King County WA Recorder of Deeds: Search Property Records, Deeds & Office
Trying to find a deed for a home in Seattle, Bellevue, Kent, Renton or another King County community? Need to check a deed of trust, find a recorded easement, or order a certified document for a transaction? The King County Recorder’s Office maintains these records through its official Landmark Records Search system.
The search is available online without paying a private property-record directory. You can search names, parcel numbers, recording numbers and legal descriptions. If you only have a street address, the most reliable starting point is the county’s Parcel Viewer, followed by Landmark.
Where to Search King County Recorder of Deeds Records
In Washington, King County’s land-record recording authority is the Recorder’s Office. The official Landmark search contains recorded real estate instruments such as deeds, deeds of trust, assignments, easements, liens, releases, plats and surveys. The Assessor and Treasury handle different property-related information.
Recorder: Deeds & Liens
Use Landmark to identify recorded real estate documents, view available images, check recording numbers and request official copies.
Open Landmark Search ↗Assessor: Address & Parcel
Use King County Parcel Viewer to find a parcel number from an address and open property-related reports.
Open Parcel Viewer ↗Treasury: Property Taxes
For property-tax balances, payment status and collections, start with King County Treasury Operations instead of the Recorder.
Open Treasury Information ↗How to Search King County Deeds Online
King County’s Landmark system provides different search icons for names, parcel IDs, recording numbers, dates and legal descriptions. Choose the method that matches the information you already have.
Open King County Landmark Records Search
Visit the official Landmark homepage. You can also start from the county’s Online Records Search guide and select Start Search.
Select the Search Icon You Need
The Landmark homepage offers searches by name, document, book/page, consideration, parcel ID, recording date, instrument number, legal description and Torrens information.
If you are searching for a conventional deed, name, parcel or recording-number searches are usually sensible starting points.
Search by Grantor or Grantee Name
For a person, use the county’s prescribed format: last name, comma, first name. For example, enter Doe, John.
The grantor is generally the person giving or transferring an interest; the grantee is the receiving party. To trace an earlier purchase, search both the previous and current owner’s names.
Review Results Without Assuming the First Match Is Correct
Compare the document type, recording date, party names, recording number and legal description. If the person has a common name, refine the dates or use the parcel information.
King County notes that results load one page at a time, so sorting or filtering may need to be repeated when viewing another results page.
Open the Document Details and Image
Select the relevant result to see its indexed details and any available image. Check the legal description, parties and recording number before relying on the document.
Landmark may display an image watermarked as an unofficial document. A watermarked viewing copy is different from an official certified copy.
Save the Recording Number
Keep the document’s recording number, recording date and party names. This reference is particularly useful when ordering a certified copy or searching for related deeds, releases or easements.
Purchase a Copy When Needed
For a non-watermarked or certified copy, sign in through Landmark, open the document image, choose Add to Cart, and select the required copy type during checkout.
Certified copies ordered online are mailed so the official certification can be preserved.
How to Find a King County Deed Using a Street Address or Parcel Number
Landmark is not primarily an address-lookup system. When you know only the street address, use the King County Assessor’s Parcel Viewer to identify the tax parcel number, then search the Recorder’s records.
Start With a Street Address
- Open King County Parcel Viewer.
- Select Launch Parcel Viewer.
- Search for the property address in the map’s search bar.
- Choose the correct parcel from the results or map.
- Read the parcel number and property information.
- Save the number and return to Landmark.
The Parcel Viewer also links to the Assessor’s property report, which can help confirm that you identified the correct property.
Search Landmark by Parcel ID
- Open Landmark and select the Parcel ID search icon.
- Enter the first ten digits of the parcel ID in the field beside Starts With.
- Submit the search.
- Review deeds and related instruments that match the indexed parcel number.
- Open the relevant document and confirm its legal description.
King County states that parcel-number searching retrieves indexed recorded documents from 1997 onward. Earlier records may need name or recording-number searches.
