Arapahoe County Recorder: Search Deeds, Land Records, Fees and Office Guide
The Arapahoe County Recorder function is administered by the Arapahoe County Clerk and Recorder’s Recording Division in Littleton, Colorado. This office records, indexes and preserves deeds, deeds of trust, releases, liens and other authorized public instruments.
Use this guide to search recorded documents in the county’s GovOS public portal, obtain official copies, record a new deed, calculate current fees and find the correct office or secure drop box.
For 2026, two details matter especially: the county now charges a $43 flat recording fee for most instruments, and all Clerk and Recorder branches operate from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM on regular weekdays.
Reviewed October 18, 2026 against Arapahoe County’s official Recording, Locations, Fee Schedule and Digital Records guidance.
What Does the Arapahoe County Clerk and Recorder Handle?
The Clerk and Recorder is the custodian of recorded real-estate documents, but several other county offices have different responsibilities. Selecting the correct office is especially important when investigating property ownership, tax debts or foreclosures.
Recording Division
- Warranty and quitclaim deeds
- Deeds of trust and releases
- Recorded liens and easements
- Recorded document searches
- Certified copies
- Property Alert monitoring
Assessor and Treasurer
- Assessor: parcel and property values
- Assessor: assessment-based owner details
- Treasurer: tax balances and payments
- Treasurer: delinquent property taxes
- County property maps and GIS
Public Trustee and Courts
- Public Trustee: foreclosure information
- Courts: divorce and probate cases
- Courts: certain judgments and satisfactions
- Attorney: legal deed preparation
- Title company: complete ownership and lien examination
How to Search Arapahoe County Deeds and Land Records Online
Arapahoe County uses the GovOS public search platform at arapahoe.co.publicsearch.us. Searching the index and accessing watermarked records can be free, while unwatermarked and certified copies have small charges.
Gather names or document references
Start with a property owner’s legal name, previous owner’s name, approximate recording date, deed-of-trust reference or reception number. A street address alone may not match the primary Recorder index structure.
Open the county’s official document portal
Visit Arapahoe County GovOS Public Search. You can start with the public records search and register for a free account when prompted to view or download available records.
Search grantor and grantee names
For records from about 1980 onward, the county’s digital search guidance recommends using the grantor/grantee index, meaning the names of the parties to a recorded instrument.
Try the seller and buyer for a deed, or a borrower and lender for a deed of trust. Search name variations and former names as appropriate.
Use reception number or book and page for older records
The county’s digital-record guidance states that documents recorded before 1979 generally need a reception number or book-and-page reference for searching. Older Grantor and Grantee books can be researched by appointment in Littleton.
Compare the instrument details
Check the parties, recording date, legal description, reception number and document category. If researching a paid mortgage, search for a matching recorded Release of Deed of Trust.
Download or request the correct copy
With a free GovOS account, the county offers complimentary watermarked copies. Copies without a watermark are $0.25 per page; certification costs $1 per document plus $0.25 per page.
For difficult book-and-page requests, email recording@arapahoegov.com.
Older Arapahoe County Deed Books: 1979 and Earlier
The county’s document-search help distinguishes ordinary name-index searching for documents from 1980 onward from earlier references. This can make a major difference when following a historic deed chain or a deed of trust recorded decades ago.
| Record Situation | Recommended Search | What to Do if Missing |
|---|---|---|
| Recorded 1980 to present | Search GovOS by grantor or grantee name. | Try spelling variations, other parties and document references. |
| Recorded before 1979 | Use reception number or book/page reference. | Email the Recording Division or arrange index-book research. |
| Only old book/page reference is available | Use the Clerk’s special document copy-request route. | Email recording@arapahoegov.com with precise details. |
| Historical grantor/grantee books | In-office research by appointment. | Visit the Littleton Recording Office after scheduling. |
| Copy required for court or closing | Request an officially certified document. | Confirm format and intended use before purchasing. |
Arapahoe County Recorder Office Address, Phone, Hours and Google Map
Arapahoe County Clerk and Recorder — Recording Division
Clerk and Recorder: Joan Lopez
Address:
5334 South Prince Street
Littleton, CO 80120
Recording phone: 303-795-4520
General Clerk phone: 303-795-4200
Email: recording@arapahoegov.com
Current hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–4:00 PM, closed county holidays.
