Salt Lake Recorder: Deeds, Recorded Documents, Property Search, Copies & Recording Fees
The Salt Lake County Recorder’s Office records and maintains real-property documents for Salt Lake County, Utah, including deeds, trust deeds, reconveyances, liens, plats, easements, subdivision records and other documents affecting ownership or interests in land.
This guide explains how to search Salt Lake County recorded documents, how to request copies, what a deed record can and cannot prove, how recording fees work, and when you should contact the Recorder instead of the Assessor, Treasurer, Auditor, Clerk or a title company.
What Does the Salt Lake County Recorder Do?
The Salt Lake County Recorder is the official local office for recording and maintaining documents that affect real property in Salt Lake County. If you are searching for county recorder Salt Lake, you likely need one of four things: find a deed, confirm a recorded document, request a copy, or record a new document.
Find Recorded Documents
Use Salt Lake County Recorder Data Services to search recorded documents tied to a property. The free search can show a quick list, while paid access provides broader digital-record access for deeper research.
Good for: deeds, trust deeds, releases, liens, plats, easements and document history.
Record a New Document
The Recorder checks whether a document meets Utah and Salt Lake County recording requirements before it is recorded. The office does not draft your deed, provide blank legal forms, notarize your signature or decide whether your title is clear.
Good for: recording prepared, signed, notarized, legally sufficient documents.
Use Parcel and Plat Tools
The Recorder maintains accurate county plat maps and offers access to property records, parcel tools, document types and subdivision plat resources. The Assessor still handles property values and parcel valuation records.
Good for: parcel number research, plats, legal descriptions and map-based property questions.
How to Search Salt Lake County Deeds and Recorded Documents
Salt Lake County Recorder Data Services offers multiple ways to access property records. A homeowner doing a quick check may start with the free public search, while title researchers, lenders, attorneys and repeat users may need paid Data Services access.
Start With the Free Public Property Search
Open the Recorder public search and read the Terms of Service. The page requires the address or parcel number to be selected from the auto-populated drop-down list before you proceed.
Use the Property Address From the Tax Notice
Salt Lake County’s Property Watch instructions warn that the physical property address may differ from the mailing address. Use the property address shown on the property tax notice when a search page asks for the property address.
Try the Parcel Number if the Address Fails
The parcel number may also be called a serial number or tax ID number. It is used countywide to identify a specific piece of property for assessing and taxing purposes.
Read the Document Type Carefully
Salt Lake County maintains a document type list with abbreviations such as DEED, QCD, WD, TRD, RECON, LIEN, EASEMT, PLAT and other codes. Do not assume every recorded document is a transfer deed.
Upgrade to Paid Data Services Only When Needed
The county describes three access options: free search, $5 24-hour access for up to 150 data units, and larger data-unit packages for consistent users. Paid packages are mainly useful for deeper document-image and research work.
Order a Copy or Certified Copy if You Need an Official Document
If you need the recorded document itself, use the document request process. Salt Lake County says incomplete information can result in an unprocessed order, so include parties, dates, book/page, document type or entry number when you know them.
Why a Salt Lake Recorder Search May Show No Result
Most no-result searches are caused by address formatting, parcel-number confusion, or using the wrong office for the task. Try these fixes before assuming the property has no recorded history.
| Problem | Likely Cause | What to Try | Best Office |
|---|---|---|---|
| Address does not appear in dropdown | The search requires an auto-populated address selection, not just typed text. | Keep typing until the correct address appears, then select it from the dropdown. | Recorder Data Services |
| Directional address fails | Salt Lake addresses often use N, S, E or W directionals. | Place the directional after the house number, such as “123 N Main St.” | Recorder Public Search |
| Duplex or range address fails | Property Watch notes duplexes may require a number range. | Try the full range format, such as “101-111,” where applicable. | Recorder / Property Watch |
| Mailing address does not work | The mailing address may not be the same as the property address. | Use the property address from the Salt Lake County property tax notice. | Treasurer notice + Recorder search |
| Need current value, not deed history | The Recorder is not the valuation office. | Use the Salt Lake County Assessor parcel/valuation search by owner, address or parcel number. | Assessor |
| Need tax amount or payment | The Recorder does not collect annual property taxes. | Use the Salt Lake County Treasurer for tax notices, payments and collection questions. | Treasurer |
How to Record a Deed or Real-Property Document in Salt Lake County
Before you submit a deed, release, lien, easement, trust document or plat-related document, check the formatting and content rules. Salt Lake County says all documents to be recorded must meet recording requirements set by Utah Code.
