Recorder's Office

The Maricopa County AZ Recorder's Office plays a central role in everyday life for homeowners, buyers, sellers, businesses, and voters throughout the county. Whether you are recording a deed, researching a property, protecting yourself from title fraud, or checking your voter registration, understanding how the Recorder’s Office works can save you time, money, and stress. This guide walks through what the office does, how to use its services step by step, and where to go for specific needs, all based on official county information.

Get to Know the Maricopa County Recorder’s Office

What the Recorder’s Office actually does for you

The Maricopa County Recorder’s Office is responsible for processing and preserving public records such as:

Deeds and other property transfer documents
Plats and subdivision maps
Various liens, agreements, and other recorded documents

Each year, the office records around a million documents and serves thousands of customers each day. Over time, that has built an enormous archive:

More than 50 million searchable documents
About 185 million images
Records dating back to 1871

All of this is maintained so that the public, title companies, lenders, and government agencies can reliably verify ownership and other interests in real property.

The office is led by County Recorder Justin Heap, the 31st Recorder of Maricopa County. Under his leadership, a staff of roughly 150 employees:

Records and preserves hundreds of thousands of documents annually

Maintains the voter registration database for about 2.6 million active voters

Administers the mail voting component of county, state, and federal elections in partnership with Maricopa County Elections

If you want an overview directly from the county, the official about the office and recorder page outlines the mission and responsibilities of the Recorder’s Office.

See How the Recorder’s Office Fits Into County Government

The Maricopa County Recorder’s Office does not work in isolation. It collaborates closely with other county entities, including:

Maricopa County Elections (for planning and conducting elections)
Maricopa County Board of Supervisors
Maricopa County Assessor’s Office
Maricopa County Treasurer’s Office

These offices share a customer service center, often referred to as the STAR Call Center, so residents can get coordinated assistance when questions cross agency lines—such as property ownership, tax notices, and recorded documents.

Use Recording Services for Property and Other Documents

Common documents you can record

Residents and businesses typically turn to the Recorder’s Office to record documents such as:

Property deeds (warranty deed, quit claim deed, special warranty deed, etc.)

Deeds of trust and mortgages

Releases of liens or reconveyances

Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions (CC&Rs) for subdivisions or homeowners associations

Plat maps and surveys

Easements and right-of-way documents

Agreements related to real property ownership

The key idea: once recorded, a document becomes a permanent part of the public record.

Ways to record: in person, by mail, or digitally

You have several options to get documents officially recorded with the office.

Walk-in recording at the main office

You can bring your original document or a government-issued certified copy to the main downtown office during business hours (generally 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, excluding county holidays).

When you record in person:

No appointment is needed
Your document is recorded while you are there
The original is returned to you immediately once processing is complete

This is often the fastest option if you’re local and want immediate confirmation that your document is recorded.

Mailing documents for recording

If you cannot appear in person, you can mail your original or certified copy to the Recorder’s Office. After recording:

The document is mailed back to the return address on the envelope or the address printed on the document

Typical turnaround is a few weeks once received and processed

Because you won’t be present to correct issues, it is especially important that mailed documents meet all formatting and content requirements.

Digital recording for high-volume filers

For title companies, lenders, and other businesses that record many documents, the office offers a digital recording system. High-volume customers can establish a digital recording account, allowing them to submit documents electronically instead of visiting in person or mailing original paper documents.

To learn about setting up a frequent-user account and the related process, review the official customer account information, which explains application forms, deposit requirements, and account management.

Understand the core recording requirements

Before you record any document with the Maricopa County Recorder’s Office, keep a few key rules in mind.

Original or certified copy only

The Recorder’s Office requires either:

An original document, or
A government-issued certified copy

Photocopies, scans, or unofficial copies are not acceptable for recording.

