Pima County AZ Recorder: Search Deeds, Liens, Recorded Documents & Office Guide
The Pima County Recorder records and maintains public documents for Pima County, Arizona. Most recording work involves land transactions such as deeds, deeds of trust, releases, liens, easements, maps and other instruments that become part of the permanent public record.
This guide explains how to search Pima County recorded documents, how to buy clean or certified copies, how to record a deed or lien document, what fees to check, where the Tucson offices are located, and how to avoid confusing Recorder records with Assessor, Treasurer, Superior Court or Vital Records documents.
What Does the Pima County Recorder Do?
The Pima County Recorder has two separate public functions: recording documents and voter registration. For deed and land-record searches, use the Document Recording side of the Recorder’s Office. For tax bills, valuations, court cases, marriage records, divorce decrees, birth certificates or death certificates, use a different Pima County or Arizona office.
Recorded Land Documents
The Recorder records and preserves documents such as deeds, deeds of trust, liens, releases, reconveyances, easements, affidavits, maps and other public instruments that affect property or public-record notice.
Public Research
Users can search and preview recorded documents online. Free online images may be watermarked and unofficial, while clean digital copies and certified copies must be purchased when formal use is required.
Two Tucson Offices
The main downtown office is at 240 N Stone Avenue, Tucson AZ 85701. The Eastside limited-service office is at 6920 E Broadway Blvd, Suite D, Tucson AZ 85710.
Which Pima County Office Has the Record You Need?
Pima County property research often uses four different offices. The Recorder is the right office for recorded land documents, but not for every property-related record.
| Your Task | Correct Office | What It Provides | Common Mistake |
|---|---|---|---|
| Search deed, lien, release or recorded map | Pima County Recorder | Recorded documents, sequence numbers, docket/page details, recording dates, public images, copy purchases and certified copies. | Searching the Treasurer tax page and expecting to see the actual recorded deed image. |
| Find parcel value or property characteristics | Pima County Assessor | Parcel search, valuation, classification, ownership mailing address, exemptions and property-description data. | Asking the Recorder to change assessed value or mailing address. |
| Pay property taxes or check tax balance | Pima County Treasurer | Tax bills, payments, delinquent balances, tax liens, interest, receipts and payment status. | Calling the Recorder to pay taxes after finding a deed. |
| Marriage license, divorce decree or court case | Pima County Clerk of the Superior Court | Marriage-license records, divorce/case documents, probate, civil, criminal, family and guardianship case access. | Requesting marriage or divorce records from the Recorder. |
| Birth or death certificate | Pima County Health Department Vital Records | Arizona birth and death certificates handled through vital records processes. | Searching land records for a vital record. |
How to Search Pima County Deeds, Liens and Recorded Documents Online
The best search path is to gather the parcel number or owner name first, then use the Recorder’s Public Records Research page and Self-Service Public Portal to locate the document, preview it and purchase the correct copy if needed.
Start With the Parcel or Property Clues
If you only know the address, use the Pima County Assessor parcel search first to find the parcel number, owner name and legal/property description. Then use those details to narrow your recorded-document research.
Open Public Records Research
Use the official Pima County Recorder Public Records Research page. The Recorder says documents may be viewed, printed or downloaded from the Public Search Portal free of charge, but free images include watermarks and are unofficial.
Search by Name, Sequence Number, Docket/Page or Date
When searching by name, keep spelling simple. The Recorder’s instructions recommend trying only the last name if a document does not appear, removing punctuation, and avoiding articles like “a” or “the” for business or trust names.
Review Document Type Before Ordering
A deed, deed of trust, reconveyance, lien, release, assignment, affidavit, easement or map can mean different things. Save the sequence number, docket/page number, recording date, document type and parties before buying a copy.
Check for Later Releases or Reconveyances
A lien or deed of trust in the index does not always mean the debt is still active. Search for later releases, reconveyances, satisfactions, assignments or corrective documents using the same parties and property clues.
Purchase a Clean or Certified Copy When Needed
The Recorder says unofficial low-resolution watermarked copies are not acceptable for recording purposes. For formal use, purchase a clean digital copy, certified copy or certificate with seal as required by your lender, title company, court, attorney or agency.
Keep the Search Trail
Save the sequence number, docket/page number, recording date, parties, parcel number, copy order, receipt and email confirmation. These details help if you need a replacement copy, certification, correction or title review later.
