Apache County, AZ Property Records: Search Deeds, Owners, Tax Records, and Maps
From the Utah border to the White Mountains, Apache County is shaped by its rich Navajo history and culture. Home to Canyon de Chelly National Monument and Hubbell Trading Post, the county is located in the northeastern part of Arizona. With an estimated population of about 64,400, Apache County includes more than 56,000 individual parcels of land across 11,190 square miles of land. If you are researching property records in Apache County, work with the offices of the Recorder, Assessor, and Treasurer. These offices maintain land records and provide access to them under the provisions of state law.
An average home in Apache County, Arizona, typically goes pending in about 44 to 58 days. Tourism, agriculture, education, and healthcare are the key economic drivers affecting the local housing market. Single-family detached homes make up most of the inventory in communities such as St. Johns, Eagar, and Springerville.
Recent housing records reveal the underlying factors influencing the local real estate market, with a median home value of $52,250 and a median rent of $665, alongside a median household income of $29,766.5 and a median real estate tax of 0.49, expressed as a percentage of the property’s assessed value.
How to Look Up Apache County Property Records
There are several portals available to the public that enable you to search Apache County Property records.
If you need… | Use this office | Free online portal |
|---|---|---|
A deed, deed of trust, or lien | Apache County Recorder | |
Ownership and assessed values | Apache County Assessor | |
A tax bill or to pay taxes | Apache County Treasurer | |
A parcel map or GIS layer | Apache County GIS Department | |
A foreclosure or probate case | Apache County Superior Court |
Who Keeps Apache County Property Records
According to the Arizona Public Records Law, custodians of property records in Apache County must allow anyone to view or request copies of documents.
The Apache County Recorder is responsible for recording, indexing, imaging, preserving, and providing access to recorded documents. These records include deeds, deeds of trust, tax liens, and other recorded instruments. Keep in mind that the County Recorder handles all land documents in the county pursuant to state law. However, it does not set assessed property values, process tax payments, or provide legal advice concerning real estate.
The Apache County Assessor locates and assesses taxable properties in the county. This office maintains ownership information and assigns Assessor Parcel Numbers (APNs) in the county. In addition, it handles property value appeals in the county.
The Apache County Treasurer is responsible for collecting property taxes and maintaining tax-account information. The Treasurer also handles delinquent property taxes and conducts the annual tax-lien sale. Through the Treasurer’s Tax Account Search portal, anyone can access tax-related records using an account number or owner’s name.
The Apache County Clerk of the Superior Court maintains court records, including property-related cases such as probate and foreclosure proceedings. Keep in mind that foreclosure actions and other property-related court proceedings are handled through the Superior Court. Nonetheless, deeds of trust and other real estate documents are recorded with the County Recorder.
How to Search Apache County Property Records Online
Apache County property records searches typically involve visiting multiple official webpages. To access these records, follow these steps:
- To begin, start with the Account Search webpage. Individuals can access the portal using the parcel number, owner’s name, or the property address. Using this webpage, you will find ownership information, parcel characteristics, assessment values, and sales history.
- Then, search the Self Service portal. Anyone can search the platform using document type, owner’s name, recording date, fee number, or book and page numbers. Through the portal, you can access records such as deeds, deeds of trust, liens, releases, affidavits, and other recorded instruments.
- Review the property’s chain of title from the most recently recorded deed and work backward through earlier transfers. Ensure that the grantor’s name listed on one deed matches the grantee’s name shown on the previous deed. Any missing link in this sequence is a red flag that may require additional title research.
- Also, you can search the Recorder’s index for outstanding deeds of trust, judgments, liens, and other documents that may affect the use or ownership of a property. Keep in mind that the Affidavit of Property Value information recorded with a deed may provide an estimate of the property’s most recent sale price.
- Finally, you can confirm the property tax status using the Tax Account Search webpage. The county allows property owners to look up their tax accounts online and provides a separate portal for property tax payments.
County Recorder: Deeds, Deeds of Trust, and Plats
The Apache County Recorder is the public registry for real estate documents. It is responsible for preserving and indexing deeds, deeds of trust, liens, releases, affidavits, and other documents affecting property in Apache County. In Arizona, deeds of trust are used rather than mortgages to secure real estate financing.
You can access Apache County's recorded documents online through the Recorder's portal, with records from 1878 to the present.
County Recorder | |
|---|---|
Address | 75 West Cleveland, St. Johns, AZ 85936 |
Phone | (928) 337-7515 |
Hours | Monday - Thursday, 6:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. |
Search portal | |
Search by | Grantor, grantee, document type, recording date, or document number |
County Assessor: Ownership, Values, and Parcel Data
The Apache County Assessor is responsible for valuing all taxable properties in the county. You can use the Account Search webpage to locate the current owner, parcel number, property characteristics, and other assessment-related documents.