In-person document recording: By appointment only at the Littleton branch.
Get Directions ↗Where Can You Drop Off Recording Documents in Arapahoe County?
Arapahoe County provides red, secure 24-hour document drop boxes outside its branch offices. This is distinct from having a deed recorded at the counter: in-person recording appointments are handled at Littleton.
| Branch | Street Address | Recording Options |
|---|---|---|
| Littleton — Recording Office | 5334 S. Prince St., Littleton, CO 80120 | In-person recording appointment, mailed records and secure drop box. |
| Aurora | 490 S. Chambers Road, Aurora, CO 80017 | Secure 24-hour document drop box. |
| Byers | 538 N. Highway 36, Byers, CO 80103 | Secure 24-hour document drop box. |
| Centennial | 6954 S. Lima St., Centennial, CO 80112 | Secure 24-hour document drop box. |
How to Record a Deed in Arapahoe County, Colorado
Arapahoe County records authorized public documents. The Recording Division can explain filing procedures, but choosing a deed form, determining ownership rights and preparing legally sufficient transfer language are matters for a legal professional.
Prepare the correct deed
Determine whether a warranty deed, special warranty deed, quitclaim deed, personal representative’s deed or another appropriate form is required. Include the parties, complete legal description and applicable consideration information.
Use an attorney or title professional for transactions involving estates, trusts, divorce, survivorship, correction deeds or disputed ownership.
Review signatures, acknowledgment and document format
Ensure that signatures and any required notarization meet Colorado law. The document must contain the identifying details necessary to record and index it correctly. Verify applicable deed and documentary requirements before submission.
Determine the documentary fee
Arapahoe County lists documentary fees for documents granting or conveying title to real property at $0.10 per $1,000 of consideration, when applicable.
Do not automatically assume a transfer with no stated cash payment is exempt from all fees; discuss unusual transactions or exceptions with a qualified professional.
Calculate the flat recording charge
Most documents subject to the county’s standard recording category carry a $43 flat fee effective July 1, 2025. Unlike many older fee schedules, this is not calculated using an extra-page rate for ordinary deed documents.
Choose an accepted submission method
Professional and commercial submitters may use approved e-recording providers. Others can mail an eligible document, use a secure red drop box with payment or schedule an in-person recording appointment at Littleton.
For mailed submissions, make the check payable to Arapahoe County Clerk and put the return mailing address at the upper-left corner of the document’s front page.
Verify the document after recording
Use the GovOS public search to find the recorded entry and keep its reception number. Check the recorded parties and legal description. Retain the returned original or purchased copy for future title or financing transactions.
Which Arapahoe County Deed and Land Records Can You Find?
Warranty and Quitclaim Deeds
Recorded conveyances of real-estate interests. Review grantor, grantee, consideration language and legal description.
Deeds of Trust
Colorado real-estate security instruments. Search later releases and other related recordings when examining loan history.
Releases of Deeds of Trust
Recorded releases may show that a particular deed of trust has been released. Match its original reception number.
Liens and Notices
Recorded liens and notices can affect property transactions. The county does not provide complete lien-search services.
Plats and Easements
Recorded maps and easements can contain access, subdivision or property-interest information, but do not replace surveys or legal interpretations.
Military Discharges
Eligible DD-214 filings are recorded without charge, with two certified copies included under the county fee schedule.
Arapahoe County Recorder Fees, Documentary Fees and Copies
The major Colorado change is the flat $43 standard document recording fee effective July 1, 2025 under HB 24-1269. Some specialized categories have separate statutory charges.
| Service or Document | Published Fee | Important Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Standard deed, deed of trust or other ordinary recording | $43 | Flat recording fee for an eligible document; not based on the number of ordinary letter/legal pages. |
| Plat, map, survey or larger document | $43 | County accepts only 24 × 36 inch plats on Mylar. |
| Documentary fee on property conveyance | $0.10 per $1,000 | Applicable to documents conveying real-property title, calculated on reportable consideration. |
| Federal tax lien | $43 | Listed as a separate document category. |
| Real-estate fixture UCC, 1–2 pages | $13 | Paper filing category. |
| Real-estate fixture UCC, 3+ pages | $18 | Paper filing category. |
| Electronically recorded UCC statement | $8 | Special e-recorded UCC category. |
| Watermarked electronic copy | Free | Available through a free GovOS user account. |
| Unwatermarked digital copy | $0.25/page | County’s published digital-record copy charge. |
| Certified digital copy | $1 + $0.25/page | One certification fee per document plus page charges. |
| Military discharge (DD-214) | No charge | Recording and two certified copies. |
Arapahoe County Recording and Digital Copy Calculator
Estimate basic document recording, documentary fees and digital copy charges using the county’s published rates. The calculator is a planning tool, not an official county tax or fee determination.
