King County Property Records
What Is King County Property Records
King County property records are official documents that record ownership, transfers, and encumbrances of real property (land and buildings) within King County, Washington. These records serve as the authoritative documentation of property ownership and interests throughout the county. Pursuant to Washington State law RCW 65.08.070, all instruments affecting real property must be recorded to provide constructive notice to the public.
The primary purposes of King County property records include:
- Establishing legal ownership and chain of title
- Providing public notice of property interests
- Protecting property rights of owners and lienholders
- Facilitating real estate transactions
- Supporting property tax assessment and collection
- Enabling land use planning and development
The King County Recorder's Office maintains the official repository of property records for the county. These records include deeds, mortgages, liens, easements, covenants, and other documents that affect real property interests. Under Washington State's recording statutes, specifically RCW § 65.08.070, these documents must be properly recorded to provide legal notice to all parties.
King County Recorder's Office
King County Administration Building
500 Fourth Avenue, Room 430
Seattle, WA 98104
206-477-6620
King County Recorder's Office
Are Property Records Public Information In King County?
Property records in King County are public information and accessible to all members of the public. This public access is mandated by both Washington State's Public Records Act (RCW Chapter 42.56) and specific property recording statutes (RCW § 65.08). The legal basis for this public access includes:
- Property ownership is fundamentally a matter of public record
- Recording statutes require public accessibility to provide constructive notice
- Transparency in land ownership serves the public interest
- Public records promote informed decision-making in real estate transactions
Any member of the public may access property records without demonstrating a specific interest in the property or providing a reason for the request. This open access policy supports transparency in government and facilitates real estate transactions by providing reliable information about property ownership and encumbrances.
The King County Assessor's office maintains property assessment records, while the King County Recorder's Office maintains the official record of property ownership documents. Both offices make their records available to the public through in-person visits and online platforms.
How To Search Property Records in King County in 2026
Members of the public may search King County property records through several methods. The county maintains comprehensive digital systems that allow for efficient searching of property information. To search property records in King County:
Online Search Methods:
- Visit the King County Records Search portal to access the official records database.
- Use the Landmark Web system to search for recorded documents by name, document type, recording date, or document number.
- Access the King County Parcel Viewer to locate properties by address, parcel number, or geographic location.
- Search property assessment information through the King County Assessor's property lookup tool.
In-Person Search Methods:
- Visit the King County Recorder's Office during regular business hours to access public terminals for searching records.
- Request assistance from staff for complex searches or older records that may not be fully digitized.
- Obtain certified copies of recorded documents for legal or official purposes.
By Mail or Phone:
- Submit a written request for specific property records to the Recorder's Office.
- Call the Recorder's Office at 206-477-6620 for assistance with locating specific records.
- Request copies of documents to be mailed or emailed upon payment of applicable fees.
For property tax information, the King County Treasury Operations maintains records of property tax payments and assessments, which can be accessed through their online portal or in person.
How To Find Property Records in King County Online?
King County offers comprehensive online resources for accessing property records. The county's digital systems provide convenient access to property information without requiring an in-person visit to county offices. To find property records online:
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Access the King County Records Search: The online records search portal provides access to most documents recorded since August 1, 1991. Users can search by:
- Name of grantor or grantee
- Document type (deed, mortgage, lien, etc.)
- Recording date or document number
- Legal description or property address
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Use the Parcel Viewer: The King County Parcel Viewer is an interactive mapping tool that allows users to:
- Search for properties by address or parcel number
- View property boundaries and dimensions
- Access basic property information
- Link to more detailed property records
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Search Property Assessment Records: The King County Assessor's property information lookup provides:
- Current and historical property values
- Building characteristics and improvements
- Property tax information
- Sales history
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Access Property Tax Information: The property tax portal allows users to:
- View current and past tax statements
- Check payment status
- Make online payments
- Set up payment plans or tax notifications
When using these online systems, users should note that while most modern records are available digitally, some historical records may only be available through in-person research at the Recorder's Office.
How To Look Up King County Property Records for Free?
King County provides several free options for accessing property records. These no-cost resources allow members of the public to conduct basic property research without incurring fees. Free property record lookup options include:
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King County Parcel Viewer: The Parcel Viewer is a free online mapping tool that provides:
- Basic property information
- Ownership details
- Property boundaries
- Zoning information
- Links to related property records
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Assessor's Property Information Search: The Assessor's property lookup tool offers free access to:
- Property characteristics
- Assessment values
- Tax information
- Building details
- Sales history
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Public Access Computers: Free public terminals are available at:
- King County Recorder's Office
- King County libraries
- Other county facilities
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Basic Online Records Search: The Landmark Web system provides free index searching of:
- Document types
- Recording dates
- Names of parties
- Basic document information
While viewing basic property information is free, please note that obtaining copies of specific documents may incur fees. Currently, the fee for standard copies is $1.00 per page, and certified copies are $3.00 for the first page and $1.00 for each additional page, as authorized by RCW § 36.18.010.
What's Included in a King County Property Record?
King County property records encompass a wide range of documents and information related to real property within the county. These records are maintained by multiple county offices, primarily the Assessor's Office and the Recorder's Office. Property records distinguish between real property (land and permanently attached structures) and personal property (movable items).
