Pierce County Recorder: Deeds, Recorded Documents, Fees, Search Portal & Office Guide
In Pierce County, Washington, deed and land-record recording is handled by the Pierce County Auditor’s Office Recording Department. The public often searches for “Pierce County Recorder,” but Washington counties generally use the Auditor as the recording officer for deeds, mortgages, liens, maps and other instruments.
This guide explains how to search recorded documents, request certified copies, record a deed, calculate common recording fees, avoid document-format rejection, use eRecording, and decide whether you need the Auditor, Assessor-Treasurer, GIS, Superior Court Clerk or Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department.
Who Is the Pierce County Recorder?
For Pierce County, Washington, the “recorder” function is handled by the Pierce County Auditor’s Office Recording Department. This office records and indexes deeds, deeds of trust, mortgage documents, liens, easements, maps, covenants, leases, title eliminations, foreclosure documents and other official records.
Use Recording for Deeds & Documents
Use the Auditor’s Recording Department to search, record or request copies of recorded land records and other documents accepted for public recording.
Best for: deeds, deed of trust records, liens, maps, covenants and certified recorded copies.
Use Assessor-Treasurer for Taxes & Values
Pierce County’s recording page directs tax and assessment questions to the Assessor’s Office. Recorded documents do not replace property-value, tax-bill or parcel-account records.
Best for: assessed value, property taxes, sales data and parcel account details.
Use Other Offices for Special Records
Birth/death certificates, older court name-change records, superior court case records, septic records and permits are not all maintained by the Recording Department.
Best for: routing the request before paying the wrong office.
Pierce County Auditor vs Assessor-Treasurer vs Clerk: Which Office Handles What?
Pierce County has several public-record systems. Use this office decoder before you search, mail payment, request a certified copy or try to record a document.
| Office / System | Main Role | Use It For | Do Not Use It For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pierce County Auditor — Recording Department | Records, scans and indexes documents for public record. | Deeds, deeds of trust, liens, easements, maps, covenants, recorded copies, eRecording and recording fees. | Determining legal title, calculating property taxes, preparing deeds or giving legal advice. |
| Pierce County Assessor-Treasurer | Maintains property-value and tax-related records. | Parcel lookup, property value, property-tax questions, tax account details and property sales/value information. | Recording a new deed or issuing certified copies of recorded documents. |
| CountyGIS / Property Information Tools | Provides parcel map and property research layers. | Finding a parcel when you only know an address or map location before searching recorded documents. | Replacing a deed search or certifying ownership. |
| Pierce County Superior Court Clerk | Maintains court case records. | Court-filed records, certain name-change documents, case calendars and Superior Court matters. | Recording deeds or land-record instruments. |
| Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department | Handles certain vital and health-related records. | Birth/death certificates and septic system records/as-builts where applicable. | Recorded deeds, mortgages or property-value records. |
How to Search Pierce County Recorded Deeds and Documents Online
Pierce County’s official recorded-document portal is built for document searches, not a simple property-address lookup. The county specifically says copy requests by mail should include the recording number, names on the document and recording date, and that the index does not include searching by parcel number or address.
Open the Official Recorded Documents Search
Use Pierce County’s official Auditor Web Access portal. Read the disclaimer before entering the system. It explains redacted images, certified copy limits, no mass downloading, and the warning that the search system is not a title report.
Search by the Best Identifier You Have
If you have a recording number, use it first. If you do not, search by grantor or grantee names on the document. For a deed, that may be the seller, buyer, trustee, lender, prior owner, trust, business entity or another named party.
Use Date Filters Carefully
If you know an approximate sale, loan, release or filing date, narrow the search by recorded date. If you are unsure, search wider date ranges and compare parties, document titles and recording numbers.
Do Not Rely on Parcel-Linked Results Alone
Pierce County’s portal disclaimer warns that documents linked to a parcel number are limited and may not represent a complete list of documents recorded through the Auditor’s Office. For a complete land-record review, search by recorded-document methods and consider professional title research.
Request Certified Copies When You Need Official Proof
Online images are for convenience and are not certified as true and correct copies. Certified copies can be purchased online when available, in person, or by mail using the Auditor’s copy-request instructions.
What to Do If a Pierce County Deed Search Shows No Results
No-result searches are common because recorded-document systems are not always address-first systems. Try these fixes before assuming the deed or document was never recorded.
Common Search Mistakes
- Typing a street address into a document index that is not designed for parcel/address search.
- Searching only the current owner when the recorded document is under a prior owner, trust, lender or business name.
