Washington County Property Records
How To Search Property Records in Washington County in 2026
WashingtonMNRecords.us provides access to publicly available information related to property records in Washington County, Minnesota. Members of the public may find ownership history, assessed values, recorded deeds, tax information, and encumbrance data through this resource. Record categories available include deeds and conveyances, mortgage documents, tax assessment records, lien filings, plat maps, and property transfer histories. Access to these records is subject to availability, and completeness may vary depending on the age and type of document requested.
Property records in Washington County may be searched through several official channels maintained by county government. The primary resources are:
- Washington County Property Records and Taxpayer Services – handles property tax and assessment records
- Washington County Recorder's Office – maintains recorded documents including deeds, mortgages, and liens
- Washington County GIS – provides interactive mapping and parcel data
- Minnesota Department of Revenue – oversees statewide property tax administration
Washington County Property Records and Taxpayer Services
14949 62nd Street North
Stillwater, MN 55082
Phone: (651) 430-6175
Washington County Property Records and Taxpayer Services
Washington County Recorder's Office
14949 62nd Street North
Stillwater, MN 55082
Phone: (651) 430-6175
Washington County Recorder's Office
1. Property Appraiser Website
The Washington County property search portal serves as the primary online resource for property information. Members of the public may access the Washington County property search at no cost and without registration.
Search Options:
- By property address
- By owner name
- By parcel ID number
- By subdivision or plat name
- By GIS map location
Information Available:
- Current owner name and mailing address
- Property address and legal description
- Parcel identification number
- Land use and zoning classification
- Property characteristics including square footage, year built, lot size, and building type
- Assessed value (land and improvements)
- Taxable value and exemptions applied
- Sales history
- GIS map location and aerial imagery
How to Search:
- Navigate to the Washington County property search portal
- Select a search type (address, owner name, or parcel ID)
- Enter the search criteria in the appropriate field
- Review the results list returned by the system
- Select the desired property to view the full property record
- Review the property card, sales history, and map data
- Print or save the information as needed
2. County Recorder Official Records Search
The Washington County Recorder's Office maintains the official index of recorded documents affecting real property. Basic searches are available to the public at no charge.
Searchable By:
- Grantor name (seller or transferring party)
- Grantee name (buyer or receiving party)
- Document type
- Recording date range
- Instrument 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 filings
- Homeowner association documents
How to Search:
- Access the recorder's official records index through the county portal
- Select the appropriate search type
- Enter grantor or grantee name, document type, or date range
- Review the results returned
- Select a document to view the image, if available online
- Note the instrument number or book and page reference for future use
3. Tax Information
Washington County property tax records are maintained by the Property Records and Taxpayer Services division. Members of the public may search by property address, owner name, or parcel number to obtain:
- Current tax bill and payment status
- Payment history
- Outstanding balances
- Exemptions applied
- Millage rates by taxing authority
- Tax delinquency information
- Installment plan status
4. GIS / Mapping System
The Washington County GIS portal provides interactive mapping tools that allow users to visually locate parcels, view property boundaries, access aerial photography, and review zoning and flood zone layers. Users may click on any parcel to retrieve linked property information and navigate to the full property record.
In-Person Searches:
Property Records and Taxpayer Services Office
Washington County Government Center
14949 62nd Street North
Stillwater, MN 55082
Phone: (651) 430-6175
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Washington County Property Records and Taxpayer Services
Services available in person include public access computer terminals, staff assistance with property searches, access to property cards and plat maps, and exemption application processing.
Recorder's Office
Washington County Government Center
14949 62nd Street North
Stillwater, MN 55082
Phone: (651) 430-6175
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Washington County Recorder's Office
Staff at the Recorder's Office may assist members of the public in viewing official records, requesting certified copies, and searching grantor/grantee indexes.
By Mail Requests:
Recorder's Office – Mail Requests
Written requests for copies of recorded documents may be submitted by mail to:
Washington County Recorder's Office
14949 62nd Street North
Stillwater, MN 55082
Requests should specify the document by instrument number, book and page reference, or property address and approximate recording date range. Payment for applicable copy fees must accompany the request. Certified copies are available upon request.
