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Pima County Public Records

What Are Public Records in Pima County?

Public records in Pima 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.

Pima County maintains numerous types of public records, including:

  • Court Records: Civil, criminal, probate, and family court cases processed through the Pima County Superior Court and Justice Courts
  • Property Records: Deeds, mortgages, liens, easements, and property assessments maintained by the Pima County Recorder's Office
  • Vital Records: Birth and death certificates (available through the Pima County Health Department), marriage licenses and divorce decrees
  • Business Records: Business licenses, permits, and fictitious business name filings
  • Tax Records: Property tax information, assessment records, and tax liens maintained by the Pima County Assessor and Treasurer
  • Voting and Election Records: Voter registration data, election results, and campaign finance reports
  • Meeting Minutes and Agendas: Records of the Pima County Board of Supervisors, commissions, and advisory boards
  • Budget and Financial Documents: County budgets, expenditure reports, and financial statements
  • Law Enforcement Records: Arrest logs, incident reports, and jail records (with certain restrictions)
  • Land Use and Zoning Records: Building permits, zoning applications, and development plans

The Pima County Records Search portal provides centralized access to many county-held records and documents. Different departments maintain specific record types:

  • The Pima County Recorder's Office maintains property records and documents
  • The Pima County Superior Court maintains court records
  • The Pima County Assessor maintains property assessment records
  • The Pima County Health Department maintains vital records
  • The Pima County Development Services Department maintains land use and building records

Is Pima County an Open Records County?

Pima County fully adheres to Arizona's public records laws, specifically the Arizona Public Records Law § 39-121 et seq., which establishes the presumption that all government records are open to public inspection unless specifically exempted by law. This commitment to transparency is reflected in the county's comprehensive public records policies and procedures.

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."

Pima County has established specific procedures for handling public records requests in compliance with state law. The county maintains a dedicated public records portal where members of the public can submit requests electronically. This system streamlines the process and helps ensure compliance with statutory response timeframes.

Additionally, Pima County complies with Arizona's Open Meeting Law (A.R.S. § 38-431 et seq.), which requires that meetings of public bodies be conducted openly and that notices and agendas be posted in advance. This commitment to transparency extends to making meeting minutes and other related documents available as public records.

The Pima County Board of Supervisors has adopted formal policies regarding public records access, which are designed to facilitate prompt and efficient responses to records requests while maintaining compliance with all applicable laws regarding confidentiality and privacy.

How to Find Public Records in Pima County in 2026

Members of the public seeking access to Pima County records may utilize several methods to locate and obtain the information they need:

  1. Submit an Online Request: The most efficient method for requesting public records is through the county's GovQA Public Records Request Portal. This system allows requestors to:

    • Submit detailed requests
    • Track the status of pending requests
    • Receive electronic copies of responsive documents
    • Pay any applicable fees online

  2. Visit the Appropriate Department: Records may be inspected in person during regular business hours at the department that maintains them:

    • For property records: Visit the Pima County Recorder's Office
    • For court records: Visit the Pima County Superior Court Clerk's Office
    • For assessment records: Visit the Pima County Assessor's Office
    • For vital records: Visit the Pima County Health Department

  3. Use Online Search Tools: Many records are available through self-service online portals:

  4. Submit a Written Request: Requestors may submit written requests by mail to the specific department that maintains the desired records. Requests should include:

    • Specific description of records sought
    • Preferred format for receiving records
    • Contact information for follow-up questions
    • Date range of records (if applicable)

  5. Contact the Records Custodian: For assistance in identifying the appropriate department or determining record availability, contact the Pima County Clerk of the Board, who serves as the central records coordinator.

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

Pima County assesses fees for public records in accordance with Arizona Revised Statutes § 39-121.03, which authorizes agencies to charge fees for copies, printouts, or photographs of public records. The current fee structure includes:

  • Standard Paper Copies: $0.25 per page for 8.5" x 11" black and white copies
  • Large Format Copies: $3.00 per page for oversized documents (maps, plans, etc.)
  • Electronic Records: No charge for records provided electronically if already in electronic format
  • Media Storage Devices: Actual cost of CD, DVD, or USB drive if required
  • Staff Time: For commercial requests only, the county may charge for staff time spent retrieving, reviewing, and redacting records (typically $20-$40 per hour depending on staff level)
  • Postage: Actual cost if records are mailed

Specific departments may have specialized fee schedules:

  • Recorder's Office: $1.00 per page for recorded documents
  • Superior Court: $0.50 per page for court records
  • Vital Records: $20.00 for first copy of birth certificate, $10.00 for each additional copy

Accepted payment methods include:

  • Credit/debit cards (online requests)
  • Cash (in-person requests only)
  • Checks or money orders made payable to "Pima County"

Fee waivers or reductions may be available if:

  • The request is determined to be in the public interest
  • The requestor demonstrates financial hardship
  • The request is from a non-profit organization for educational purposes

The county requires payment before records are released. For large requests that may incur substantial fees, the department may provide a cost estimate for approval before proceeding with the request.