Deeds and Affidavit of Property Value or exemption code

If you are recording a deed that transfers real property, state law requires that the deed include either:

An Affidavit of Property Value (with details such as sale price and date of sale), or
A valid exemption code showing why an affidavit is not required

You can write the exemption code directly on the deed if it qualifies. The Recorder’s Office does not provide legal advice and cannot tell you which exemption code to use. For help choosing or completing the correct form, you should contact:

An attorney
A paralegal
A title company
An estate planner

Basic form and formatting requirements

The Recorder’s Office must follow statewide standards for recorded documents, including:

Page size and layout
Margin requirements
Placement of recording information block
Legibility of text and signatures

If your document does not meet the formatting standards, it can be rejected, which delays your transaction. To avoid that, review the county’s official form requirements for recording before you finalize and submit your paperwork.

Know what recording will cost

Most standard documents recorded with the Maricopa County Recorder’s Office have a flat fee per document. Special documents—such as plats and surveys—have different fee structures. Some categories, including certain military discharge documents and specific court-ordered documents, may be recorded at no charge under state law.

Full details, including fees for:

Standard documents
Plats and surveys
Copies and certified copies
Government agency recordings
Bulk image and index purchases

are available on the official recording fees schedule.

In general:

In-person payments can be made by cash, card, or check
Mailed documents can be paid by check, cashier’s check, or money order
Kiosk locations accept credit card only

Checks should be made payable to “Maricopa County Recorder.”

Search Recorded Documents and Order Copies Online

Use the online search to find your deed or other records

Once a document is recorded, it becomes part of the public record and can be found using the Recorder’s online search tools. Typical searches include:

Locating your deed after a purchase or refinance
Finding recorded CC&Rs for a subdivision or HOA
Looking up a plat map for a neighborhood
Checking for liens or notices related to a property

The primary tool is the online recorded document search, where you can search by:

Your last name and first name
Business or trust name (for property held in a trust or business entity)
Subdivision name, if you’re looking for CC&Rs or plat maps
Document code or title, for more targeted research

Helpful tips:

If you know the approximate date the document was recorded, use date filters to narrow your search.

If the subdivision name is long, try searching only the first part of the name.

View unofficial copies and buy official or certified copies

Once you find a document in the search results:

You can view an unofficial copy online for free by selecting the page image.
To obtain an official or certified copy, use the purchase options provided in the system.

Fees are typically:

A per-page fee for official copies
An additional per-document fee for certification

You can choose to receive:

A downloadable copy by email, or
A paper copy by mail

Certified copies include an official certification, which is often required for court filings or formal transactions.

Solve common document imaging and printing issues

Because document images are optimized for online viewing, you may occasionally run into printing problems, such as:

Black or dark backgrounds when printing
Incomplete images
Broken image icons

Common fixes include:

Updating your web browser to its latest version (for better PDF and PNG support)

Downloading the image, then opening it in a dedicated PDF or image program and printing from there

Clearing your browser cache or restarting your search session if it times out

If problems persist, a newer browser such as Chrome, Firefox, Safari, or Microsoft Edge usually resolves image display and printing concerns.

Protect Your Property with Maricopa Title Alert

How the free title alert program works

Title fraud and unauthorized recordings are rare, but they can cause serious problems if they happen. To help residents stay informed, the Recorder’s Office offers Maricopa Title Alert, a free monitoring service.

When you sign up:

You provide an email address and optionally a mobile phone number.

You enter the individual name(s) and/or business name(s) you want to monitor.

The system sends you an email and/or text any time a document is recorded under a monitored name.

This program:

Helps you quickly spot unexpected recordings on your property record
Allows you to review linked documents as soon as you receive an alert
Is intended for personal and non-commercial use

You can enroll or manage your subscription on the official Maricopa Title Alert page.

What to do if you receive an alert

If you receive a Title Alert notification:

Follow the link in the message to review the recorded document.

Confirm whether the document is expected (for example, a new loan or release of a lien).

If something looks wrong or unfamiliar, consider:
Contacting your title company or lender if you recently completed a transaction
Consulting an attorney for legal advice about possible fraud

If you suspect title fraud, you should also report your concerns to law enforcement and appropriate state agencies, as suggested by the Recorder’s Office.

