Maricopa County AZ Document Search: Recorder Records, Deeds, Copies & Recording Guide
The Maricopa County Recorder’s Office processes and preserves public records including deeds, plats and many other important documents. Its website lets users search publicly recorded documents, view unofficial images, purchase official or certified copies, and file eligible documents through in-person, mail, kiosk or digital recording options.
This guide explains which Maricopa County Recorder search box to use, how full-text searching works, how to search by recorded document number or docket/book and page, when to use the Assessor instead, what recording and copy fees apply, and how to avoid confusing Recorder records with court records, vital records or property-tax bills.
Where Do You Search Maricopa County Recorder Documents?
Use the official Maricopa County Recorder Document Search for recorded documents such as deeds, deeds of trust, releases, assignments, plats, surveys, powers of attorney, affidavits and other documents accepted for recording. Use the Recorder when you need a recorded-document image or certified copy; use the Assessor, Treasurer, Clerk of Superior Court or Vital Registration office when your question is about ownership assessment, property taxes, court cases, marriage records, divorce decrees, birth certificates or death certificates.
Search Recorded Documents
The search page allows lookup by recorded document number, docket/book and page, business name, individual name, document code, document title and date range. It also supports full-text searching for newer indexed text.
Open Document Search ↗Get Copies
After you find the document, select the colored box under the pages area to view an unofficial copy online. For official or certified copies, use the buying or purchasing options shown by the Recorder system.
Open Copy FAQ ↗Visit the Main Office
The main downtown Recorder office is listed at 301 W Jefferson St, Second Floor, Suite 200, Phoenix, AZ 85003. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00am to 5:00pm.
Call 602-506-3535How to Search Maricopa County Recorder Records Online
Maricopa County’s document search has several entry points. The best path depends on what you already know: a recorded document number, an older docket/book and page reference, a person or business name, a document code, a date range, an address, or a legal-description phrase.
Open the Official Document Search Page
Start at the official Recorder Document Search page. Avoid third-party pages that look like public-record portals but charge extra or mix Recorder records with unrelated background-search data.
Use Recorded Document Number for Exact Matches
If you already have a recorded document number, type it in the recorded document number field. The official page shows an example format similar to 20030930317. Add the suffix only when the record you are using shows one.
Use Docket/Book and Page for Older References
If an older deed, title report, map or legal document gives a docket/book and page reference, use the separate docket/book and page search. For maps, the Recorder page also provides an Internet Map Locator using Recorder book and page details.
Search by Name, Business Name or HOA/Subdivision Name
If you do not know how the document was recorded, search by last name, first name, business name, trust name, HOA name, subdivision name, document code or date range. For business or trust records, use the business-name section instead of only the personal-name fields.
Use Full-Text Search for Recent Search Clues
The Recorder’s research instructions say the office uses full-text retrieval and that the full-text search can currently pull data for the last two years. You can search names, legal descriptions or addresses, and use exact phrases or operators when needed.
Open the Image and Save the Document Details
Once you locate the record, save the recording number, document code/title, recording date, party names, page count, docket/book and page if shown, and the unofficial image. These details help when buying official copies or certified copies.
Which Maricopa County Recorder Search Box Should You Use?
Choosing the wrong search field can make a real record look missing. Use this table to match your information to the correct Recorder search path.
