Clark County Public Records /Clark County Property Records

Clark County Property Records

How To Search Property Records in Clark County in 2026

ClarkWARecords.us provides access to publicly available information related to property records in Clark County, Washington. Members of the public may find ownership history, assessed values, recorded documents, tax information, and encumbrance data through this resource. Available record categories may include deeds, mortgages, liens, plat maps, tax assessments, and transfer histories. Information presented reflects what is available through official public sources and may not capture every transaction or document on file.

Records may be searched through several official Clark County resources, including the Clark County Auditor's Office, the Clark County Assessor, the Clark County Treasurer, and the county's Geographic Information Services (GIS) portal. Each office maintains distinct record sets, and members of the public are encouraged to consult multiple sources for a complete picture of any given property.

Multiple Access Methods:

Online searches — The most convenient option; available at no cost through official county portals
In-person visits — Required for certified copies and access to older records not yet digitized
By mail — Written requests submitted to the appropriate county office with applicable fees
Through professionals — Title companies, real estate attorneys, and licensed appraisers conduct comprehensive searches

1. Property Appraiser Website

The Clark County Assessor serves as the primary resource for property valuation and ownership information. Members of the public may access the Property Information Center at no cost and without registration.

Search Options:

By property address
By owner name
By parcel ID number
By subdivision name
By GIS map location
By legal description

Information Available:

Current owner name and mailing address
Legal description and parcel number
Land use and zoning classification
Property characteristics (square footage, year built, lot size, building type)
Assessed value (land and improvements)
Taxable value and exemptions applied
Sales history and property photos
GIS map location and link to detailed property card

How to Search:

Navigate to the Clark County Assessor's Property Information Center
Select a search type (address, owner name, or parcel number)
Enter the applicable search criteria
Review the results list returned
Select a property to view the full property card
Access maps, sales history, and valuation data
Print or save the information as needed

2. County Auditor Official Records Search

The Clark County Auditor's Office records and indexes all official documents affecting real property. Members of the public may conduct a free basic search through the Landmark Web Official Records Search.

Searchable By:

Grantor name (seller)
Grantee name (buyer)
Document type
Recording date range
Instrument number
Book and page number

Documents Available:

Warranty deeds and quitclaim deeds
Mortgages and deeds of trust
Satisfactions and releases of mortgage
Mechanic's liens, judgment liens, and tax liens
Easements and declarations of restrictions
Plats and surveys
Powers of attorney affecting property
Lis pendens notices
HOA documents

How to Search:

Access the Clark County Official Records Search
Select the preferred search type
Enter grantor/grantee names, document type, or date range
Review the results returned
Select a document to view the image (fees may apply for downloads)
Note the instrument number or book and page for future reference

3. Tax Collector Website

The Clark County Treasurer maintains tax payment records and delinquency information. Members of the public may research real property tax information through the Treasurer's online portal at no cost.

Search By:

Property address
Owner name
Parcel number
Tax account number

Information Available:

Current tax bill and payment status
Outstanding balances and delinquency records
Exemptions applied
Millage rates by taxing authority
Installment plan status and payment options

4. GIS / Mapping System

The Clark County Geographic Information Services (GIS) portal provides an interactive mapping environment for visual property research.

How to Use:

Navigate the map to the property location
Click on a parcel to view linked property information
Access zoning layers, flood zone designations, and aerial photography
Measure distances and view property boundaries
Link directly to Assessor and Auditor records from the map interface

In-Person Searches:

Clark County Assessor's Office
1300 Franklin Street, Suite 650
Vancouver, WA 98660
Phone: (564) 397-2391
Clark County Assessor

Clark County Auditor's Office
1300 Franklin Street, Suite 490
Vancouver, WA 98660
Phone: (564) 397-2252
Clark County Auditor

Clark County Treasurer's Office
1300 Franklin Street, Suite 560
Vancouver, WA 98660
Phone: (564) 397-2252
Clark County Treasurer

By Mail Requests:

Property Appraiser:

Mail requests to: Clark County Assessor, PO Box 5000, Vancouver, WA 98666-5000
Include the property address or parcel number
Enclose a self-addressed stamped envelope
Standard copying fees apply

Clerk / Recorder:

Mail requests to: Clark County Auditor, PO Box 5000, Vancouver, WA 98666-5000
Specify the document by instrument number, book and page, or property address with date range
Include payment for applicable copy fees
Certified copies are available upon request

Through Professionals:

Title Companies:

Title companies conduct comprehensive title searches, prepare abstracts of title, and issue title insurance commitments. These services identify all recorded interests affecting a property and carry professional liability. Costs vary by transaction type and property complexity.