Recording $43.00 • Documentary fee $0.00 • Digital copies $0.00
For standard conveyances, this estimator calculates $0.10 per $1,000 of reportable consideration; confirm fractional consideration handling and exemptions with the county. Special UCC filings, provider charges, legal services, tax-specific exceptions and any other transaction charges are excluded.
In-Person, Mail, Drop Box or E-Recording: Which Method Works?
| Method | Who It Suits | Instructions |
|---|---|---|
| In-person appointment | Individuals wanting staff assistance when recording. | Schedule an appointment for the Littleton Recording Office, 5334 S. Prince St. |
| Occasional submitters with eligible completed documents. | Mail documents and exact check payment to Arapahoe County Clerk and Recorder, Recording, 5334 S. Prince St., Littleton, CO 80120. | |
| 24-hour drop box | Submitters who already know their fee and do not need counter assistance. | Use a red county branch drop box. Label the envelope “Recording” and include exact payment by check or money order. |
| E-recording | Commercial and professional recording customers. | Use an eRecording submitter linked on the official county Recording page; provider terms and fees may apply. |
Arapahoe County Property Alert: Monitor Your Name for New Filings
The county offers a free Property Alert service within GovOS. Once enrolled, it can send email notifications if a newly recorded document matches a name you monitor.
How to Enroll
- Open GovOS Public Search.
- Register a free account and verify your email.
- Log in and choose Property Alert.
- Enter names as LAST NAME | FIRST NAME, including useful variations.
- Review any notification and check the actual recorded instrument.
What an Alert Does Not Do
- It does not block a filing.
- It does not guarantee the document is fraudulent.
- It does not remove a false instrument.
- It does not prove ownership or eliminate existing liens.
- Common names can cause alerts about unrelated people.
Common Arapahoe County Recorder Search and Filing Mistakes
| Problem | Why It Happens | What to Do Instead |
|---|---|---|
| Arriving at 7 AM | Older county Recording pages still mention the former opening time. | Use the 2026 branch schedule: 8 AM–4 PM. |
| Visiting without an appointment | In-person recording is by appointment only. | Schedule a Littleton appointment or use mail/e-recording/drop box. |
| Adding page fees to an ordinary $43 filing | Older recording schedules may have per-page charges. | Use the current flat document category, then add applicable documentary fees. |
| Searching pre-1979 deeds using only names | Older documents may require a reception number or book/page. | Ask about Grantor and Grantee books or email the Recording Division. |
| Using CORA to order a deed | Open-records requests and document search are different workflows. | Use the GovOS Document Search or recording@arapahoegov.com. |
| Taking a court satisfaction to the Recorder | A court Acknowledgment of Satisfaction of Judgment belongs in the court system. | File the court document with the appropriate court; record a separate lien release with the Recorder if included. |
Arapahoe County Recorder Deed Search, Fees and Contact Links
Start with these official county resources rather than websites that charge unnecessary access fees or confuse deed indexes with title reports.
Arapahoe County Recording Division
Recording methods, appointments, mail instructions, document search and historical research.
- Read the accepted recording methods.
- Schedule an appointment if recording in person.
- Use the public document search for copies and indexes.
GovOS Legal Document Search
Official digital portal for searching, downloading records and ordering certified copies.
- Search by a document party’s name.
- Create a free account if required for digital access.
- Verify the document before selecting a copy format.
- Use Property Alert if you want recording notifications.
Current Recording Fees
Official $43 flat fee, documentary charges, UCC categories and other recording costs.
- Check the current standard recording charge.
- Identify any documentary fee.
- Use the separate UCC category only when applicable.
- Confirm complex transactions with the Recording Division.
