King County WA Recorder: Search Deeds, Recorded Documents, Copies, Fees & Office Guide
The King County Recorder’s Office records real estate deeds, mortgages, plats, surveys and other official documents for King County, Washington. It also preserves recorded documents, provides certified and uncertified copies, collects real estate excise tax connected with recorded transfers, and offers a free Recording Activity Notification System called RANS.
This guide explains how to use the official Landmark Records Search, how to search by name, parcel, recording number or legal description, how to request certified deed copies, how to record documents by counter, drop box, mail or eRecording, and when to use King County Parcel Viewer, Treasury Operations, Archives or Superior Court Clerk instead.
Where Do You Search King County Recorder Deeds and Records?
Use the official King County Recorder online records search, also called Landmark Records Search, for recorded deeds, mortgages, plats, surveys, liens and other official recorded documents. If you only know the property address, first use King County Parcel Viewer to find the parcel number and ownership clues, then return to Recorder search.
Use the Recorder For
Recorded deeds, mortgages, plats, surveys, easements, liens, releases, document images, certified copies, uncertified copies, restrictive covenant resources, registered land/Torrens records and real estate excise tax connected with recording.
Use Parcel Viewer For
Address-based property research, parcel number lookup, map view, assessor property details, neighborhood context and the first 10 digits of the parcel ID needed for Landmark parcel search.
Use Treasury For
Property-tax payments, tax statement questions, property-tax account information and payment issues. A recorded deed is not the same as a current tax bill or tax-account balance.
How to Search King County Recorder Deed Records Online
King County’s Landmark Records Search is the official free online database for many recorded documents. Search results depend on the indexing standards used when the document was recorded, so adjust spellings, date ranges and search type if your first search fails.
Open the Official Online Records Search
Start from the King County Recorder online records search page and click START SEARCH. This avoids paid lookalike websites and sends you to the county’s official Landmark search system.
Choose the Right Search Type
Landmark supports search by name, document type, book and page, consideration, parcel ID, recording date, recording number, legal description and Torrens number. Use the most specific field you have.
Search by Name Using King County Format
For name search, King County says to enter last name, then a comma, then first name, such as Doe, John. For a sale deed, try the buyer as grantee and the seller as grantor.
Use Parcel Search Correctly
Parcel search requires the first 10 digits of the parcel ID in the Parcel ID field next to “Starts With.” King County says parcel search only pulls recorded documents from 1997 to current. If you do not know the parcel ID, use Parcel Viewer first.
Watch the August 1, 1991 Archive Line
King County says most documents recorded on or after August 1, 1991 are available online. Documents recorded before that date are on microfilm and are only available from King County Archives.
Open the Document Detail Before Ordering
Click the document line item to view details and image where available. Confirm document type, recording date, recording number, names, parcel clues, page count and whether the document image is viewable online.
What You May Find in King County Recorder Records
A Recorder search result is a recorded-document index, not a full title opinion. Use this decoder to understand what the common fields and documents usually mean.
| Record / Field | What It Usually Means | Why It Matters | Common Mistake |
|---|---|---|---|
| Recording number | The official number assigned when the document was recorded. | Best identifier for copy requests, title research and certified copy orders. | Ordering copies without confirming the exact recording number. |
| Grantor | The party giving, transferring, releasing or assigning an interest. | Useful for searching sellers, lienholders, releasing parties and prior owners. | Searching only the current owner and missing older grantor names. |
| Grantee | The party receiving an interest, benefit or recorded right. | Useful for buyer searches, deed of trust searches, easements and assignments. | Assuming a grantee line always proves current ownership. |
| Deed | A recorded document connected with transfer or conveyance of real property interest. | Used to trace title chain, transfer history and legal description clues. | Relying on one deed without reviewing later releases, liens, corrections or court orders. |
| Deed of Trust / Mortgage | A security instrument connected with a loan or financing arrangement. | Useful for lender, trustee, release and foreclosure-history research. | Thinking a deed of trust means ownership transferred to the lender. |
| Plat / Survey / Condo Record | Recorded land-boundary, subdivision, survey or condominium documents. | Useful for legal descriptions, boundaries, lots, units and land-development history. | Using a map image as legal advice without surveyor or title review. |
How to Record a Deed or Real-Estate Document in King County
King County allows several recording methods: in person at the Customer Service Center, drop box outside the CSC building, mail, or eRecording. Most deposited documents are usually available in online records search within seven to ten business days after deposit.
Recording Methods
- Visit the counter at the King County Customer Service Center.
- Use the Recorder’s Office drop box outside the CSC building.
- Mail documents with a personal check, cashier’s check or money order.
- Use eRecording through a third-party submitter or King County Agent Account if eligible.
- Include correct recording fees and any required real estate excise tax materials.