What Pima County Recording Search Results Mean
A public search result is not just a document image. These fields help you decide whether the result is the deed, lien, release or map you actually need.
Sequence Number
The sequence number is one of the safest ways to re-open, reference or order a specific recorded document. Use it when requesting copies by phone, mail or in person.
Docket and Page
Older recordings may use docket and page references. The copy request page asks for docket/page or sequence number when ordering copies.
Recording Date
The recording date is when the document entered the public recording system. It may differ from the signing date, closing date or effective date.
Names on Document
Names can include grantor, grantee, borrower, trustee, lender, lien claimant or other parties. Search spelling variations when names include punctuation or spaces.
Document Type
Always read the type: deed, deed of trust, lien, release, easement, affidavit and map documents have different legal effects.
Image Status
A watermarked online preview is useful for research, but clean and certified copies are separate purchase options.
How to Record a Deed or Land Document in Pima County
Pima County allows recording in person, by mail, or electronically through the self-service Document Recording portal. A document becomes part of the permanent public record only when it is complete, meets Arizona recording requirements and the proper fees are paid.
| Requirement | Why It Matters | What to Check Before Submitting |
|---|---|---|
| Title or caption | Pima County says each document must have a title or caption briefly stating the nature of the document. | Confirm the top/title area clearly says deed, deed of trust, release, lien, affidavit, easement or other document type. |
| Original or legible copy | Documents must be original or copies of originals and sufficiently legible for certified copies from the record. | Use clear, high-resolution pages, especially for e-recording or attachments. |
| Signatures | Documents must have original signatures or carbon copies of original signatures unless another law applies. | Confirm every required party signed in the correct capacity before mailing or uploading. |
| Size and print | Pima requires documents no larger than 8.5 inches wide by 14 inches long, with print no smaller than 10-point type. | Check page size, font size and scans before submitting. |
| Margins | The first page must have a two-inch top margin reserved for recording and return address information, with half-inch margins on other sides. | Do not place signatures, legal text or notary blocks inside the reserved area. |
| Real-property transfer rules | Documents transferring title must include a complete legal description and usually an Affidavit of Property Value or exemption information. | Verify legal description, parcel details, A.R.S. 11-1133/11-1134 issues and Arizona Department of Revenue forms before recording. |
Ways to Record Documents With the Pima County Recorder
In Person
Visit the downtown office at 240 N Stone Avenue or the Eastside office at 6920 E Broadway Blvd, Suite D. Bring the completed document, payment, return address and any required affidavit or exemption documentation.
By Mail
For USPS, mail to Pima County Recorder, P.O. Box 3145, Tucson AZ 85702-3145. For UPS/FedEx, use 240 N Stone Avenue, Tucson AZ 85701. Include original signatures and correct payment.
Electronically
The Recorder says documents can now be recorded through the self-service Document Recording portal. Documents received after 4:00 p.m. Tucson time are processed the next business day.
Pima County Recorder Fees, Copies and Certified Documents
The Recorder’s fee page lists a flat $30 fee for recording any document, $15 for recording any government-agency document, no charge for military discharge under A.R.S. §11-465, and separate charges for copies, certificates, rejected-document return handling and returned checks.
Recording Fee
The commonly listed recording fee is $30.00 per document. Government-agency recordings are listed at $15.00, and military discharge recordings are listed as no charge.
Copy Fees
The copy page lists 8.5×11 paper copies at $0.25 per sheet, 11×17 paper copies at $0.50 per sheet, and digital copies at $0.25 per document.
Certified Copies
Certified copies are listed at $1.00 per sheet, with a certificate and seal at $3.00 per certificate. Certified copy requests through the online cart are returned by mail.
Pima Recording Readiness Checklist
Use this checklist before mailing, visiting or using the e-recording portal. It is not legal advice and does not guarantee acceptance.
Pima County Fraud Notify, Deed Fraud and Suspicious Recordings
Fraud Notify is a free Pima County Recorder service that can email you when a document is recorded using a registered individual or business name. It is an early-warning tool, not a guarantee that fraud cannot happen.
Set Name Alerts
Create an account, verify your email, log in, continue past the disclaimer, and add alerts for your personal name or business name. Save the alerts after entering them.
Review New Recordings
If you receive an alert, search the document, save the sequence number and order the clean copy if needed. Check whether it is a legitimate mortgage release, lien, deed or unrelated name match.