| What You Have | Best Search Field | What It Finds | Common Mistake |
|---|---|---|---|
| Recorded document number | Recorded Document Number | Exact modern document reference such as a deed, deed of trust, release, lien or affidavit. | Typing a parcel number or tax account number into the recorded-document-number field. |
| Docket/book and page | Docket/Book and Page | Older references and documents recorded using the docket/book and page system. | Putting book/page into the name search instead of the dedicated fields. |
| Person name | Last Name, First Name, M.I. | Documents connected to a person such as buyer, seller, borrower, trustee, beneficiary or signer. | Searching only one spouse, one middle initial or one spelling variation. |
| Trust, LLC, company, HOA or subdivision | Business Name | Documents recorded under a business, trust, association or subdivision-related name. | Using only personal-name fields when the document was indexed under a trust or company. |
| Document type | Document Code / Document Title | Specific categories such as deed, deed of trust, release, affidavit, plat or other code-based records. | Not using document codes when too many broad name results appear. |
| Legal description, address or phrase | Full-text search / broad fields | Recent searchable text where full-text retrieval is available. | Assuming address search is always complete for every historical document. |
| Property tax parcel clue | Assessor first, then Recorder | Owner, parcel and legal-description clues that help you search Recorder records. | Confusing Assessor ownership information with a recorded deed image. |
How to Record a Document With the Maricopa County Recorder
The Recorder accepts eligible documents in person, by mail, through recording kiosks and through digital recording options. The office only records documents; it does not create documents, choose forms, explain which deed type you need, provide notary service or give legal advice.
Before You Submit
- Use an original, legible document with original signatures unless another law allows otherwise.
- Include a caption briefly stating the nature of the document.
- Use paper no larger than 8.5″ × 14″ and print size no smaller than 10-point type for covered documents.
- Reserve a 2-inch top margin on the first page for recording information.
- Use at least 0.5-inch margins on top, bottom, left and right sides.
- For deeds, include either an Affidavit of Property Value or an exemption code when required.
- Beginning September 13, 2026, bring photo ID for in-person or kiosk recording.
Avoid These Problems
- Asking Recorder staff to pick the correct deed or exemption code.
- Forgetting the Affidavit of Property Value or exemption code for a deed.
- Submitting a document that is too faint, too small or missing signatures.
- Using a public records request form for an ordinary recorded-document search.
- Assuming a Recorder search proves a property is free of liens.
- Going to the Recorder for birth, death, marriage, divorce or court case records.
- Using kiosk recording without a credit card where kiosk payment is required.
Prepare the Document Before Recording
If you need help completing a deed, deed of trust, affidavit, lien, release or legal form, contact a title company, estate planner, attorney or other qualified professional. The Recorder’s Office cannot prepare the document for you.
Check Arizona Form Requirements
Review the Recorder’s form requirements page before submitting. The document should be legible, correctly signed, properly captioned and formatted so the Recorder can make certified copies from the recorded image.
For Deeds, Add Affidavit of Property Value or Exemption Code
The Recorder FAQ says a deed must include either an Affidavit of Property Value or an exemption code to be accepted for recording. The office cannot advise which code is correct for your situation.
Choose In-Person, Mail, Kiosk or Digital Recording
In-person recording is available at the downtown office without an appointment during office hours. Mail recording returns original documents after recording, and digital recording is designed for high-volume customers or third-party submitters.
Pay the Correct Recording Fee
The Recorder fee page lists $30 for most documents except plats and surveys. Plats and surveys have different page-based fees, and some documents such as military discharge documents, child support documents, racketeering documents and restitution documents are listed at $0.
Verify Recording or Check the Return Log
After submission, use the document search or document return log to track whether the document was recorded or returned. For digital accounts, the Recorder’s digital recording program includes tools to verify received files, recorded files and errors.
Maricopa County Recorder Fees for Documents, Copies and Certified Copies
Always confirm the latest amount on the official fee page before recording or ordering. The table below summarizes common amounts shown by the Recorder’s fee page.