Real Estate Attorneys:

Licensed real estate attorneys provide legal title opinions, assist with complex ownership disputes, and advise on encumbrances. Costs vary by scope of engagement.

Real Estate Agents:

Licensed agents access MLS data for listed properties, pull ownership histories, and compile comparable sales data as part of their representation services.

Search Tips:

By Address:

Use the complete street address, including directionals (N, S, E, W)
Try variations with and without unit or apartment numbers
Check spelling variations if initial results are not returned

By Owner Name:

Enter last name first, then full name
Try variations with and without middle initials
Search both current and previous owner names
Consider business entity names versus individual names

By Legal Description:

Use the exact legal description from the deed
Include subdivision name, lot and block numbers, and section/township/range where applicable

For Historical Records:

Records predating digitization may require an in-person visit
Staff at the Auditor's Office can assist with retrieval from microfilm or bound volumes
Advance notice is recommended for records older than 50 years

Common Search Challenges:

Not Found Online:

Very recent transactions may not yet appear due to recording delays
Very old records may not be digitized
Indexing errors or name spelling variations may affect results
Property address changes over time may require searching by parcel number

Multiple Results:

Common names and similar addresses may return multiple results
Verify the correct property by cross-referencing the parcel number or legal description

What You Cannot Find Online:

Unrecorded documents and private agreements
Current pending sales prior to closing and recording
Documents filed under seal
Some pre-digital records not yet scanned

What Is Clark County Property Records

Property records in Clark County, Washington are official documents related to real property — land and the structures affixed to it — maintained by county government offices and accessible to the public. These records establish legal ownership, document the chain of title, record encumbrances such as mortgages and liens, and support property tax assessment. Under RCW 65.08, Washington State requires that instruments affecting title to real property be recorded with the county auditor to provide constructive notice to subsequent purchasers and encumbrancers.

Types of Property Records:

Ownership Records:

Warranty deeds, quitclaim deeds, and special warranty deeds
Transfer records and ownership history
Life estate deeds and trust documents affecting property
Chain of title documentation

Encumbrance Records:

Mortgages and deeds of trust
Tax liens, mechanic's liens, and judgment liens
Easements, restrictions, and covenants
HOA documents and lis pendens notices

Tax and Assessment Records:

Property tax assessments and tax bills
Payment history and delinquency records
Exemptions (homestead, senior, veteran, disability)
Special assessments and millage rates

Legal Descriptions:

Plat maps and subdivision plats
Surveys and metes and bounds descriptions
Lot and block information
Condominium declarations

Building and Permit Records:

Building permits and certificates of occupancy
Code violations and zoning information
Land use designations

Who Maintains Property Records:

Clark County Auditor:

The Auditor records, indexes, and maintains all official instruments affecting title to real property, including deeds, mortgages, liens, easements, and plats. The Landmark Web Official Records Search provides online access to these documents.

Clark County Assessor:

The Assessor maintains property valuations, assessment records, ownership information, and exemption applications. The Property Information Center provides free public access to this data.

Clark County Treasurer:

The Treasurer maintains tax billing, payment history, and delinquency records. Members of the public may research real property tax data through the Treasurer's portal.

Clark County Community Development:

The Community Development department maintains building permits, zoning records, and code enforcement information. Members of the public may access property research and records through the county's community development portal.

Legal Framework:

Washington's recording statutes, codified at RCW § 65.08.070, establish that every conveyance of real property not recorded is void against a subsequent purchaser or mortgagee in good faith and for valuable consideration whose conveyance is first duly recorded. This "race-notice" recording system underpins the public records framework and makes the Auditor's records essential to establishing clear title.

Are Property Records Public Information in Clark County?

Property records in Clark County are public information, accessible to any member of the public without a stated purpose, residency requirement, or special authorization. Washington's Public Records Act, RCW § 42.56, establishes a broad right of public access to government records, and the state's recording statutes independently require that recorded instruments be open to public inspection. As the Clark County Assessor notes, property tax information "continues to be the most important revenue source for public schools, fire protection, libraries, and parks," underscoring the public interest in transparent property records.

