Arapahoe County Clerk & Recorder: Recorded Documents & Services

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Arapahoe County, Colorado Clerk & Recorder Guide

Arapahoe County Clerk & Recorder: Recorded Documents & Services

The Arapahoe County Clerk & Recorder is the office to start with when you need recorded documents in Arapahoe County, Colorado, including deeds, liens, releases, plats, marriage and civil union license records, military discharge recording, and document copies.

This guide explains how to search the official recorded document system, submit documents for recording, use eRecording, mail or drop off documents, request copies, find the Littleton recording office, and understand when you actually need the Colorado court system instead of the Clerk & Recorder.

Search Recorded Documents Recording Services Locations & Google Map

Independent guide last reviewed September 2026. Always confirm current hours, appointment rules, fees, and document requirements on the official Arapahoe County website before mailing, recording, or visiting.

Quick Facts: Arapahoe County Recorded Documents

Official office Arapahoe County Clerk & Recorder.
Main office address 5334 S. Prince St., Littleton, CO 80120.
Clerk office phone 303-795-4200.
Recording Division phone 303-795-4520.
Recording email recording@arapahoegov.com.
Mailing address for recording Arapahoe County Clerk and Recorder, Recording, 5334 S. Prince St., Littleton, CO 80120.
Best online tool Official Document Search for real property and other recorded documents.
In-person recording Appointment-based service at the Littleton branch; confirm current hours before visiting.
Simple rule: use the Clerk & Recorder for recorded instruments such as deeds, liens, releases, plats, marriage/civil union license records, and recorded copies. Use Colorado courts for case files, divorce decrees, probate case documents, judgments filed with the court, and other court records.

How to Record Documents With the Arapahoe County Clerk & Recorder

Arapahoe County offers several ways to submit documents for recording. Commercial submitters often use eRecording. Residents and local businesses may use the mail, a 24-hour branch drop box, or an appointment-based in-person visit at the Littleton office.

Recording is document-sensitive. A deed, lien release, plat, UCC real estate fixture filing, military discharge, or marriage/civil union certificate can each have different formatting, fee, and routing rules. Always check the official instructions before sending originals.

eRecording Preferred and fastest for many commercial entities using approved eRecording submitters.
Drop box Use red 24-hour drop boxes outside branch offices. Put “Recording” on the envelope and include exact check payment.
Mail Mail documents with exact payment and a return mailing address to the Recording Division in Littleton.
In person In-person recording is by appointment at the Littleton branch. Do not assume walk-in recording is available.

Official recording pageArapahoe County Recording Services

After opening this link:

  1. Read the “Recording Documents” section before preparing payment or mailing originals.
  2. If you are a commercial submitter, review the eRecording instructions and approved submitter options.
  3. If using a drop box, write Recording on the envelope and include a check for the exact amount.
  4. If mailing, include your return mailing address on the document or envelope and make the check payable to Arapahoe County Clerk.
  5. If visiting in person, use the appointment link on the official page and confirm the current office hours.

Appointment requiredArapahoe County Clerk & Recorder Locations and Hours

After opening this link:

  1. Choose the branch location that matches your service need.
  2. Check whether the service is offered at that location.
  3. Use the appointment tool where required before going to the office.
  4. Confirm current hours, holiday closures, accepted payments, and drop-box availability.
Mailing checklist: include the original document, exact recording fee, documentary fee if applicable, return mailing address, and any required supporting pages. Do not mail a document until you are sure it is complete and signed/notarized where required.

Arapahoe County Recording Fees and Copy Cost Notes

Colorado recording fees changed under HB24-1269, and Arapahoe County’s official fee page states that a flat recording fee applies beginning July 1, 2025. The fee may not be the only cost: documentary fees, UCC fixture filing fees, copy fees, certification fees, convenience fees, and other charges can apply depending on the document and request type.

$43 Letter or legal-size document up to 8.5" x 14".
$43 Plats, maps, survey plats, and documents larger than 8.5" x 14".
$0.10 / $1,000 Documentary fee on documents conveying title to real property, based on consideration.
$43 Federal tax lien recording.
$13 UCC real estate fixture filing, 1–2 pages.
$18 UCC real estate fixture filing, 3 or more pages.
$8 eRecorded UCC statement listed by the county.
$30 Marriage or civil union license application and recording of certificate.
No charge DD214 recording with two certified copies, according to the county fee schedule.
Confirm first Copy, certification, service, and convenience fees may depend on the record type and payment method.

Official feesArapahoe County Recording Fee Schedule

After opening this link:

  1. Find your document category before preparing payment.
  2. Check whether the document has a flat recording fee, UCC fixture filing fee, documentary fee, or special no-charge rule.
  3. If mailing or using a drop box, prepare a check or money order for the exact amount payable to Arapahoe County Clerk.
  4. If the document conveys real property, check whether the documentary fee applies.
  5. Call the Recording Division at 303-795-4520 if the fee is unclear before sending the document.