What Staff Can and Cannot Do
- Staff can check legibility requirements.
- Staff can check formatting and indexing completeness.
- Staff can check whether correct fees are being collected.
- Staff cannot suggest document types or templates.
- Staff cannot fill out documents or determine legal correctness.
- Staff cannot accept illegible documents.
| Fee / Recording Item | King County Published Amount | Practical Meaning | Where to Verify |
|---|---|---|---|
| Deed of Trust | $304.50 plus $1 for each additional page. | Do not price a deed of trust as a basic low-fee document. | King County Record a Document page. |
| Assignment of Deed of Trust / Appointment or Resignation of Successor Trustee | $301 plus $1 for each additional page. | Trustee and deed-of-trust-related documents have special first-page fees. | King County Record a Document page. |
| Government liens | $18 plus $1 for each additional page. | State, county and municipal government liens are not priced like all other documents. | King County Record a Document page. |
| Order changing name | $203.50. | Use this specific fee line when recording an order changing name. | King County Record a Document page. |
| DD-214 discharge record | No fee. | King County lists no fee for Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, Form DD 214. | King County Record a Document page. |
| All other documents | $303.50 plus $1 for each additional page. | Many documents use this default line unless a special fee applies. | King County Record a Document page. |
| Non-standard documents | Additional $50 fee may apply. | Non-standard means margin/format problems, not illegibility. A cover sheet and signed non-standard request may be required. | King County Payment Information page. |
How to Get a Certified Copy of a King County Deed
King County recommends searching online first to confirm that the document was recorded in King County. The online system returns unofficial copies of documents recorded since 1976 and allows copy purchase for documents recorded after August 1991.
Find the Document First
Open Landmark search, identify the exact document, and confirm the recording number, date, parties and page count before ordering.
Choose Certified or Uncertified
Uncertified copies may be downloaded or printed after checkout. Certified copies are mailed because King County says certified copies must be mailed to preserve the official seal.
Order Online, Phone, Mail or In Person
Online ordering uses a Records Search account and cart. Phone orders are taken on weekdays during phone hours. Mail orders need the copy request form and exact payment.
| Copy Type | King County Published Fee | Best Use | Practical Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Certified recorded document, legal size or smaller | $3 for the first page and $1 for each additional page. | Court, lender, title, probate, agency or official filing requests. | Certified copies ordered online are mailed within the county’s stated processing window. |
| Uncertified recorded document, legal size or smaller | $1 per page. | Research, personal reference or title-preparation review. | Not enough when an official certified copy is required. |
| Non-recorded, uncertified document | $0.15 per page. | General non-recorded copy needs. | Not the same as an official recorded deed copy. |
| Map copies | Fees vary by bond/Mylar and certified/uncertified type. | Plat, survey and map copy needs. | Check size and certification before ordering. |
| Search records | $8 per hour. | When staff search assistance is needed. | Search yourself online first when possible. |
King County Recorder Office Address, Phone, Email, Hours & Map
The Recorder’s Office is located at 201 S. Jackson St., Suite 204, Seattle, WA 98104. In-person service is weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., recording ends at 3:30 p.m., and phone hours are weekdays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
King County Recorder’s Office
Address:
201 S. Jackson St., Suite 204
Seattle, WA 98104
Phone: 206-477-6620
TTY Relay: 711
Email: KCROCust@kingcounty.gov
In-person hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Recording cutoff: 3:30 p.m.
Phone hours: Monday–Friday, 9 a.m.–2 p.m.
Open Recorder Map ↗King County Recorder vs Parcel Viewer vs Treasury vs Court Clerk
King County’s own “Are you in the right place?” guidance separates recorded documents from parcel information, taxes, court records, vital records and statewide land-boundary information.
| Your Question | Best Starting Office / Tool | Why | Useful Action |
|---|---|---|---|
| I need a deed, mortgage, plat, survey, lien, release or recorded document image. | King County Recorder | The Recorder records, preserves and produces copies of recorded documents. | Use Landmark Records Search or request a copy. |
| I only know the address or need parcel information. | King County Parcel Viewer | Parcel Viewer helps locate parcel ID and property details before a Recorder search. | Search the address, then use the first 10 parcel digits in Landmark parcel search. |
| I need property-tax payment or tax-bill information. | King County Treasury Operations | Treasury handles property-tax accounts and payment information, not deed recording. | Use Treasury Operations for tax balance, due dates and payments. |
| I need court, divorce or case records. | King County Superior Court Clerk | Court files are separate from the Recorder’s land records index. | Search or request from the Superior Court Clerk instead. |
| I need a birth or death record. | King County Vital Statistics | Vital records are not handled by the Recorder’s deed-recording office. | Use the vital records office for birth and death certificates. |
| I need statewide land boundary or survey information. | Public Land Survey Office | King County points statewide land-boundary research to Washington’s Public Land Survey Office. | Use DNR/Public Land Survey Office resources. |
King County Records Decision Tool
Select your goal and what information you already have. The tool points you to the best official King County starting place.
