SL County Recorder: Salt Lake County Deeds, Records, Property Search, Fees & Office Guide
“SL County Recorder” usually means the Salt Lake County Recorder’s Office in Utah, not the Salt Lake City Recorder. Use the county Recorder for recorded real-property documents such as deeds, mortgages, liens, plats, legal descriptions and property transaction records affecting land in Salt Lake County.
This guide explains how to search Salt Lake County recorded documents, when to use Data Services, how Property Watch works, what recording requirements can cause rejection, what copy and recording fees to expect, and when the Assessor or Treasurer is the better office.
What Is the SL County Recorder?
The SL County Recorder is the Salt Lake County Recorder, currently presented by the county as Recorder Rashelle Hobbs’ office. The Recorder keeps and indexes real-property transaction records for Salt Lake County, including deeds, mortgages, liens, mining records, subdivision plats, parcel-related records and other recorded instruments.
Use the County Recorder For
- Recorded deeds and deed copies.
- Mortgages, releases, liens and assignments.
- Recorded subdivision and condominium plats.
- Legal descriptions and property transaction documents.
- Property Watch and document-copy requests.
Use the County Assessor For
- Parcel valuation and property characteristics.
- Assessor parcel search by owner, address or parcel number.
- Fair market value and property-type questions.
- Assessment-related property information.
Use Treasurer / Auditor Tax Pages For
- Property-tax payments and tax balances.
- Tax bills and payment deadlines.
- Property-tax appeal pathways and tax notices.
- Questions after assessed value and records are identified.
Salt Lake County Deeds and Property Records: Which Office Handles What?
A deed search, a parcel search and a tax-payment search are not the same task. Use this local office decoder before you call or visit.
| User Need | Best Office / Tool | Why It Matters | Practical Tip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Find recorded deeds, mortgages, liens or document history | Salt Lake County Recorder Data Services | The Recorder is the official keeper of recorded real-property documents and indexes. | Start with the free address/parcel search, then use paid Data Services if you need deeper records. |
| Search when you only know an address | Recorder Public Search or Assessor Parcel Search | The Recorder public search requires selecting an address or parcel number from the auto-populated list. | Try the Assessor if the Recorder search does not recognize the address format. |
| Research owner, assessed value or parcel characteristics | Salt Lake County Assessor | The Assessor’s office values property and lets users search by owner, address or parcel number. | Use the parcel number from the Assessor to search Recorder records more accurately. |
| Record a deed or other real-property document | Salt Lake County Recorder | The Recorder checks recording requirements, endorses accepted documents and keeps the official index. | Confirm legal description, grantee address, signature/notary match and fee before submitting. |
| Record a subdivision, condominium, PUD or mixed-use plat | Recorder Plat Review / Plat Recording Appointment | Plat recordings have their own review and appointment workflow. | Do not schedule plat recording until the review status is marked Ready to Record. |
| Monitor for possible deed fraud | Recorder Property Watch | Property Watch can send alerts when new documents are recorded and attached to a property. | Use alerts as early warning only; clear title still requires a title search by a title company or attorney. |
How to Search SL County Recorder Deeds and Property Records Online
Salt Lake County Recorder offers Data Services for property record searches. The public search is useful for a quick list of recorded documents tied to a property, while paid Data Services can provide deeper research access such as owner history, legal descriptions, recorded documents, tract index, chain of title, subdivision maps and plat maps.
Start With the Recorder’s Data Services Page
Open the official Salt Lake County Recorder Data Services page first. It explains the three search access levels: free search, $5 temporary 24-hour access with up to 150 data units, and account-based Data Unit Packages for frequent users.
Use the Free Public Search for a Quick Property Document List
The public search page requires the user to read and agree to the Terms of Service. It also says the address or parcel number must be selected from the auto-populated dropdown list, so keep typing until the correct property appears.
Search by Address or Parcel Number
If you know the parcel number, use it exactly as shown on county property records. If searching by address, type the street address and select the matching dropdown result. For address problems, try including the directional, such as N, S, E or W, after the house number.