King County Landmark Search Options Explained
| What You Have | Landmark Search | Practical Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Owner or buyer name | Name Search | Use last name, comma, first name for an individual. |
| Parcel number | Parcel ID Search | Use the first 10 digits beside Starts With; older instruments may not be indexed by parcel. |
| Instrument number | Recording Number Search | Enter the recording number as one continuous number. |
| Book and page | Book/Page Search | Enter the recording reference using the matching fields. |
| Recording timeframe | Record Date Range Search | Combine a date window with other details where useful. |
| Subdivision, plat or condominium | Legal Search | Select Legal, then use Advanced Legal for plat, survey or condominium research. |
| Approximate transaction amount | Consideration Search | Search a price range and relevant dates; the reported amount may not establish current property value. |
| Historical Torrens reference | Torrens Search | Use the available certificate, filing or indexed-reference information. |
What King County Recorded Deeds and Documents Can Tell You
A single property may have several recorded instruments affecting ownership, financing, access and restrictions. These documents do not all perform the same legal function.
Statutory Warranty Deed
Documents a property interest transfer using Washington warranty-deed language. Review the named parties, legal description and any referenced documents.
Quitclaim Deed
Conveys whatever interest the grantor holds without the warranties associated with a statutory warranty deed. It may appear in family, estate or ownership-change transactions.
Deed of Trust
A security instrument commonly associated with real estate financing in Washington. It is not the same as a warranty deed conveying ownership to a buyer.
Reconveyance or Release
May document the release of a deed of trust or other recorded interest. When checking a paid-off loan, compare the recorded reference against the original security instrument.
Easement or Covenant
May create or document access, utility, development or use rights affecting property. These documents can be important during a purchase or remodeling project.
Survey, Plat or Condominium Map
May provide recorded boundary, subdivision or condominium information. Not every parcel has a recorded survey, and a recorded map does not replace a site-specific professional survey when one is needed.
Finding King County Deeds Recorded Before August 1991
King County has a particularly important split between online indexes and historical document images. A missing online image does not necessarily mean the deed was never recorded.
August 1, 1991–Present
Most documents recorded from August 1, 1991 onward have online images available through Landmark. Some individual records may have viewing restrictions.
1976–July 31, 1991
Landmark may provide index information such as parties, date, legal description and recording number, even when the document image is not available online.
1853–1975
Historical Grantor/Grantee indexes are generally available through King County Archives on microfilm. Searching usually requires names and an approximate date range.
How to Get Certified and Uncertified King County Deed Copies
The Landmark viewer may show an unofficial watermarked document image for reference. If a court, lender, government agency or other recipient asks for a certified copy, you must use the Recorder’s certified-copy service.
Find the Exact Recorded Instrument
Search Landmark and note the recording number, document type and recording date. Open the image to verify that it is the document you need.
Sign In to Landmark
Select Log On in the upper-right area of the records-search application. Register a new account if necessary or log in to an existing account.
Add the Document to Your Cart
While viewing the document image, select Add to Cart. Confirm the document and select either a certified or uncertified copy at checkout.
Choose Delivery and Complete Payment
Uncertified purchased copies are made available for printing. The county says certified copies ordered online are mailed, typically within five business days. Include a valid mailing address and review the final checkout charges.
King County Recorder Recording Fees and Certified Copy Costs
Washington recording fees can be substantially higher than simple copying fees. The amount depends on the instrument category, applicable statutory surcharges and page count. These are the amounts listed on the county’s current recording and copy-request pages.
| Service or Document | Published Fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Deed of Trust recording | $304.50 | Base document charge; $1 for each additional page. |
| Assignment of Deed of Trust | $301.00 | Also listed for appointment or resignation of successor trustee; additional-page charge applies. |
| Other standard recorded documents | $303.50 | County’s general category, subject to document-specific exceptions. |
| Government liens and death certificates | $18.00 | Listed special category; additional-page charges may apply. |
| Orders changing name | $203.50 | Base recording amount for this category. |
| DD-214 military discharge recording | No fee | County-listed exemption for recording the qualifying discharge certificate. |
| Certified recorded copy | $3 first page + $1 each additional page | Legal-size or smaller documents. |
| Uncertified recorded copy | $1 per page | Legal-size or smaller documents. |
| County-assisted records search | $8 per hour | Separate from the public online search. |
How to Record a New Deed in King County, Washington
Searching an old deed is different from recording a newly prepared legal document. King County accepts recording submissions in person, by mail and through eligible electronic recording channels.
Prepare the Instrument Correctly
Ensure the legal document meets Washington recording requirements, including the applicable first-page and formatting standards, signatures, acknowledgment requirements, indexing information and any required attachments.
King County Recorder cannot choose a deed type, draft the document or advise whether it accomplishes your intended legal result.
