes them, preserves them and returns the originals after recording.

Recorded instruments can help establish a chain of property transactions. They do not, by themselves, guarantee clear title.

The Recorder’s official county website links to TheCountyRecorder for recorded-document research.

Cochise County explains that its land records are indexed by grantor and grantee names. Start with the people or entities named in the document.

1. Open the county-linked recording portal.

   Start with the Recorder’s online document-search entry point.

   Open Cochise Recorded Document Search
2. Review the portal’s disclaimer.

   Follow the portal’s instructions to enter the public search.

3. Search the recorded party names.

   Try the grantor, grantee, trust or business name associated with the property transaction.

4. Compare likely matches.

   Review available recording dates, document types, party names and recording references.

5. Keep the instrument reference.

   Save the document number or other identifying information for follow-up searches and copy requests.

6. Request an official copy if needed.

   Contact the Recorder with the recording information if an ordinary or certified copy is required.

Search by owner name, not just street address

If you only know the property address or parcel number, start with the Cochise County Assessor’s property records.

Find the current owner name, then search the Recorder for documents indexed under that name.

How to look for a recorded lien

Search the names associated with the property and review relevant liens, releases, judgments and other instruments.

The county suggests researching records in person or using a title company for a more complete title examination.

Searching surveys and plats

Cochise County also provides a map-search resource for recorded surveys and plat maps.

A properly prepared and executed deed can be presented for recording if it satisfies Arizona’s recording standards.

The Recorder checks recording requirements, collects fees, creates an index and preserves the instrument. The office does not prepare a deed for you.

1. Prepare the appropriate deed.

   Check the grantor, grantee, legal description and intended property transfer.

2. Check signatures and acknowledgement.

   Make sure all required signatures and notarial acknowledgements are complete.

3. Review Arizona document standards.

   Use the correct paper size, margins, document title and legible text.

4. Check the Affidavit of Property Value.

   Arizona real-property sale transactions generally require an affidavit or a valid statutory exemption.

5. Include return information.

   Provide the name and address where the original recorded document should be returned.

6. Calculate the recording payment.

   The standard charge is $30 for most instruments, with statutory exceptions for certain documents.

7. Submit the document.

   Present the document to the Recorder. Bring valid photo ID if recording in person.

8. Save the recording information.

   Keep the assigned document reference and any return receipt or copy.

Arizona deed formatting basics

Affidavit of Property Value

Cochise County explains that real-property sales generally require an Affidavit of Property Value or an applicable exemption number.

For a qualifying exempt transfer, use the correct Arizona statutory exemption. Do not select a code merely to avoid filing an affidavit.

Cochise County’s fee schedule follows Arizona Revised Statutes § 11-475. Most standard instruments carry a flat recording fee.

Survey and subdivision plat fees

The county’s published schedule lists $24 for the first qualifying plat or survey sheet and $20 for each additional sheet.

Government-agency map filings have a separate reduced schedule.

The Recorder can provide copies of recorded deeds and other instruments. You may request a copy in person or by mail.

1. Find the document first.

   Search the recorded-document index and identify the correct deed or other instrument.

2. Keep the recording reference.

   Record the document number, parties or other reference that will help staff locate it.

3. Choose ordinary or certified.

   Ask for certification if an agency, court or lender specifically requires it.

4. Request the copy.

   Visit the Bisbee Recorder’s Office or mail a request with adequate identifying details.

Copy cost example

Mailing address

Cochise County Recorder
1415 Melody Lane, Building B
Bisbee, AZ 85603

For a copy request, include the document details, contact information and the required payment. Confirm accepted payment methods before mailing.

How long does the original take to return?

Cochise County’s Recorder FAQ estimates 15–20 business days for return of recorded documents.

That is the county’s published general guidance, not a guaranteed turnaround for every submission.

Cochise County property information is divided among several government offices.

Search current owner or property value

The county Assessor maintains ownership and assessment records. If you only know the parcel number or street address, begin there.

Search property tax bills by parcel, owner or address

The Treasurer operates a separate Parcel Inquiry portal. Its search supports parcel numbers, owner names and property addresses.

It also includes current bills, payment history, tax amounts and some historical information.

Cochise County links to a Recording Notification Service that can help people monitor newly indexed recordings associated with registered information.

Owners can use this type of service to notice unexpected deed or other recording activity.

Yes. The Recorder offers electronic recording through approved third-party providers.

This option is commonly used by title companies, lenders, attorneys and professional document submitters.

Adding or removing an owner

Adding a spouse, removing a former spouse or otherwise changing ownership normally requires a properly prepared legal instrument.

The Recorder cannot select the proper deed or advise how ownership should be transferred.

Recording a trust-related deed

Transfers into or out of trusts can require specific deeds and supporting documents.

The county advises contacting an attorney or title company for these transactions.

Declaration of Homestead

Arizona homestead protection is addressed under Arizona Revised Statutes § 33-1101.

A Declaration of Homestead is not the same as a property-tax exemption application. Recording a declaration does not automatically reduce assessed value or a tax bill.

Foreclosure research

Recorded notices and deeds may help with foreclosure-related research, but the Recorder does not provide a guaranteed comprehensive list of foreclosed properties.

Start with the relevant names and documents. Seek a title search or legal review where necessary.

These county and state resources provide the official search tools, recording requirements and related property information used in this guide.