Pima County AZ Recorder: Deeds & Records

Start with the Recorder’s Public Records Research page when you need a recorded deed, lien, release, deed of trust, map or other recorded document.

Pima’s instructions say to search personal names last name first. For example, search John Smith as Smith John.

If a suffix is part of the name, enter it after the last name and do not use punctuation. For example, use Smith Jr John.

The Recorder records a document when it is complete, meets Arizona statutory recording requirements and the correct fee has been paid.

Once recorded, the document becomes part of the permanent public record. The Recorder indexes key information so the record can be found later.

1. Prepare the deed, release, lien, map, affidavit or other instrument before submission.
2. Check title/caption, signatures, page size, print size, margins and legal description requirements.
3. Attach an Affidavit of Property Value or state the correct exemption when Arizona law requires it.
4. For in-person recording, bring valid photo identification under the Recorder’s current notice.
5. Choose in-person, mail or electronic recording if the portal method fits your situation.
6. Pay the correct fee and keep the receipt or recording number.

Many Arizona deeds that transfer title must include an Affidavit of Property Value when recorded.

Arizona law says the recorder must refuse certain real-property transfer documents if a complete affidavit is missing and no valid exemption is noted.

The affidavit generally includes buyer and seller names, tax-statement address, legal description, situs address, sale date, consideration, APN and transaction conditions.

Pima County lists a flat $30 fee for recording a document under A.R.S. § 11-475.

Government agency recording, military discharge documents, copies and certification have separate fee rules.

Pima County says documents may be viewed, printed or downloaded from the Public Search Portal free of charge, but those images contain watermarks.

Watermarked, low-resolution, unofficial copies are not acceptable for recording. Clean copies can be purchased from the portal or Recorder’s office.

Pima states that original documents can be purchased, emailed, mailed or picked up. Allow about 2 days for emailed documents and 7 days for mail delivery.

1. Search the public records portal by name, business name or recording date.
2. Open the matching document and confirm the recording information.
3. Use the purchase option if you need a clean or certified copy.
4. Choose email, mail or pickup when available.
5. Add certification if a court, lender, agency or title company requires it.

Fraud Notify is a free Pima County Recorder service for property owners and businesses in Pima County.

It sends an email alert when a document is recorded with a registered individual or business name.

It does not stop a document from being recorded. It is an early-warning tool so you can review suspicious recordings faster.

The Board of Supervisors does not record deeds and does not decide whether a document is legally valid.

The Board is still relevant for county budgets, public-service policy, fee ordinances and government operations.

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

This page is not legal advice, title advice, tax advice, a title search, a certified public record or an official recording decision.

Recording rules, fees, forms, office hours, contact details, portal behavior and eligibility for electronic services can change.

Verify current details directly with the responsible office before recording documents, relying on a document image or buying certified copies.

Do not use property-record or recorded-document information for employment screening, tenant screening, credit eligibility, insurance underwriting or any FCRA-regulated purpose.