County Assessor | |
|---|---|
Address | 75 W. Cleveland Street, 1st Floor, St Johns, AZ 85936 |
Phone | (928) 337-7624 |
Search portal | |
Search by | Address, owner name, or parcel number |
County Treasurer: Tax Bills and Payments
In Apache County, the Treasurer is responsible for issuing tax bills, collecting property taxes, and maintaining tax payment records. The office provides online access to tax statements, property tax information, and payment services. The office also sends annual tax notices to real and personal property owners. In Apache County, property taxes are billed annually on a calendar-year basis, rather than a fiscal year. The taxes are broken up into two payments, due on October 1 and March 1.
Tax bills and payments | |
|---|---|
Payment portal | |
Phone | (928) 337-7629 |
First half due | October 1 (delinquent after November 1) |
Second half due | March 1 (delinquent after May 1) |
Delinquency | Sold at the annual February tax-lien sale |
Property Tax in Apache County: Values, Exemptions, and Appeals
The basis for calculating property taxes in Apache County depends on the property's classification. Arizona uses Full Cash Value (FCV) and Limited Property Value (LPV) in its property tax system. The Full Cash Value (FCV) represents the property’s market value shown on the annual Notice of Value. To calculate the tax, the LPV is multiplied by the applicable assessment ratio to determine the assessed value. Afterwards, the result is multiplied by the applicable tax rates (county, school, and special district rates).
Full Cash Value and Limited Property Value
Arizona assigns two important values to real property. The Full Cash Value (FCV) typically represents the property's market value and is used when reviewing the Assessor's valuation. The Limited Property Value (LPV) is the value used in determining property taxes. With some exceptions, LPV is generally limited to a 5% annual increase from the previous year. FCV is not used to calculate the property tax bill.
Exemptions and relief
Arizona offers state and local relief programs that lower property taxes for qualifying homeowners. Applicants must file their application forms with the Apache County Assessor’s Office. Be aware that application deadlines vary depending on the property tax relief program.
Program | What it does |
|---|---|
Widow or widower exemption | Concerning A.R.S. 42-11111, qualifying widows and widowers who are legal residents of Mohave County may be eligible for this property tax exemption. Qualified applicants must own the property and provide a copy of their spouse’s death certificate. The total assessed value of all property owned in Arizona must not exceed $36,454. For the 2026 tax year, household income must not exceed $39,865 for a household with no children under age 18. Also, for a household with children under age 18, the household income must not exceed $47,826. Keep in mind that not all reported income is used when calculating total income. The allowable exemption for 2026 is $4,873. |
Disabled civilians and veterans exemption | In accordance with A.R.S. 42-11111, residents who are 100% totally and permanently disabled may qualify for a property tax exemption in Apache County. Eligible applicants must own the property and submit Form DOR82514B. The total assessed value of all property owned in Arizona must not exceed $36,454. For the 2026 tax year, household income must not exceed $39,865 for households without children under age 18. Also, it must not exceed $47,826 if minor children live in the home. |
Senior Property Valuation Protection | Pursuant to Article 9, Section 18 of the state’s Constitution, homeowners who are at least 65 years old may qualify for this program. In addition, the home must be the owner’s primary residence for at least nine months of the year. Also, the owner must have occupied the property for at least two years before applying. For 2026, the combined annual income of all homeowners must include taxable and nontaxable income. It must not exceed $47,712 for a homeowner and $59,640 for two or more property owners. Applicants must submit a completed application, proof of age, and documentation of household income for the three years preceding the application. If approved, the property's Limited Property Value (LPV) is frozen in three-year increments. However, this is not a property tax freeze. To remain eligible, homeowners must renew the protection every three years. The freeze terminates if the owner sells the property or otherwise becomes ineligible. |
Agricultural and land classifications | Under A.R.S. 42-12152, property owners may qualify for agricultural classification if their property meets the applicable statutory requirements. In Apache County, qualifying properties must meet the county’s acreage and agricultural-use requirements, which vary by activity. To qualify for this exemption, property owners must submit the Agricultural Land Use Application to the Apache County Assessor’s Office. In addition, documents such as the applicable affidavit, lease information, map, or other supporting documents should be submitted. Applications must generally be submitted before September 1 for classification in the following tax year. Be aware that property owners must also notify the Assessor within 60 days if the property no longer qualifies for agricultural classification. |
Residential property tax deferral | To qualify for this program, homeowners must be 70 years of age or older and meet the requirements. The applicant must have lived in the residence for the last six years or in Arizona for the last ten years, and cannot have an ownership interest in another property. Household taxable income must not exceed $10,000 for the prior year. The property must be the applicant’s primary residence, produce no income, and have a Full Cash Value of $150,000 or less. Applicants must submit the application by April 1 each year, along with their state income tax returns and proof of residence. Property tax deferral does not eliminate the tax liability. Rather, it delays payment. Deferred taxes, interest, and costs generally become due when the claimant dies, or the property is sold. They may also become due if the claimant and spouse move to another residence or the property becomes income-producing. |
Appealing your value
If you disagree with the valuation or classification shown on your Notice of Value, you may file an appeal with the Apache County Assessor using either Form 82130 or Form 82130R. The appeal is typically filed within 60 days after the Notice of Value is mailed. If you still disagree with the Assessor’s decision, you may file an appeal with theApache County Board of Equalization. Should you disagree with the board’s decision, you may escalate the matter to the Arizona Tax Court.
