Pima County Deed Records

Pima County is Arizona's second largest county by population. The County Recorder maintains all property deed records from two office locations. The main office sits in downtown Tucson while an eastside branch serves the growing areas along Broadway Boulevard. People across the Tucson metro area use these offices to record deeds, search property records, and handle real estate transactions. Online access provides free searches of documents from 1982 to present in Pima County.

Pima County Recorder Locations

The main Recorder's office operates at 240 North Stone Avenue in Tucson, Arizona 85701. This downtown location handles all recording services and public record requests. Call (520) 724-4350 for questions about deeds or other documents. Office hours are standard business hours Monday through Friday. The office closes for federal holidays.

The Eastside Office sits at 6920 East Broadway Boulevard, Suite D, Tucson, Arizona 85710. This location opened to serve the east side of town. It handles most recording services closer to growing residential areas. Both offices access the same database so you can use whichever is more convenient.

The Recorder is an elected county official. Voters choose this position every four years. The office employs trained staff who handle thousands of property documents each month. They process deeds, mortgages, liens, releases, and other instruments that affect real estate across Pima County, Arizona.

Documents submitted after 4:00 PM get processed the next business day. Plan ahead if you need same-day recording. Morning submissions have the best chance of recording that day. Staff work through filings in the order received at both office locations in Pima County.

Search Pima Deeds Online

The Pima County Public Access Portal at recorder.pima.gov provides free searches. The database covers 1982 to the present day. Search by grantor name, grantee name, document type, or recording number. Results appear as a list you can browse. Click any entry to view the document image.

Most document images are clear scans you can read on any device. Zoom in to see details like legal descriptions or notary stamps. Print pages if you need paper copies. These online versions are unofficial copies suitable for reference. Certified copies must come from the Recorder's office.

The system updates throughout the day. New recordings may take a few hours to appear online. Check back later if you do not find a very recent deed. The database is fast and handles searches from across the country at all hours in Pima County.

Search results do not confirm clear title. The portal shows recorded documents but does not analyze ownership chains. Title companies review the full history of a property before issuing insurance. An attorney can help with complex title questions that go beyond what the search tool provides.

How to Record Property Deeds

You can record a deed at either office location during business hours. Bring your document along with the required fee. Make sure the deed follows Arizona format standards. The first page needs a two-inch top margin. Use at least 10-point font for all text. Signatures must be notarized. Standard letter-size pages work best.

The recording fee is $30 per instrument under Arizona state law. This applies to deeds, mortgages, and most other documents. Plat maps cost $24 for the first page and $20 for each additional page. Government documents record for $15. Pima County accepts Visa and MasterCard for in-person payments only. Cash and checks work too.

Property deeds that transfer ownership need an Affidavit of Property Value. This form reports sale information to the county assessor. Download it from the Recorder's website or get one at either office. Fill it out completely with accurate information about the sale price and property details. Submit it with your deed when you record.

Staff stamp your deed with the official recording date and time. This timestamp shows when the document entered the public record. The office keeps the original in their vault. You receive a recorded copy by mail or in person. Most copies go out within a few weeks after recording in Pima County.

Electronic Recording Services

E-recording is the fastest way to file deeds in Pima County. Title companies and attorneys use approved vendors to submit documents electronically. The system uploads your deed through a secure connection. Staff review it and record valid submissions. You get an email confirmation right away.

The recorded copy comes back electronically with the official stamp. This usually happens within hours for standard deeds. Complex documents may take longer to review. E-recording works well for routine real estate closings where speed matters.

Individual property owners rarely use e-recording directly. Your closing agent handles this as part of the transaction. They have accounts with vendors like Simplifile and CSC. Ask them about electronic submission if you want to know more about the process in Pima County, Arizona.

Deed Recording Laws

Arizona law governs deed recording across all counties. The rules come from Title 33 of Arizona Revised Statutes. Every deed must identify the property with a legal description. Grantor and grantee names must be complete and accurate. Proper notarization is required for all signature pages.

The Recorder's office checks format and completeness. Staff do not verify ownership or legal accuracy. They make sure documents meet the technical requirements for recording. Legal questions about deeds or property rights require an attorney in Pima County.

Recording creates constructive notice. This means the law assumes everyone knows about recorded documents. Buyers have a duty to check public records before purchasing property. An unrecorded deed may be valid between the parties but lacks protection against later claims by others.

Common Questions

Does the office provide notary services? No. Pima County Recorder offices do not offer notary services. Get your deed notarized before bringing it for recording. Banks, UPS stores, and many law offices provide notary services for a small fee in the Tucson area.

Can the Recorder give legal advice? No. Staff cannot tell you which deed to use or how to fill out legal forms. They cannot advise on title issues or property disputes. Contact an attorney or title company for legal help with deeds.

What payment methods work? In-person payments can use Visa or MasterCard, cash, or checks. Credit cards have a small convenience fee. Mail-in requests usually need a check or money order. Electronic recordings bill through the vendor account.

How long does recording take? Documents submitted before 4:00 PM usually record the same day. Later submissions process the next business day. E-recordings often finish within hours. The deed appears in the online database shortly after recording in Pima County.

Can I get certified copies? Yes. Certified copies cost $1 per page plus $3 for the official seal. Request them in person or by mail. Provide the recording number or enough details to locate the document. Staff can help you find what you need.

Major Cities in Pima County

Pima County includes the Tucson metropolitan area. Property owners in this city record deeds at the Pima County Recorder office.

Nearby Counties

Property in other counties requires recording at that county's Recorder office.