Arapahoe County Clerk & Recorder Google Map, Address, Phone, and Branch Offices

The main Clerk & Recorder office and Recording Division mailing address are at the Arapahoe County Administration Building in Littleton. The county also lists branch offices in Aurora, Byers, Centennial, and Littleton for Clerk & Recorder services.

Main Clerk & Recorder Office

Address: 5334 S. Prince St., Littleton, CO 80120

Clerk office phone: 303-795-4200

Recording phone: 303-795-4520

Recording email: recording@arapahoegov.com

Best for: recorded documents, copies, recording appointments, marriage/civil union license services, passport applications, motor vehicle services, and voter services.

Open in Google Maps

Littleton Branch

5334 S. Prince St.
Littleton, CO 80120

Branch phone: 303-795-4500

Primary branch for recording appointments and many Clerk & Recorder services.

Aurora Branch

490 S. Chambers Road
Aurora, CO 80017

Branch phone: 303-795-4500

Check current service availability before visiting.

Centennial Branch

6954 S. Lima St.
Centennial, CO 80112

Branch phone: 303-795-4500

Also known as the Arapahoe County Lima Plaza location.

Byers Branch

538 N. Highway 36
Byers, CO 80103

Branch phone: 303-795-4500

Helpful for eastern Arapahoe County customers; confirm appointment and service rules first.

Before you visit: some in-person Clerk & Recorder services are appointment only, and posted hours can change for holidays, staffing, elections, weather, or county notices. Use the official locations page before driving to any branch.

Marriage and Civil Union Licenses, Recording, and Copies

The Arapahoe County Clerk & Recorder issues marriage and civil union licenses and records completed certificates. The county’s official instructions say applicants can apply online first, then complete the license process in person at a branch office by appointment.

A Colorado marriage or civil union license may be issued and used in any Colorado county. After the license is completed, the certificate must be returned for recording within the county’s deadline to avoid late issues.

Apply online first Complete the county’s online marriage/civil union application before the in-person appointment.
Appointment required The county states that marriage and civil union license services are appointment only until further notice.
Use after issuance The license is issued the same day it is applied for and may be used immediately under the county’s posted instructions.
Record after ceremony Return the completed license and certificate for recording within the county’s posted deadline.

Official marriage pageArapahoe County Marriage and Civil Union Licenses

After opening this link:

  1. Read the four-step process for applying, making an appointment, completing the license, and recording the certificate.
  2. Complete the online marriage or civil union application if it applies to your situation.
  3. Use the official appointment link before going to a branch office.
  4. Bring the required identification and payment listed by the county.
  5. After the ceremony, return the completed license and certificate for recording within the county’s deadline.
  6. Use the Document Search tool to look up recorded marriage/civil union licenses from the county’s online date range, or contact the Recording Division for older records.

Arapahoe County Clerk & Recorder vs Court Records

The Arapahoe County Clerk & Recorder is not the same as the clerk of the court. This matters because many users search the Recorder for divorce decrees, probate case files, civil case judgments, custody orders, criminal dispositions, or court forms, but those usually belong with the Colorado Judicial Branch.

Use the Clerk & Recorder for

  • Deeds, liens, releases, and recorded real estate documents.
  • Plats, maps, survey plats, easements, and related recordings.
  • Marriage and civil union license records.
  • DD214 military discharge recording and certified copies.
  • Recorded document copies and fraud/property alert resources.
  • Motor vehicle, passport, and voter services where offered by the county.

Use the Colorado courts for

  • Divorce case files and divorce decrees.
  • Probate case documents, wills filed in court, and estate case files.
  • Civil, criminal, traffic, juvenile, and family court records.
  • Judgment filing questions tied to a court case.
  • Court forms, hearings, case numbers, and docket information.
  • District Court or County Court clerk assistance.

Court recordsColorado Judicial Branch: Arapahoe County Courts

After opening this link:

  1. Use this court page when the record is part of a court case, not a recorded land or marriage/civil union document.
  2. Look for Arapahoe County Court or District Court contact information.
  3. Use the case number, party name, and case type when contacting the court.
  4. Return to the Clerk & Recorder only if you need a recorded instrument such as a deed, lien, release, plat, or recorded license.

CORA Requests Are Not the Same as Recorded Document Searches

Arapahoe County provides an online public-records request portal for Colorado Open Records Act requests. The county warns that the CORA portal for Clerk & Recorder requests is for office records related to Elections, Recording, and Motor Vehicle, not for ordinary copies of deeds, titles, liens, marriage licenses, divorce decrees, birth/death certificates, certified copies, or other public documents.

If you need a recorded document, use the Document Search tool or contact the Recording Division first. If you need a court case document, use the Colorado Judicial Branch instead.

Public records requestArapahoe County CORA / NextRequest Portal

After opening this link:

  1. Use this portal only if your request is for Clerk & Recorder office records that are not ordinary recorded-document copies.
  2. Do not use CORA for a routine deed, lien, title, recorded marriage license, certified copy, or court record request.
  3. Describe the records clearly, including date range, department, subject, and document type.
  4. Watch for county messages asking for clarification, cost approval, or delivery instructions.

