Yuma County Recorder: Deeds & Records

The Recorder’s main property-record function is to receive qualifying instruments and make them permanent public records.

The office also handles voter registration and early voting responsibilities. Those election services are separate from deed recording.

Yuma County provides a public records search through its official Tyler Technologies recording system.

This system helps users locate documents recorded with the Yuma County Recorder, including instruments associated with property transfers and liens.

1. Open the official Recorder search.

   Use the county’s recorded-document portal, not the Assessor or Treasurer system.

   Open Recorded Documents Search
2. Accept the public records disclaimer.

   Read the county’s notice explaining that the online index is a guide to recorded documents.

3. Choose the available search method.

   Start with party names or recording references. Use the fields offered by the portal.

4. Search all relevant name variations.

   Check alternate spellings, previous owner names, trusts and business entities when applicable.

5. Review the matching instruments.

   Compare the recording number, date, document type and grantor or grantee information.

6. Save the correct document reference.

   Keep the recording number before requesting an official copy or certified document.

Why a name search may show incomplete results

The county explains that its online index is similar to a library card catalog.

The index helps locate documents but should not be used alone to make a legal determination about a property’s ownership or title.

Can you search by property address?

The Recorder records instruments. The Assessor is usually the better starting point for researching a property from its street address.

Find the current owner or parcel number through the Assessor, then use available owner names and recording references to search the Recorder.

A deed is a legal instrument used to transfer or document an interest in property.

The Recorder checks whether a submitted instrument meets recording requirements. Staff cannot prepare deeds or provide legal advice.

1. Prepare the correct instrument.

   Confirm the parties, deed type, legal description and intended transfer.

2. Check the document format.

   Use a legible original document with the required title, margins and text size.

3. Include proper signatures.

   Make sure the grantor has signed and the document contains the required acknowledgement or notary certificate.

4. Prepare value or exemption information.

   For applicable sales, include the Affidavit of Property Value. For qualifying exempt transfers, use the appropriate exemption code.

5. Include the return address.

   The Recorder needs an address for returning the original document.

6. Calculate the recording fee.

   Check the current statutory charge and any document-specific requirements.

7. Submit the deed.

   Record in person, by mail or through an available electronic-recording provider.

8. Retain the recording number.

   Save the assigned recording reference and check the indexed record after processing.

Yuma County recording document checklist

Arizona has specific requirements for recording documents. Yuma County’s FAQ highlights the most common issues.

The county also requires a document title or caption and enough information to identify the parties and property.

A document modifying an earlier recorded instrument may need the original recording reference.

Arizona Revised Statutes § 11-475 sets the standard charge for most documents authorized for recording.

The standard fee is generally $30 per instrument, unless a different statutory fee or exemption applies.

Plats and surveys can have different fees. Military discharge and certain other statutory recordings may qualify for no-fee treatment.

Arizona generally requires an Affidavit of Property Value for qualifying real-property sales.

This affidavit reports sale and transaction information used in property valuation administration.

Some non-sale transactions qualify for statutory exemption from the affidavit. The deed must identify the applicable exemption when required.

When might an exemption apply?

Certain family transfers, trust transfers, court-ordered conveyances or other transactions may qualify.

Eligibility depends on the exact facts and the Arizona statute.

Yuma County provides ordinary and certified copies of recorded documents.

A certified copy may be required for court filings, title transactions, estate administration or another official purpose.

1. Search for the recorded document.

   Use the online public records system to identify the deed.

2. Save the document reference.

   Note the recording number, parties and document date.

3. Choose an ordinary or certified copy.

   Certified copies include the Recorder’s certificate and official seal.

4. Request the copy.

   Visit the Recorder or submit a mail request with the required payment.

The Recorder’s FAQ says original recorded documents are generally returned within 10–15 business days.

The return period is different from the time needed to locate and provide an archived copy.

These three offices maintain different kinds of property information.

Find a property owner by address

The Assessor’s online property system is designed for parcel and ownership research.

Paying Yuma County property taxes

The Treasurer handles property-tax collections and parcel tax balances.

Yuma County promotes a Recording Alert service for people who want notice of recorded-document activity.

This can help owners identify an unexpected deed, lien or other instrument associated with their information.

Yes. Yuma County lists electronic-recording providers for submitting eligible documents remotely.

eRecording is commonly used by title companies, lenders, attorneys and other regular document submitters.

Adding or removing a person from a deed

Adding a spouse, removing a former owner or transferring a share of ownership generally involves preparation and recording of an appropriate legal instrument.

The Recorder’s Office cannot advise which deed accomplishes the intended transfer.

Moving property into or out of a trust

Trust-related transfers may require a new deed or other legal document.

Some transfers qualify for an Affidavit of Property Value exemption, but the correct exemption must be established.

Checking for property liens

Search recorded documents under the relevant owner names and known recording references.

A single search may not identify every encumbrance or title issue. Professional title searches may be necessary.

Foreclosure records

Yuma County can help locate recorded instruments relevant to foreclosure research.

The Recorder’s FAQ states that the office does not provide a list of all foreclosure properties.

These official sources cover the Recorder, public records search, recording requirements, copies, forms, property assessments and taxes.