Apache County Deed Records

Apache County sits in northeastern Arizona near the New Mexico border. The county seat is St. Johns where the Recorder's office maintains all deed records. Apache County has kept property deeds since 1879. The office operates Monday through Thursday from 6:30 AM to 5:30 PM and stays closed on Fridays. This unique schedule saves energy and costs. You can search deed records online or visit the office in person. The main building is at 75 West Cleveland Street in St. Johns. Staff process deeds, mortgages, liens, and other instruments affecting real property in Apache County.

Apache County Recorder Office

The Recorder operates from the county courthouse complex in St. Johns. The address is 75 West Cleveland Street, St. Johns, Arizona 85936. The phone number is (928) 337-7515. The office works four days a week with extended hours. It opens at 6:30 in the morning and closes at 5:30 in the evening. Friday is a non-work day for county staff. This schedule has been in place for years and helps the county save money on utilities and other costs.

Staff members help with recording services and research requests. They can pull deed copies from the archives or explain how to search online. The office maintains historical records going back to when Apache County was formed. Many old documents are now scanned and available through the online portal. Some really old deeds or maps may only exist on paper in the vault at the St. Johns office in Apache County.

Note: The office does not give legal advice about deeds or title issues.

Find Apache Deed Records Online

Apache County provides free online access to recorded documents. The county website has a self-service search tool. You can look up deeds by name, date, or document number. The system covers records from 1879 to the present day. Most document images display with a watermark that says they are unofficial copies.

The search runs fast. Type in a grantor name and get a list of all deeds where that person sold property. Or search by grantee to see when someone bought land. Date filters narrow results. Document type filters let you see just deeds or just mortgages. The Arizona statute on recording sets the rules for what gets filed in Apache County.

Online images work for most purposes. You can print them or save them to your computer. If you need a certified copy with an official seal, you must request that from the Recorder's office in person or by mail. Certified copies cost $1 per page plus a $3 seal fee as set by state law in Arizona.

How to Record Property Deeds

You can record a deed in person at the St. Johns office or through the mail. Bring your deed to 75 West Cleveland during office hours. Make sure it has a notarized signature. The first page needs a two-inch top margin. Use at least 10-point font. White paper only. These rules come from state requirements that apply in all Arizona counties including Apache.

The recording fee is $30 per document. This is a state-set fee that went into effect in 2019. You also need to submit an Affidavit of Property Value for any deed that transfers ownership. The Affidavit tells the county the sale price or property value for tax purposes. Forms are available from the Recorder or online. Apache County accepts checks and cash. Credit cards may be accepted but ask first.

Apache County also offers notary services for $2 per signature. This is handy if you forgot to get your deed notarized before coming to the office. Plat maps and surveys can be recorded for a fee of $5 per page. The staff will time-stamp your deed and give you a recording number. Most deeds are processed the same day if you submit them before closing time in Apache County, Arizona.

Recorder Fees in Apache County

All fees follow the state fee schedule under Arizona Revised Statutes 11-475. The standard recording fee for deeds is $30. Government documents like military discharge papers record for $15. Plat maps cost $24 for the first page and $20 for each additional page. Certified copies are $1 per page plus $3 for the official seal.

The office charges $2 for notary services if you need a signature notarized. This is much cheaper than most banks or private notaries. Public records requests may have copying fees. Staff will tell you the exact cost before making copies. Payment is required before documents are released in Apache County.

Common Questions About Apache Deeds

Why is the office closed on Friday? Apache County adopted a four-day work week years ago. It saves money on electricity, heating, and other costs. Staff work longer hours Monday through Thursday to make up for it. Most people can still get their business done during the extended weekday hours in Apache County.

Can I file a deed on Friday? No. The office is fully closed on Fridays. If you need to record something urgently, plan to visit Monday through Thursday. E-recording may be available through approved vendors, which can process documents even when the office is closed.

What is the watermark on online documents? It says the document is an unofficial copy. Only certified copies from the Recorder have legal weight for court cases or official business. The watermark does not mean the document is fake. It just means you printed it from the public website in Apache County, Arizona.

Does the Recorder search titles? No. The Recorder only files and stores documents. They do not analyze title or tell you if property is free of liens. Hire a title company or real estate attorney for a full title search in Apache County.

Cities in Apache County

Apache County has no cities over 50,000 people. Most residents live in smaller towns like St. Johns, Eagar, and Springerville. All property owners record their deeds at the county seat in St. Johns regardless of where they live in Apache County.

Nearby Counties

Property in neighboring counties must be recorded at those county offices.