Through Professionals:
Title companies, real estate attorneys, and licensed abstractors provide comprehensive title searches, abstracts of title, and title insurance commitments. These professionals identify all recorded interests affecting a property and are commonly engaged in connection with real estate transactions. Costs vary by provider and scope of work.
Search Tips:
- When searching by address, attempt variations with and without directional prefixes (N, S, E, W)
- When searching by owner name, try last name first and check spelling variations
- For historical records not available online, an in-person visit to the Recorder's Office or a written request may be necessary
- Very recent transactions may not yet appear in online indexes due to recording processing time
- Verify results using the parcel identification number when multiple results are returned
What Is Washington County Property Records
Property records in Washington County are official documents related to real property — land and the structures affixed to it — maintained by county government as part of the public record. These records establish legal ownership, document the chain of title, record encumbrances such as mortgages and liens, and support property tax assessment. Under Minnesota Statutes § 386.01, the county recorder is charged with recording, filing, and preserving instruments affecting real property within the county.
Types of Property Records:
Ownership Records
- Warranty deeds, quitclaim deeds, and special warranty deeds
- Transfer-on-death deeds
- Trust documents affecting property
- Life estate deeds
- Ownership history and chain of title
Encumbrance Records
- Mortgages and deeds of trust
- Tax liens, judgment liens, and mechanic's liens
- Easements and access agreements
- Declarations of restrictions and covenants
- Homeowner association documents
- Lis pendens filings
Tax and Assessment Records
- Property tax assessments and valuation notices
- Tax bills and payment history
- Exemption records (homestead, senior, veteran, disability)
- Special assessments
- Tax delinquency records
Legal Descriptions and Plats
- Plat maps and subdivision plats
- Surveys and re-plats
- Lot and block information
- Metes and bounds descriptions
Building and Permit Records
- Building permits and certificates of occupancy
- Code violation records
- Zoning and land use designations
Who Maintains Property Records:
The Washington County Recorder's Office records and indexes all instruments affecting title to real property, including deeds, mortgages, and liens. The Property Records and Taxpayer Services division maintains assessment records, property characteristics data, and tax information. The Washington County GIS division maintains parcel mapping and spatial data. Building and zoning records are maintained by the relevant municipal or county planning authority.
The legal framework governing property records in Minnesota is established primarily under Minnesota Statutes Chapter 507, which governs conveyances of real property, and Minnesota Statutes § 272.01, which addresses property taxation. These statutes establish recording requirements, constructive notice principles, and the public nature of property instruments.
Are Property Records Public Information in Washington County?
Property records in Washington County are public information. Under the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act, Minnesota Statutes Chapter 13, government data is presumed public unless classified otherwise by statute. Recorded instruments affecting real property have been public records under Minnesota law since the earliest days of statehood, consistent with the centuries-old American tradition of open land records.
Legal Basis for Public Access:
The public nature of property records rests on multiple legal foundations:
- The Minnesota Government Data Practices Act (Minnesota Statutes Chapter 13) establishes a presumption of public access to government data
- Minnesota Statutes Chapter 507 requires that conveyances be recorded to provide constructive notice to subsequent purchasers
- The recording system itself is premised on public accessibility — a document recorded with the county provides legal notice to the world precisely because the record is open to inspection
As the Minnesota Department of Revenue notes in its guidance on property taxation, assessment records and tax information are maintained as public data to ensure transparency in the administration of property taxes.