- Using punctuation, middle initials, “LLC,” “Inc.” or trustee language too narrowly.
- Assuming parcel-linked documents are a complete title history.
- Using the Auditor portal for property values or tax bills instead of the Assessor-Treasurer.
Better Search Strategy
- Search by recording number when available.
- Try last name only, then add first name if results are too broad.
- Search grantor and grantee names separately.
- Use CountyGIS or Assessor-Treasurer tools when all you have is an address.
- Request certified copies by mail with recording number, names and recording date.
Pierce County Recording Requirements for Deeds and Land Records
Pierce County says recording is the process of maintaining an index, scanning a clear image and making a document public record. At the time of recording, documents must be fully completed, signed and notarized when required. The Auditor’s Office does not provide legal advice.
Margin Rules
- First page: 3-inch top margin.
- First page: 1-inch side and bottom margins.
- Additional pages: 1-inch margins on all sides.
- Use a cover sheet if required first-page information is missing.
First Page Information
- Return address in the upper-left area of the top margin.
- Document title.
- Grantor and grantee names.
- Abbreviated legal description and reference to full legal description.
- Assessor’s tax parcel or account number.
Content and Image Rules
- Page size may not exceed 8.5 by 14 inches.
- Font must be at least 8 point.
- Text must be legible and reproducible.
- No stapled or taped attachments.
- Do not include prohibited personal identifiers such as Social Security numbers.
How to Record a Deed or Conveyance Document in Pierce County
Deeds, contracts and other conveyance documents must be cleared for real estate excise tax in the Recording Department. Pierce County states that a real estate excise tax affidavit must be fully completed for each conveyance document being recorded.
Prepare the Document Before Submitting
Make sure the deed or document is complete, signed, notarized where required, legible and formatted to meet Washington and Pierce County recording standards.
Complete Excise Tax Review for Conveyance Documents
Deeds, contracts and other conveyance documents generally require real estate excise tax clearance and a fully completed excise tax affidavit. Confirm whether the transfer is taxable or qualifies for an exemption.
Check Whether You Need a Cover Sheet
If required first-page details are not on the document’s first page, Pierce County says a cover sheet must list all necessary information. Use the official cover sheet rather than creating your own format.
Calculate Fees Before Mailing or eRecording
Use the current Pierce County fee schedule. Standard documents, deeds of trust, assignments, maps, copy requests and excise-tax processing have different fees.
Submit by Appointment, Mail or eRecording
Appointments are recommended for in-person service. For mailed recording packages, make checks payable to Pierce County Auditor. Commercial submitters can use approved eRecording vendors.
Pierce County Recording, Excise and Copy Fees
Pierce County’s current fee page lists a standard first-page recording fee of $303.50, with $1 for each additional page. The county also notes that, effective July 27, 2025, the fee for assignments, appointments, resignations and substitutions of previously recorded deeds of trust increased to $301.00 for the first page.
| Fee Type | Posted Amount | Practical Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Standard recording first page | $303.50 | Common starting point for many recorded documents. Always verify document type before preparing payment. |
| Standard additional pages | $1.00 each | Add $1 for each page after the first page unless a specific exception applies. |
| Deed of Trust first page | $304.50 | Listed separately from the standard first-page amount. |
| Assignments / appointments / trustee substitutions | $301.00 first page | Fee changed effective July 27, 2025 due to HB 1858; additional pages remain $1.00. |
| Nonstandard document fee | $50.00 in addition to recording fee | Applies when a document does not meet standard requirements and is recorded with the required nonstandard cover sheet. |
| Military Separation Record DD214 | No fee | DD214 recording and request for exemption from public disclosure of military discharge papers are listed as no fee. |
| Tax-free excise affidavit processing | $10.00 | Processing cost for tax-free excise affidavits. |
| Certified copy first page | $3.00 | Legal size or less; additional copy pages are listed separately. |
| Certification | $2.00 each | Certification charge in addition to copy charges where applicable. |
Pierce County Recording Fee Estimator
Use this calculator only for planning. It does not include every possible excise tax, merchant fee, map fee, multiple-title transaction charge, transfer-specific requirement, vendor fee or document rejection issue.
Formula used: selected first-page fee + $1 for each additional page + optional $50 nonstandard-document fee. Confirm the official total with the Pierce County Auditor before mailing, eRecording or closing a transaction.
Does Pierce County Accept eRecording?