Why Property Records Are Public:

Transparency:

The public has a right to know who owns real property within the county
Transparent assessment and taxation processes depend on open records
Public access prevents fraudulent or secret property transfers

Commercial Purposes:

Real estate transactions depend on the ability to search title
Title insurance, appraisals, and mortgage lending require access to recorded documents
Market analysis and investment decisions rely on sales history and assessed values

Legal Protections:

Recorded documents provide constructive notice to all subsequent parties
The chain of title protects against fraudulent transfers
Priority of interests (mortgages, liens) is established through recording dates

Public Interest:

Tax assessment transparency supports community accountability
Historical and genealogical research relies on property records
Journalistic investigation of property ownership is a recognized public interest

What Property Information Is Public:

Freely Accessible:

Current and historical ownership
Legal descriptions and parcel numbers
Sale prices and transfer amounts
Recorded mortgage amounts
Liens and encumbrances
Tax assessments and payment history
Property characteristics (size, age, building type)
Deeds and recorded document images
Plat maps and surveys

Privacy Considerations:

Information That May Be Protected:

Social Security numbers are redacted from recorded documents under state law
Bank account numbers are redacted
Certain individuals — including law enforcement officers, judges, and domestic violence victims — may request address confidentiality under Washington's Address Confidentiality Program
Homestead exemption applications may contain financial information not fully subject to public disclosure

Who Can Access Property Records:

Any person may access Clark County property records regardless of residency, ownership status, or stated purpose. Common users include prospective buyers, real estate agents and brokers, title companies, lenders, appraisers, attorneys, investors, genealogists, historians, and members of the media.

Commercial Use of Property Records:

Permitted uses of public property records include real estate marketing, property valuation services, title searches, investment analysis, and market research. Commercial data aggregators such as CoreLogic and First American compile public records into subscription databases. Such aggregation is lawful; however, anti-harassment laws, fair housing statutes, and other applicable regulations govern how information may be used once obtained.

How Much Does It Cost to Get Property Records in Clark County?

Members of the public may access a substantial volume of Clark County property information at no cost through online portals. The Clark County Assessor's Property Information Center, the Treasurer's real property research tool, and the GIS mapping system are all freely accessible without registration or fees.

Standard Fee Schedule — Clark County Auditor (Recording and Copies):

Service	Current Fee
Standard document copy (per page)	$1.00 per page
Certified copy of recorded document	$3.00 for first page + $1.00 each additional page
Recording a standard document (first page)	$203.50
Each additional page recorded	$1.00
Plat copies	Varies by size

Fees for recording instruments are governed by RCW § 36.18.010, which establishes the schedule of fees county auditors may charge for recording, indexing, and copying official records.

What Is Available at No Cost:

Online viewing of property assessment data through the Assessor's portal
Online viewing of tax payment history through the Treasurer's portal
Online viewing of recorded document indexes through Landmark Web
GIS map access and aerial photography
Property characteristic data and sales history

Fees Apply To:

Printed copies of documents at the counter
Certified copies of recorded instruments
Extensive staff-assisted searches (hourly rate may apply for complex requests)
Downloaded document images through Landmark Web (per-document fee may apply)

Accepted Payment Methods:

Cash (in-person)
Check payable to Clark County Auditor
Credit and debit cards (in-person; processing fees may apply)
Money order (by mail)

Fee Waiver Provisions: Washington's Public Records Act does not provide a general fee waiver for property record copies. However, members of the public who inspect records in person without requesting copies incur no charge. Indigent requesters may petition for fee waivers in limited circumstances under county policy.

What's Included in a Clark County Property Record?

A Clark County property record is a comprehensive compilation of official data drawn from multiple county offices. The following categories reflect what is available through the Assessor, Auditor, and Treasurer.

Ownership Information:

Current Ownership:

Legal owner name(s) as recorded on the most recent deed
Ownership type (individual, joint tenants, tenants in common, trust, LLC, corporation, life estate)
Acquisition date and deed instrument number
Mailing address for tax billing purposes

Previous Ownership:

Chain of title with prior owner names and transfer dates
Historical deed references and ownership timeline

Property Identification:

Site address and mailing address
Legal description (lot and block, subdivision name, plat book and page, section/township/range)
Parcel ID number and tax account number
Alternate or previous parcel numbers if renumbered

Physical Characteristics:

Land Information:

Lot size in square feet or acres
Lot dimensions, frontage, and depth
Corner lot designation
Land use designation and zoning classification

Building Information:

Total living area in square feet
Year built and effective year
Number of stories and building type
Construction type, exterior wall material, roof type, and foundation
Number of bedrooms, bathrooms, and total rooms
Garage type and spaces, pool, porch/patio square footage
Heating and cooling systems, water source, and sewer system

Valuation Information:

Land value and building value (assessed)
Total assessed value and market value estimate
Historical assessed values for prior years
Agricultural classification where applicable