GIS Maps and Parcel Viewer
You can access Apache County’s Geographic Information System (GIS) through the Parcel Viewer. Through the viewer, you can access parcel boundaries, streets, aerial imagery, zoning information, and other geographic data.
Tax-Lien Sales and Foreclosure
Foreclosure processes in Apache County typically involve tax lien sales and Deed-of-trust foreclosures.
Tax-lien sales
Each year, the Apache County Treasurer conducts delinquent property tax liens for sale through an electronic tax lien auction. The county auction for delinquent taxes is done through RealAuction by the County Treasurer. At the sale, bidders must receive a Certificate of Purchase, which represents a tax lien rather than ownership of the property. The property owner retains the right to redeem the lien, and the purchaser receives the redemption amount, including the applicable interest, when the lien is redeemed. The Treasurer states that purchasers must wait at least three years from the first tax-lien sale of the parcel. If the lien remains unredeemed, the purchaser may then seek foreclosure through the Apache County Superior Court.
Deed-of-trust foreclosure
Most residential properties secured by a deed of trust may also be subject to a trustee’s sale after a default in Apache County. In accordance with A.R.S. 33-807, the trustee may exercise the power of sale after a breach or default and completion of the required statutory procedures. The sale cannot occur before the 91st day after the notice of sale is recorded. The notice must be recorded with the Apache County Recorder and provided through the required mailing, posting, and publication procedures. It identifies the property, sale date, time, location, and other required information.
Costs to Access Property Records
In accordance with state law, you can record or obtain copies of Apache County property records for a nominal fee.
Service | Fee |
|---|---|
Online index search | Free |
Copy of a recorded document | $1 per page |
Certified copy | $3 per document |
Recording a document | $30 |
Affidavit of Property Value | $2 filing fee, unless exempt |
How to Record a Document
You must comply with Arizona recording requirements when recording a property document in Apache County.
Prepare the Document: Ensure you prepare the Document in accordance with Arizona recording requirements. The instrument should contain the required parties, legal description, signatures, and other information applicable to the type of document. Also, the document should be prepared with at least a 2-inch top margin on the first page.
Complete the Affidavit of Property Value: The standard recording fee in Apache County is $30 per document, unless an exception applies. For a property sale that requires an Affidavit of Property Value, complete and submit the form with the deed to the Recorder’s Office. If the transfer qualifies for an exemption, include the statute number and exemption code on the deed. Be aware that the affidavit must be completed and attested to by the buyer and seller, or their agents.
Submit the Document: Individuals can submit the original document to the Recorder’s Office in person or by mail. These documents can also be submitted electronically through approved vendors such as Simplifile, ePN, and CSC.
Obtain a Copy of the Recorded Document: After recording, anyone may view and download a copy of the recorded land document through the Self-Service webpage. In addition, you can visit the Recorder’s Office to obtain a certified copy of the recorded document for an additional fee.
FAQs
Yes. Under the provisions of Arizona Public Records Law, you can access property records in Apache County.
Individuals can search the Account Search webpage using the property’s address, owner’s name, or parcel number.
Yes. You can search Apache County property records using an address or parcel number on the Self Service and the Account Search webpages.
The Limited Property Value (LPV) is used to calculate property taxes for applicable property classes. Under state law, the LPV generally increases by no more than 5% from the previous year's LPV and cannot exceed the property's Full Cash Value (FCV). The FCV is the appealable value, while the LPV generally is not appealable except in cases involving errors in its calculation.
You can access digital copies of Apache County property records filed from 1878 to the present. These records are available to the public using the Self Service portal.
Quick Reference: Your Apache County Property Records Checklist
If you want to … | Do this |
|---|---|
Verify ownership | Anyone can search for a property with its address on the Account Search webpage. In addition, you can confirm ownership by carefully reviewing the latest deed using the Self Service webpage. |
Pull a deed copy | Search the Apache County Recorder’s Self Service webpage to obtain a copy of a deed. You may request uncertified or certified copies from the Recorder’s Office for a nominal fee. |
Check the tax bill | Use the Apache County Treasurer’s Tax Account Search webpage to view your tax bills. |
Appeal your value | You can file an appeal with the County Assessor within 60 days. If the issue is not resolved, appeal to the Apache County Board of Equalization. |
Apply for relief | Submit the appropriate application form to the Apache County Assessor. |
Record a new document | Ensure you prepare the deed in the required format. Also, include the signed and notarized deed, the completed Affidavit of Property Value, and the applicable recording fees. Then, submit the documents to the Apache County Recorder. |
Key Contacts and Official Portals
Office | Details |
|---|---|
Apache County Recorder | 75 West Cleveland, St. Johns, AZ 85936, (928) 337-7515, Recorder’s portal |
Apache County Assessor | 75 W. Cleveland Street, 1st Floor, St Johns, AZ 85936, (928) 337-7624, Assessor’s portal |
Apache County Treasurer | 75 West Cleveland, St. Johns, AZ 85936, (928) 337-7629, Treasurer’s portal |
Apache County GIS Department | |
AZ Department of Revenue, Property Tax |