| Item | Listed Amount | What It Covers | Practical Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Most recorded documents | $30 | All documents except plats and surveys unless a specific statutory fee or exemption applies. | Use this for basic planning, but check the exact document type before submitting. |
| Plats and surveys | $24 first page; $20 additional page | Plat and survey recordings under Recorder fee guidance. | Map and plat requirements can be more technical than ordinary document recording. |
| Military discharge documents | $0 | Recording military discharge documents. | These records may have special privacy and access rules. |
| Child support documents | $0 | Child support documents listed under the Recorder’s fee schedule. | Confirm the document is actually in the covered category. |
| Copies of recorded documents | $1 per page | Official copy pages from recorded documents. | View unofficial copies online first to avoid buying the wrong document. |
| Certification | $3 per document | Certification added to a copy when an official certified copy is needed. | Ask the receiving agency whether certification is required. |
| Government agency document recording | $15 for most documents | Government-agency rate for documents except plats and surveys. | Different from ordinary customer recording fees. |
| Bulk daily recordings | Separate bulk fees | Daily recorded documents, affidavit of value, index, maps and bulk images. | Use only for bulk or commercial research needs; ordinary homeowners usually use document search and copy purchase. |
Simple Copy and Recording Fee Estimator
This planning tool does not calculate legal fees, title company fees, third-party submitter charges, mailing costs, plat review, map issues, bulk data, special statutory charges or rejected-document costs.
Maricopa County Recorder Office Address, Hours, Phone and Kiosk Locations
The main downtown office handles Recorder services, and recording kiosks provide additional access points. Check the live locations page before traveling because kiosk availability can change, and the Southeast Regional Library kiosk is posted as currently unavailable.
Main Downtown Recorder Office
Address:
Maricopa County Recorder’s Office
301 W Jefferson St
Second Floor, Suite 200
Phoenix, AZ 85003
Phone: 602-506-3535
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00am–5:00pm, excluding holidays.
Recorder: Justin Heap, 31st Recorder of Maricopa County.
Open Locations Page ↗| Recording Location | Address | Posted Hours | Important Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Downtown Office | 301 W Jefferson St, Second Floor, Suite 200, Phoenix, AZ 85003 | 8:00am–5:00pm, Monday–Friday | Use for full Recorder office service and in-person recording. |
| Sun City Library Recording Kiosk | 16828 N 99th Ave, Sun City, AZ 85351 | 9:30am–4:00pm, Monday–Friday | Kiosk recording payment method is credit card only. |
| Southeast Regional Library Kiosk | 775 N Greenfield Rd, Gilbert, AZ 85234 | Posted as 10:00am–4:00pm, Monday–Friday | Official locations page marks this kiosk as currently unavailable. |
| Georgia T. Lord Library Kiosk | 1900 N Civic Square, Goodyear, AZ 85395 | 9:30am–4:00pm, Monday–Friday | Check live status before visiting. |
| Northeast Regional Court Center Kiosk | 18380 N 40th St, Unit 130, Phoenix, AZ 85032 | 9:30am–4:00pm, Monday–Friday | Different from the court clerk counter; use it only for Recorder kiosk recording. |
| Ed Robson Library Kiosk | 9330 E Riggs Rd, Sun Lakes, AZ 85248 | 9:30am–4:00pm, Monday–Friday | Check the Recorder location page before travel. |
Maricopa Title Alert, Redaction and Record Safety Tips
Maricopa Title Alert is a free name-monitoring service from the Recorder’s Office. It does not stop a fraudulent document from being submitted, but it can notify subscribers when a document is recorded under an individual or business name they monitor.
Maricopa Title Alert
The Recorder says Title Alert monitors and alerts subscribers when documents are recorded under an individual or business name. It applies only to documents recorded after sign-up and is intended for personal or non-commercial use.
Open Title Alert ↗Redaction and Confidential Data
The Recorder publishes redaction information and warns that its office cannot give legal advice. Some information may be restricted from electronic posting or sharing under Arizona law.
Open Redaction Info ↗Email Is Not Confidential
The contact page warns that email sent to the Recorder’s Office is not confidential and may be subject to disclosure under Arizona public records law.
Open Contact Page ↗Recorder vs Assessor, Treasurer, Clerk of Superior Court and Vital Records
Many Maricopa County searches fail because the record belongs to another office. Use this decoder before you search or visit.
Recorder
Use for recorded documents, deeds, deeds of trust, releases, plats, surveys, official copies, certified copies, digital recording, title alerts and document return logs.
Assessor
Use for property ownership records, parcel searches, property mailing address updates, assessed values, property classification and legal exemptions tied to the assessment roll.