Why Property Records Are Public:
- Transparency in property ownership prevents fraudulent transfers and secret conveyances
- The real estate marketplace depends on the ability of buyers, lenders, and title companies to verify ownership and encumbrances
- Property tax administration requires public accountability in assessment and collection
- Chain of title integrity depends on an unbroken, publicly accessible record of all transfers
What Property Information Is Freely Accessible:
- Current and historical ownership
- Legal descriptions and parcel identification numbers
- Sale prices and transfer amounts
- Recorded mortgage amounts and lender names
- Liens and encumbrances
- Tax assessments and payment history
- Property characteristics (size, age, building type)
- Deeds and other recorded instruments
- Plat maps and surveys
Privacy Considerations:
Social Security numbers and bank account numbers are redacted from recorded documents under current Minnesota law. Certain individuals — including law enforcement officers, judges, and victims of domestic violence or stalking — may be eligible for address confidentiality protections under the Minnesota Safe at Home program. Homestead exemption applications may contain financial information that is not fully public; members of the public should contact the Property Records and Taxpayer Services office for specific policies.
Who Can Access Property Records:
No residency requirement, ownership interest, or stated purpose is required to access property records in Washington County. Common users include prospective buyers, real estate agents and brokers, title companies, appraisers, lenders, attorneys, investors, genealogists, historians, and members of the media.
How Much Does It Cost to Get Property Records in Washington County?
Washington County charges fees for copies of recorded documents consistent with the fee schedule established under Minnesota law. Viewing records online through the county's public portal is available at no charge. The following fee structure applies at present:
| Service | Current Fee |
|---|---|
| Certified copy of recorded document | $10.00 per document |
| Non-certified copy (per page) | $1.00 per page |
| Online document viewing | Free |
| Property tax information (online) | Free |
| GIS parcel data (online) | Free |
Fees for recording new documents are governed by Minnesota Statutes § 357.18, which establishes the schedule of recorder fees applicable statewide. The standard recording fee for most instruments is $46.00 for the first page and $10.00 for each additional page, with specific fees applicable to certain document types.
Accepted Payment Methods:
- Cash (in-person)
- Check or money order (in-person and by mail, payable to Washington County)
- Credit or debit card (in-person; surcharge may apply)
Fee Waivers:
Government agencies and certain nonprofit organizations may be eligible for fee waivers for specific record requests. Members of the public requesting records for personal use do not qualify for fee waivers under current county policy.
What Is Available at No Cost:
- Online property search and parcel data
- Online tax information and payment history
- GIS mapping and aerial imagery
- In-person inspection of records at the Recorder's Office (no copy fee for viewing only)
What's Included in a Washington County Property Record?
A complete Washington County property record encompasses information drawn from multiple county systems, including the Recorder's Office, Property Records and Taxpayer Services, and the GIS division.
Ownership Information:
Current ownership data includes the legal owner's name(s), ownership type (individual, joint tenants, tenants in common, trust, LLC, or corporation), acquisition date, deed instrument number, and mailing address for tax billing purposes. Previous ownership information includes the chain of title, prior owners' names, transfer dates, and historical deed references.
Property Identification:
- Site address and mailing address
- Legal description (lot and block, subdivision name, plat book and page reference, or metes and bounds)
- Parcel identification number
- Tax account number
Physical Characteristics:
Land information includes lot size in square feet or acres, lot dimensions, frontage, zoning classification, and land use designation. Building information includes total living area, year built, number of stories, building type, construction type, exterior wall material, roof type, foundation type, number of bedrooms and bathrooms, and additional features such as garage, pool, and heating system.
Valuation Information:
- Land value and building value (assessed)
- Total assessed value and estimated market value
- Historical assessed values for prior years
- Agricultural classification data, if applicable
Tax Information:
- Current year tax amount and taxable value
- Exemptions applied (homestead, senior, veteran, disability)
- Millage rate breakdown by taxing authority (county, school district, municipality, special districts)
- Tax payment history and delinquency records
Sales History:
Sales history includes sale dates, sale prices, deed types (warranty, quitclaim, tax deed, etc.), grantor and grantee names, deed instrument numbers, and documentary stamp amounts for recent transactions.
Encumbrances and Liens:
Recorded mortgages, lien filings, easements, declarations of restrictions, homeowner association documents, and lis pendens notices are reflected in the official records index maintained by the Recorder's Office.
Maps and Images:
Property records include GIS parcel maps with property boundaries, aerial photography, plat maps, and property sketches where available.