Other Arapahoe County Clerk & Recorder Services

The Clerk & Recorder is also connected to motor vehicle services, new passport applications, marriage/civil union licensing, voter services, elections, and 24-hour document drop boxes. These services may have different appointment rules, payment rules, and required documents.

Passports The county can help with new passport applications, not passport renewals. Appointment availability may be limited.
Motor vehicle County motor vehicle offices assist with selected registration, title, placard, plate, and related services.
Voter services The Clerk & Recorder also supports voter registration, election services, and voter-service resources.
24-hour drop boxes Red document drop boxes outside branch offices may be used for many recording and motor vehicle transactions with check or money-order payment.

Official Clerk pageArapahoe County Clerk & Recorder Services

After opening this link:

  1. Choose the service area that matches your task: Recording, Motor Vehicle, Passports, Marriage/Civil Union, Elections, or Voter Services.
  2. Read the appointment notice before visiting a branch.
  3. For drop box submissions, include the required forms, contact information, and correct payment.
  4. For recording questions, email recording@arapahoegov.com or call the Recording Division.

Before You Record or Order a Copy: Practical Checklist

  • Confirm whether you need a recorded document, a court record, a motor vehicle record, or a CORA request.
  • Search by document number when possible; use grantor/grantee names and recorded-date ranges when the number is unknown.
  • Check the current recording fee schedule before preparing payment.
  • Use exact payment when mailing or dropping off a document.
  • Add your return mailing address and contact information so the county can return documents or resolve problems.
  • Make an appointment for in-person services when required.
  • Do not submit original documents until you understand whether they meet Colorado recording requirements.
Best user path: search the official document system first, confirm the document type and recording date, then use the Recording Division for copies, certification, older records, or questions about recording a new document.

Official Arapahoe County Links Used in This Guide

Clerk & Recorder homepage Overview of recording, motor vehicle, passports, marriage/civil union licenses, elections, and drop boxes.
Recording services Instructions for eRecording, mail, drop box, appointment recording, document search, and CORA notes.
Document Search Official search portal for Arapahoe County recorded documents.
Recording fees Current county fee schedule for recording and related document services.
Marriage and civil union licenses Application, appointment, license completion, recording, and copy instructions.
Colorado Judicial Branch Use this for Arapahoe County court records and court case questions.

Independent Guide and Record-Use Notice

This page is an independent informational guide for Arapahoe County Clerk & Recorder services. It is not the official Arapahoe County website, and it does not provide legal advice, title opinions, court-record certification, or official government action.

Recorded public documents may affect property rights, debts, title, liens, and legal notice. Before relying on any record for a purchase, sale, refinance, estate, lawsuit, or title decision, verify the record with the official county system and consult a qualified professional where needed.

Arapahoe County Clerk & Recorder FAQs

1. How do I search Arapahoe County recorded documents online?

Use the official Arapahoe County Document Search portal. Search by grantor/grantee name, subdivision, document type, document number, or recorded date range, then open the matching record to review document details and copy options.

2. What documents does the Arapahoe County Clerk & Recorder record?

The Recording Division handles documents such as deeds, liens, releases, plats, maps, survey plats, real estate fixture filings, DD214 military discharges, marriage/civil union license records, and related recorded instruments.

3. Where is the Arapahoe County Clerk & Recorder office?

The main Clerk & Recorder office is at 5334 S. Prince St., Littleton, CO 80120. The county also lists branch offices in Aurora, Byers, Centennial, and Littleton.

4. What phone number should I call for Arapahoe County recording questions?

For Recording Division questions, call 303-795-4520 or email recording@arapahoegov.com. For general Clerk & Recorder office questions, call 303-795-4200.

5. Can I record documents in person in Arapahoe County?

Yes, but in-person recording is appointment-based at the Littleton branch. The county also accepts recording submissions by eRecording, mail, and red 24-hour drop boxes outside branch offices.

6. How much does it cost to record a document in Arapahoe County?

The county fee schedule lists a $43 flat fee for many recording categories beginning July 1, 2025. Other fees may apply, including documentary fees, UCC fixture filing fees, copy fees, certification fees, or convenience fees.

7. Where do I mail documents for recording?

Mail recording documents to Arapahoe County Clerk and Recorder, Recording, 5334 S. Prince St., Littleton, CO 80120. Include exact payment and a return mailing address.

8. Does the Clerk & Recorder provide Arapahoe County court records?

No. The Clerk & Recorder is not affiliated with the Colorado court system and cannot provide court records, court forms, or court documents. Use the Colorado Judicial Branch for Arapahoe County court records.

9. Can I search Arapahoe County marriage records online?

The county says recorded marriage and civil union licenses may be searched through the online Document Search for records within the posted online date range. Older records may require an appointment or direct contact with the Recording Division.

10. Is this the official Arapahoe County Clerk & Recorder website?

No. This is an independent guide. For official document searches, recording instructions, fees, locations, appointments, and service updates, use the official Arapahoe County links provided in this article.

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