Know Who to Contact for Property, Ownership, and Legal Questions

The Maricopa County AZ Recorder's Office is often the first place residents think of when they have property questions, but it is not always the office that can solve every issue directly.

When to contact the Recorder’s Office

The Recorder’s Office is the right place for:

Recording original documents related to real property
Verifying that a document has been recorded
Obtaining official or certified copies of recorded documents
Using the recorded document search tools
Enrolling in Maricopa Title Alert

The office can explain recording requirements and how to use its systems, but it cannot:

Prepare legal documents
Tell you which type of deed to use
Advise which exemption code is appropriate
Perform a full legal title search or guarantee that a property is free of liens

For those needs, you may need an attorney, title company, or other professional.

When other county offices are involved

Other property-related questions may be handled by different agencies, for example:

Maricopa County Assessor’s Office – Maintains property ownership records for tax purposes, determines property values, and handles mailing address changes for tax notices.

Clerk of the Superior Court – Maintains records for marriage licenses, divorce decrees, and some other court documents, including passport services.

City or Town Planning Departments – Often maintain building plans, permits, and some site plan information.

If you are not sure which office you need, the Recorder’s staff can point you in the right direction, especially when your question touches both recorded documents and tax or court records.

Use Voter Registration and Election Services Linked to the Recorder

How the Recorder supports elections

In addition to recording property documents, the Recorder’s Office maintains voter registration files and administers the mail-voting portion of elections in partnership with Maricopa County Elections. With more than 2.6 million active registered voters, the county serves as one of the largest voting jurisdictions in the country.

Check your voter information and registration status

If you want to confirm your registration details, update your information, or view your personalized dashboard, you can sign in to your voter record through the county’s secure voter dashboard. Typical uses include:

Checking whether you are currently registered
Confirming your party affiliation
Reviewing your designated election day or early voting options
Updating your address or other details (as allowed)

Register to vote or update your registration

New residents, newly eligible voters, or people who have moved within the county should ensure their registration is current. You can start or update your registration using the county’s official election site. A good starting point is the main Maricopa County Elections website, which links to:

Online registration options
Voter registration totals
Programs for deputy registrars
Voter list maintenance and cancellation information

Request and track your mail ballot

The Recorder’s Office, working with Elections, administers the mail-voting system, including:

Requesting a one-time mail ballot
Participating in the Active Early Voting List
Tracking your ballot once it has been mailed and returned
Handling early ballot signature challenges

Through the Elections website, you can:

Request a ballot by mail
Track when your ballot is mailed, received, and counted
Learn about deadlines and ballot-curing procedures

This integrated system makes it easier to vote by mail and stay informed at every step.

Support for military and overseas voters

Military members and overseas citizens vote under federal and state laws grouped under UOCAVA (the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act). The county provides:

Information about what UOCAVA is and how it works
A portal to request and track special ballots
A map and related resources for overseas voting districts

These services are coordinated through Maricopa County Elections, with the Recorder’s Office supporting voter registration records and mail-ballot processes.

Open a Recorder’s Office Customer Account if You Record Frequently

Why a customer account can help

If you regularly record documents—such as a title company, lender, law firm, or other frequent filer—a customer account with the Recorder’s Office can streamline:

Payment for recording and copy fees
Electronic recording access
Management of daily or bulk document transactions

An account helps prevent problems like:

Rejected documents due to insufficient funds
Delays from refund checks when fees are overpaid

Instead, fees are automatically debited from your account balance.

What you need to set up an account

To open an account, you typically must:

Complete an account application

Sign a memorandum of understanding

Submit a public records request form (for non-commercial or commercial purposes, depending on your needs)

Provide an initial deposit (for example, a check credited to your account balance)

Once the office receives your completed packet and deposit, the account is set up and you receive:

Your account number

Instructions for logging in and managing your account

Follow-up from the electronic recording team if you indicated interest in digital recording

Bulk customers can also purchase daily recorded document sets, affidavits of value, and index data according to the fee schedule.