Tax Information:

Total tax amount due and taxable value after exemptions
Millage rate breakdown by taxing authority (county, school district, city, special districts)
Tax payment history and delinquency records
Exemptions applied (homestead, senior, disability, veteran, agricultural)

Sales History:

Sale dates, prices, and deed types for recent transfers
Grantor and grantee names
Qualified/unqualified sale designation
Documentary stamp amounts and deed instrument numbers

Encumbrances and Liens:

Recorded mortgages with lender names, amounts, and recording dates
Tax liens, judgment liens, mechanic's liens, and HOA liens
Easements, restrictions, covenants, and lis pendens notices

Legal and Regulatory Information:

Current zoning classification and permitted uses
Future land use designation
Special district assignments (school, fire, water)
Flood zone designation (FEMA)
Deed restrictions and subdivision covenants

Maps and Images:

Property exterior photo and aerial photograph
GIS map with parcel boundaries
Plat map and property sketch

What Is NOT Typically in Public Property Records:

Current mortgage balances (only original recorded amounts)
Social Security numbers (redacted under state law)
Interior photographs
Private agreements not submitted for recording
Actual purchase contract terms beyond the recorded sale price
Confidential exemption application details

How Long Does Clark County Keep Property Records?

Clark County maintains recorded property instruments permanently. There is no expiration or scheduled destruction for deeds, mortgages, liens, plats, easements, or any other instrument affecting title to real property. This permanent retention is both a legal requirement and a practical necessity for establishing an unbroken chain of title.

Legal Basis for Retention:

Washington's recording statutes and the Washington State Archives' records retention schedules require county auditors to preserve recorded instruments indefinitely. The Washington State Records Management program, administered by the Office of the Secretary of State, establishes retention schedules for county records. Recorded instruments affecting title are classified as permanent records under these schedules.

Records Kept Permanently:

Deed Records:

All recorded deeds, regardless of type or age
Dating back to Clark County's formation in 1849
Original territorial and pre-statehood land grants where applicable

Mortgage Records:

All recorded mortgages and deeds of trust
Satisfactions, releases, modifications, and assignments
Maintained even after the underlying loan is paid in full

Lien Records:

All recorded liens and releases of liens
Judgment liens, tax liens, and mechanic's liens

Plats and Surveys:

All recorded subdivision plats, re-plats, and condominium declarations
Original survey maps and plat books

Era	Format
Pre-1900s	Handwritten ledger books
Early–mid 1900s	Typed entries in bound volumes
Mid-1900s to 1990s	Microfilm
1990s–present	Digital scans and electronic document management

How To Find Liens on Property in Clark County?

Liens on Clark County property are recorded instruments and are therefore part of the public record maintained by the Clark County Auditor. Members of the public may search for liens through the Landmark Web Official Records Search or by visiting the Auditor's Office in person.

Types of Liens Recorded in Clark County:

Mortgage liens — Recorded by lenders at the time of loan origination
Judgment liens — Recorded by creditors following a court judgment; attach to all real property owned by the debtor in the county
Mechanic's liens — Filed by contractors, subcontractors, or material suppliers for unpaid work or materials under RCW 60.04
Federal tax liens — Filed by the IRS against a taxpayer's property for unpaid federal taxes
State tax liens — Filed by the Washington Department of Revenue for unpaid state taxes
HOA liens — Filed by homeowner associations for unpaid assessments
Child support liens — Recorded by the Washington Division of Child Support

Steps to Search for Liens Online:

Navigate to the Clark County Official Records Search
Select "Grantee" search and enter the property owner's name to identify liens filed against that individual
Select "Grantor" search to identify releases or satisfactions of prior liens
Filter by document type (e.g., "Lien," "Notice of Claim," "Judgment") to narrow results
Review each result for recording date, amount, and lienholder name
Note the instrument number for any lien identified for follow-up

Steps to Search for Liens In Person:

Visit the Clark County Auditor's Office at 1300 Franklin Street, Suite 490, Vancouver, WA 98660
Request access to the grantor/grantee index for the property owner's name
Staff can assist with searches of the judgment lien docket and mechanic's lien index
Request certified copies of any lien documents identified; standard copy fees apply

Additional Lien Sources:

Federal tax liens — The IRS files notices of federal tax lien with the county auditor; these appear in the Landmark Web search results
UCC filings — Uniform Commercial Code financing statements affecting fixtures are filed with the Washington Secretary of State and may also be recorded with the county auditor
Lis pendens — Notices of pending litigation affecting title are recorded with the Auditor and appear in the official records search

Clark County Auditor's Office
1300 Franklin Street, Suite 490
Vancouver, WA 98660
Phone: (564) 397-2252
Clark County Auditor

What Is Property Owner Rule in Clark County?