Use the Assessor When You Need Parcel Details First
If the Recorder search does not find the property, use the Salt Lake County Assessor parcel search. The Assessor search accepts owner name, address or parcel number and can help you identify the tax parcel number before you return to Recorder Data Services.
Upgrade to Paid Data Services Only When Needed
Use the $5 24-hour option or a Data Unit Package when the free list is not enough and you need deeper digital records. Salt Lake County says recorded document images are typically available by the next working day, with new subdivision plat maps sometimes taking longer.
Save the Entry Number, Book/Page or Parcel Reference
Once you find the right record, save the entry number, book/page reference, document type, recorded date, parcel number and names. These are the references the Recorder can use faster when you request copies or ask a follow-up question.
How to Read a Salt Lake County Recorder Search Result
Recorder Data Services can show parcel-linked and document-linked information. Use the fields below to avoid mixing up a property summary with a legal title conclusion.
| Field / Record Clue | What It Usually Means | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Parcel number / tax serial number | The Salt Lake County property identifier tied to a parcel record. | Use it to connect Assessor, Recorder, Treasurer and map records. |
| Entry number | A Recorder reference assigned to an accepted recorded document. | Often the easiest number to use for copy requests or follow-up calls. |
| Book and page | An older or traditional recorded-document location reference. | Useful for older deeds, chain-of-title review and certified-copy requests. |
| Document type | The kind of recorded instrument, such as deed, mortgage, lien, release, plat or judgment-related document. | A mortgage or lien is not the same as a deed transferring ownership. |
| Recorded date | The date the Recorder accepted the document into the public record. | Do not confuse it with the closing date, signing date or assessment date. |
| Legal description | The formal land description attached to a recorded document or parcel. | A street address is not a legal description and may not be enough for recording. |
| Image availability | The scanned or electronic document image may appear after recording. | The county says recorded document images are typically available by the next working day. |
How to Record a Deed or Real Property Document in Salt Lake County
The Salt Lake County Recorder checks whether documents meet Utah recording requirements before recording. The office expects payment in advance and follows fees established by the Utah Legislature and county-approved fee schedules.
Prepare the Original or Valid Electronic Document
The Recorder’s requirements say the document must be an original document or an electronic document that satisfies Utah electronic recording requirements. Make sure the document has a clear title or caption showing the nature of the document.
Confirm the Salt Lake County Legal Description
The requirements list a legal description in Salt Lake County as a recording requirement. Do not substitute only a street address when the document needs a legal description. Verify the parcel number and legal description before submitting.
Check Names, Signatures, Notary and Grantee Address
Common rejection risks include mismatched grantor names, missing notary acknowledgment, signatures that do not match the names on the document, missing grantee address, illegible text, incorrect fees and inadequate recorder-stamp space.
Follow the Paper and Margin Rules
Salt Lake County’s requirements call for white 8.5" × 11" paper, no double-sided printing, black ink, legible text, a first-page recording space of 2.5 inches down by 4.5 inches across in the upper-right corner, and one-inch margins where required.
Calculate Fees Before Submission
The county’s fee sheet lists a $40 flat fee per recording, $2 for each additional legal description over 10, $50 per sheet for subdivision or condominium maps, and $2 per lot or unit for those maps.
Submit and Save the Recording Reference
After recording, save the entry number, book/page reference, recorded date and any stamped copy. If you submit by mail, the Recorder’s FAQ indicates the recorded document is returned by mail to the address provided in the upper-left corner of page 1.
Subdivision Plats, Parcel Maps and Salt Lake County Mapping Updates
Salt Lake County has separate workflows for ordinary document recording, property-record searching and plat recording. Do not treat a deed recording, a plat recording appointment and a parcel-map lookup as the same task.
Interactive Parcel Map
The Recorder announced that tax map data moved to a new interactive map platform through the county’s GIS/Cadastral Department. Static plat page map updates were discontinued, while historical versions remain accessible through Data Services.
Plat Recording Appointment
Subdivision, condominium, PUD and mixed-use plat/mylar recordings are by appointment only from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. The Recorder says plat review must be completed and marked Ready to Record before scheduling.