Plan Your Visit: Locations, Hours, and Holiday Closures

Main office and recording kiosks

The Recorder’s Office operates a main downtown office and multiple recording kiosks around the county. Kiosk locations include sites such as public libraries and regional centers, offering convenient access for residents who live outside central Phoenix.

Key points to know:

Kiosks are open Monday through Friday, with hours that vary slightly by location.
Only credit cards are accepted for payments at kiosks.
Kiosks allow you to record documents without visiting the main office.

For full details and an up-to-date list of locations and maps, use the official locations and hours page, which also lists the holiday closure schedule.

Get help and stay informed

If you still have questions after reviewing online information and this guide, the Recorder’s Office encourages residents to reach out directly. For general questions, document research guidance, or help with online tools, the fastest route is usually the official contact page for the Recorder’s Office, which includes contact options and business hours.

The office also offers a newsletter you can subscribe to, providing updates about services, innovations, and any major changes to recording processes or election-related systems.

Use the Recorder’s Office Website as Your Main Hub

Most services provided by the Maricopa County Recorder’s Office are now supported by robust online tools. From one site, you can:

Learn about the Recorder’s mission and leadership
Record documents in person, by mail, or electronically
Search, view, and purchase document copies
Protect your property with Title Alert monitoring
Manage voter registration and mail voting in partnership with Maricopa County Elections
Open and maintain a customer account for high-volume recording

Because all of these tools are provided directly by the county, they are the most reliable source for up-to-date information about fees, hours, locations, and procedures.

Recorder’s Office Departments and Contact Details

Maricopa County Recorder’s Office Main Downtown Office – 301 W Jefferson St Second Floor, Suite 200, Phoenix, AZ 85003 – 602-506-3535

Maricopa County Recorder's Office FAQs

How do I record a document in person, by mail, or electronically?

You can record an original document or a government-issued certified copy in three ways: in person, by mail, or through an approved electronic submitter. In person, you bring the document to the Downtown Recorder’s Office during regular weekday business hours; once accepted, the original is handed back right away. By mail, the document is recorded and then returned to the address on the document or envelope, typically within a few weeks. High-volume customers can apply for a digital recording account; occasional users can work through an approved third-party submitter. Before you record, review the official Form Requirements to make sure your document complies with A.R.S. 11-480.

What fees should I expect for recording and copies?

Most documents have a flat recording fee of $30 per document, with separate pricing for plats and surveys. Certain categories—such as military discharge, child support, racketeering, and restitution documents—are recorded at no charge under specific Arizona statutes. If you need copies, unofficial online views are free, while official copies are generally charged per page, with an additional fee for certification. Government agencies have a separate reduced fee schedule. For current detailed pricing, including bulk data and government-rate fees, check the Recording Fees page.

How can I search for and purchase copies of recorded documents?

Recorded documents are searchable online through the county’s Recorded Document Search. You can search by last and first name, business name, subdivision/HOA name, or other criteria to locate deeds, liens, CC&Rs, and other recordings. Once you find your record, you can view an unofficial image in your browser. If you need an official or certified copy (for example, for a closing or court filing), use the “Buying/Purchasing Options” on that page to order downloadable copies by email or physical copies by mail, and select whether you want certification before checkout.

How does Maricopa Title Alert help protect my property records?

Maricopa Title Alert is a free monitoring service that sends email and/or text notifications whenever a new document is recorded under a name you choose to watch. You can add multiple individual or business names and update or unsubscribe at any time. The service applies only to documents recorded after you enroll, so it’s best to sign up before a problem arises. It’s meant for personal, non-commercial use and requires current contact information to deliver alerts. You can enroll and manage your settings directly on the Maricopa Title Alert page.

When is the office open, and what are my options if I can’t go downtown?

The main Recorder’s Office in downtown Phoenix is generally open on weekdays during regular business hours, excluding the published county holiday schedule. If you can’t easily reach the main office, several recording kiosks are located in partner libraries and facilities around the county; kiosks accept credit card payment only and also operate Monday through Friday with set daytime hours. Before you go, review the current list of kiosk locations, hours, and holiday closures on the Locations and Hours page so you can choose the most convenient option.