Check Real Estate Excise Tax Requirements
Washington real estate transfers may involve Real Estate Excise Tax (REET) procedures, exemptions or affidavits. Confirm whether your transfer requires REET documentation or additional processing before recording.
Determine the Recording Fee
Open the county’s Record a Document page. Check the category corresponding to your instrument, count its pages and confirm any special charges.
Choose the Submission Method
Submit at the Seattle Recorder’s counter, send the documents and payment by mail, or use an approved e-recording provider if eligible. Frequent submitters may inquire about the county’s electronic recording arrangements.
Keep Your Recording Confirmation
Retain the recording number, receipt and returned document information. King County says most newly recorded documents become available to view through its online search within approximately seven to ten business days.
King County Recorder of Deeds Office Address, Hours and Contact
King County Recorder’s Office
Address:
King County Customer Service Center
201 South Jackson Street, Suite 204
Seattle, WA 98104
Phone: (206) 477-6620
Email: KCROCust@kingcounty.gov
TTY Relay: 711
In-person hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 AM–4:30 PM.
Recording cutoff: 3:30 PM.
Phone assistance: Weekdays, 9 AM–2 PM.
Office Directions ↗Before Visiting Pioneer Square
The Recorder is located on the second floor of the King County Customer Service Center at 201 South Jackson Street in Seattle’s Pioneer Square neighborhood.
- Bring the recording number if requesting an existing document.
- For a new recording, check that the instrument meets state formatting rules.
- Confirm the recording fee and accepted payment method before travel.
- Do not assume the Recorder can prepare or legally review your deed.
- Check county holidays, building access and parking before making a special trip.
Mail requests for recorded document copies may also be directed to this Suite 204 address under the official copy-request instructions.
The map identifies the King County Customer Service Center location. Confirm office access and services before traveling.
King County RANS: Get Alerts About New Recorded Documents
King County operates the Recording Activity Notification System (RANS), a free email service that alerts subscribers when a newly recorded land document matches a registered personal name, business name or tax parcel number.
How to Register for RANS
- Open the official RANS registration page.
- Select Personal or Business and enter the requested name information.
- Enter the email address to receive alerts.
- If registering a parcel, use its first ten digits without punctuation.
- Select Send Confirmation Email.
- Open the county’s email and activate the registration through its confirmation link.
What to Expect From an Alert
An alert may include the document type, recording date, recording number and instructions for finding the instrument in Landmark.
Common names can generate unrelated alerts. If you receive an unfamiliar notification, review the recorded document and compare its parties and parcel details before drawing conclusions.
RANS is a notification system, not fraud prevention. It cannot block a filing or guarantee that all suspicious activity will be detected.
Why You May Not Find a King County Deed in Landmark
| Problem | Likely Explanation | What to Try |
|---|---|---|
| Searching by street address | Landmark uses indexed recording fields rather than a conventional address lookup. | Find the parcel number through King County Parcel Viewer first. |
| Parcel number returns no deeds | Older documents may not have been consistently indexed by parcel. | Search grantor/grantee names or recording dates. |
| Document from 1985 has no image | Pre-August 1991 images are generally held in archives rather than displayed online. | Save the recording number and contact King County Archives. |
| No result under a person’s name | Different name formatting, indexing conventions or prior ownership. | Try last name first, former owners and a broader date range. |
| Results change from page to page | Landmark loads results in pages and filters may need to be applied separately. | Repeat sorting/filtering when changing result pages. |
| Document is watermarked | It is an unofficial viewing copy. | Order a certified or paid uncertified copy if required. |
| Recently recorded deed not visible | The image or additional indexing may still be processing. | Search by recording number, then contact the Recorder if needed. |
| Unfamiliar document recorded under your name | Could be an unrelated name match, indexing error or a matter requiring investigation. | Inspect the instrument and contact its submitter or seek appropriate legal assistance. |
King County Deed Search, Copy Requests and Property Research Links
Use the official systems below for specific tasks. Each one serves a different purpose, so the steps explain what to do after opening the link.
1. Landmark Official Records Search
Search by name, parcel number, legal description, recording number or document type.
- Select the appropriate search icon.
- Enter the name, parcel number or recording reference.
- Open the matching result and verify its indexed details.
- View the image or purchase the necessary copy.
2. Recorder’s Online Search Instructions
Official tutorials and guidance for name, parcel, plat and survey searches.