Yes. Pierce County says the Auditor’s Office can accept all documents and maps electronically, and that it records more than 80 percent of its documents electronically from commercial submitters. eRecording vendors handle payment for recording fees and real estate excise tax.
Why Use eRecording?
Electronic recording is usually faster than mailing. Pierce County says recording numbers are available almost instantly after documents are recorded.
Rejected Documents
Pierce County says rejected eRecorded documents are returned quickly after review, giving the submitter an opportunity to correct and resubmit.
Vendors Listed
Pierce County lists CSC eRecording Solutions, eRecording Partners Network and Simplifile as contracted eRecording vendors.
Pierce County Auditor Recording Office Address, Phone, Hours and Appointment Guidance
Use the Auditor’s Office for recorded-document searches, recording questions, copy requests, fee verification and recording-related appointments. The county recommends appointments and serves appointments first; limited standby walk-in tickets may be issued based on capacity.
Pierce County Auditor’s Office — Recording
Address:
2401 S. 35th St., Room 200
Tacoma, WA 98409
Recording phone: 253-798-7440
General Auditor phone: 253-798-7427
Published recording hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 AM–4:30 PM. Confirm hours before visiting because general office schedules and service windows can vary.
Appointment note: appointments are recommended and are served first.
Open Office Map ↗Official Pierce County Recorder Links and What to Do After Opening Them
Use these official links for live searches, fee verification, eRecording, recording requirements and appointment planning. Each link includes practical next steps.
Pierce County Recorded Documents Page
Official county hub for searching recorded documents, maps, historical index books, owner alert, copy requests, appointment guidance and recording contact details.
- Confirm you are on the Pierce County, WA official website.
- Use Search for Recorded Documents for deeds and recorded instruments.
- Use Search for Maps when your task involves maps, surveys or plats.
- Review the appointment notice before visiting the Tacoma office.
- Use the copy-request mailing instructions if you need certified copies by check or money order.
Official Recorded Documents Search Portal
Use the Auditor Web Access portal to search recorded documents. Read the disclaimer before entering because it explains limits on parcel-linked searches and certified-copy status.
- Open the portal and acknowledge the disclaimer.
- Search by recording number if you have it.
- Otherwise search by names on the document and recording date.
- Do not assume parcel-linked results are a complete title history.
- Purchase certified copies separately when official certification is needed.
Pierce County Recording Requirements
Official page for margins, cover-sheet requirements, first-page data, font size, page size, prohibited personal data and nonstandard-document fee rules.
- Check the first-page 3-inch top-margin requirement.
- Confirm grantor/grantee, abbreviated legal description and parcel/account number requirements.
- Use the cover sheet if required information is missing from the first page.
- Remove prohibited personal identifiers before recording.
- Do not expect the Auditor to provide legal advice or draft your document.
Pierce County Recording, Excise and Map Fees
Official fee page for standard recording fees, deed of trust fees, nonstandard fees, excise processing fees, certified copies and 2025 fee-change details.
- Select the correct document type before calculating fees.
- Count the first page and every additional page.
- Check whether your document is nonstandard and needs the $50 additional fee.
- Review excise tax affidavit processing fees if your document conveys real property.
- Make mailed checks payable to Pierce County Auditor.
Pierce County eRecording
Official county page explaining electronic recording, accepted document types, payment routing and contracted eRecording vendors.
- Confirm your document or map can be electronically recorded.
- Select a contracted vendor listed by Pierce County.
- Confirm vendor account setup, pricing and submission rules directly with the vendor.
- Use vendor feedback to correct rejected documents quickly.
Washington RCW 65.04 — Recording Law
State law defining Washington recording officer responsibilities, recording standards and content restrictions.
- Use RCW 65.04 for statewide legal context.
- Review recording-officer language and instrument-recording rules.
- Check content restrictions on personal identifiers.
- Apply Pierce County’s local instructions and fee schedule after checking state law.
What Should You Do Next?
| Your Situation | Best Next Step | Correct Office / Tool |
|---|---|---|
| You need a copy of a recorded deed. | Search by recording number, document names and recorded date. Purchase certified copies if official proof is needed. | Pierce County Auditor Recording |
| You only know the property address. | Use property information, CountyGIS or Assessor-Treasurer records first, then return to recorded documents with names or recording references. | CountyGIS / Assessor-Treasurer, then Auditor |
| You are recording a deed or conveyance. | Prepare the document, complete excise tax requirements, check margin/cover-sheet rules, calculate fees and schedule/submit correctly. | Auditor Recording Department |
| Your document may not meet formatting rules. | Fix margins, font, page size and first-page information if possible. If immediate recording is necessary, review the nonstandard cover sheet and additional fee. | Recording Requirements page |
| You have tax or assessment questions. | Contact the Assessor-Treasurer instead of the Recording Department. | Pierce County Assessor-Treasurer |
| You need legal advice about ownership or title. | Contact a qualified Washington real-estate attorney, title company or title insurer. The Auditor records documents but does not determine ownership. | Legal professional / title company |
Mistakes to Avoid With Pierce County Deeds and Records
Problems That Cause Delays
- Searching the recorded-document index by address or parcel number only.