Assessor Parcel Search
Use the Assessor search to find a parcel by owner, address or parcel number when you need assessment details first. This is especially helpful when the Recorder search does not recognize the address.
Salt Lake County Recorder Fees for Recording, Copies and Data Services
Always verify the final amount directly with the Recorder before mailing payment or submitting an unusual instrument. The table below summarizes the fee items published in the Recorder’s recording requirements and fees PDF.
| Fee Item | Published Amount | Common Use | Practical Tip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flat recording fee | $40.00 per recording | Most recorded documents other than plats. | Count each separate recording, not only page count. |
| Additional legal descriptions | $2.00 each over 10 | Documents affecting many legal descriptions. | Count legal descriptions before mailing payment. |
| Subdivision / condominium map | $50 per sheet + $2 per lot or unit | Subdivision maps, condominium maps and similar plat-related filings. | Use the plat appointment workflow when required. |
| Recorded document copy | $2 per page | Printed or electronic copy of recorded documents. | Provide entry number or book/page if available. |
| Vault document copy | $5 per page | Older or vault-held records. | Older records may need staff review or Data Services research. |
| Certified copy | $5 certification + $2 per page | Certified deed, mortgage or other official recorded document copy. | Select Certified when submitting a document-copy request. |
| Data Services 24-hour access | $5 for up to 150 data units | Short-term deeper search access. | Use this when free search is not enough for a one-time research task. |
Salt Lake County Recorder Fee Estimator
This tool is for planning only. It uses the county-published fee items shown above and does not replace an official fee quote from the Recorder.
Formula used: $40 per recording, $2 per legal description over 10, $50 per subdivision/condominium map sheet, $2 per lot/unit, copy fees by selected copy type, selected Data Services package, and any extra amount you enter after office confirmation.
Salt Lake County Property Watch: What It Does and What It Does Not Do
Property Watch is a free Salt Lake County Recorder service that alerts property owners when new documents are recorded and attached to their property. The county says notifications can be sent by email and can also include text message alerts.
What the Alert Includes
Property Watch notification details can include the parcel number, recorded entry number, document type and recorded date. These are useful starting points for checking unexpected activity.
What It Cannot Guarantee
The county cautions that Property Watch notifications are sent only for documents attached to the property and that some documents may be recorded without being attached to a property.
Clear Title Still Needs Review
Salt Lake County states that clear title is not determined by the Recorder’s Office. Clear title comes from a title search performed by a title company or attorney.
Salt Lake County Recorder Office Address, Phone, Email and Map
The Recorder’s Office is located at the Salt Lake County Government Center. Call or email before visiting if you need certified copies, Data Services help, plat review, Property Watch support or document-recording guidance.
Salt Lake County Recorder’s Office
Recorder: Rashelle Hobbs
Address:
2001 South State Street, Suite N1-600
Salt Lake City, UT 84190
Phone: 385-468-8145
Email: RecorderQ@saltlakecounty.gov
Hours listed by county:
Monday–Friday, except holidays, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Official Salt Lake County Recorder Resources
Use these official county and Utah resources before relying on third-party deed sites. Each link includes what to do after opening it.
Salt Lake County Recorder — Official Homepage
Use this page for Recorder contact information, Property Watch, Data Services, interactive parcel map, recording requirements and plat recording resources.
- Confirm the current phone, email, office address and hours.
- Use Property Search – Data Services for deed and recorded-document research.
- Use Recording Requirements & Fees before submitting a document.
- Use Property Watch if you want alerts for new recorded documents attached to your property.
Salt Lake County Recorder — Public Property Search
Use this free search for a quick recorded-document list tied to an address or parcel number.
- Read and agree to the Terms of Service.
- Enter an address or parcel number.
- Select the correct result from the auto-populated dropdown list.
- Remember that information may be 24 hours old or older and may need title verification.
Salt Lake County Recorder — Data Services
Use this page to compare free search, $5 temporary 24-hour access and paid Data Unit Packages.