- Read the Search Tips and Tutorials section.
- Choose the tutorial for your search type.
- Follow the county’s field-format rules.
3. King County Parcel Viewer
Find the ten-digit parcel number, property reports and parcel geography.
- Launch the interactive map.
- Search by address or parcel number.
- Select the correct parcel.
- Use its parcel ID and property report to assist your Landmark search.
4. Certified and Uncertified Document Copies
Official copy fees and online, phone, mail and in-person ordering instructions.
- Confirm the document’s recording number.
- Choose certified or uncertified copies.
- Review the page fee and delivery requirements.
- Place the order using an approved method.
5. Record a Document and Check Fees
Official document recording options, fees and formatting information.
- Identify the document’s recording category.
- Review formatting standards and any REET requirements.
- Check first-page and additional-page charges.
- Select in-person, mail or eligible e-recording submission.
6. King County Archives — Historical Records
Microfilmed deeds and older recording indexes.
- Identify the approximate recording year.
- Gather a grantor or grantee name and any recording number.
- Follow Archives instructions for the relevant record period.
- Contact Archives if the document is not digitized.
7. Recording Activity Notification System
Free recording alerts associated with registered names or parcel numbers.
- Enter your name or business information.
- Add the first ten digits of the tax parcel number if applicable.
- Provide the email address and submit.
- Confirm the registration through the county’s email.
After You Find a King County Recorded Document
If You Found Your Deed
Save the recording number, document image and date. Order a certified copy only if the receiving organization requires one.
If You Need the Property’s Assessed Value
Use the King County Assessor’s property lookup or Parcel Viewer. Recorded deed consideration is not necessarily the current assessed value.
If a Mortgage or Deed of Trust Was Paid Off
Search for a reconveyance or applicable release and compare its recording reference with the original security instrument. Contact the lender or trustee if you cannot find the expected recording.
If the Recording Appears Incorrect
Retain the instrument number and review the submitter’s information on the recorded document. The Recorder generally cannot alter the original recorded instrument; substantive corrections may require a new filing and professional advice.
King County WA Recorder of Deeds FAQs
1. Where can I search King County recorder of deeds records online?
Use King County’s official Landmark Records Search at recordsearch.kingcounty.gov. It provides searches by names, recording numbers, parcel IDs, dates, legal descriptions and other recorded-document fields.
2. Can I search King County deeds using a property address?
Start with King County Parcel Viewer to identify the property’s tax parcel number. Then enter the first ten digits of the parcel number in Landmark’s Parcel ID search beside Starts With. Older documents may require additional name or date searches.
3. Is King County Landmark deed search free?
Yes. King County provides free access to its online recorded-document search. Unofficial watermarked images may be available to view. Certified and purchased non-watermarked copies have fees.
4. How far back do King County online deed records go?
Landmark includes recorded-document index information dating from 1976, while images of most documents are available from August 1, 1991 onward. Older historical records and microfilm can be researched through King County Archives.
5. How much is a certified King County deed copy?
The Recorder’s published fee is $3 for the first page and $1 for each additional page of a certified recorded document that is legal size or smaller. Purchased uncertified copies cost $1 per page. Check delivery and checkout charges before ordering.
6. Where is the King County Recorder’s Office in Seattle?
The office is at 201 South Jackson Street, Suite 204, Seattle, WA 98104, within the King County Customer Service Center in Pioneer Square. The phone number is (206) 477-6620.
7. What time does King County stop accepting documents for recording?
In-person hours are 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM on weekdays, excluding county holidays, but the Recorder stops accepting recording submissions at 3:30 PM. Telephone service is listed from 9 AM to 2 PM on weekdays.
8. Can I find an old King County deed recorded before 1991?
Yes, but the image may not be online. Landmark provides some older index information, and King County Archives maintains historical indexes and microfilmed documents. Names, approximate dates and recording numbers are especially useful for locating older deeds.
9. Does King County offer property fraud recording alerts?
Yes. The free Recording Activity Notification System, or RANS, can send email alerts when new recorded documents match registered names or parcel numbers. It provides notification only and does not prevent fraudulent recordings.
10. Can the King County Recorder confirm that a property has clear title?
No. The Recorder maintains recorded instruments and checks certain filing requirements but does not determine the legal validity of a document or guarantee clear title. A qualified title company or Washington real estate attorney can assist with a title examination.