Does Pima County Have Free Public Records?

Pima County provides free access to certain public records in compliance with Arizona law, which requires that public records be available for inspection at no charge during regular business hours. The following free options are available:

Free In-Person Inspection: All public records may be inspected in person at no cost at the office where they are maintained during regular business hours. Pursuant to A.R.S. § 39-121, the right to inspect public records is guaranteed to all persons, regardless of the purpose of the inspection.

Free Online Resources: Pima County offers several free online databases and resources:

Free Records by Department:

  • Pima County Recorder's Office: Offers free public access terminals for searching recorded documents (printing fees apply)
  • Pima County Superior Court: Provides free public access terminals for searching court cases (printing fees apply)
  • Pima County Elections Department: Offers free access to election results and campaign finance reports online
  • Pima County Health Department: Provides certain statistical reports and public health information at no charge

While inspection is free, fees may still apply for copies, certified documents, or extensive research requests as outlined in the county's fee schedule.

Who Can Request Public Records in Pima County?

Under Arizona's Public Records Law, specifically A.R.S. § 39-121, any person may request access to public records maintained by Pima County. The law 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."

Eligibility Requirements:

  • Arizona residency is not required to request public records
  • Requestors do not need to provide identification for most record requests
  • Requestors generally do not need to state the purpose of their request
  • Both individuals and organizations (businesses, media, non-profits) may request records
  • Non-U.S. citizens have the same rights to access public records as citizens

Special Considerations:

  • For certain sensitive records, such as vital records (birth and death certificates), requestors must demonstrate a direct relationship or legitimate interest and provide identification
  • Commercial requestors must identify themselves as such and may be charged additional fees for staff time under A.R.S. § 39-121.03(A)
  • Requests for voter registration information require completion of a specific form stating the records will not be used for commercial purposes
  • Requests for one's own records (such as personnel files) may require identity verification to protect privacy

Requesting Records on Behalf of Others:

  • Attorneys may request records on behalf of clients with proper documentation
  • Parents or legal guardians may request records pertaining to minor children
  • Persons with power of attorney may request records for those they represent

The county may not deny access to public records based on the identity of the requestor or the purpose of the request, except in specific cases where access is restricted by law.

What Records Are Confidential in Pima County?

While Pima County maintains a presumption of openness for government records, certain categories of information are protected from disclosure under Arizona law. A.R.S. § 39-121.01(D)(2) recognizes that access to some records may be restricted "as provided by statute or by court rule." The following records are generally confidential:

  • Sealed Court Records: Cases sealed by court order, including certain juvenile proceedings, adoption records, and mental health commitments
  • Juvenile Records: Delinquency records for minors, except as specifically authorized by A.R.S. § 8-208
  • Law Enforcement Investigative Records: Active criminal investigation materials that would impede an ongoing investigation if released
  • Personal Identifying Information: Social Security numbers, financial account numbers, and driver's license numbers
  • Medical Records: Health information protected under HIPAA and state medical privacy laws
  • Adoption Records: Birth certificates and court records related to adoptions
  • Child Welfare Records: Child Protective Services reports and investigations
  • Personnel Records: Performance evaluations, disciplinary actions, and personal information of government employees (with limited exceptions)
  • Attorney-Client Communications: Legal advice and work product between county attorneys and departments
  • Security Information: Building security plans, computer network security information, and critical infrastructure details
  • Trade Secrets: Proprietary business information submitted to the county
  • Victim Information: Personal information of crime victims as protected by victims' rights laws
  • Educational Records: Student records protected under FERPA
  • Library Records: Information about materials borrowed by specific patrons

The county applies a balancing test when considering requests for records that may contain sensitive information. This test weighs the public's right to know against privacy interests and potential harm from disclosure, as established by the Arizona Supreme Court in Mathews v. Pyle, 75 Ariz. 76, 251 P.2d 893 (1952).

When records contain both public and confidential information, the county will redact (remove) the confidential portions and release the remainder of the record, as required by A.R.S. § 39-121.01(D)(2).

Pima County Recorder's Office: Contact Information and Hours

Pima County Recorder's Office
240 N. Stone Avenue
Tucson, AZ 85701
(520) 724-4350
Pima County Recorder

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

Services Provided:

  • Recording of deeds, mortgages, liens, and other property documents
  • Issuance of marriage licenses
  • Voter registration
  • Military discharge recording
  • Public records searches
  • Certified copies of recorded documents

Satellite Office - Eastside:
Pima County Recorder's Eastside Office
6920 E. Broadway Blvd., Suite D
Tucson, AZ 85710
(520) 724-4350

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

Online Services: The Recorder's Office provides 24/7 access to many services through their website, including:

  • Document recording (e-recording)
  • Public records search
  • Marriage license pre-application
  • Voter registration and information

For questions about specific records or services, members of the public may contact the office directly during business hours.

Lookup Public Records in Pima County

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County Records Search

Property Information Search

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