Recommended starting point
Choose an option above to see the best official King County office or portal.
King County RANS: Free Recording Activity Alerts
King County’s Recording Activity Notification System, or RANS, is a free email notification service. It sends an email when a land records document matching a subscribed personal name or business name is recorded.
What RANS Does
RANS helps property owners know when land records are recorded using a monitored name. This can help you review unexpected documents faster.
What RANS Does Not Do
King County says RANS does not guarantee fraud protection and may send notifications that do not pertain to you, especially for common names.
If an Alert Looks Wrong
The Recorder cannot remove or legally judge a recorded document. If you suspect fraud or a legal issue, seek legal counsel or contact the appropriate law enforcement agency.
Official King County Recorder Links and Micro-Guides
Use these official resources for deed search, copy orders, recording, fees, eRecording, RANS alerts, parcel lookup and property-tax questions. Each action link includes what to do after opening it.
King County Recorder’s Office Main Page
Official starting page for online records search, marriage licensing, document recording, copies, RANS, REET, plats, surveys, fees and forms.
- Open the Recorder main page.
- Use Online records search to find recorded deed and mortgage documents.
- Use Record a document before submitting a deed, mortgage or other instrument.
- Use Request a copy for certified or uncertified copies.
- Use Recording Activity Notification System to register for name-based recording alerts.
King County Online Records Search
Official page explaining Landmark Records Search, online record availability, search fields, parcel-search rules and tutorials.
- Click START SEARCH.
- Choose name, document type, book/page, parcel ID, recording date, recording number, legal description or Torrens search.
- For name search, enter last name, comma, first name.
- For parcel search, enter the first 10 parcel digits next to “Starts With.”
- Click a document line item to view details and image where available.
Landmark Records Search App
Direct search portal for King County recorded documents and RANS registration access.
- Open the Landmark Web portal.
- Select the search icon that matches your available information.
- Use recording number first if you have it.
- Use name or parcel search if you do not have a recording number.
- Review the terms of use before downloading, ordering or relying on documents.
Record a Document
Official recording page for counter, drop box, mail and eRecording submission methods plus current recording fee examples.
- Choose whether you are submitting in person, by drop box, by mail or through eRecording.
- Check whether your document fee is Deed of Trust, assignment/trustee, government lien, name-change order, DD-214 or all-other-documents.
- Include a check, money order or accepted payment method when required.
- Confirm the document is formatted, legible and indexed before submitting.
- Remember that the preparer is responsible for legal correctness.
Request Copies of Recorded Documents
Official copy page for certified copies, uncertified copies, online orders, mail requests, phone requests, copy fees and archive guidance.
- Search online first to confirm the document is recorded in King County.
- Open the document image and click Add to Cart for online ordering.
- Select certified or uncertified copy at checkout.
- Use mail request form and exact payment if ordering by mail.
- Contact King County Archives for documents recorded before August 1991.
Payment Information and Non-Standard Documents
Official payment page explaining multiple title/indexing charges, cover sheets and the additional non-standard document fee.
- Review accepted payment methods before visiting or mailing.
- Check whether your document contains multiple transactions or titles.
- Remember that a cover sheet counts as an additional page.
- If your document is non-standard, check the extra $50 fee and cover-sheet requirement.
- Do not submit illegible documents because non-standard filing does not cure legibility problems.
Recording Activity Notification System
Official RANS registration page for free recording activity email alerts.
- Select personal or business name monitoring.
- Enter the name exactly and confirm it.
- Enter and confirm your email address.
- Add parcel information if you have it.
- Click Send Confirmation Email and complete verification.
RANS FAQ
Official FAQ explaining what RANS does, cost, common-name alerts, correction limits and fraud concerns.
- Read what RANS does and does not guarantee.
- Review what to do if an alert seems incorrect.
- Understand that the Recorder cannot remove recorded documents simply because they are disputed.
- If you suspect fraud, use legal counsel or appropriate law enforcement.
King County Parcel Viewer
Official parcel lookup tool for address-based property research and parcel number lookup before Recorder parcel search.
- Open Parcel Viewer.
- Search by property address.
- Copy the parcel number and ownership clues.
- Use the first 10 parcel digits in Landmark parcel search.
- Use Recorder search for recorded documents, not the parcel map alone.
Common King County Recorder Mistakes
Mistakes That Delay Searches or Recording
- Searching only by property address in the Recorder system instead of using Parcel Viewer first.
