Record a Document
The Recorder is required to record all documents submitted by the public which are qualified to be recorded. An instrument which fails to meet any of the following conditions, as defined by Utah State Code, may be rejected for recordation at the time of presentation.
Documents may be submitted in person, electronically through an independent third-party e-recording vendor, or mailed to the Recorder’s Office for recording. Payment of the appropriate fee must accompany the document.
Requirements for Recording
- Legibility. Documents must be clearly readable (Utah Code 57-3-106) (opens in a new tab)
- Names of Signers Printed. Names must be printed or typed of all signers whose names are required to be indexed. (Utah Code 17-71-403) (opens in a new tab)
- Notary Acknowledgement. Documents affecting real property must be acknowledged. (Utah Code 57-3-101) (opens in a new tab)
- Nature of Document. Documents shall contain a brief caption stating the nature of the document. (Utah Code 57-3-106) (opens in a new tab)
- Return Address. Documents affecting title to real property must contain the mailing address of the grantees. (Utah Code 57-3-105)(3a) (opens in a new tab)
- Legal Description. Documents affecting real property must have a legal description of the property affected. (Utah Code 57-3-105(2)) (opens in a new tab)
- Original Document. Documents must be originals with original signatures and notaries to be eligible for recording. (Utah Code 57-3-106) (opens in a new tab)
Non-Recordable Documents
- Negotiable Instruments (stocks, bonds, money)
- Vital Records such as birth certificates and death certificates
- Other documents such as passports, citizenship papers, copyrights, trademarks, etc.
Subdivisions & Condominiums
In order to record a subdivision or condominium, you must adhere to the regulations stated in the Utah State Code. For a list of requirements, download the associated checklist PDF.
Paper Notice and Instrument Requirements
- Be on white paper that is 8 1/2 inches by 11 inches in size;
- Have a margin of one inch on the left and right sides and at the bottom of each page;
- Have a space of 2 1/2 inches down and 4 1/2 inches across the upper right corner of the first page and a margin of one inch at the top of each succeeding page;
- Not be on sheets of paper that are continuously bound together at the side, top or bottom;
- Not contain printed material on more than one side of each page;
- Be printed in black ink and not have text smaller than seven lines of text per vertical inch; and
- Be sufficiently legible to make certified copies.
Note: These requirements derive from the Utah State Code (Utah Code 17-71-403) (opens in a new tab)
Utah Recording and Processing Standards
These standards are approved by the Utah State “County Recorders Standards Board”, under the Utah Division of Professional Licensing.