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Yavapai County Public Records

What Are Public Records in Yavapai County?

Public records in Yavapai County are defined according to Arizona Revised Statutes § 39-121, which states that "public records and other matters in the custody of any officer shall be open to inspection by any person at all times during office hours." These records encompass a wide range of documents created, maintained, or received by government agencies in the course of their official business.

Yavapai County maintains numerous types of public records, including:

  • Court Records: Civil, criminal, probate, and family court cases processed through the Yavapai County Superior Court and Justice Courts
  • Property Records: Deeds, mortgages, liens, easements, and property assessments
  • Vital Records: Birth and death certificates (limited to those occurring in Yavapai County)
  • Marriage Records: Marriage licenses and certificates
  • Business Records: Business licenses, permits, and fictitious business name filings
  • Tax Records: Property tax information, assessment records, and tax liens
  • Voting and Election Records: Voter registration data and election results
  • Meeting Minutes and Agendas: Records from County Board of Supervisors meetings and other county boards and commissions
  • Budget and Financial Documents: County budgets, expenditure reports, and financial statements
  • Law Enforcement Records: Certain arrest logs and incident reports (subject to privacy restrictions)
  • Land Use and Zoning Records: Planning documents, zoning maps, and building permits

The Yavapai County Recorder's Office maintains property records, marriage licenses, and other official documents. Court records are maintained by the Yavapai County Superior Court and various Justice Courts throughout the county. Vital records such as birth and death certificates are managed by the Yavapai County Health Services.

Is Yavapai County an Open Records County?

Yavapai County adheres to Arizona's public records laws, specifically the Arizona Public Records Law § 39-121 through § 39-128, which establishes the presumption that all government records are open to public inspection unless specifically exempted by law.

Under Arizona Revised Statutes § 39-121.01(D)(1), "Any person may request to examine or be furnished copies, printouts or photographs of any public record during regular office hours or may request that the custodian mail a copy of any public record not otherwise available on the public body's website to the requesting person."

Yavapai County has implemented policies to comply with these state requirements. The county maintains transparency in government operations through adherence to Arizona's Open Meeting Law (A.R.S. § 38-431) and public records statutes.

The Yavapai County Board of Supervisors has established procedures for public records requests that align with state requirements while ensuring efficient processing of requests. These procedures are designed to provide reasonable access while protecting confidential information as required by law.

How to Find Public Records in Yavapai County in 2026

Members of the public seeking records in Yavapai County may follow these steps to obtain the information they need:

  1. Identify the appropriate department: Determine which county department or office maintains the records you seek. Different types of records are maintained by different offices:

    • Property records: Yavapai County Recorder's Office
    • Court records: Yavapai County Superior Court or Justice Courts
    • Vital records: Yavapai County Health Services
    • Tax records: Yavapai County Assessor or Treasurer

  2. Submit a formal request: While some records are available online, others require a formal request. Requests can be submitted:

    • In person at the appropriate office
    • By mail to the relevant department
    • Online through department-specific portals
    • By email to the records custodian

  3. Complete required forms: Many departments have specific forms for records requests. The Yavapai County Public Records Request Form is used by several county departments.

  4. Provide specific information: Include detailed information about the records you seek, including:

    • Document type
    • Date range
    • Names of involved parties
    • Case numbers (for court records)
    • Property addresses or parcel numbers (for property records)

  5. Pay applicable fees: Be prepared to pay any required fees for copying, certification, or research.

  6. Allow processing time: Departments typically respond to requests within a reasonable timeframe, though complex requests may take longer.

For court records, the public may access the Arizona Judicial Branch's Public Access Case Lookup system, which provides online access to case information.

Property records can be searched through the Yavapai County Recorder's Office website, which offers both free and subscription-based access options.

How Much Does It Cost to Get Public Records in Yavapai County?

Yavapai County charges fees for certain public records in accordance with Arizona Revised Statutes § 39-121.03, which allows agencies to charge fees for copies, printouts, or photographs of public records. Current standard fees include:

  • General Document Copies: $0.50 per page for standard black and white copies
  • Certified Copies: $0.50 per page plus $5.00 certification fee
  • Large Format Documents: $3.00 per page for maps and other oversized documents
  • Electronic Records: Variable fees based on storage media and staff time
  • Research Fees: $20.00 per hour for requests requiring extensive research (after first hour)

Specific departments may have different fee structures:

  • Recorder's Office:

    • Regular copies: $0.50 per page
    • Certified copies: $5.00 plus $0.50 per page
    • Marriage license copies: $10.00

  • Superior Court:

    • Case document copies: $0.50 per page
    • Certified copies: $30.00 for first page, $0.50 each additional page
    • Audio recordings: $25.00 per CD

  • Health Services (Vital Records):

    • Birth certificates: $20.00 for first copy, $5.00 for each additional copy
    • Death certificates: $20.00 for first copy, $5.00 for each additional copy

Accepted payment methods include cash, check, money order, and credit/debit cards (in most offices). Some online services may require credit card payment.

