Apache County Recorder: Find Deeds, Recorded Documents and Official Copies
Use the Apache County Recorder when you need the actual recorded deed, deed of trust, mortgage, lien, release, plat, survey, home-site lease, family-trust document or another instrument filed in Apache County, Arizona.
This guide takes you directly through the county’s official record system, shows how to identify the correct deed, explains current recording and copy fees, covers Arizona deed requirements, and tells you when the Assessor or Treasurer—not the Recorder—is the office you actually need.
Apache County says preserved Recorder documents date back to 1879.
$30 per instrument for many recordings, subject to statutory exceptions.
The Recorder lists most document copies at $1 per page.
75 West Cleveland, St. Johns, Arizona 85936.
6:30 a.m.–5:30 p.m., Monday through Thursday.
Go directly to your Apache County deed or record task
Choose the task that matches why you came to this page.
What does the Apache County Recorder actually keep?
The Apache County Recorder preserves and indexes documents that have been formally recorded in the county. The county states that its preserved records date back to 1879 and that copies are available upon request.
For property research, the Recorder is most useful when you need to see the legal instrument itself rather than a parcel-summary screen.
Use recorded deeds to review how an ownership interest was conveyed and identify grantors, grantees, legal descriptions and recording references.
Search financing instruments and later releases or reconveyances when researching recorded encumbrances.
Recorded tax liens and other lien documents may appear in the Recorder’s index together with releases or satisfactions.
Recorded maps and surveys can provide subdivision, parcel and legal-description context that is not shown on a simple ownership screen.
Apache County identifies family trusts and other certificates among the document types handled by the Recorder.
The Recorder specifically lists home-site leases among the documents accepted for recording.
How to search Apache County deeds and recorded documents online
Apache County provides a public Self Service Web system for recorded-document research. The portal’s own disclaimer warns that its index should be treated like a library card catalog: it helps you locate the underlying document, but the index itself should not be treated as a legal conclusion about the document.
Open Apache County Recorder Self Service Web
How to identify the correct Apache County deed
Finding a document with the correct owner name is only the first step. A useful deed search should answer three questions: Is this the correct property? Is this the correct transfer? Does this document connect logically with the prior or later recorded instruments?
Do not confuse the Assessor owner display with the recorded deed
The Apache County Assessor’s online record is excellent for identifying an assessor parcel number, ownership display, sales information, tax history and assessment history. But when the actual wording of a transfer matters, open the deed recorded with the Recorder.
How to request a copy of an Apache County recorded document
If an online image is enough for preliminary research, you may be able to review it through the Self Service Web. Apache County notes that online images contain an “Unofficial Document” watermark.
When you need a copy supplied by the Recorder—or a certified copy for a court, lender, government office, estate or other formal purpose—use the Recorder’s copy process.
Open Apache County Recorded Document Copy Request
| Item | Published amount | Practical use |
|---|---|---|
| Most document copies | $1 per page | Ordinary copies of recorded documents. |
| Certification | $3 additional certification fee | When an official certified copy is specifically required. |
| Plat maps and surveys | $5 per page | Recorded maps, plats and survey-image copies. |
How to record a deed with the Apache County Recorder
Recording is not simply uploading or mailing any deed form. The instrument must satisfy Arizona recording requirements and, for a transfer of title, applicable deed and property-value rules.
Read A.R.S. §33-401
Read A.R.S. §11-480 recording requirements
Open Arizona DOR Form 82162 and instructions
Read A.R.S. §11-475 fee statute
Apache County Recorder fees at a glance
| Service | Current published amount | Important detail |
|---|---|---|
| Many recorded instruments | $30 per instrument | Apache County lists deeds, mortgages, deeds of trust, family trusts, tax liens and many other instruments under this common fee. |
| Most copies | $1 per page | Use the copy request when an office-supplied document is needed. |
| Recorder certification | $3 additional | Certification is different from merely printing an online image. |
| Plat maps and surveys | $5 per page | Published by Apache County for map and survey copies. |
| Recorder-office notary | $2 per signature | Apache County states that a notary is available in the office. |
| Military DD214 recording | Free | Listed by Apache County as an exception to the common $30 recording fee. |
When an Affidavit of Property Value is required
Arizona Department of Revenue Form 82162, Affidavit of Property Value, reports transaction details such as the selling price, sale date and property information. Arizona law generally requires it with a deed evidencing a transfer of title unless an exemption applies.
Under A.R.S. §11-1133, the Recorder must refuse to record a covered deed if a complete affidavit is not appended unless the instrument bears an applicable exemption notation under A.R.S. §11-1134.
Complete the current Arizona Department of Revenue Affidavit of Property Value and submit it with the deed.
Get the current Form 82162Review the statutory exemptions rather than guessing. The correct exemption should be reflected as required on the recording.
Review A.R.S. §11-1134 exemptionsWhat to do when your Apache County deed search finds nothing
| Problem | What may be happening | Best next action |
|---|---|---|
| Full owner name finds nothing | The index may use a middle initial, prior surname, abbreviation, trust name or alternate spelling. | Search only the surname, then try every reasonable variation. |
| Too many name matches | Common names can return unrelated instruments. | Add a date range or document type and compare related party names. |
| You only know the street address | Recorder research is document-based, while parcel research is usually easier through the Assessor. | Find the parcel and owner in Apache County Assessor EagleWeb, then search those names in the Recorder index. |
| You only know the parcel number | The Recorder’s copy-request form says staff cannot locate copy requests from parcel numbers alone. | Use the Assessor to obtain the owner and transaction context, then return to the Recorder. |
| Recent deed does not appear | The deed may not yet be indexed, may have been rejected, or may be recorded under unexpected party wording. | Check the recording receipt or call 928-337-7515 with the parties and approximate submission date. |
| Older document image is unavailable | Index and image availability may differ for older records. | Save the historical index reference and request the document directly from the Recorder. |
Which document changes ownership after marriage, divorce or death?
