All documents submitted for recording in Washington State must conform to formatting requirements for margins, page size, font size, color, legibility and attachments set by RCW 36.18 and 65.04. A cover sheet is required for documents in which the first page does not contain the necessary index fields or the three inch top margin. Documents that do not meet the requirements will be returned for reformatting before they will be recorded.
While the Recording Department can advise on document formatting, we are prohibited from:
- Giving legal advice
- Suggesting what type of document to use
- Helping fill out documents
- Accepting illegible documents
- Recording documents other than those specified by the state of Washington and federal law
Additionally, we can direct citizens to resources which assist including the Clark County Law Library*. Information may be found regarding deeds, liens, and estate planning.
*The information provided by the library is not intended to substitute for legal or professional advice. You should consult with a lawyer about how information you find may or may not apply to your unique situation.
Record a Document
The Recording Department of the County Auditor's Office is responsible for recording and maintaining real property records in Clark County. State law requires that certain documents (including deeds, liens, and plats) be recorded with the County Auditor.
1) Review your document for formatting requirements
- All documents submitted for recording in Washington State must follow certain formatting requirements. Review the formatting requirements with our Document Standardization Guide.
2) Review fees
- Recording fees are set by state law and vary based on the document type and number of pages. Please see the current fee schedule for a complete list of recording fees.
3) Determine if the Treasurer's Office needs to review the document
- Conveyance-type documents, including but not limited to deeds, easements, and death certificates related to transfer on death deeds, must be reviewed by the Clark County Treasurer's Office to determine whether excise tax is due prior to recording a document. If excise tax is owed on your property, the document cannot be recorded by the Recording Department until the excise taxes are paid in full to the Treasurer's Office.
4) Submit your document for recording
By Mail
Submit document with self-addressed stamped envelope and exact recording fee to:
Clark County Auditor's Office
Attn: Recording Department
PO Box 5000
Vancouver, WA 98666-5000
Payment methods include:
Check, money order, or cashier's check made out to the Clark County Auditor's Office.
Once your document is recorded, we will mail the original document back to you.
In Person
Visit our lobby on the second floor of the Public Service Center, located at:
1300 Franklin Street
Vancouver, WA 98660
Payment methods include:
Cash, credit/debit card*, check, money order, or cashier's check made out to the Clark County Auditor's Office.
*Credit/debit payments will incur a card processing fee.
If your document requires excise, our Customer Service Specialists are cross-trained and will be able to assist in processing excise tax affidavits.
eRecording Submitter
If you are a frequent customer, submit your document online through a county-qualified eRecording submitter. eRecording submitters charge an additional fee for this service.
Approved eRecording submitters for Clark County:
*The Treasurer's Office uses Simplifile to process eREET for any documents requiring excise. Please contact the Treasurer's Office for further information.
Still have questions?
Please call the Recording Department at 564-397-2208 or email us at AuditorRecording@clark.wa.gov.