The property owner rule in Clark County refers to the body of Washington State law and local regulations that govern who may own real property, how ownership is established and transferred, and what rights and obligations attach to property ownership. Washington is a community property state, which has significant implications for how property acquired during marriage is owned and transferred.

Ownership Under Washington Community Property Law:

Washington is one of nine community property states. Under RCW 26.16, property acquired by either spouse during a marriage is presumed to be community property, owned equally by both spouses. Separate property — property owned before marriage or received as a gift or inheritance during marriage — remains the individual property of the acquiring spouse. This distinction affects how deeds must be executed and how title is held in Clark County.

Forms of Property Ownership Recognized in Clark County:

Sole ownership — A single individual holds title in their name alone
Community property — Spouses hold equal undivided interests in property acquired during marriage
Community property with right of survivorship — Upon the death of one spouse, the survivor takes the entire property without probate
Joint tenancy with right of survivorship — Two or more persons hold equal shares; upon the death of one, the survivor(s) take the deceased's share automatically
Tenancy in common — Two or more persons hold undivided interests that may be unequal; each interest passes through the owner's estate upon death
Trust ownership — A trustee holds title for the benefit of named beneficiaries
Entity ownership — LLCs, corporations, and partnerships may hold title to real property in Washington

Transfer of Ownership Requirements:

Under Washington law, a deed transferring real property must be in writing, signed by the grantor, and acknowledged before a notary public. The deed must be recorded with the Clark County Auditor to provide constructive notice and protect the grantee's interest against subsequent purchasers. Washington's recording act (RCW § 65.08.070) operates as a race-notice statute: a subsequent purchaser who records first and takes without notice of a prior unrecorded transfer prevails over the prior grantee.

Property Tax Obligations:

Every owner of real property in Clark County is subject to annual property taxation administered by the Clark County Assessor and Treasurer. As noted by the Clark County Assessor, "property tax accounts for about 30 percent of total state and local taxes" and "continues to be the most important revenue source for public schools, fire protection, libraries, and parks." Property owners may apply for exemptions — including homestead, senior citizen, disabled person, and veteran exemptions — through the Assessor's Office. Current property tax information is available through the Assessor's portal.

Adverse Possession:

Washington law permits a person who openly, continuously, exclusively, and hostilely occupies another's land for a statutory period of ten years to acquire title through adverse possession under RCW 7.28.050. Such claims must be established through a court action, and any resulting judgment must be recorded with the Clark County Auditor to affect the chain of title.

Restrictions on Property Use:

Property ownership in Clark County is subject to zoning regulations administered by Clark County Community Development, deed restrictions recorded in the chain of title, HOA covenants, and state and federal environmental regulations. Owners must comply with applicable building codes, land use designations, and permit requirements for any construction or modification. The Clark County Community Development office maintains records of zoning classifications, permits, and code enforcement actions.

Clark County Community Development
1300 Franklin Street, 3rd Floor
Vancouver, WA 98660
Phone: (564) 397-2375
Clark County Community Development

Clark County Property Records

How To Search Property Records in Clark County in 2026

1. Property Appraiser Website

2. County Auditor Official Records Search

3. Tax Collector Website

4. GIS / Mapping System

Property Appraiser:

Clerk / Recorder:

Title Companies:

Real Estate Attorneys:

Real Estate Agents:

By Address:

By Owner Name:

By Legal Description:

For Historical Records:

Not Found Online:

Multiple Results:

What Is Clark County Property Records

Ownership Records:

Encumbrance Records:

Tax and Assessment Records:

Legal Descriptions:

Building and Permit Records:

Clark County Auditor:

Clark County Assessor:

Clark County Treasurer:

Clark County Community Development:

Are Property Records Public Information in Clark County?

Transparency:

Commercial Purposes:

Legal Protections:

Public Interest:

Freely Accessible:

Information That May Be Protected:

How Much Does It Cost to Get Property Records in Clark County?

What's Included in a Clark County Property Record?

Current Ownership:

Previous Ownership:

Land Information:

Building Information:

How Long Does Clark County Keep Property Records?

Deed Records:

Mortgage Records:

Lien Records:

Plats and Surveys:

Other Recorded Documents:

How To Find Liens on Property in Clark County?

What Is Property Owner Rule in Clark County?

Lookup Property Records in Clark County