Act Quickly on Suspicious Items
Contact the Recorder, title company, lender, law enforcement or an Arizona attorney depending on the issue. A fraud alert does not automatically cancel or correct a recorded instrument.
Pima County Recorder Office Address, Phone, Email and Directions
Use the downtown office for voter registration, document research and recording. The Eastside office offers limited services. The Recorder’s contact page says neither walk-in address should be used as a USPS mailing address.
Main Downtown Office
Address:
240 N Stone Avenue
Tucson AZ 85701
Services: voter registration, document research and recording.
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Recording phone: 520-724-4350
Recording email: Recording@recorder.pima.gov
Eastside Office
Address:
6920 E Broadway Blvd, Suite D
Tucson AZ 85710
Services: limited services available.
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; closed for lunch 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m.
General assistance: 520-724-9999 for English or Spanish assistance.
Open Eastside Map ↗Mailing Addresses
USPS:
Pima County Recorder
P.O. Box 3145
Tucson AZ 85702-3145
UPS/FedEx:
Pima County Recorder
240 N Stone Avenue
Tucson AZ 85701
Official Pima County Recorder Search, Recording and Copy Links
Use these official resources for searching recorded documents, recording deeds or liens, buying copies, checking fees, setting Fraud Notify alerts and finding the correct office for non-recorder records.
Pima County Recorder — What We Do
Official explanation of the Recorder’s document-recording and voter-registration functions.
- Read the “Recording of Documents” section.
- Confirm whether your need is document recording or voter registration.
- Use the linked public document search or document pickup resources if you need recorded land records.
Pima County Recorder — Public Records Research
Official page for finding and previewing recorded documents and understanding watermarked vs clean copies.
- Open the public search portal from the page.
- Search by name, sequence number, docket/page, document type or recording date when available.
- Preview the document and note whether the image is unofficial and watermarked.
- Purchase a clean or certified copy if the document is needed for formal use.
Public Search and Document Purchasing Instructions
Official step-by-step purchase instructions and search tips for names, punctuation and shopping-cart checkout.
- If the desired document does not appear, try only the last name.
- Remove punctuation such as periods and hyphens from names.
- Use the cart icon or Purchase button after previewing the document.
- Do not mix digital copies and certified copies in the same cart.
Pima County Recorder — How to Record a Document
Official page for in-person, mail and electronic recording options.
- Choose in-person, mail or self-service electronic recording.
- Read the 4:00 p.m. Tucson-time processing cutoff.
- For mail, include the document with original signatures and correct fee payment.
- For electronic recording, use the linked self-service Document Recording portal.
Pima County Recorder — Recording Requirements
Official requirement list for title/caption, signatures, print size, margins, modifications and real-property transfers.
- Check the title or caption requirement.
- Confirm document size, print size and margins.
- Review signature and legibility rules.
- If transferring real property, confirm the legal description and Affidavit of Property Value or exemption letter requirements.
Pima County Recorder — Recording Fees
Official fee schedule for recording, government documents, copies, certified copies and additional charges.
- Confirm the current recording fee before submitting a document.
- Check copy and certification fees separately.
- Watch for returned-document, returned-check or online card convenience fees.
- Call 520-724-4350 if the document fee is unclear.
Pima County Recorder — Copy Request
Official instructions for buying copies online, in person or by mail.
- Use the portal if you already know how to find the document.
- For in-person help, bring docket/page number, sequence number, names and recording date.
- For mail, include those same details plus your telephone number.
- Choose digital, paper, certified or certificate-with-seal based on who needs the copy.
Pima County Recorder — Fraud Notify
Free alert service that emails you when a document is recorded using your registered individual or business name.
- Create a Fraud Notify account.
- Click the verification link sent to your email.
- Log in and continue past the disclaimer page.
- Add and save alerts for your personal or business names.
Pima County Recorder — Other Document Agencies and Links
Official list showing which office handles marriage/divorce, birth/death, court, tax, assessor and other non-recorder records.
- Use this page when the Recorder does not hold the record type.
- For marriage or divorce, follow the Clerk of Superior Court link.
- For property information or assessments, use the Assessor link.
- For property-tax payments, use the Treasurer link.
Common Pima County Recorder Search and Recording Mistakes
Mistakes That Cause Bad Results
- Searching only by street address when parcel or owner details are needed first.
- Assuming a free watermarked image is acceptable for recording or formal proof.
- Recording a transfer deed without the required legal description or Affidavit of Property Value review.
