Maricopa County Public Records
Maricopa County public records are available online and in person at county offices in Phoenix. The county holds over 60% of Arizona's population, making it the largest source of public records in the state. You can search property documents, court cases, and recorded deeds through several free and paid databases. This guide covers how to find and request Maricopa County public records from the Recorder, Assessor, Superior Court, and Sheriff offices.
Maricopa County Quick Facts
How to Request Maricopa County Public Records
The county offers an online portal for most public records requests. This is the fastest way to get records from Maricopa County offices. You can track your request and receive records by email in many cases.
Visit the Maricopa County Public Records Request Portal to submit a request online. The system works for most county departments including the Board of Supervisors, various administrative offices, and general county records. You will need to create an account to track your request status. The county responds to most requests within a few business days, though complex requests may take longer. Staff will contact you if they need more details about what you want.
You can also make requests in person or by mail. The Maricopa County Public Records Policy page lists contact information for each department. In-person visits work well when you need records right away or want to view documents before deciding what to copy.
Maricopa County Recorder Documents
The Maricopa County Recorder keeps deeds, mortgages, liens, and other recorded documents. These records show property ownership and encumbrances. Anyone can search and view them.
The Maricopa County Recorder Document Search lets you find recorded documents online. You can search by name, document type, or recording number. The database goes back many years and includes millions of documents. Basic searches are free, and you can view document images online. To get official copies, you must pay a fee. The Recorder charges about $0.50 to $1.00 per page for copies, plus $35 for certification if you need a certified copy.
The Recorder office is at 301 W. Jefferson St., Suite 200 in Phoenix. You can call them at (602) 506-3535 with questions. Hours are Monday through Friday during regular business hours. Staff can help you find documents and make copies while you wait.
Note: The Recorder also handles voter registration, but those records have separate access rules from property documents.
Maricopa County Assessor Property Search
The County Assessor tracks property values and ownership for tax purposes. Their records show who owns each parcel, what it is worth, and how much tax is due. These are public records you can search online for free.
The Maricopa County Assessor website has a property search tool. Type in an address or owner name to find parcels. The results show assessed values, property characteristics, and ownership history. You can also view aerial photos and parcel boundaries. This helps when you want to know more about a specific property.
For detailed mapping, use the Assessor Parcel Viewer. This GIS tool shows property lines, zoning, and other geographic data. You can zoom in on any area of the county and click parcels to see their details. The viewer is free to use and does not require an account.
Contact the Assessor at (602) 506-3406 for questions about property values or tax assessments. Their staff can explain how they calculated a property's value and what appeals are available if you disagree.
Maricopa County Court Records Search
Court records in Maricopa County come from the Superior Court and various justice courts. Civil lawsuits, criminal cases, family matters, and probate all create records you can search. Most court records are public unless a judge has sealed them.
The Maricopa County Superior Court Docket Search is the main tool for finding cases. You can search by party name or case number. Results show basic case information including the case type, filing date, and current status. This search is free to use.
For court documents and minute entries, the Clerk of Court Records page explains how to get copies. You can also use the Court Minute Entries system to view summaries of what happened at hearings. Minute entries are free to view online and give you a quick overview of case proceedings.
The Clerk of Court office is at 620 W. Jackson St. in Phoenix. Phone: (602) 372-5375. They can help you find case files and make copies. Fees are $0.50 per page for copies. Certification costs extra.
Maricopa County Sheriff Records
The Maricopa County Sheriff handles inmate information, arrest records, and police reports for unincorporated areas. Cities like Phoenix have their own police departments, but the Sheriff covers large parts of the county.
The MCSO Inmate Search shows who is currently in county jail. You can search by name or booking number. Results display booking photos, charges, and bail amounts. This database updates frequently and is free to use.
For police reports and other Sheriff records, contact the Records Unit at (602) 876-1078. You may need to fill out a request form and pay fees depending on what you need. Response times vary based on the type of record and how busy the office is.
Maricopa County Public Records Fees
Fees in Maricopa County follow standard rates set by state law and county policy. Viewing records in person is always free. You only pay when you want copies.
Here are typical fees for Maricopa County public records:
- Standard copies: $0.50 per page
- Certification: $35 per document
- Recording fee for new documents: $30
- Recorded document copies: $0.50 to $1.00 per page
Some records cost more if they require research time or come from specialized databases. The statewide court system through Arizona eAccess charges $10 per document for Superior Court records. Electronic copies sent by email often cost less than paper copies.
Cities in Maricopa County
Maricopa County contains Phoenix and many other cities. Each city has its own municipal records, but county offices handle property records and Superior Court cases for everyone.
Major cities in Maricopa County with their own public records include:
For city-specific records like police reports, building permits, and business licenses, contact the city directly. County records cover property ownership, court cases, and recorded documents for all cities within Maricopa County.
Nearby Arizona Counties
These counties border Maricopa County. If you need records from areas outside Maricopa, check these neighboring counties.