A comprehensive King County property record typically includes:
Ownership Information:
- Current and previous property owners
- Chain of title showing ownership history
- Dates of ownership transfers
- Purchase prices and transaction details
Property Characteristics:
- Legal description of the property
- Parcel identification number
- Property address
- Lot size and dimensions
- Building size and characteristics
- Year built and major improvements
- Number of bedrooms, bathrooms, and other features
Financial Information:
- Current assessed value
- Historical assessed values
- Property tax information
- Tax exemptions or special classifications
- Sales history and prices
Legal Documents:
- Deeds (warranty, quitclaim, special warranty)
- Mortgages and deeds of trust
- Liens (tax, mechanic's, judgment)
- Easements and rights-of-way
- Covenants, conditions, and restrictions (CC&Rs)
- Plat maps and surveys
- Foreclosure notices
- Bankruptcy filings affecting the property
Land Use Information:
- Zoning classification
- Building permits
- Environmental restrictions
- Historical designations
- Special districts or overlays
The content and organization of property records are governed by Washington State law, particularly RCW § 65.04.045, which establishes standards for recording and indexing real property documents.
How Long Does King County Keep Property Records?
King County maintains property records according to retention schedules established by Washington State law and the Washington State Archives. These retention periods ensure the preservation of important property information while allowing for the appropriate disposition of obsolete records.
The retention periods for various property records in King County include:
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Deeds and Ownership Documents: Permanent retention. These fundamental records of property ownership are never destroyed and are maintained in perpetuity.
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Mortgages and Deeds of Trust: Retained for the life of the instrument plus 10 years after satisfaction or release.
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Tax Records: Property tax rolls are retained permanently. Individual tax payment records are typically kept for 7 years after payment.
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Building Permits and Plans: Major permits are retained for the life of the structure plus 6 years. Minor permits may be retained for shorter periods.
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Property Assessment Records: Current and historical assessment information is maintained permanently.
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Plat Maps and Surveys: Permanent retention as these documents define property boundaries.
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Liens and Encumbrances: Typically retained for the duration of the lien plus 10 years after release or satisfaction.
These retention periods are mandated by the Washington State Local Government Common Records Retention Schedule (CORE) and the County Assessor Records Retention Schedule, as authorized by RCW § 40.14.070.
For historical property records, King County maintains an archives division that preserves and provides access to records that have permanent historical value. These archives contain property records dating back to the county's formation in 1852.
How To Find Liens on Property In King County?
Liens on property in King County can be identified through several official channels. A lien is a legal claim against a property that must be paid when the property is sold. Common types of liens include tax liens, mechanic's liens, judgment liens, and mortgage liens. To find liens on King County property:
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Search the King County Recorder's Office Records:
- Access the online records search portal
- Search by property owner name or property address
- Filter results by document type (select "lien" or specific lien types)
- Review the index of recorded documents
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Check Tax Records:
- Visit the King County Treasury Operations website
- Search for the property by address or parcel number
- Review current and delinquent tax information
- Tax liens are automatically placed on properties with unpaid property taxes
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Conduct a Title Search:
- Request a title search from a title company
- Review the preliminary title report for all recorded liens
- This provides the most comprehensive lien information but typically involves fees
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Visit the Recorder's Office in Person:
- Staff can assist with complex searches
- Access to specialized indexes and records
- Obtain certified copies of lien documents if needed
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Check Court Records:
- Search King County Superior Court records for judgment liens
- Federal court records may contain federal tax liens or bankruptcy-related liens
When searching for liens, it's important to note that some liens may be recorded against the property owner rather than the property itself. A thorough search should include both property-specific records and records indexed by the property owner's name.
What Is Property Owner Rule In King County?
The Property Owner Rule in King County refers to a set of regulations and principles governing property ownership, recording requirements, and the rights and responsibilities of property owners. These rules are established by Washington State law and King County ordinances.
Key aspects of the Property Owner Rule include:
Recording Requirements:
- All documents affecting real property interests must be recorded with the King County Recorder's Office to provide constructive notice to the public
- Documents must meet specific formatting requirements under RCW § 65.04.045
- Recording establishes priority of interests (first in time, first in right)
Ownership Disclosure:
- Property ownership is a matter of public record
- True and legal names of property owners must be used on recorded documents
- Corporate or entity ownership must disclose the legal entity name
Property Tax Responsibilities:
- Property owners are responsible for paying property taxes regardless of whether they receive a tax statement
- Tax liens automatically attach to properties with delinquent taxes
- Property tax appeals must follow specific procedures and timelines
Land Use Regulations:
- Property owners must comply with zoning regulations and land use codes
- Building permits are required for most construction and major renovations
- Property owners are responsible for maintaining their property in compliance with county codes
Transfer Disclosure Requirements:
- Sellers must provide a completed Seller Disclosure Statement to buyers
- Certain property conditions and defects must be disclosed
- Failure to disclose may result in legal liability
The Property Owner Rule also encompasses the principle that property ownership is established through the chain of title as documented in the official records. This means that a person claiming ownership must be able to trace their ownership back through a series of valid transfers from a recognized original source of title.