- Expecting Recorder staff to choose the correct deed form or give legal advice.
- Calling the Recorder for tax-payment, valuation, marriage, divorce, birth or death records.
- Ignoring later releases, reconveyances or corrective documents after finding a lien or deed of trust.
Better Research Habits
- Use the Assessor parcel search first when you only know the address.
- Save sequence number, docket/page, date, parties and document type.
- Use simple name searches without punctuation if results are missing.
- Buy a clean or certified copy when official use is required.
- Review recording requirements before mailing or using e-recording.
- Set Fraud Notify alerts for owner and business names.
Pima County Recorder Decision Path
| Your Situation | Best Next Step | Office / Link |
|---|---|---|
| You need to find a deed or lien but only know the address. | Search the Assessor parcel record first, then use Recorder Public Records Research. | Pima County Assessor → Pima County Recorder |
| You know the sequence number or docket/page number. | Use Public Records Research or Copy Request to locate and order the exact document. | Pima County Recorder Public Search / Copy Request |
| You want to record a deed, release, lien or easement. | Check recording requirements, legal description, signatures, margins, fees and affidavit requirements before submission. | Pima County Recorder Recording Requirements |
| You need a copy for court, lender, title or legal use. | Order a clean or certified copy instead of using a free watermarked preview. | Pima County Recorder Copy Request |
| You want to monitor possible deed fraud. | Create a Fraud Notify account and add alerts for individual or business names. | Pima County Recorder Fraud Notify |
| You need property value or tax information. | Use the Assessor for value/classification and the Treasurer for tax payments. | Pima County Assessor / Treasurer |
| You need marriage, divorce, probate or court records. | Use the Clerk of the Superior Court, not the Recorder. | Pima County Clerk of the Superior Court |
Pima County Recorder FAQs
What does the Pima County Recorder record?
The Pima County Recorder records and maintains public documents, with most document-recording work involving land transactions. Common examples include deeds, deeds of trust, liens, releases, reconveyances, easements, maps and other recorded instruments.
Where can I search Pima County deeds online?
Use the Pima County Recorder Public Records Research page and the linked Public Search Portal. The Recorder states that documents may be viewed, printed or downloaded free of charge, but those images contain unofficial watermarks unless you purchase a clean copy.
How far back does the Pima County online recording search go?
The Recorder’s recording page points users to search documents recorded since 1982 and to use the Historical Index Search for older documents. The office also notes that many historic documents have not yet been digitally indexed.
How much does it cost to record a document in Pima County?
The Pima County Recorder’s fee page lists recording any document at $30.00 under A.R.S. §11-475. Government-agency recordings are listed at $15.00, and military discharge recordings are listed at no charge. Always verify the current fee before submitting.
How do I buy a Pima County recorded document copy?
You can purchase a copy online through the Public Self Service Portal, in person at the Recorder’s office, or by mail. Helpful details include the sequence number or docket/page number, names on the recorded document, and recording date.
Are free online Pima County Recorder images official copies?
No. The Recorder says free portal images contain watermarks and are unofficial. For formal use, order a clean digital copy, certified copy or certificate with seal depending on the requirement.
Can I record a deed electronically in Pima County?
Yes. Pima County Recorder says documents can be recorded through its self-service Document Recording portal. Documents received after 4:00 p.m. Tucson time are processed the next business day.
Does the Pima County Recorder notarize documents?
No. The Recorder’s location information states that the office does not notarize. Complete any required notarization before visiting, mailing or electronically submitting a document.
What is Pima County Fraud Notify?
Fraud Notify is a free Pima County Recorder service that lets you set alerts for individual or business names. When a document is recorded with that name, the system can notify you by email as an early warning of possible property fraud.
Where do I get Pima County marriage or divorce records?
Marriage licenses and divorce records are not Recorder land-record documents. The Pima County Recorder’s other-offices page directs those requests to the Pima County Clerk of the Superior Court.
Independent Educational Guide
County-Appraisal-District.org is an independent informational resource. It is not the Pima County Recorder, Pima County Assessor, Pima County Treasurer, Pima County Clerk of the Superior Court, Pima County Health Department, Arizona Department of Revenue, a title company, a law firm or a government agency.
Recording rules, document fees, copy fees, portal access, office hours, processing times, forms, legal requirements and accepted payment methods can change. Always verify current instructions directly with the Pima County Recorder before submitting or relying on a recorded document.
Property-owner records and public land 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.