What Is Not Typically in Public Property Records:
- Current outstanding mortgage balances (only original recorded amounts)
- Personal financial information beyond what appears in recorded instruments
- Social Security numbers (redacted under current law)
- Private agreements not submitted for recording
- Actual purchase contract terms beyond the recorded sale price
- Interior photographs
How Long Does Washington County Keep Property Records?
Property records in Washington County are maintained permanently. The Recorder's Office retains all recorded instruments affecting title to real property indefinitely, as required by Minnesota law and the fundamental necessity of an unbroken chain of title.
Legal Basis for Permanent Retention:
The permanent retention of recorded property instruments is grounded in Minnesota Statutes Chapter 138, which governs public records management and retention schedules for county government. The Minnesota Historical Society administers the state's records management program and establishes retention schedules applicable to county recorders. Recorded instruments affecting title are classified as permanent records and may never be destroyed.
Records Kept Permanently:
- All recorded deeds (warranty, quitclaim, trustee's, tax deeds, and all other conveyance types)
- All recorded mortgages, satisfactions, and releases
- All recorded liens and lien releases
- All plats, subdivision plats, and re-plats
- All recorded easements, restrictions, and covenants
- All other instruments affecting title to real property
Format and Storage:
Historical records in Washington County exist in multiple formats depending on the era of recording. Very old records are preserved in handwritten ledger books. Mid-twentieth century records are available on microfilm. Records from recent decades are maintained as digital scanned images in the county's electronic document management system. Multiple backup systems ensure preservation of digital records.
Online Availability by Time Period:
| Time Period | Online Availability |
|---|---|
| Recent (last 20+ years) | Fully available online |
| Moderate age (20–50 years) | Partially available; microfilm at office |
| Historical (50+ years) | In-person access; staff retrieval required |
| Very old (100+ years) | Archive storage; advance notice helpful |
Property Appraiser Assessment Records:
Current and historical assessment records are maintained permanently. Recent years of assessment history are available through the online property search portal. Historical assessment records are available at the Property Records and Taxpayer Services office.
Tax Collector Records:
Tax payment records are retained for a minimum of seven years under current retention schedules. Tax deed records are permanent. Delinquency records are maintained for several years following resolution.
Accessing Historical Records:
Members of the public seeking historical records not available online may contact the Recorder's Office directly. Staff can retrieve records from microfilm or archival storage. For very old records, advance notice is helpful to allow staff to locate and retrieve materials. Standard copy fees apply to historical records.
Washington County Recorder's Office – Historical Records
14949 62nd Street North
Stillwater, MN 55082
Phone: (651) 430-6175
Washington County Recorder's Office
Digitization Efforts:
Washington County has undertaken ongoing digitization projects to scan historical record books and microfilm, making older records progressively available through the online portal. These efforts are funded in part through state and federal preservation grants and represent a continuing commitment to public access.
How To Find Liens on Property in Washington County?
Liens on property in Washington County are recorded instruments and are therefore searchable through the official records index maintained by the Recorder's Office. A lien search requires reviewing the grantor/grantee index for the property owner's name and the parcel's legal description to identify all recorded encumbrances.
Types of Liens Recorded in Washington County:
- Federal and state tax liens (IRS and Minnesota Department of Revenue)
- Judgment liens arising from court proceedings
- Mechanic's liens filed by contractors and materialmen
- Homeowner association liens
- Code enforcement liens
- Child support liens
Steps to Search for Liens:
- Access the Washington County Recorder's official records index through the county property records portal
- Search by the current owner's name as grantor to identify any liens filed against the owner
- Search by the property's parcel identification number or legal description where the system permits
- Review all results for lien document types, including tax liens, judgment liens, and mechanic's liens
- Note the instrument number, recording date, and lienholder for each lien identified
- Search the Minnesota Court Records Online system at Minnesota Judicial Branch for judgment liens arising from district court proceedings
- Search the IRS federal tax lien database for federal tax liens, which are also recorded with the county recorder
Federal Tax Liens:
Federal tax liens filed by the Internal Revenue Service are recorded with the Washington County Recorder's Office pursuant to federal law. These liens are indexed under the taxpayer's name and are searchable through the official records index.