Clerk and Recorder Locations and Hours
Updated January 2026 hours, branch addresses and 24-hour drop boxes.
- Confirm branch hours of 8 AM–4 PM.
- Find the branch nearest the intended drop-box location.
- Schedule Littleton counter recording where required.
Digital Records Search FAQs
Official explanation of free accounts, name-index coverage and copy pricing.
- Review the GovOS account steps.
- Check name-index rules for 1980 onward.
- Understand the older-record book/page requirement.
- Compare watermarked, plain and certified download prices.
Official Property Alert
Free name-monitoring instructions through the county’s GovOS portal.
- Create a free GovOS account.
- Open Property Alert.
- Add name variations to monitor.
- Review alerts for unrelated same-name matches.
What Should You Do Next?
| Your Need | Best Action | Correct Office or Tool |
|---|---|---|
| Find a current deed | Search owner and prior owner names. | GovOS Document Search |
| Find a deed recorded in 1968 | Use reception number/book-page or arrange historical research. | Recording Division |
| Get a certified deed | Order the certified digital copy using GovOS if available. | GovOS / Recorder |
| Record a deed without visiting | Use approved e-recording, mail or the 24-hour document drop box. | Recorder |
| Record a deed in person | Schedule an appointment at 5334 S. Prince St. | Littleton Recording Division |
| Find a mortgage release | Search for a Release of Deed of Trust matching the original recording. | GovOS / Lender |
| Pay property taxes | Use the Treasurer’s tax-payment system. | County Treasurer |
| Research a foreclosure | Use the county Public Trustee’s foreclosure information. | Public Trustee |
| Get divorce or probate court records | Contact the correct Colorado court. | Colorado Judicial Branch |
Arapahoe County Recorder FAQs
Who is the Arapahoe County Recorder?
Joan Lopez is the Arapahoe County Clerk and Recorder. The department’s Recording Division handles deeds and other public recording functions.
Where is the Arapahoe County Recorder’s Office?
The Recording Division is located at 5334 South Prince Street, Littleton, Colorado 80120.
What is the Arapahoe County Recorder phone number?
For recording questions, call 303-795-4520. The general Clerk and Recorder number is 303-795-4200.
What are the Arapahoe County Clerk and Recorder office hours?
All branches changed to Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, effective January 1, 2026. In-person document recording at Littleton requires an appointment.
Can I search Arapahoe County deeds online for free?
Yes. The official GovOS portal supports free registration, document searching and complimentary watermarked copies. Non-watermarked or certified downloads carry published fees.
How do I search older Arapahoe County deed records?
For documents recorded before 1979, the county recommends using a reception number or book/page reference. Grantor and Grantee books can also be researched by appointment at the Littleton Recording Office.
How much does it cost to record a deed in Arapahoe County?
The county’s standard recording fee is $43 per eligible document, effective July 1, 2025. Applicable documentary fees or special statutory categories may add charges.
How much does a certified Arapahoe County deed copy cost?
The county’s digital-record guidance lists a $1 certification charge per document plus $0.25 per page. Uncertified unwatermarked copies cost $0.25 per page, and watermarked copies are available free.
Can I record an Arapahoe County deed by mail or drop box?
Yes. Eligible documents can be mailed to 5334 S. Prince Street, Littleton, CO 80120, or deposited with exact check or money-order payment in a secure red 24-hour branch drop box. In-person recording requires a Littleton appointment.
Does Arapahoe County offer free property recording alerts?
Yes. The county offers free Property Alert monitoring through GovOS. After creating an account, users can register name variations to receive notifications of potentially relevant new recordings.
Independent Public Records Guide
This article is an independently published educational guide and is not operated by or affiliated with Arapahoe County, the Clerk and Recorder, GovOS or the State of Colorado.
Office procedures, recording fees, document-search availability, copy pricing and Colorado law can change. Confirm requirements with the official agency before filing documents or relying on land-record information.
This guide does not provide legal advice, tax advice, a complete lien search, professional title examination or ownership guarantee. Public records must not be used for regulated credit, housing, employment or insurance eligibility screening.
Sources: Arapahoe County Recording Division, Recording Fees, Locations and Hours, Digital Records FAQs, and Property Alert instructions. The article body intentionally excludes an H1 because WordPress/Yoast supplies the main page heading.