Snohomish County Property Records
What Is Snohomish County Property Records
Property records in Snohomish County are official documents that establish and track the legal ownership, transfers, and encumbrances of real property within county boundaries. These records serve as the authoritative documentation of property rights and interests throughout the county. The Snohomish County Recording Division maintains these vital records as part of its statutory responsibilities.
Property records fulfill several essential functions in Snohomish County:
- Establish legal ownership by documenting the chain of title from one owner to the next
- Provide public notice of property interests, including easements and restrictions
- Protect property rights by creating an official record of ownership claims
- Facilitate property transactions by providing reliable ownership information
- Support property taxation by documenting ownership for assessment purposes
The recording and maintenance of property records in Snohomish County is governed by the Revised Code of Washington § 65.08.070, which mandates that instruments affecting real property must be recorded to provide constructive notice to third parties. This statute establishes the legal framework for the county's property recording system.
Snohomish County Auditor's Office - Recording Division
3000 Rockefeller Avenue, 1st Floor
Everett, WA 98201
425-388-3483
Snohomish County Recording
Are Property Records Public Information In Snohomish County?
Property records in Snohomish County are public information and accessible to all citizens pursuant to Washington state law. The Washington Public Records Act (RCW 42.56) establishes the fundamental right of citizens to access government records, including property records. Additionally, RCW § 65.04.140 specifically mandates that recorded documents must be available for public inspection.
The public nature of property records is based on several important principles:
- Property ownership is inherently a matter of public record to establish clear title
- Recording statutes require public access to provide constructive notice
- Transparency in land ownership serves the public interest by preventing fraud
- Public access facilitates property transactions and economic activity
Members of the public may access Snohomish County property records without demonstrating any specific interest in the property or providing a reason for their request. This open access policy reflects the county's commitment to transparency and public service. The Snohomish County Public Records policy further details the county's approach to providing access to these important documents.
How To Search Property Records in Snohomish County in 2026
Searching property records in Snohomish County can be accomplished through several methods, depending on the specific information needed and the requester's preferences. The county currently offers multiple pathways to access property information:
In-Person Searches:
- Visit the Snohomish County Auditor's Office Recording Division during regular business hours (Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM)
- Complete a records request form at the public counter
- Provide specific property information such as address, parcel number, or owner name
- Staff will assist with accessing the appropriate records
- Pay applicable fees for copies of documents (currently $1.00 per page)
Mail or Email Requests:
- Download and complete the official records request form
- Include specific property information and the documents being requested
- Submit the form via mail to:
Snohomish County Auditor's Office
3000 Rockefeller Avenue, M/S 204
Everett, WA 98201
425-388-3483
Snohomish County Auditor
- Include payment for applicable fees (check or money order)
- Allow 5-10 business days for processing
Phone Requests:
- Contact the Recording Division at 425-388-3483
- Provide specific property information to the staff member
- Arrange for document delivery via mail or email
- Submit payment for applicable fees
For comprehensive property searches, the Snohomish County Assessor's Office maintains detailed property assessment records that complement the ownership documents held by the Recording Division.
How To Find Property Records in Snohomish County Online?
Snohomish County offers robust online resources for accessing property records electronically. The county's digital platforms provide convenient access to a wide range of property information without requiring an in-person visit. To find property records online:
- Access the Snohomish County Property Summary Information portal
- Search by one of the following methods:
- Property address (enter complete street address)
- Parcel number (if known)
- Owner name (last name, first name)
- Tax account number
- Review the property summary information displayed
- For more detailed information, click on the links to access specific document types
- Use the Interactive Map (SCOPI) for visual property location and boundary information
For recorded documents such as deeds, mortgages, and liens:
- Visit the Recorded Documents Search portal
- Select the appropriate search criteria:
- Grantor/Grantee name
- Document type
- Recording date range
- Document number (if known)
- Review the search results list
- Select specific documents to view or download
- Pay applicable fees for document copies if required
The county also offers the Recorded Document Notification System, which allows property owners to receive alerts when documents affecting their property are recorded.
How To Look Up Snohomish County Property Records for Free?
Snohomish County provides several options for accessing property records at no cost to the public. These free resources allow citizens to obtain basic property information without incurring fees:
Free Online Resources:
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The Property Summary Information portal provides free access to basic property details including:
- Owner name and mailing address
- Property address and legal description
- Current assessed value
- Property characteristics (lot size, building size, etc.)
- Tax information
-
The Interactive Map (SCOPI) offers free visual property information:
- Property boundaries
- Parcel dimensions
- Aerial photography
- Zoning information
- Topographic data
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The Online Services page provides links to additional free resources:
- Static parcel maps
- Property sales search
- Tax information
Free In-Person Access:
- Visit the public terminals at the Snohomish County Auditor's Office
- Access the complete property records database at no charge
- View documents on-screen without printing fees
- Take notes or photographs of screen information (where permitted)
Free Public Library Access:
Several Snohomish County public libraries offer free access to county property databases through their public computer systems. Contact your local library for availability and assistance.
While viewing basic property information is free, obtaining certified copies or printed documents may incur fees as established by RCW § 36.18.010, which authorizes counties to charge reasonable fees for document reproduction.
What's Included in a Snohomish County Property Record?