Treasurer
Use for property tax bills, tax payment, tax history and payment information. The Assessor does not collect taxes, and the Recorder does not pay or bill property taxes.
Court / Vital Records
Marriage license copies, divorce decrees, case records and passports are handled by the Clerk of Superior Court. Birth and death certificates are handled by the Office of Vital Registration.
Official Maricopa County Recorder Links and What to Do After Opening Them
Use these official pages before paying a third-party records site, submitting a deed, buying a certified copy or sending a public records request. Each link includes the exact next step after opening it.
Maricopa County Recorder’s Office
Official Recorder homepage for document search, recording, public records, fees, locations and office notices.
- Read the current homepage notices, including recording and ID notices.
- Click Search for Documents when looking for recorded documents.
- Use the Recording menu for fees, form requirements and digital recording.
- Use Locations and Hours before visiting the downtown office or a kiosk.
Recorded Document Search
Official search page for recorded document number, docket/book and page, names, business names, document codes and date ranges.
- Use recorded document number first if you have one.
- Use docket/book and page when an older reference gives those details.
- Use personal or business name fields when you do not know the exact recording reference.
- Use document code and date range to narrow broad results.
Research Instructions
Official full-text search help for recent data, names, legal descriptions, addresses and search operators.
- Review the full-text retrieval explanation.
- Use exact quotes for exact phrases.
- Use plus, OR, minus and other operators carefully.
- Remember that full-text search coverage is different from exact document-number searching.
Recording Fees
Official fee page for standard documents, plats, surveys, copies, certified copies, government agency rates and bulk fees.
- Find the fee category that matches your document.
- Check whether the document is an ordinary recording, plat/survey, copy, certified copy or no-fee statutory document.
- Do not rely on a third-party fee estimate without checking the official page.
- Call 602-506-3535 if the fee category is unclear.
Form Requirements
Official A.R.S. § 11-480 form-requirements page for captions, original signatures, legibility, page size, print size and margins.
- Check the caption requirement before recording.
- Confirm the document is original and legible.
- Verify page size, print size and margin requirements.
- Add a cover sheet only when needed to satisfy first-page top-margin requirements.
Digital Recording Program
Official page for high-volume digital recording accounts, PDF/TIFF requirements, transaction history and error review.
- Use this if you are a frequent or high-volume customer.
- Review account setup, scanner and browser requirements.
- Check PDF or TIFF Group 4 file requirements.
- For one-time recording, review third-party submitter options instead of opening a full account.
Maricopa Title Alert
Official free alert service for monitored individual or business names in newly recorded documents.
- Enter your email address.
- Add individual names and business names you want to monitor.
- Select email, mobile text or both for notifications.
- Activate the subscription from your email and keep contact information current.
Locations and Hours
Official main office and kiosk page with addresses, hours, payment warnings and live availability notes.
- Confirm the main downtown office address before visiting.
- Check whether your preferred kiosk is currently available.
- Review kiosk hours and remember kiosks accept credit card payments only.
- Bring photo ID for in-person or kiosk recording beginning September 13, 2026.
Maricopa County Assessor
Official property ownership, parcel, mailing address and assessed-value office; useful when a Recorder search needs parcel clues.
- Search by parcel, address or owner when you need property clues.
- Use the Assessor for ownership/mailing address and assessed-value questions.
- Return to Recorder search with exact owner, parcel or legal-description details.
- Use the Treasurer, not the Recorder, for property-tax payment questions.