Salt Lake County Document Must-Haves
- White 8.5-by-11-inch paper.
- Required upper-right first-page recording space.
- One-inch side and bottom margins after the first page.
- Black ink and legible text.
- Legal description in Salt Lake County.
- Correct recording fee.
- Grantor name, signature and notary acknowledgment that match the document.
- Grantee address where required.
Common Reasons Documents Get Rejected
- Missing Salt Lake County legal description.
- Incorrect fee or missing payment.
- Grantor name on title, grantor name on document, notary acknowledgment and signature do not match.
- Missing grantee address.
- Illegible text or text too small.
- Inadequate margins or missing recorder-stamp space.
Salt Lake County Recorder Fees for Deeds, Plats, Copies and Data Services
Salt Lake County’s recording requirements and fees PDF lists these common fees. Always recheck the current county PDF before mailing documents or relying on an older fee schedule.
| Recorder Service | County-Listed Fee | Plain-English Use | Planning Tip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flat document recording | $40 per recording | Standard recorded documents, excluding plat-specific map charges. | Include correct payment before submitting. |
| Additional legal descriptions | $2 each over 10 | Applies when a document has more than 10 legal descriptions. | Count descriptions before estimating cost. |
| Subdivision or condominium map | $50 per sheet + $2 per lot/unit | Used for plat/map recordings. | Confirm plat appointment and review requirements first. |
| Recorded document copy | $2 per page | Plain document copy, printed or electronic file. | Know the entry number, book/page or parties when possible. |
| Certified copy | $5 certification + $2 per page | Used when an official certified copy is required. | Select certified when ordering if the receiving office requires it. |
| Data Services 24-hour access | $5 up to 150 data units | Short-term broader record access. | Best for small research projects. |
| Data-unit packages | $300 to $6,000 depending on package | Longer-term access for repeat users. | Useful for title, lending, legal or research professionals. |
Salt Lake Recorder Recording Fee Estimator
Use this simple calculator to estimate common recording charges from the published fee schedule. This is not an official invoice and does not include every possible special service or statutory fee.
Formula used: standard recordings × $40, legal descriptions over 10 × $2, plat sheets × $50, lots/units × $2, copy pages × $2, plus $5 if certification is selected.
Recorder vs Assessor vs Treasurer: Which Salt Lake County Office Do You Need?
Salt Lake County property tasks involve several offices in the same government center. Contact the office that controls your specific issue.
| Your Task | Correct Office | Why | Fast Tip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Find a deed, trust deed, lien, reconveyance, easement or plat record. | Recorder | The Recorder maintains official recorded documents and indexes. | Search by address, parcel number, entry number, document type or parties when available. |
| Get a certified copy of a recorded deed. | Recorder | The Recorder provides document copies and certified copies from recorded records. | Include as much document detail as possible in the request. |
| Check property value, property type or parcel valuation. | Assessor | The Assessor determines market value and maintains valuation records. | Use owner, address or parcel search. |
| Pay taxes, find a tax notice or ask about tax collections. | Treasurer | The Treasurer bills and collects annual property taxes. | Search the tax payment system by parcel number or address. |
| Challenge valuation or understand property-tax notice changes. | Auditor / Assessor process | Salt Lake County property-tax notices and appeals involve valuation and tax administration offices, not deed recording alone. | Do not confuse a deed correction with a valuation appeal. |
| Change ownership wording, remove a lien or prepare a new deed. | Attorney / title company, then Recorder | The Recorder records qualified documents but does not prepare legal documents or provide legal advice. | Have the document prepared correctly before submitting for recording. |
Property Watch, At-Risk Protection and Discriminatory Covenant Resources
The Salt Lake County Recorder offers several tools that go beyond basic deed lookup. These services can help property owners monitor recorded activity, protect eligible personal information and address historic discriminatory language in property records.
Property Watch Alerts
Property Watch is free for Salt Lake County residents. It can send email or text alerts when new recorded documents are attached to your property. Notifications include the parcel number, recorded entry number, document type and recorded date.
