SeaTac Deed Records

SeaTac deed records are filed and maintained by the King County Recorder's Office in Seattle. Any time a property in SeaTac is sold, refinanced, or transferred, the deed gets recorded at King County and becomes part of the public record. You can search those records online, visit the office in person, or request copies by mail. This page explains where the records are kept, how to search them, what document types you might find, and what protections exist for SeaTac property owners.

King County Recorder's Office for SeaTac

All deed records for SeaTac properties are held by the King County Recorder's Office. Under Washington State law, the Recorder is the official custodian of real property documents for the county. When a SeaTac property changes hands or a lender records a deed of trust, the document goes to King County. It gets indexed and stored as a permanent public record. The Recorder's Office handles deeds, deeds of trust, liens, easements, plats, and surveys, among other document types.

The office is located in downtown Seattle at the King County Administration Building. Staff can help you find specific documents, pull copies, and provide certified versions when you need them. SeaTac incorporated in 1990, so most property records in the city's history run through King County. The online system goes back to August 1991, which covers the vast majority of modern transactions.

Note: The office is accessible by King County Metro bus and is a short walk from downtown Seattle light rail stations. Paid parking is available in nearby garages.

How to Search SeaTac Deed Records Online

The King County Recorder's online database is the fastest way to find deed records for SeaTac properties. The system covers documents recorded since August 1, 1991. You can search by grantor name, grantee name, document type, recording date range, or document number. Results show basic index information. From there, you can view images of most documents on screen at no charge. Certified copies must be ordered from the office directly.

To search, you need at least one party name or a parcel number. Entering the last name of the grantor or grantee and the approximate recording year will usually get you to the right document quickly. The results show document type, recording date, and document number, and they link to viewable images for most post-1991 records. If the property had owners before 1991, you may need to visit the King County Archives or the Puget Sound Regional Branch of the Washington State Archives for older records.

The SeaTac City Clerk and Records Division handles requests for city-generated documents such as permits, ordinances, and council records. That office does not maintain deed records. The Records Division can be reached at 206-973-4663. Deed records, property transfers, and title documents all go through King County, not the city.

The Washington State Archives holds historical records that may predate the county's digital system, useful for older SeaTac property histories.

Types of Deed Records in SeaTac

Several types of deeds are used to transfer property in SeaTac. Each provides different levels of protection to buyers. Knowing which type of deed was used tells you a lot about what the seller promised at the time of transfer.

The Statutory Warranty Deed under RCW 64.04.030 is the most common deed in a standard property sale. The seller guarantees clear ownership and agrees to defend the title against future claims. This is what most buyers get in a typical arm's-length transaction. The Bargain and Sale Deed under RCW 64.04.040 is more limited. It covers only the seller's own period of ownership. Banks often use this form after foreclosures. The Quitclaim Deed under RCW 64.04.050 transfers whatever interest the grantor has with no promises at all. People use quitclaim deeds to add or remove a spouse from title, handle family transfers, or clear up ownership disputes.

Beyond deed types, the King County system indexes deeds of trust, which are the lender's security documents. You will also find reconveyances when a loan is paid off, easements, mechanic's liens, judgment liens, and property tax records. All are searchable through the same online portal.

Recording and Copy Fees for SeaTac Properties

Washington sets recording fees by statute. Under RCW Chapters 36.18 and 36.22, recording a deed in King County costs $303.50 for the first page plus $1.00 for each additional page. Deeds of trust run $304.50 for the first page. These fees include surcharges that fund housing affordability programs statewide. If a document does not meet the formatting standards in RCW 65.04, a $50 non-standard surcharge applies on top of the base fee.

Copy fees for recorded documents are $1.00 per page for standard copies. Certified copies cost $3.00 for the first page and $1.00 for each page after that. You can pay these fees in person, by mail, or sometimes online depending on the request method. Mail-in copy requests should include the document number, return address, and a check made out to the King County Recorder's Office.

Note: Real estate excise tax is also due at the time of recording. The affidavit accompanying the deed must show the sale price or reason for exemption before the Recorder will accept the document.

Protecting SeaTac Property from Deed Fraud

King County offers a free service called the Recording Activity Notification System, or RANS. SeaTac property owners can sign up to receive email alerts when any document is recorded under their name or against their property. This is a practical tool for catching deed fraud early. Criminals sometimes forge deeds to transfer property ownership without the owner's knowledge. Getting an alert right away gives you time to act before the situation gets worse.

You can sign up for RANS through the King County Recorder's website at kingcounty.gov/recorder/recording-activity. The service is free and takes only a few minutes to set up. Once enrolled, you will get an email any time a document is indexed with your name. This does not block the recording, but it gives you early notice so you can contact the Recorder's Office or your attorney if something looks wrong. For SeaTac homeowners, this is one of the simplest ways to monitor your title.

The Washington State Digital Archives provides access to historical land records from across Washington, including older SeaTac and King County property documents.

Public Access to SeaTac Deed Records

Deed records are public records under Washington's Public Records Act, RCW Chapter 42.56. Anyone can search and view these documents without needing to explain why. The Recorder cannot ask for your reason. This open access is core to Washington's property system.

Walk-in access is available at the King County Recorder's Office during regular hours. Public computers in the lobby let you search and view records without requesting copies in advance. Staff can walk you through the search tools and help you track down specific documents. Mail-in requests are also accepted. Include the document number, your return address, and payment with your request. If a document has sensitive information like a Social Security number, you may need to request a copy in person or by mail to get the full unredacted version.

King County Deed Records

SeaTac is located in King County. All deed records for SeaTac properties are maintained at the King County Recorder's Office. The county page has more detail on the recording office, search tools, fees, and resources available across the full King County system.

View King County Deed Records

Nearby Cities

These cities are close to SeaTac and file deed records through their respective county recorders.