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Recorder's Office Services Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Online Forms and Document Standards Helpful Links: |
Recorder's Office Services Since 1853, the Recorder's Office has maintained a record of all real estate transactions, marriage records and other documents submitted for public record. Over the years, the method of recording these documents has evolved from a system of manual transcription in ledger books to digitally scanning and indexing the documents presented for recording. The Recorder's Office is similar to a library. We are the custodians of over 350 types of documents, and we record and provide access to them. We do not interpret documents or check the documents for accuracy (other than compliance with Washington State RCW's concerning formatting). We DO answer basic questions about how to find documents and assist people in doing so. Documents you will find recorded at the King County Recorder's Office include:
For Birth and death records, divorce records, property tax records, and property assessments , please contact those agencies. Recording Documents The Recorder's office records primarily real property legal documents, marriage applications and certificates, survey, condominium and plat maps, Torrens documents, real estate excise tax affidavits, and other general documents. Most real estate transactions require recording per state law. These documents include deeds, mortgage documents, liens, notices, and subdivision and real estate contracts. General documents include military discharges, wills, mining claims and UCC filings among others. You can record a document by bringing it in person to the King County Recorder's Office or send by mail. Documents presented for recording must meet Washington State document standards. Non-standard documents are subject to higher fees. Documents presented for recording that are not legible as defined in RCW 65.04.015 will not be accepted for recording.
Documents will be returned by mail to the required address on the top of the first page in 6 to 8 weeks. Walk-in customers may request immediate scanning of thier recorded document so that they may leave with the original (maximum of 3 documents and must be presented by 3:30pm). Records Search and Copies Many of the Recorder's Office library of documents are now available on-line. For documents not on-line, or if you are not able to locate a document, you may request a copy of a document either in person at the King County Recorder's Office or by mail. If requesting a document by mail, please provide as much information as is known and the appropriate search and/or copy fees. For certified copies of marriage certificates, please provide the groom's first and last name, the bride's first name and maiden name (or name at the time of marriage), the date of the marriage or each 5-year range you wish searched (an $8.00 fee per 5-years searched applies).
Birth and death records, divorce records, property tax records and property assessment information is not available at the King County Recorder's Office. Real Estate Excise Tax All real estate transactions that involve conveyance of property require
consideration of Excise Tax. All Excise Taxes assessed on a conveyance must be paid prior to the recording
of the conveyance documents, i.e., warranty deed or real estate contract. A real estate excise tax
affidavit must be completed and signed by all parties involved in a real property conveyance. To obtain an
Excise Tax Affidavit form, call (206) 296-1570.
Surveys, Plats and Condominiums The Recorder's Office maintains property surveys recorded since 1973. Property
surveys are often used to determine property boundary lines. Not all properties in King County have Records
of Survey filed. All recorded Plats, Short Plats, Condominiums and Planned Unit Developments in
King County are available for viewing and printing at the Recorder's Office. The Recorder's
Office has approximately 70,000 maps in digital format that are available for viewing and printing.
Registered Land Section (Torrens) Registered Land is a system that manages approximately 3,500 parcels of land in King County under the Torrens Title Act. The Torrens system maintains ownership records of a specific parcel of land much like a title company. All documents relating to a parcel of land under the Torrens system are maintained in a special index that provides chain of title. Unlike the general index, where all documents are indexed by name and date, the Torrens Tract Index lists documents by parcel. Customer Service Section The Customer Service Section assists the public with record searches and provides certified copies of documents filed with the Recorder's Office. The public can access all recorded documents and their related indices at the Recorder's Office. In addition, many documents are now available on-line. |