Denver Property Deed Records Search

Denver deed records are maintained by the Denver Clerk and Recorder. Denver operates as a consolidated city-county government. This unique structure means the city and county functions are combined into one office. Property owners in Denver do not need to visit separate city and county offices. All deed records for properties within Denver city limits are handled at the Clerk and Recorder's Recording Department located in the Wellington E. Webb Municipal Office Building downtown.

Where to Record Deeds in Denver

Cities in Colorado do not maintain deed records. All real estate documents are recorded at the county level. Denver is unique because it is a consolidated city-county. This means Denver city government and Denver County government are the same entity. When you record a deed for property in Denver, you use the Denver Clerk and Recorder office. This single office handles all recording functions for the entire city and county area.

The Recording Department is located in the Wellington E. Webb Municipal Office Building at 201 W. Colfax Avenue, Department 101. This building sits in downtown Denver near the State Capitol. The office is accessible by public transit via the 16th Street Mall and Colfax Avenue bus routes. For drivers, parking is available in nearby lots and garages. The office is on the first floor of the municipal building.

Debra Johnson serves as the Denver Clerk and Recorder. Her office manages over 11 million documents dating back to 1859. The collection includes warranty deeds, quit claim deeds, mortgages, releases, liens, and many other real estate documents. Denver maintains one of the most comprehensive online property record systems in Colorado.

Denver Clerk and Recorder Information

The Denver Clerk and Recorder Recording Department accepts documents in person, by mail, and through electronic filing systems. In-person recording provides same-day service with immediate return of stamped documents. Staff members review documents for compliance with Colorado recording statutes. They can answer questions about fees, forms, and requirements.

Office hours are Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The office closes on weekends and recognized holidays. It is best to arrive early in the day to avoid wait times. Peak recording times typically occur during the first and last weeks of each month. Real estate professionals often visit during lunch hours. Planning your visit for mid-morning or mid-afternoon may result in shorter wait times.

Denver Deed Records Online Search

Denver provides free online access to deed records through the Clerk and Recorder's website. The online database contains over 11 million documents spanning from 1859 to the present day. This represents more than 160 years of property transaction history. Users can search by name, address, document number, or date range. The system updates frequently to include new recordings.

The search interface is user-friendly and does not require registration for basic searches. Simply enter your search criteria and view results instantly. Document details include recording date, parties involved, document type, and legal description. For certified copies or document images, fees may apply. The online system allows you to verify that your deed was recorded correctly without visiting the office.

Colorado follows a race-notice recording statute under C.R.S. § 38-35-109. This means the first person to record a deed without notice of prior claims gains priority. Denver's online search system helps property owners verify their recordings quickly. Prompt recording protects your property interests under Colorado law.

Denver Recording Fees and Requirements

Recording fees in Denver follow state standards established by Colorado law. As of July 1, 2025, the base recording fee is $43 per document. This flat rate applies regardless of the number of pages. The change came from HB24-1269 and simplified the previous fee structure. This makes calculating costs easier for property owners and title companies.

The documentary fee also applies to most property transfers. This fee equals $0.01 per $100 of consideration for sales over $500. The grantor typically pays this fee at the time of recording. These revenues support water and wastewater infrastructure projects throughout Colorado. Not all transactions require the documentary fee. Some exemptions apply to transfers between spouses and certain government transactions.

Key fees for Denver deed recording include:

• Recording fee: $43.00 per document (flat rate)
• Documentary fee: $0.01 per $100 of consideration
• Standard copies: $0.25 per page
• Certified copies: $1.00 per record

All deeds must meet Colorado formatting requirements under C.R.S. § 30-10-406. Documents need a 1-inch top margin and 0.5-inch side and bottom margins. The grantee's mailing address must appear on the first page. The TD-1000 transfer declaration form must accompany conveyance deeds. Proper notarization is required for all documents.

Nearby Cities with Deed Records

Denver sits at the center of the metro area. Several other cities border Denver. Each city falls under the jurisdiction of its respective county for deed recording. Properties near Denver city limits may actually be in Adams, Arapahoe, or Jefferson counties. Always verify which county handles your property before recording.

Each of these cities records deeds through their respective county offices. Aurora spans three counties. Lakewood and Arvada primarily use Jefferson County. Thornton records through Adams County.