King County WA Recorder Office: Address & Records

What should you bring?

• For a copy: recording number, document type, party name or other identifying information.
• For a new recording: completed original document, required signatures, recording fees and any applicable REET paperwork.
• For a certified document: the document reference and the name or address to which the copy should be issued or mailed.

King County uses the Landmark Records Search system. The search is free and covers most recorded documents dated August 1, 1991 or later.

You can search by a person’s name, recording number, document type, parcel number, recording date, legal description and other supported fields.

1. Open Landmark Records Search.

   Select the search option that matches the information you already have.

2. Choose Name, Parcel or Recording Number.

   For people, enter the last name followed by a comma and the first name, such as Doe, John.

3. For a parcel search, enter the parcel ID.

   King County says to use the first ten digits in the Parcel ID field beside the Starts With search option.

4. Open the matching document.

   Select a result to review recording details, parties and the available document image.

5. Save the recording number.

   You will need this number if requesting an official copy, confirming a recording or discussing an indexing issue.

Other useful search methods

Why a document might not appear

Indexing practices have changed over time. If your first search fails, try another party name, a different date range or a recording number.

Search results load one page at a time. Sorting or filtering may need to be repeated when you move to another results page.

Newly recorded documents may have searchable indexing before every image or additional indexing field is available.

The Recorder’s portal is designed around recorded documents. If you know only a Seattle, Bellevue, Kent, Renton, Redmond, Federal Way or other King County property address, start with Parcel Viewer.

The King County GIS Parcel Viewer supports address searches, parcel-number searches and map-based parcel selection.

1. Open Parcel Viewer.

   Choose Launch Parcel Viewer from the county’s GIS page.

2. Search by address.

   Enter the property address and choose the correct location.

3. Open the parcel.

   Note the parcel number and inspect the linked Assessor property report.

4. Return to Landmark.

   Use the first ten digits of the parcel number to search for recorded documents from 1997 onward.

An ordinary download is useful for research. A certified copy is appropriate when a court, lender, government agency or other recipient requires the Recorder’s official certification.

Order a copy online

1. Find the recorded document.

   Open Landmark and search by name, recording number or parcel.

2. Sign in or register.

   Select Log On in the upper-right corner to access purchasing functions.

3. Add the document to your cart.

   Open the document image, select Add to Cart and choose certified or uncertified.

4. Complete checkout.

   Uncertified purchases can be downloaded or printed. Certified copies are mailed to preserve the official seal.

King County states that certified online orders are mailed within five business days. Delivery time is separate from processing.

Order by mail or in person

For a mailed request, complete the county’s Recorded Document Copy Request Form and include payment payable to King County Recorder.

Mail requests to 201 S. Jackson St., Suite 204, Seattle, WA 98104. Do not mail cash.

King County accepts recording submissions in person, by mail and through electronic recording arrangements.

Common examples include warranty deeds, deeds of trust, reconveyances, easements and other eligible instruments.

Three ways to submit

King County says most recorded documents become available through online search within about seven to ten business days. This is not a guaranteed recording deadline.

Recording charges vary by document type. The amounts below come from King County’s official recording fee information reviewed for this guide.

Extra charges that can surprise filers

Documents containing multiple taxable recording titles or transactions may require additional title-related recording fees.

A cover sheet counts as an additional page. Non-standard documents may incur an extra $50 fee when the statutory conditions are satisfied.

A non-standard fee does not make an illegible document acceptable.

Payment methods

King County accepts qualifying checks, cashier’s checks, money orders, cards and cash for in-person transactions.

Card transactions are subject to a provider convenience fee of 2.35%, with a $2 minimum.

Checks and money orders should be payable to King County Recorder. Starter checks are not accepted.

Washington imposes real estate excise tax on many transfers of real property. The seller generally pays this tax, although actual responsibility can depend on the transaction.

King County collects REET and requires payment of applicable excise taxes before recording conveyance documents such as warranty deeds and real estate contracts.

REET affidavit

A Real Estate Excise Tax Affidavit is required for covered conveyances and must be completed and signed by the parties as required by the form.

Do not assume a gift, trust transfer, inheritance or family deed is automatically exempt. Washington’s REET rules contain transaction-specific conditions.

King County offers RANS, a free email notification service for newly recorded land documents matching a registered name or parcel number.

It helps owners notice unexpected filings, but it does not prevent fraud or guarantee that every notification will be accurate.

1. Open RANS registration.

   Choose a personal or business name to monitor.

2. Enter your contact information.

   Add the email address where you want alerts delivered.

3. Add your parcel number.

   Use the first ten digits with no spaces, symbols or dashes.

4. Send the confirmation email.

   Select Send Confirmation Email and activate the registration using the email link.

The county’s document library groups the forms most often needed for recording, copies and special record requests.

King County maintains several separate property and public-record systems. Using the correct agency can save a trip downtown.

These government resources support the procedures, fees and contact details explained above.