At-Risk Property Protection
Qualified current or former government employees, crime victims or eligible family members may request protection for specified personal information. The online application may require a notarized signature page and supporting documents.
Discriminatory Housing Language
If a property record contains discriminatory language, Salt Lake County provides information for homeowners who want help checking records or submitting a notarized statement under the county’s published process.
Salt Lake County Recorder Office Address, Phone, Email and Directions
The Recorder’s Office is located in the Salt Lake County Government Center. Bring your parcel number, address, entry number, parties or document details when contacting the office.
Salt Lake County Recorder’s Office
Recorder: Rashelle Hobbs
Address:
2001 South State Street, Ste N1-600
Salt Lake City, Utah 84190
Phone: 385-468-8145
Email: RecorderQ@saltlakecounty.gov
Hours: Monday through Friday, except holidays, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Open Recorder Map ↗Video: What Does a County Recorder in Utah Do?
Salt Lake County’s official Recorder page embeds a short county-recorder explainer. It is useful for readers who want a visual explanation of why deeds, plats and recorded-property documents matter.
Official Salt Lake Recorder Links and What to Do After Opening Them
These are the main official resources for Salt Lake County recorded documents, property search, copies, fees and property-owner protection tools.
Salt Lake County Recorder Home
Official starting point for recorder services, office contact information, resources, maps and document-related tools.
- Open the Recorder home page.
- Use the Resources area for Property Watch, Property Search, Interactive Parcel Map, Death of a Property Owner, Recording Requirements & Fees or Record a Plat.
- Confirm the office phone, email and hours before visiting.
- Use the Recorder only for recorded-document matters, not tax payments or valuation appeals.
Salt Lake County Recorder Public Search
Official free property search page for a quick list of recorded documents tied to a property.
- Read the Terms of Service on the public search page.
- Enter the property address or parcel number.
- Select the correct result from the auto-populated dropdown list.
- Review the recorded document list, document type, entry number and recorded date.
- Use the document request page if you need an actual copy or certified copy.
Recorder Data Services
Official explanation of free search, $5 24-hour access and data-unit package options.
- Read the three access options before paying.
- Use free search first if you only need a quick property document list.
- Use $5 24-hour access for small research projects that need more record detail.
- Use a data-unit package only for repeated professional or bulk research needs.
- Call 385-468-8145 for account or login help.
Recording Requirements & Fees
Official county page and PDF for recording requirements, formatting rules, common rejection issues and fees.
- Open the requirements page.
- Download the recording requirements and fees PDF.
- Check paper size, margins, notary, legal description, grantee address and fee before submitting.
- Compare your document against the common document errors section.
- Contact a title company or attorney if you need the deed drafted or reviewed.
Document Copy and Certified Copy Request
Official page for ordering recorded document copies and certified copies.
- Open the document request page.
- Gather book/page, entry number, party names, date and document type if known.
- Select certified only if the receiving office requires a certified copy.
- Review requestor information carefully because the county says you are responsible for fees charged on the submitted order.
- Wait for the Recorder’s email notice that the copy request is ready.
Property Watch
Free Salt Lake County Recorder alert service for new recorded documents attached to your property.
- Open Property Watch.
- Enter the property address and select it from the dropdown list.
- Add your name, email and mobile number if you want text alerts where available.
- Watch for notices from propertywatch@slco.org that list parcel number, entry number, document type and recorded date.
- Contact the Recorder or proper authorities quickly if an alert looks suspicious.
Interactive Parcel Map
Official Salt Lake County mapping tool linked by the Recorder for parcel and map-based property research.
- Open the map and allow it to load fully.
- Search by property address or zoom to the area.
- Confirm parcel boundaries, parcel number and nearby streets.
- Use the parcel number in Recorder or Assessor searches when address search is uncertain.
At-Risk Property Protection
Official application pathway for eligible people who may request protection of specified personal information.
- Read the qualifying categories and documentation requirements.
- Prepare supporting documents before starting the online application.
- Download and complete the notarized signature page if required.
- Upload required proof and submit the application through the county system.
- Ask the Recorder how the request is shared with Auditor, Assessor, Clerk, Treasurer and Information Services offices.
Common Salt Lake County Recorder Mistakes
Mistakes That Waste Time
- Asking the Recorder to tell you whether title is clear.