Snohomish County property records encompass a comprehensive collection of documents and information related to real property within the county. These records are maintained by multiple county offices, each responsible for different aspects of property documentation:
Real Property vs. Personal Property:
- Real property records pertain to land and permanently attached structures
- Personal property records cover movable assets such as business equipment, machinery, and certain mobile homes
- The Snohomish County Assessor maintains records for both categories, though with different documentation requirements
Property Records Content:
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Ownership Documents:
- Deeds (warranty, quitclaim, special warranty)
- Real estate contracts
- Transfer on death deeds
- Trustee's deeds
-
Financial Encumbrances:
- Mortgages and deeds of trust
- Liens (tax, mechanic's, judgment)
- Releases and satisfactions
- Assignments of mortgage
-
Property Characteristics:
- Legal description
- Lot size and dimensions
- Building specifications
- Property improvements
- Land use classification
-
Assessment and Taxation:
- Assessed value history
- Tax payment records
- Exemption status
- Property tax information
-
Land Use Documents:
- Easements and rights-of-way
- Covenants and restrictions
- Plat maps and surveys
- Zoning designations
The content and format of property records are governed by RCW § 65.04.045, which establishes standards for recorded documents to ensure consistency and legal validity throughout Washington state.
How Long Does Snohomish County Keep Property Records?
Snohomish County maintains property records according to retention schedules established by state law and county policy. The retention periods vary based on document type and historical significance:
Permanent Records (Never Destroyed):
- Deeds and conveyances
- Plat maps and surveys
- Easements and rights-of-way
- Covenants, conditions, and restrictions
- Historical property records (pre-1900)
Long-Term Records (75+ Years):
- Mortgages and deeds of trust
- Real estate contracts
- Property tax assessment rolls
- Building permits for significant structures
Medium-Term Records (15-25 Years):
- Temporary easements
- Certain tax liens
- Building permits for minor structures
- Conditional use permits
Short-Term Records (6-10 Years):
- Temporary land use approvals
- Routine correspondence
- Preliminary property assessments
- Temporary tax exemptions
The retention of property records is mandated by the Washington State Archives Records Retention Schedule and RCW § 40.14.070, which establishes the legal framework for records preservation. Snohomish County has digitized many historical property records to ensure their preservation and accessibility, with records dating back to the county's formation in 1861.
Snohomish County Auditor - Archives Division
3000 Rockefeller Avenue, 1st Floor
Everett, WA 98201
425-388-3709
Snohomish County Archives
How To Find Liens on Property In Snohomish County?
Locating liens on property in Snohomish County requires searching specific records maintained by various county departments. Liens represent legal claims against property and may affect ownership rights and property transfers. To find liens:
Online Lien Search:
- Visit the Recorded Documents Search portal
- Select "Lien" as the document type
- Enter the property owner's name or property address
- Specify a date range (if applicable)
- Review the search results for active liens
- Access specific lien documents for detailed information
Types of Liens to Search For:
- Tax Liens: Check with the Snohomish County Treasurer for property tax delinquencies and liens
- Mechanic's Liens: Search the Recording Division records for claims by contractors or material suppliers
- Judgment Liens: Review Superior Court records for judgments that may attach to property
- Assessment Liens: Check with local municipalities for utility or local improvement district assessments
- Federal Tax Liens: Search for IRS liens recorded against property owners
In-Person Lien Search:
For comprehensive lien searches, particularly for property transactions:
- Visit the Snohomish County Auditor's Office Recording Division
- Request a lien search for the specific property
- Provide the legal description or parcel number
- Staff will assist with accessing relevant records
- Consider requesting a title search from a title company for complete results
Snohomish County Treasurer's Office
3000 Rockefeller Avenue, 1st Floor
Everett, WA 98201
425-388-3366
Snohomish County Treasurer
Property owners concerned about unauthorized liens can register for the Recorded Document Notification System to receive alerts when documents affecting their property are recorded.
What Is Property Owner Rule In Snohomish County?
The Property Owner Rule in Snohomish County refers to a set of regulations and practices that govern property ownership, recording requirements, and owner responsibilities. These rules establish the legal framework for property ownership within the county:
Recording Requirements:
- All documents affecting real property interests must be recorded to provide constructive notice
- Documents must meet specific formatting standards per RCW § 65.04.045
- Recording establishes priority of interests (first in time, first in right)
- Unrecorded documents may be valid between parties but not against third parties
Owner Identification Requirements:
- Property owners must be clearly identified in recorded documents
- Legal names must be used (not aliases or abbreviated names)
- Entity ownership requires additional documentation (corporate resolutions, LLC certificates)
- Trusts must identify trustees with authority to act
Property Tax Responsibilities:
- Property owners are responsible for paying property taxes regardless of whether they receive a tax statement
- Tax payment options are detailed on the Tax Payment Options page
- Property tax delinquencies may result in foreclosure after three years
- Property tax information must be updated when ownership changes
Disclosure Requirements:
- Sellers must provide property disclosure statements to buyers
- Known defects and issues must be disclosed
- Property boundaries and easements must be accurately represented
- Failure to disclose may result in legal liability
The Property Owner Rule is enforced through the coordinated efforts of the Snohomish County Assessor, Treasurer, and Auditor's Office, each responsible for different aspects of property administration.
Lookup Property Records in Snohomish County
Snohomish County Assessor Property Information
Property Taxes and Assessments Information
Interactive Property Map (SCOPI)
Document Recording Instructions
Recorded Documents Search System