Minnesota State Tax Liens:
The Minnesota Department of Revenue files state tax liens with the county recorder in the county where the taxpayer resides or owns property. These liens are searchable through the same official records index.
Judgment Liens:
Judgment liens arising from district court proceedings in Washington County are docketed with the court and, when recorded with the Recorder's Office, become liens on all real property owned by the judgment debtor in the county. Members of the public may search court records through the Minnesota Judicial Branch case search system.
In-Person Lien Search:
Washington County Recorder's Office
14949 62nd Street North
Stillwater, MN 55082
Phone: (651) 430-6175
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Washington County Recorder's Office
Staff at the Recorder's Office can assist members of the public in conducting lien searches and retrieving copies of recorded lien documents. Title companies and licensed abstractors also perform comprehensive lien searches as part of title examination services.
What Is Property Owner Rule in Washington County?
The property owner rule in Washington County refers to the body of Minnesota law and local regulations governing who may own real property, how ownership is established and transferred, and what rights and obligations attach to property ownership.
Establishment of Ownership:
Under Minnesota law, ownership of real property is established by a recorded deed. Pursuant to Minnesota Statutes § 507.0401, a conveyance of real property is not effective against subsequent purchasers or encumbrancers for value without notice unless the conveyance is recorded with the county recorder. This recording requirement is the foundation of the constructive notice system — once a deed is recorded, all subsequent parties are deemed to have notice of its contents regardless of actual knowledge.
Forms of Ownership Recognized in Minnesota:
- Individual ownership – A single natural person holds title in their own name
- Joint tenancy – Two or more persons hold title with right of survivorship; upon the death of one joint tenant, title passes automatically to the surviving joint tenant(s)
- Tenancy in common – Two or more persons hold undivided interests in property; each owner's interest passes through their estate upon death
- Tenancy by the entirety – Not recognized in Minnesota; married couples typically hold as joint tenants or tenants in common
- Trust ownership – A trustee holds legal title for the benefit of trust beneficiaries
- Entity ownership – LLCs, corporations, partnerships, and other legal entities may own real property in Minnesota
Transfer of Ownership:
Real property in Washington County is transferred by recorded deed. The deed must identify the grantor and grantee, contain a legal description of the property, be signed by the grantor, and be acknowledged before a notary public. The deed is then presented to the Recorder's Office for recording, at which point it becomes part of the permanent public record and provides constructive notice of the transfer.
Property Tax Obligations:
Property owners in Washington County are subject to annual property tax assessment and taxation under Minnesota Statutes Chapter 272 and Chapter 273. The Property Records and Taxpayer Services division assesses all taxable property within the county. Property owners who occupy their property as a primary residence may apply for the homestead classification, which reduces the taxable market value subject to taxation and may qualify the owner for additional exemptions.
Homestead Classification:
Minnesota's homestead classification provides a reduced class rate for property taxes on owner-occupied residential property. To qualify, the owner must occupy the property as their primary residence and apply through the Washington County Property Records and Taxpayer Services office. The homestead application deadline is December 1 of the assessment year.
Rights and Obligations of Property Owners:
Property owners in Washington County hold the right to use, enjoy, and transfer their property subject to applicable zoning regulations, deed restrictions, easements, and other encumbrances of record. Owners are obligated to pay property taxes when due, maintain the property in compliance with applicable building and housing codes, and comply with any recorded covenants or restrictions affecting the parcel.
Adverse Possession:
Under Minnesota law, a person who openly, continuously, exclusively, and hostilely possesses real property for a period of 15 years may acquire title through adverse possession. Claims of adverse possession are adjudicated through the district court system and, if successful, result in a court order that is recorded with the Recorder's Office to establish title.
Eminent Domain:
The government retains the power of eminent domain — the authority to acquire private property for public use upon payment of just compensation. In Washington County, eminent domain proceedings are conducted pursuant to Minnesota Statutes Chapter 117 and are subject to judicial oversight through the Washington County District Court.