- Using a mailing address instead of the property address from the tax notice.
- Submitting a deed without a Salt Lake County legal description.
- Forgetting the grantee address or notary acknowledgment.
- Assuming a recorded document changes property-tax value immediately.
- Paying for a large Data Services package before trying free search.
Better Local Workflow
- Search by parcel number when address search is unreliable.
- Save the entry number, recorded date and document type.
- Use a title company or attorney for title opinions and deed preparation.
- Use the Assessor for value and parcel valuation questions.
- Use the Treasurer for tax payment and tax notice questions.
- Sign up for Property Watch if you own property in Salt Lake County.
What Should You Do Next?
| Your Situation | Best Next Step | Use This Office / Tool |
|---|---|---|
| You need to find the deed for a Salt Lake County property. | Start with the Recorder public search, then order a copy if you need the document image or certified copy. | Recorder Public Search + Document Request |
| You need a legally valid deed prepared. | Contact a title company or Utah real-estate attorney before recording. | Title company / Attorney, then Recorder |
| You want alerts for deed fraud or unexpected documents. | Register for free Property Watch using the property address from your tax notice. | Recorder Property Watch |
| You need to check property value or property type. | Search the Salt Lake County Assessor parcel and valuation tools. | Assessor |
| You need to pay or verify annual property tax. | Use the Salt Lake County Treasurer tax-payment and tax-notice tools. | Treasurer |
Salt Lake Recorder FAQs
Where is the Salt Lake County Recorder’s Office?
The Salt Lake County Recorder’s Office is at 2001 South State Street, Ste N1-600, Salt Lake City, Utah 84190. The main phone number is 385-468-8145, and the office lists hours as Monday through Friday, except holidays, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
How do I search Salt Lake County deed records?
Start with the Salt Lake County Recorder public search. Read the Terms of Service, enter the property address or parcel number, select the correct auto-populated dropdown result, and review the recorded document list for entry number, document type and recorded date.
Is Salt Lake County Recorder Data Services free?
Salt Lake County describes three access levels: a free search for a quick recorded-document list, $5 24-hour access for up to 150 data units, and larger data-unit packages for repeat users who need deeper access.
How far back do Salt Lake County online recorder searches go?
The Salt Lake County Recorder’s industry page says online searches can currently be done for records back to Book 262, Page 1, Entry Number 899028, recorded March 1, 1941. Older historic records may require additional research.
How much does it cost to record a document in Salt Lake County?
The county’s recording fee PDF lists a $40 flat fee per recording, $2 for each additional legal description over 10, and $50 per subdivision or condominium map sheet plus $2 per lot or unit. Always verify the current PDF before submitting documents.
How much are Salt Lake County recorded document copies?
Salt Lake County lists recorded document copies at $2 per page, vault documents at $5 per page, and certified copies at $5 for certification plus $2 per page. Copy orders may require document details such as entry number, book/page, parties, dates or document type.
Can the Recorder tell me if my title is clear?
No. Salt Lake County explains that clear title is not determined by the Recorder’s Office. Clear-title questions usually require a title search by a title company or attorney.
Can the Recorder prepare a deed or notarize my document?
No. The county’s resident FAQ says the Recorder’s Office does not have blank forms, assist in preparing documents or notarize documents. It suggests contacting a title company or legal counsel for help with legal forms.
What is Salt Lake County Property Watch?
Property Watch is a free Recorder service that alerts registered Salt Lake County residents when new recorded documents are attached to their property. Alerts can include the parcel number, recorded entry number, document type and recorded date.
Which office handles Salt Lake County property values and tax payments?
The Assessor handles property valuation and parcel valuation records. The Treasurer handles annual property-tax billing and collections. The Recorder handles recorded-property documents such as deeds, liens, plats and related public records.
Independent Educational Guide
County-Appraisal-District.org is an independent informational website and is not affiliated with the Salt Lake County Recorder’s Office, Salt Lake County Government, the Salt Lake County Assessor, the Salt Lake County Treasurer, the Utah Legislature or any title company.
This page is not legal advice, title advice, tax advice or a substitute for a title search. Recording acceptance, copy availability, fees, account access, privacy protection and document sufficiency are determined by the responsible official office and applicable Utah law.
Public property 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.