Navajo County Recorder: Deeds & Records

The Recorder’s main office is in the Navajo County Governmental Complex at 100 East Code Talkers Drive in Holbrook.

Bring the document, valid identification, correct recording fee and any required Affidavit of Property Value or exemption information.

Navajo County provides remote recording kiosks so residents do not always need to travel to Holbrook.

Navajo County links its public recorded-document search to theCountyRecorder.com.

County guidance says recorded documents are indexed by buyer, seller and legal description.

1. Start with the property owner’s name.

   Recorder records are indexed by buyer and seller rather than primarily by street address.

2. Try prior owners.

   An older deed, deed of trust or lien may be indexed under an earlier owner.

3. Use recording references when available.

   Docket/page or reception numbers can make a search much more precise.

4. Open the matching document.

   Verify parties, recording date, legal description and document type before relying on the result.

5. Save the recording reference.

   You will need it if you later request a certified copy or speak with Recorder staff.

The Recorder says it cannot identify a property owner from the parcel number for you. The Assessor maintains that ownership information.

Navajo County’s Property Information tool can search by parcel number, owner name, mailing address or site address.

Navajo County’s Recorder FAQ directs researchers to the office for documents recorded before 1994.

Those older materials may require searching the Recorder’s microfiche records rather than relying only on the online database.

Navajo County records documents that meet Arizona recording requirements and are submitted with the proper fee.

Recorder staff cannot decide which deed form you should use or provide legal advice about changing ownership.

1. Prepare the correct legal instrument.

   Use an attorney, title company or qualified document professional if you are unsure which deed is appropriate.

2. Add a clear document caption.

   Arizona law requires a caption describing the instrument, such as Warranty Deed or Release of Mortgage.

3. Check signatures and legibility.

   The document must be sufficiently legible, and original signatures are generally required unless law provides otherwise.

4. Check page size and print.

   Documents generally may not exceed 8½ × 14 inches and must use at least 10-point print.

5. Leave the first-page recording space.

   The first page needs at least two inches of top space for recording information.

6. Add the Affidavit of Property Value when required.

   Many real-property transfers require Arizona Form 82162 unless a statutory exemption applies.

7. Bring valid ID and the correct fee.

   The Recorder currently reminds customers that valid identification is required when recording documents.

8. Keep the reception number.

   The county says properly accepted documents are recorded and the original is generally returned the following day.

Arizona generally requires an Affidavit of Property Value with deeds transferring title unless the transaction qualifies for a statutory exemption.

The current Arizona Department of Revenue form is Form 82162.

When the transfer is exempt

A.R.S. § 11-1134 lists transactions that may be exempt from the affidavit requirement.

When an exemption applies, Arizona law requires the specific exemption to be noted on the face of the instrument.

An Affidavit of Property Value that accompanies a deed is included in the deed’s recording price according to the county fee schedule.

You can search for a recorded deed online or request a copy directly from the Recorder.

Recorder staff say it helps to provide one of three references: the docket/page, reception number, or approximate recording date plus grantor and grantee names.

Yes. Navajo County says documents can be recorded electronically through a third-party electronic recording vendor.

eRecording is commonly used by title companies, lenders, attorneys and other repeat recording customers.

Navajo County offers a free Recording Notification Service commonly presented as Title Alert.

You register names to monitor. If a matching name appears on a newly recorded document, the service sends an email notification.

The Recorder says adding or removing a living owner generally requires recording a new deed reflecting the ownership change.

Recorder staff cannot tell you which deed form creates the legal result you want.

When an owner has died

Navajo County explains that the next step depends on how title was held.

A death certificate may need to be recorded in some situations, while other estates may require probate through Superior Court.

This page is independent informational content. It is not the official website of the Navajo County Recorder, Assessor, Treasurer or Arizona Department of Revenue.

It is not legal advice, a title examination, an ownership opinion or a deed-preparation service.

Recording requirements, fees, office hours, kiosk availability and online-search functions can change. Verify current details directly with the responsible office before acting.

Do not use public property or recorded-document information for employment screening, tenant screening, credit decisions, insurance underwriting or another FCRA-regulated consumer-reporting purpose.