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Recording
Preservation of Records
Over the years, the method used for recording documents has evolved from a system of manual transcription in ledger books, to digitally scanning and indexing documents.
Documents recorded prior to 1998 are generally only available on microfilm, or in large books located in our office. We offer most documents recorded after mid-1998 on the Washington State Digital Archives site.
Types of Records
The Auditor's Office records and provides access to many types of recorded documents. Our role is only to verify compliance with laws regarding formatting, not to interpret documents or check for accuracy. We answer basic questions about how to find documents and do our best to assist with searching our records.
Document types include, but are not limited to:
- land records
- deeds
- deeds of trust
- easements
- reconveyances
- maps (surveys and plats)
- agreements
- community property agreements
- judgements
- liens
- marriage certificates
- oaths
- name change orders
Requirements for Recorded Documents
Margins
- First page
three inch top margin
one inch margin on side and bottom - Subsequent pages
one inch margin on all sides
Information Required on First Page
- Name and address to whom the document should be returned on the upper left within the three inch top margin
- Title(s) of document, immediately below the three inch top margin
- Reference number(s) of documents assigned or released, with reference to the page number where additional references can be found, if applicable
- Grantor(s) and grantee(s), with reference to the page number where additional grantors or grantees can be found, if applicable
- Abbreviated legal descriptions of the property (lot, block, plat, or section, township, range, quarter/quarter section) and reference to the document page where the full legal can be found, if applicable
- Assessor's parcel number
Additional Requirements
- No attachments (taped, stapled or glued) are allowed on any pages
- Font size must be at least 8 point or larger
- Font must be of sufficient color and clarity, capable of being imaged and producing legible copies
- All pages must be legible and capable of being imaged
- Paper size must be 8 1/2 x 14 (legal) or smaller
- Paper must be of a weight and color capable of being imaged (pressure seals must be darkened)
Cover Sheets
A standard cover sheet may be used for the first page of the document, to fulfill the three inch top margin and indexing requirements. When using a cover sheet, the requirements listed above must still be met, or the document will be returned for compliance. One dollar will be added to the recording fee when a standard cover sheet is used.
Emergency Filings
An emergency nonstandard cover sheet may be used as the first page for documents that must be recorded immediately and do not meet margin and font size requirements. The fee for an emergency nonstandard recording is fifty dollars in addition to other applicable fees. If the document does not meet legibility requirements it cannot be recorded as an emergency nonstandard recording.
The person preparing the document for recording must sign the statement at the bottom of the cover sheet, "I am requesting an emergency nonstandard recording for an additional fee as provided in RCW 36.18.010. I understand that the recording processing requirements may cover up or otherwise obscure some part of the text of the original document.
Prohibited Information
Other than documents generated by governmental agencies, recorded documents cannot contain the following information:
- A social security number
- A date of birth identified with a particular person
Search Auditors Records
Online
Some records from mid-1998 to a month ago are available on the Washington State Digital Archives site. You can search, select, and order documents with a credit or debit card through digital archives. Not all counties in Washington utilize the digital archives database. Not all of the Klickitat County Auditor's records are available.
In Person
The public is welcome to come into the Auditor's Office, during business hours, to access recorded documents.
If the recorder searches for records prior to 1998 or the search is extensive, a fee of $8.00 per hour is required for the search plus $1.00 per regular copy.
Marriage
Couples may apply for a marriage license in-person at the Klickitat County Auditor's Office. Both parties must sign the application before a deputy auditor or notary public. A marriage license will be given to the parties upon receipt of the completed application and $36 cash.
Please allow 30 minutes to complete transactions. Marriage Licenses will not be sold after 4:30 P.M.
The license is not valid (cannot be used) until the third full day after the application is filed. For example, if the application is made on Monday, the first day it can be used is Thursday. The three-day waiting period cannot be waived under any circumstance, including court order.
The marriage license expires sixty days from the date the application is filed and is only valid in the State of Washington. If you do not hold the ceremony until after the sixty day period, a new license would need to be purchased for the correct period of time.
Within 30 days of the marriage ceremony, the completed certificate of marriage and health certificate must be returned to the county auditor's office where the license was purchased to be recorded. There is no additional fee for this step.
After the certificate is recorded, a certified copy of the marriage certificate may be purchased for $3. Our recording department accepts cash, check, or money order. This certified copy may be used for legal purposes such as at the social security office and department of licensing to change your last name, if you so choose.
Who May Perform a Marriage Ceremony
For information regarding individuals authorized to perform a marriage ceremony (solemnize marriage) in Washington State refer to RCW 26.04.050. Anyone requesting information about being married by a judge may contact East District Court at (509) 773-4670 or West District Court at (509) 493-1190.
Age Requirements
Legal age for both parties is 18 years old.
Applicants who are 17 years of age require custodial parent or legal guardian consent plus proof of age such as a driver's license or birth certificate. The custodial parent or legal guardian must accompany the applicant to sign the application form. Proof of legal guardianship will be required.
Applicants who are 16 years old or younger must have the consent of the Superior Court. Contact Juvenile Department at (509) 773-3355 for information. Emancipated minors must present court emancipation papers specifically allowing the minor to marry.
Address Confidentiality Program Participants
If you are a participant in Washington State's Address Confidentiality Program, you may notify the staff person assisting you of your status when you arrive to complete the marriage license application process. Staff will ensure that your marriage records will remain closed to public review.
Public Records Act Information
If you are requesting public records in accordance with the Public Records Act, please visit the Board of County Commissioners website.
Contact Us
Ph: (509) 773-4001
Fax: (509) 773-4244
Email: recording@klickitatcounty.org
In person:
205 S Columbus Ave Room 203
Goldendale, WA 98620
By mail:
Klickitat County Auditor
Attn: Recording
205 S Columbus Ave Room 203
Goldendale, WA 98620
Office Hours
Monday - Friday
8:30 A.M. - 5:00 P.M. (except holidays)
Closed 12:00 P.M. - 1:00 P.M. for lunch.