Pierce County Recorder: Deeds & Records

The county has published information about an Annex south-entrance document drop box. Confirm current drop-off availability and return instructions with the Recording Division before relying on it.

Pierce County offers an online recorded document system called Aumentum Recorder Public Access.

You can search recorded instruments by names, dates and recording information. Many document images are available online.

1. Open the official Public Access portal.

   Use the county’s recorded document system.

   Open Pierce County Recorded Document Search
2. Accept the terms and conditions.

   The portal opens with a disclaimer. Acknowledge it to access the search interface.

3. Search using a party name or recording information.

   Enter the grantor, grantee or other named party, or use a recording number if available.

4. Review the matching documents.

   Check the document type, recording date, party names and Auditor File Number.

5. Open the available image.

   Deed and mortgage images are often available, while some sensitive document categories display index information only.

6. Order a certified copy when needed.

   A downloaded image is not automatically a certified copy. Use the official purchase option for certification.

If You Only Know the Street Address

Start with the Assessor-Treasurer parcel search. Find the parcel number and available owner information.

Then return to the Recorder’s search portal using the recorded parties’ names or known instrument details.

The county limits some document images because they may contain sensitive personal information.

Index-only does not necessarily mean the record is unavailable. You may need to request an authorized copy through the Recording Division.

Pierce County provides recorded document images online and offers certified copies for purchase.

If you need proof for a court, bank or title company, confirm whether the receiving organization requires a certified copy.

Current Copy Fees

The Recorder accepts deeds and other documents that meet Washington recording requirements.

When a deed transfers ownership, the county generally requires real estate excise tax clearance before recording.

1. Prepare the correct deed.

   Confirm the grantor, grantee, legal description and type of transfer.

   Use a Washington attorney or qualified title professional if you are uncertain about the legal effect.

2. Check the document formatting.

   The first page needs a 3-inch top margin, with 1-inch margins on the sides and bottom.

   Additional pages need 1-inch margins. The document must remain legible.

3. Include required first-page information.

   Add the document title, parties’ names, abbreviated legal description, return address and parcel number where required.

4. Complete signatures and notarization.

   Recording documents generally must be completed, signed and acknowledged before submission.

5. Complete the excise tax process.

   For a conveyance, prepare the appropriate Real Estate Excise Tax Affidavit or determine whether a specific legal exception applies.

6. Calculate recording and tax charges.

   Confirm the applicable first-page recording fee, additional pages, excise processing fee and any real estate excise tax.

7. Submit the document.

   Use an appointment, authorized mail submission or eRecording service.

Why the First Page Matters

Pierce County recording fees changed on July 27, 2025, following Washington legislation.

The standard first-page recording fee is now $303.50. Additional pages generally cost $1 each.

Example: Recording a Three-Page Standard Deed

This example includes only the standard recording charge and additional pages.

Real estate excise tax, affidavit processing and any other applicable charges are separate.

Washington’s Real Estate Excise Tax applies to many sales or transfers of real property.

The tax is generally a seller’s obligation, but the buyer can become responsible if it is not paid.

Some transfers qualify for an exemption. A tax-exempt transaction may still require an affidavit and processing fee.

Local REET rates depend on property location. The parcel number is important for selecting the correct rate.

Pierce County’s recording requirements page states that online document images generally date back to 1984.

The Recorder also provides a historical index search for older recordings.

1. Start with party names.

   Identify the owner, seller or buyer named in the older transaction.

2. Estimate the year.

   Use family papers, title documents or an earlier property reference to narrow the date.

3. Open the historical index.

   Find the historical search link on the Recorded Documents page.

4. Request the older image when needed.

   Contact the Recording Division for copies not displayed in the online index.

Pierce County accepts deeds, documents and maps through authorized eRecording vendors.

The Auditor reports that more than 80% of its document recordings are submitted electronically by commercial customers.

The county lists CSC eRecording Solutions, eRecording Partners Network and Simplifile among contracted service providers.

The Pierce County Auditor offers a free Owner Alert service that emails subscribers when matching recorded documents appear.

You can monitor names, parcel numbers, subdivisions or condominium references supported by the service.

The county allows subscribers to register up to 10 versions of names or property-related identifiers.

If an alert concerns an unfamiliar document, review the Auditor File Number before contacting the Recorder, law enforcement or a qualified attorney.

These official government resources are useful for verifying recording requirements, searching live documents and confirming current fees.