- Start with the free search if you only need a quick recorded-document list.
- Choose $5 24-hour access only if you need deeper short-term access.
- Use a Data Unit Package only for repeated or professional research.
- Read the payment and non-refund language before purchasing.
Salt Lake County Recorder — Recording Requirements & Fees
Official page and PDF for document formatting, required content, recording fees, copy fees and Data Services fees.
- Review the page for the Recorder’s office contact and basic recording requirements.
- Open the downloadable requirements and fees PDF.
- Check margins, paper size, legal description, grantee address, notary and fee requirements.
- Call the Recorder before mailing payment if your document is unusual or has many legal descriptions.
Salt Lake County Recorder — Document Request
Official process for requesting document copies and certified copies from the Recorder.
- Search first so you can provide book/page, entry number, party names, dates or document type.
- Select Certified if you need a certified copy.
- Review your request carefully because you are responsible for fees charged on the order.
- Wait for the Recorder’s email that the copy request is ready before visiting to purchase documents.
Salt Lake County Recorder — Property Watch
Free alert service for recorded changes attached to a property.
- Register with email and/or mobile number where available.
- Enter the property address exactly enough to select it from the dropdown.
- Use the property address from your tax notice if the mailing address is different.
- Investigate alerts promptly, but remember Property Watch does not determine clear title.
Salt Lake County Assessor — View a Property Valuation
Use this when you need owner, address, parcel number, valuation or property-characteristic information before searching Recorder records.
- Search by owner name, address or parcel number.
- For owner search, follow the displayed last-name-first format.
- Copy the parcel number exactly as displayed.
- Return to Recorder Data Services with the parcel number for recorded-document research.
Salt Lake County Recorder — Plat Map Review & Recording
Use this for subdivision, condominium, PUD, mixed-use plat and mylar recording workflows.
- Submit the plat for preliminary plat review when needed.
- Wait until the review is completed and status is marked Ready to Record.
- Schedule a recording appointment if your plat type requires one.
- Use the 9:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m. plat-recording appointment window listed by the Recorder.
Utah Code — County Recorder Law
Use Utah law for statewide county-recorder duties, recording requirements and legal background.
- Use the Utah Code for legal background, not as a substitute for Salt Lake County’s current office instructions.
- Review county-recorder duties and recording requirement sections.
- Compare state-law requirements with the county’s current recording requirements PDF.
- Ask a Utah real-estate attorney or title professional when legal interpretation is needed.
Helpful Related Guides on This Site
Deed records often connect to property-tax and homestead questions. These related guides help explain when a recorded ownership document matters for tax eligibility.
Who Qualifies for Homestead Exemption?
Use this guide when a deed, ownership record or recorded transfer affects whether a homeowner can claim a residence-based property-tax benefit.
Read Homestead Qualification GuideProperty Tax Homestead Exemption
Use this broader guide to understand how assessor, recorder, clerk and tax offices often share ownership and property-tax responsibilities.
Read Property Tax Exemption GuideCommon SL County Recorder Mistakes
Mistakes That Waste Time
- Calling the Salt Lake City Recorder when you need Salt Lake County real-property deed records.
- Assuming Recorder public-search data is always current to the minute.
- Treating a recorded deed index as a full title search.
- Searching by mailing address when the property address is different.
- Submitting a document without the required legal description in Salt Lake County.
- Forgetting the grantee address, notary acknowledgment or signature/name match.
- Trying to schedule a plat recording before the plat is Ready to Record.
- Buying Data Unit Packages before testing whether free search or $5 access is enough.
Better Local Workflow
- Start with Recorder Data Services for recorded documents.
- Use the Assessor to find parcel number, owner and valuation details.
- Select address or parcel results from the Recorder search dropdown.
- Save entry numbers and book/page references.
- Check the requirements PDF before recording a deed.
- Use Property Watch for ongoing alert awareness.
- Use a title company or attorney for legal title conclusions.