What Should You Do Next?
| Your Goal | Best Starting Point | Do This First |
|---|---|---|
| Find a deed, deed of trust, release or recorded affidavit. | Maricopa County Recorder Document Search. | Search by recorded document number if known; otherwise search name, business name, document code and date range. |
| Find an older docket/book and page document. | Docket/Book and Page search field. | Enter the exact docket/book and page reference instead of using broad name search. |
| Search by address or legal description. | Recorder full-text guidance and Assessor parcel tools. | Try full-text searching for recent data, then use Assessor records for parcel/owner clues. |
| Buy an official or certified copy. | Buying/Purchasing Options after finding the document. | Open the unofficial image first to confirm it is the correct document. |
| Record a deed. | Form Requirements + FAQ + Recording Fees. | Confirm original signatures, formatting, Affidavit of Property Value or exemption code, and the correct fee. |
| Monitor possible property-title activity. | Maricopa Title Alert. | Sign up your email, add personal and business name variations, and activate alerts. |
| Find property tax bill or payment information. | Maricopa County Treasurer. | Use parcel/APN tax tools; do not use Recorder records as a tax-payment system. |
| Find court case, marriage license or divorce decree records. | Maricopa County Clerk of Superior Court. | Use the court clerk records request or court case systems instead of Recorder document search. |
Maricopa County Recorder Document Search FAQs
How do I search Maricopa County Recorder documents online?
Open the official Maricopa County Recorder Document Search page. Search by recorded document number if you know it, or use docket/book and page, business name, last name, first name, document code, document title and date range when you need a broader search.
Can I search Maricopa County recorded documents by address?
The Recorder’s research instructions allow full-text searching by name, legal description or address for newer searchable text, but address searching may not locate every historical document. If you only have an address, also use the Maricopa County Assessor to find parcel, owner and legal-description clues.
What is a recorded document number in Maricopa County?
A recorded document number is the official reference assigned to a recorded document. If you have that number, use the Recorded Document Number field because it is usually the fastest way to find the exact document.
How do I get a copy of a Maricopa County recorded document?
Find the document in the official Recorded Document Search, open the unofficial image to confirm it is correct, then use the buying or purchasing options for official or certified copies. Copies are listed at $1 per page, and certified copies add $3 per document.
How much does it cost to record a document in Maricopa County?
The Recorder fee page lists $30 for all documents except plats and surveys unless another statutory fee or exemption applies. Plats and surveys are listed at $24 for the first page and $20 for each additional page.
Does the Maricopa County Recorder provide deed forms or legal advice?
No. The Recorder states that its office only records documents and does not provide forms for recording, legal advice, help completing forms or notary services. For deed preparation or exemption-code questions, use a title company, estate planner or qualified legal professional.
What must a deed include to be recorded in Maricopa County?
The Recorder FAQ says a deed must include either an Affidavit of Property Value or an exemption code to be accepted for recording. The Recorder’s Office cannot advise which affidavit or exemption code is correct for your deed.
Where is the Maricopa County Recorder’s Office?
The main downtown office is listed at 301 W Jefferson St, Second Floor, Suite 200, Phoenix, AZ 85003. The phone number is 602-506-3535, and posted hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00am to 5:00pm, excluding holidays.
What is Maricopa Title Alert?
Maricopa Title Alert is a free Recorder program that monitors and alerts subscribers when documents are recorded under an individual or business name they monitor. It applies only to documents recorded after sign-up and is not intended for commercial purposes.
Is this website the official Maricopa County Recorder?
No. This page is an independent educational guide. It is not the Maricopa County Recorder’s Office, not Maricopa County government, not the Maricopa County Assessor, not the Treasurer, not the Clerk of Superior Court, not a title company and not a law firm. Always verify current fees, search tools, ID rules and recording requirements with the official office.
Independent Educational Guide
This page is an independent informational guide and is not affiliated with the Maricopa County Recorder’s Office, Maricopa County Government, the Maricopa County Assessor, the Maricopa County Treasurer, the Maricopa County Clerk of Superior Court, any title company or any law firm.
Recorder indexes, recorded images, document codes, copy fees, kiosk availability, digital recording rules, public records request rules, Assessor data and court records can change or be misunderstood. This page does not provide legal advice, tax advice, title advice, title insurance, deed drafting, notary service or a guarantee of ownership.
Public property and owner records should not be used for employment screening, tenant screening, credit eligibility, insurance underwriting or other regulated consumer-reporting purposes. This website is not a Consumer Reporting Agency.