- Using full parcel numbers incorrectly instead of the first 10 digits for parcel search.
- Expecting parcel search to find pre-1997 recorded documents.
- Ignoring the August 1, 1991 online availability line for older documents.
- Arriving after the 3:30 p.m. recording cutoff.
- Assuming Recorder staff can prepare, choose or legally validate a deed.
- Using property records for tenant, employment, credit or insurance screening.
Better King County Workflow
- Use recording number first when available.
- Use last-name-comma-first-name format for name search.
- Use Parcel Viewer to locate parcel ID from an address.
- Contact King County Archives for pre-August 1991 recorded documents.
- Use the copy request page before ordering certified copies.
- Use RANS to monitor new land-recording activity.
- Use an attorney or title professional for legal document preparation.
What Should You Do Next?
| Your Goal | Best Next Step | Correct King County Office / Tool |
|---|---|---|
| Find a deed, mortgage, lien, release, plat or survey. | Open Landmark Records Search and search by name, recording number, book/page, parcel, legal description or document type. | King County Recorder |
| You only know the property address. | Open Parcel Viewer, search the address, copy parcel and owner clues, then return to Recorder search. | King County Parcel Viewer |
| Order a certified deed copy. | Find the exact recorded document, add it to the online cart or use the copy request form, and choose certified copy. | Recorder Copy Requests |
| Record a new deed or mortgage document. | Review recording fees, format rules, payment requirements and legal-preparer responsibility before submitting. | Recorder Document Recording |
| Find an older pre-August 1991 recorded document. | Contact King County Archives because older documents are on microfilm. | King County Archives |
| Watch for unexpected recordings. | Sign up for RANS using your personal or business name and property-related information. | Recording Activity Notification System |
King County Recorder FAQs
What does the King County Recorder’s Office do?
The King County Recorder’s Office records documents such as real estate deeds, mortgages, plats and surveys. It also preserves recorded documents, provides copies of recorded documents and collects real estate excise tax connected with recorded transfers.
How do I search King County deed records online?
Use King County’s online records search and click START SEARCH. The Landmark Records Search system allows searching by name, document type, book/page, consideration, parcel ID, recording date, recording number, legal description or Torrens number.
What records are available online from King County Recorder?
King County says most documents recorded on or after August 1, 1991 are available online. Documents recorded before August 1, 1991 are on microfilm and are only available from King County Archives.
How do I search by parcel number in King County Recorder records?
King County says to enter the first 10 digits in the Parcel ID field next to the Starts With field. Parcel ID search only pulls recorded documents from 1997 to current. If you do not know the parcel ID, first use King County Parcel Viewer by searching the property address.
Where is the King County Recorder’s Office located?
The King County Recorder’s Office is located at 201 S. Jackson St., Suite 204, Seattle, WA 98104. In-person service hours are 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. weekdays, and recording ends at 3:30 p.m.
What is the King County Recorder phone number?
The King County Recorder’s Office phone number is 206-477-6620. Phone hours are weekdays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The office also lists TTY Relay 711 and customer service email KCROCust@kingcounty.gov.
How do I get a certified copy of a King County deed?
Search the online records first, open the document image, add the document to the shopping cart, choose certified copy at checkout, and include a mailing address. King County says certified copies must be mailed to preserve the official seal.
Can King County Recorder staff prepare or correct my deed?
No. King County says the responsibility for preparing a document lies with the preparer. Staff can check legibility, format, indexing and fees, but cannot suggest forms, fill out documents or determine legal correctness.
Does King County offer property recording alerts?
Yes. King County’s Recording Activity Notification System, or RANS, is a free email service that sends notice when a land records document matching a subscribed name is recorded. It does not guarantee fraud protection.
Can I use King County Recorder records for tenant or employment screening?
No. This guide is for property-record navigation only. Do not use deed records, owner names or public property-record information for employment screening, tenant screening, credit eligibility, insurance underwriting or other regulated consumer-reporting purposes. This website is not a Consumer Reporting Agency.
Independent Educational Guide
CountyCADPropertySearch.org is an independent informational website. It is not the King County Recorder’s Office, King County Parcel Viewer, King County Treasury Operations, King County Archives, King County Superior Court Clerk, a title company, a law firm, an escrow company or a Consumer Reporting Agency.
Recording requirements, fees, copy rules, online availability, document images, office hours, recording cutoffs, RANS behavior, REET rules and legal standards can change. Always verify current instructions directly with the responsible King County or Washington State office before recording a document, paying a fee or relying on a record.
This page is not legal, title, tax or financial advice. For deed preparation, title disputes, liens, mortgage issues, probate transfers, trusts, divorce-related transfers, restrictive covenants, registered land/Torrens issues or suspected fraud, consult a qualified Washington attorney, title company or escrow professional.