Fee waivers may be available in certain circumstances, particularly when the request is determined to be in the public interest or for individuals demonstrating financial hardship.

Does Yavapai County Have Free Public Records?

Yavapai County provides free inspection of public records during normal business hours in accordance with Arizona law. While copying fees may apply, the public has the right to examine records without charge at the office where they are maintained.

Several types of records are available at no cost:

The Yavapai County Recorder's Office provides limited free access to recorded documents through their online portal, though full access requires a subscription.

Public computers are available at county offices and public libraries throughout Yavapai County for individuals who need to access online records but lack internet access.

Who Can Request Public Records in Yavapai County?

Under Arizona's Public Records Law, any person may request public records from Yavapai County regardless of citizenship or residency status. The Arizona Revised Statutes § 39-121 states that public records "shall be open to inspection by any person," establishing a broad right of access.

Key points regarding eligibility to request records include:

  • No residency requirement: Requestors need not be Arizona or Yavapai County residents

  • No purpose statement required: For most records, requestors do not need to state why they want the records

  • Identification requirements: Some records may require identification to verify eligibility, particularly for:

    • Vital records (birth/death certificates)
    • Certain court records
    • Records with restricted access

  • Commercial use: Requests for commercial purposes must be declared as such, per A.R.S. § 39-121.03(A)

  • Representatives: Attorneys, researchers, or other representatives may request records on behalf of clients

For personal records, additional verification may be required:

  • Birth certificates can only be requested by the person named on the certificate, immediate family members, legal representatives, or those with a qualifying legal interest
  • Certain court records may require proof of relationship or legal interest
  • Medical examiner reports may have restricted access depending on relationship to the deceased

Government agencies, law enforcement, and authorized researchers may have expanded access to certain records that are otherwise restricted from public view.

What Records Are Confidential in Yavapai County?

While Yavapai County strives for transparency, certain records are confidential under Arizona law. Arizona Revised Statutes § 39-121.04 and other statutes exempt specific categories of records from public disclosure. These include:

  • Personal Identifying Information:

    • Social Security numbers
    • Credit card/financial account numbers
    • Driver's license numbers
    • Personal phone numbers and home addresses of certain officials

  • Medical Records:

    • Patient medical files (protected under HIPAA)
    • Mental health evaluations
    • Substance abuse treatment records

  • Court Records:

    • Sealed court records
    • Juvenile court records (with limited exceptions)
    • Adoption proceedings
    • Mental health commitment proceedings
    • Certain family court matters

  • Law Enforcement Records:

    • Active criminal investigation materials
    • Confidential informant information
    • Victim information in certain cases
    • Records that would compromise ongoing investigations

  • Personnel Records:

    • Employee medical information
    • Performance evaluations (with exceptions)
    • Disciplinary actions (with exceptions)

  • Other Protected Records:

    • Child welfare and protective services records
    • Trade secrets and proprietary business information
    • Critical infrastructure and security information
    • Attorney-client privileged communications
    • Educational records protected under FERPA

Arizona courts apply a balancing test when determining whether to release records that may contain sensitive information. This test weighs the public's right to know against individual privacy interests and potential harm from disclosure.

Records containing both public and confidential information may be released with the confidential portions redacted, as required by A.R.S. § 39-121.01(D)(2).

Yavapai County Recorder's Office: Contact Information and Hours

Yavapai County Recorder's Office
1015 Fair Street, Room 228
Prescott, AZ 86305
(928) 771-3244
Yavapai County Recorder

Branch Office - Verde Valley
10 S. 6th Street
Cottonwood, AZ 86326
(928) 639-5807

Hours of Operation:
Monday - Friday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Closed on weekends and county-observed holidays

Services Provided:

  • Recording of deeds, mortgages, and other property documents
  • Marriage license applications and certificates
  • Military discharge records
  • Mining claims
  • Public records searches
  • Voter registration

Yavapai County Clerk of Superior Court
120 South Cortez Street
Prescott, AZ 86303
(928) 771-3312
Yavapai County Clerk of Superior Court

Hours of Operation:
Monday - Friday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Closed on weekends and court-observed holidays

Lookup Public Records in Yavapai County

Public Access Case Lookup

Arizona Judicial Branch

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