What Should You Do Next?
| Your Situation | Best Next Step | Office / Resource |
|---|---|---|
| You need a quick list of documents recorded on a property. | Use the free Recorder Public Search and enter an address or parcel number from the dropdown. | Salt Lake County Recorder Public Search |
| You need deeper chain-of-title or document-image research. | Review Data Services and consider $5 24-hour access or a Data Unit Package. | Recorder Data Services |
| You only know the street address. | Use the Assessor property search first if the Recorder search does not recognize the address. | Salt Lake County Assessor |
| You need to record a deed or other instrument. | Check formatting, legal description, grantor/grantee, notary, tax serial number and fee requirements before submitting. | Recorder Requirements & Fees |
| You need a certified copy. | Use the Recorder document-request process and select Certified when the request form asks. | Document Copy / Certified Copy Request |
| You want alerts for possible deed fraud. | Register for Property Watch and investigate unexpected alerts promptly. | Recorder Property Watch |
| You need a subdivision or condominium plat recorded. | Complete plat review first, wait for Ready to Record status, then schedule an appointment if required. | Recorder Plat Review / Appointment |
SL County Recorder FAQs
What does “SL County Recorder” mean?
“SL County Recorder” usually refers to the Salt Lake County Recorder’s Office in Utah. This county office records and maintains real-property documents such as deeds, mortgages, liens, plats, legal descriptions and other property transaction records.
Is the Salt Lake County Recorder the same as the Salt Lake City Recorder?
No. The Salt Lake County Recorder handles county real-property records and recorded land documents. The Salt Lake City Recorder handles city municipal records, not county deed recording for Salt Lake County properties.
Where is the Salt Lake County Recorder’s Office?
The office is listed at 2001 South State Street, Suite N1-600, Salt Lake City, Utah 84190. The main phone number is 385-468-8145 and the Recorder email is RecorderQ@saltlakecounty.gov.
What are the Salt Lake County Recorder hours?
The county lists Recorder hours as Monday through Friday, except holidays, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Check the county holiday schedule or call before visiting on or near a holiday.
Can I search Salt Lake County Recorder records online for free?
Yes. The Recorder offers a free public search for a quick list of recorded documents on a property. You must read and agree to the Terms of Service and select the address or parcel number from the auto-populated dropdown list.
What is Salt Lake County Recorder Data Services?
Data Services is the Recorder’s property-record search system. It offers free search, $5 24-hour access for up to 150 data units, and paid Data Unit Packages for users who need repeated or deeper access to property records and document images.
How much does Salt Lake County charge to record a document?
The Recorder’s fee sheet lists a flat fee of $40 per recording, with $2 for each additional legal description over 10. Subdivision or condominium maps are listed at $50 per sheet plus $2 per lot or unit. Always confirm the current total with the Recorder before submitting payment.
What formatting rules can cause a recording problem?
Salt Lake County lists requirements such as white 8.5" × 11" paper, proper recording space, one-sided pages, black ink, legible text, Salt Lake County legal description, correct fee, matching grantor names/signatures/notary acknowledgment and a grantee address.
What is Salt Lake County Property Watch?
Property Watch is a free Recorder service that can send email or text alerts when new recorded documents are attached to a property. It is an alert tool, not a guarantee against fraud and not a legal title search.
Is this website the official Salt Lake County Recorder website?
No. County-Appraisal-District.org is an independent educational resource. It is not the Salt Lake County Recorder, Salt Lake County Assessor, Salt Lake County Treasurer, Salt Lake City Recorder or any Utah government agency. Always verify current records, fees and legal requirements with the responsible official office.
Independent Educational Guide
County-Appraisal-District.org is an independent informational website and is not affiliated with the Salt Lake County Recorder, Salt Lake County Assessor, Salt Lake County Treasurer, Salt Lake County Auditor, Salt Lake City Recorder, Utah Legislature or any Utah government agency.
Recording acceptance, search access, title accuracy, certified-copy rules, Data Services charges, plat-review status, Property Watch alerts, document formatting, tax parcel updates and legal title consequences are determined by official offices, Utah law and qualified legal professionals. This page is not legal advice and does not create a title opinion.
Public property and recorder 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.