Apache County’s recording guidance emphasizes an important point: changing the name shown on a property record is often not merely an Assessor database edit. The legal change may require a properly recorded deed or another qualifying instrument.
A change to legal ownership generally requires an appropriate conveyance rather than simply asking the Assessor to edit a name.
Apache County’s guidance identifies changes in the way a name appears or the vesting of survivorship among situations that can require recording a deed.
Ownership may need to be changed by a deed or by recording the governing instrument that legally authorizes the ownership change.
The correct process depends on how title was vested. Apache County’s guide instructs owners to review the deed and describes use of an original or certified death certificate in certain survivorship situations.
Probate or other legal documents may be required. The Recorder cannot determine which probate procedure applies to a particular estate.
Trust-related conveyances can trigger additional Arizona disclosure and legal requirements. Review the instrument and obtain professional guidance where needed.
Use Apache County Fraud Notify to watch for new recordings
Apache County provides access to a recording-notification service commonly described as Fraud Notify. The purpose is to help users receive notice when a document is recorded using a registered name.
Recorder vs Assessor vs Treasurer: where should you go?
| Your question | Correct office | What to use |
|---|---|---|
| What deed was recorded? | Recorder | Recorded-document Self Service Web. |
| I need a certified deed copy. | Recorder | Recorded Document Copy Request. |
| Who is displayed as parcel owner? | Assessor | Assessor EagleWeb. |
| What is the assessor parcel number? | Assessor | Property-record search. |
| What is the assessed value? | Assessor | Assessment record. |
| How much property tax is owed? | Treasurer | Tax Account Search. |
| Where do I pay the tax bill? | Treasurer | Property Tax Payment Portal. |
| Is title legally clear? | Not determined by county index alone | Title company, attorney or appropriate professional title research. |
Apache County Recorder contact information
St. Johns, AZ 85936
Mail: PO Box 425, St. Johns, AZ 85936
Phone: 928-337-7515
Fax: 928-337-7676
Hours: Monday–Thursday, 6:30 a.m.–5:30 p.m.
Apache County Recorder FAQs
Where can I search Apache County deeds online?
Open the Apache County Recorder Self Service Web, accept the disclaimer, and search the recorded-document index. Use a document number when known or search names and then narrow with dates and document types.
How far back do Apache County Recorder records go?
Apache County states that its recorded and preserved documents date back to 1879. Online index and image availability can differ for older documents, so contact the Recorder when a historic record cannot be retrieved electronically.
How much is the Apache County deed recording fee?
The Recorder currently lists a $30 fee for many document types, and Arizona’s general recorder-fee statute also establishes a $30 per-instrument fee when another amount is not specified. Confirm the fee before submitting unusual or exempt documents.
Can the Recorder find my deed from only a parcel number or address?
Apache County’s recorded-document copy request states that Recorder staff cannot search copy requests by parcel number, address or legal description. If that is all you have, use the Assessor’s property search first to identify ownership and parcel information, then search the Recorder index.
How much is a certified Apache County deed copy?
Apache County lists most copies at $1 per page, and its copy-request materials state an additional $3 per document for certification. Check the current procedure before ordering.
Does an online deed image count as a certified copy?
No. Apache County notes that online images are available through self service with an “Unofficial Document” watermark. Order certification from the Recorder when the receiving organization specifically requires a certified copy.
Do Arizona deeds need notarization?
Arizona law generally requires a deed or conveyance of real property to be signed by the grantor and duly acknowledged before an authorized officer. See A.R.S. §33-401 and related acknowledgment statutes.
Do I need an Affidavit of Property Value with an Apache County deed?
Generally, a deed evidencing a transfer of title must be accompanied by the Arizona Department of Revenue Affidavit of Property Value unless a statutory exemption applies. Use the current Arizona DOR Form 82162 and review A.R.S. §§11-1133 and 11-1134.
Can the Apache County Recorder tell me whether a property has clear title?
No. The Recorder maintains and provides access to recorded instruments. The county’s own online disclaimer says the index is a guide to the documents and should not be relied upon as a determination regarding the underlying instrument. A formal title examination may require a title company or attorney.
Where do I check Apache County property taxes?
Use the Apache County Treasurer for tax-account information, balances and payment services. The Recorder’s deed index is not the controlling tax-billing system.
The fastest way to get the Apache County property record you actually need
If your goal is to see a deed, deed of trust, lien, release, plat, survey or another legal instrument, begin with the Apache County Recorder. Search the official Self Service Web, verify the document by parties, date, instrument type and recording number, and request an office-supplied or certified copy when an unofficial online image is not sufficient.
If you landed here because you only know a street address or parcel number, start with the Apache County Assessor and then bring the owner name and transaction information back to the Recorder. For a tax balance or payment, go directly to the Treasurer.
For anyone preparing a new deed, the most important practical checks are the correct legal instrument, complete legal description, proper signatures and acknowledgment, Arizona recording format, the Affidavit of Property Value or valid exemption, the correct fee and the correct county. Recording a document places it in the public record; it does not replace legal advice about whether the document accomplishes the transfer you intend.