Recorder's Office

The Maricopa County Recorder's Office plays a pivotal role in ensuring the accurate recording and preservation of public documents in Maricopa County, Arizona. This office is responsible for recording a variety of critical documents, including deeds, plats, and other legal instruments. It also maintains an extensive and searchable archive of records that date back to 1871. For those living in or conducting business in the county, understanding the full range of services offered by the Maricopa County Recorder's Office is essential for navigating real estate transactions, voter registration, and more.

The Role of the Maricopa County Recorder's Office

Maintaining Public Records

The primary function of the Maricopa County Recorder's Office is the recording and preservation of public documents. This includes a wide range of legal documents such as deeds of trust, property transfers, and other documents that establish property ownership. The office also manages vital documents related to public governance, such as zoning changes and other public notices. In total, the office handles the recording of millions of documents each year, ensuring that these records are accessible to the public.

Each year, the Recorder's Office records approximately 1 million documents, making it one of the busiest offices of its kind in the country. The office manages a database containing over 50 million online searchable records, with images dating as far back as 1871. This vast archive plays a critical role in providing transparency and supporting property transactions throughout the region.

Voter Registration and Election Support

In addition to its role in property records, the Recorder’s Office is responsible for maintaining voter registration records for Maricopa County. With more than 2.6 million active registered voters, it oversees the election process in partnership with the Maricopa County Elections Department. The office ensures that all voter records are kept up-to-date and provides critical services such as voter list maintenance and election certification.

The Maricopa County Recorder’s Office also administers the mail voting component of all elections within the county, working alongside various county departments to ensure the smooth operation of local, state, and federal elections.

Recording Documents: What You Need to Know

How to Record a Document

Recording documents with the Maricopa County Recorder’s Office is essential for anyone involved in real estate transactions, legal matters, or maintaining public records of significant personal or business actions. There are three primary ways to record a document: in-person, by mail, or electronically.

In-Person
You can record a document by visiting the main office or any of the Recording Kiosk locations. No appointment is necessary. Once a document is recorded, the original will be returned to you immediately.

By Mail
To record a document by mail, you must send the original document to the Recorder's Office. After recording, your document will be mailed back to the return address within 2-4 weeks.

Electronically
The office offers a Digital Recording Program for high-volume customers. If you are recording a single document, you may use third-party submitters for electronic recording.

Document Requirements and Fees

When submitting documents for recording, it’s crucial to ensure they meet the required criteria. For example, deeds must be accompanied by an Affidavit of Property Value or an Exemption Code. The standard fee for most documents is $30, although additional charges apply for plats, surveys, or specific legal documents. The office accepts a variety of payment methods including cash, checks, and credit cards.

For more detailed information about recording fees and document types, refer to the Recorder's official Recording Fees page.

Accessing Recorded Documents

Once a document has been recorded, it is made available for public viewing through the Recorder’s online searchable database. This allows individuals to easily access public records related to property, legal matters, and more. Official copies of documents can be purchased for $1.00 per page, with certified copies available for an additional fee.

Digital Innovation and Services

The Maricopa County Recorder's Office is a leader in adopting technology to improve the efficiency of its services. One of the standout innovations is the Maricopa Title Alert, a free service that notifies users whenever a document is recorded in the county under their name or business. This service helps protect residents and businesses from title fraud by alerting them to potentially fraudulent activity.

Subscribers can sign up for this service on the Recorder’s official Maricopa Title Alert page. This tool offers peace of mind, ensuring that users are promptly informed of any changes to property records that involve their name.

Voter Registration and Election Services

Registering to Vote

In addition to its property-related services, the Maricopa County Recorder’s Office plays a vital role in supporting democracy by overseeing voter registration. To register to vote in Maricopa County, residents can visit the Recorder’s website or contact the office directly for assistance. The office maintains a detailed voter registration database and works in close collaboration with the Maricopa County Elections Department to ensure that elections are fair and well-organized.

For more information on how to register to vote, visit the Voter Registration page.

Elections and Voter Assistance

The Recorder’s Office also provides services related to voter assistance. Voters can find information about voting by mail, tracking ballots, and accessing early voting services through the Maricopa County Elections website.

Maricopa County Recorder's Office Key Departments

Recorder's Office
301 W Jefferson St, Phoenix, AZ 85003
Phone: (602) 506-3535

Maricopa County Elections Department
510 S 3rd Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85003
Phone: (602) 506-1511

Maricopa County Assessor’s Office
301 W Jefferson St, Phoenix, AZ 85003
Phone: (602) 506-3406

Clerk of the Superior Court (Maricopa County)
620 W Jackson St, Phoenix, AZ 85003
Phone: (602) 372-5375

Maricopa County Treasurer’s Office
301 W Jefferson St, Suite 100, Phoenix, AZ 85003
Phone: (602) 506-8511

Maricopa County Office of Vital Registration
3221 N 16th St, Suite 100, Phoenix, AZ 85016
Phone: (602) 506-6805

Maricopa County Planning & Development Department
301 W Jefferson St, Suite 170, Phoenix, AZ 85003
Phone: (602) 506-3301

For more detailed information on services and access, always refer to the official websites or contact the office directly.

Maricopa County Recorder's Office FAQs

How Do I Record a Document in Maricopa County?

To record a document with the Maricopa County Recorder's Office, you have three main options: in-person, by mail, or electronically. In-person submissions can be made at the main office or any of the Recording Kiosk locations. No appointment is necessary. By mail, simply send the original document to the Recorder’s Office, and after processing, it will be returned within 2-4 weeks. For high-volume submissions, electronic recording through a Digital Recording Program is available, though third-party submitters can be used for single document recordings.

What Are the Recording Fees?

The standard recording fee for most documents is $30 per item, with some exceptions for plats and surveys. Plats are charged $24 for the first page and $20 for each additional page. Military discharge documents, child support-related documents, and certain government documents have no recording fees. Certified copies of recorded documents are available for $1 per page, with an additional $3 for certification.

How Can I Access Recorded Documents?

Recorded documents are available for public viewing through the Maricopa County Recorder’s online database. You can search by name or document type to locate your document. If you need an official or certified copy, you can purchase it for $1 per page, with certification costing an additional $3 per document. Unofficial copies can be viewed online without charge.

What Is the Maricopa Title Alert?

Maricopa Title Alert is a free service that notifies you when documents are recorded under your name or your business name in Maricopa County. This can help protect against potential title fraud. You can sign up for this service to receive notifications via email or text whenever a document is recorded in your name, providing a safeguard for your property records.

Can I Change My Mailing Address for Property Records?

To change your mailing address for property and tax notifications, you must contact the Maricopa County Assessor's Office. The Recorder's Office does not handle changes for property tax notices. You can update your mailing address for property-related matters directly through their change address process.