- Assuming parcel-linked documents are a complete title history.
- Mailing a document without the correct recording fee.
- Forgetting the real estate excise tax affidavit for a conveyance.
- Missing the 3-inch first-page top margin or required cover sheet.
- Including prohibited personal identifiers such as Social Security numbers.
Better Recording Checklist
- Verify whether the document is for Recording, Assessor-Treasurer, Court or Health Department.
- Use the official fee schedule on the same day you prepare payment.
- Schedule an appointment when visiting the Auditor’s Office.
- Use eRecording through a contracted vendor when appropriate.
- Keep the recording number and date after the document is accepted.
- Order certified copies if the document must be used as official proof.
Pierce County Recorder FAQs
Which Pierce County Recorder is this guide about?
This guide is about Pierce County, Washington. In Washington, the recorder function is handled by the county auditor. Pierce County’s Auditor’s Office Recording Department is located at 2401 S. 35th St., Room 200, Tacoma, WA 98409.
How do I search Pierce County deed records online?
Use the official Pierce County Auditor Web Access recorded-document portal. Search by recording number when available, or by names on the document and recorded date. The county says the index is not designed for parcel number or address search.
Are Pierce County recorded documents available online back to the beginning of county records?
No. Pierce County says records are available online dating back to 1984. Some older index resources may exist, but older images or certified copies may require office or mail copy-request procedures.
Can I search Pierce County recorded documents by address?
The county says its index does not include searching by parcel number or address for copy requests. If you only have an address, first use property information, CountyGIS or Assessor-Treasurer tools to identify names or parcel context, then search recorded documents by names, recording number or date.
What is the current Pierce County standard recording fee?
Pierce County’s current fee page lists the standard recording fee as $303.50 for the first page and $1 for each additional page. Some documents have different fees, including deeds of trust, trustee-related assignments and substitutions, exceptions, maps, copies and excise-tax processing.
What changed on July 27, 2025?
Pierce County states that the fee for recording assignments, appointments, resignations and substitutions of previously recorded deeds of trust changed to $301.00 for the first page effective July 27, 2025. Additional page fees remain $1.00.
Does Pierce County accept eRecording?
Yes. Pierce County says the Auditor’s Office can accept all documents and maps electronically and records more than 80 percent of its documents electronically from commercial submitters. Contracted vendors handle recording-fee and real estate excise tax payments.
Will the Auditor’s Office prepare my deed or give legal advice?
No. Pierce County states that the Auditor’s Office does not provide legal advice. If you need a deed drafted, corrected, interpreted or reviewed for legal effect, contact a qualified Washington real-estate attorney or title professional.
How do I request certified copies of Pierce County recorded documents?
Certified copies can be purchased online when available. For certified copies by mail, Pierce County says to submit a written request with payment to the Auditor’s Office, Attn: Recording Copies, 2401 S. 35th St., Room 200, Tacoma, WA 98409. Include recording number, names on the document and recording date.
Can I use Pierce County recorded documents for tenant or employment screening?
No. Recorded documents are public records, but this website is not a Consumer Reporting Agency and does not provide consumer reports. Do not use this guide or property-record information for employment screening, tenant screening, credit eligibility, insurance underwriting or other regulated consumer-reporting purposes.
Independent Educational Guide
County-Appraisal-District.org is an independent informational website. It is not the Pierce County Auditor’s Office, Pierce County Assessor-Treasurer, Pierce County Superior Court Clerk, Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department, Washington Secretary of State, a title company, a law firm or a Consumer Reporting Agency.
Recording fees, appointment rules, online portal features, copy procedures, eRecording vendors, excise tax requirements and document standards can change. Always verify current instructions with the Pierce County Auditor’s Office before mailing, eRecording or relying on a document for a closing, title transfer or legal matter.
This page explains public-record workflows in plain English. It does not provide legal advice, title advice, tax advice, document drafting, title insurance, ownership certification or guaranteed recording acceptance.