St. Evens County Public Records /St. Evens County Property Records

St. Evens County Property Records

How To Search Property Records in St. Evens County in 2026

StEvensRecords.us provides access to publicly available information related to property records in St. Evens County, including ownership history, assessed values, recorded documents, and tax data. Members of the public may find deeds, mortgages, liens, plat maps, tax assessments, sales history, and parcel identification information through the resources described below. Record availability and completeness may vary depending on the document type and the time period covered.

Members of the public may search St. Evens County property records through several official channels. The primary resources include the County Assessor's office, the County Auditor's office (which serves as the recorder of deeds), the County Treasurer's office, and the county's GIS mapping system. Each office maintains distinct categories of property information, and a thorough search may require consulting more than one source.

Online Search Methods:

1. Property Appraiser Website

The Stevens County Assessor's office serves as the primary resource for property valuation and ownership information. Members of the public may access the Stevens County Self-Service Records portal at no charge and without registration to search property records by owner name, parcel number, or property address.

Information available through the Assessor's portal includes:

Current owner name and mailing address
Property site address and legal description
Parcel ID / Geo ID 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 transfer records

How to search:

Navigate to the Stevens County Self-Service Records portal
Select a search type: address, owner name, or parcel number
Enter the search criteria in the appropriate field
Review the results list returned by the system
Select a specific parcel to view the full property card
Access linked maps, sales history, and valuation data from the property detail page

Stevens County Assessor's Office
215 S. Oak Street, Room 106
Colville, WA 99114
Phone: (509) 684-7471
Stevens County Assessor

2. County Auditor / Recorder Official Records Search

The Stevens County Auditor's office records and indexes all documents affecting real property, including deeds, mortgages, liens, easements, and plat maps. Under RCW § 65.08.070, recorded instruments provide constructive notice to all subsequent purchasers and encumbrancers. Members of the public may search recorded documents through the Stevens County Self-Service Records portal.

Documents available through the Auditor's records system include:

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 and declarations

How to search recorded documents:

Access the Stevens County Self-Service Records portal
Select the search type (grantor name, grantee name, document type, or recording date range)
Enter the relevant search criteria
Review the indexed results
Select a document to view the scanned image (if available online)
Note the instrument number or book and page reference for future use

Stevens County Auditor's Office
215 S. Oak Street, Room 106
Colville, WA 99114
Phone: (509) 684-7521
Stevens County Auditor

3. County Treasurer / Tax Information

The Stevens County Treasurer's office maintains tax billing, payment history, and delinquency records for all parcels within the county. The Washington State Department of Revenue's county assessor and treasurer websites directory provides direct links to county-level tax resources statewide.

Information available through the Treasurer's office includes:

Current tax bill and amount due
Payment history and outstanding balances
Exemptions applied to the parcel
Millage rates by taxing district
Delinquent tax status and tax certificate information
Installment plan status and payment options

Stevens County Treasurer's Office
215 S. Oak Street, Room 106
Colville, WA 99114
Phone: (509) 684-7510
Stevens County Treasurer

4. GIS / Mapping System

The Stevens County Parcel Map provides an interactive visual search tool that allows members of the public to locate parcels by Geo ID or address. The map displays property boundaries, aerial photography, and links directly to the property information page for each parcel.

How to use the GIS parcel map:

Navigate to the Stevens County Parcel Map
Enter a Geo ID or property address in the search bar to zoom to a specific parcel
Click on a parcel to open the popup window containing property details
Select the web link in the popup to access the full property information page
Use map layers to view zoning, flood zones, and other spatial data

In-Person Searches:

Members of the public who require certified copies or assistance with historical records may visit the following offices in person:

Stevens County Assessor's Office
215 S. Oak Street, Room 106
Colville, WA 99114
Phone: (509) 684-7471
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Stevens County Assessor

Stevens County Auditor's Office
215 S. Oak Street, Room 106
Colville, WA 99114
Phone: (509) 684-7521
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Stevens County Auditor

Stevens County Treasurer's Office
215 S. Oak Street, Room 106
Colville, WA 99114
Phone: (509) 684-7510
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Stevens County Treasurer

By Mail Requests:

Members of the public may submit written requests for copies of recorded documents by mail. Requests directed to the Auditor's office should specify the document by instrument number, book and page, or property address and approximate recording date range. Payment for applicable copy fees must accompany the request. Certified copies are available upon request with the appropriate fee.

Through Professionals:

Title companies conduct comprehensive title searches and produce abstracts of title identifying all recorded interests affecting a property. Real estate attorneys provide legal title opinions and assist with complex ownership disputes. Real estate agents may access MLS data for listed properties and pull comparable sales histories as part of their representation services.

Search Tips:

When searching by owner name, attempt both last-name-first and full-name formats, and consider spelling variations or business entity names
When searching by address, try variations with and without directional prefixes (N, S, E, W) and confirm the correct ZIP code
Very recent transactions may not yet appear online due to recording processing delays
Historical records predating digitization may require an in-person visit to the Auditor's office

What Is St. Evens County Property Records

St. Evens County property records are official documents maintained by county government that establish legal ownership, record encumbrances, and document all transactions affecting real property within the county. These records serve as the foundation of the real estate title system and are essential for establishing a clear chain of title.

Types of property records maintained in the county include:

Ownership Records:

Warranty deeds, quitclaim deeds, and special warranty deeds
Trust documents and life estate deeds
Transfer records and ownership history

Encumbrance Records:

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

Tax and Assessment Records:

Property tax assessments and tax bills
Payment history and exemption records
Special assessments and delinquency records

Legal Descriptions and Plats:

Plat maps and subdivision plats
Survey plats and metes-and-bounds descriptions
Lot and block information

Building and Permit Records:

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

Who Maintains Property Records:

The Stevens County Auditor's office records and indexes all instruments affecting title to real property under the authority of RCW § 65.08.070. The Assessor's office maintains valuation, ownership, and property characteristic data. The Treasurer's office maintains tax billing and payment records. The county's Planning and Building department maintains permit and zoning records.

As stated by the Washington State Department of Revenue, "County assessors value and assess the tax and county treasurers collect it," reflecting the distinct but complementary roles these offices play in the property records system.

Are Property Records Public Information in St. Evens County?

Property records in St. Evens County are public information. Under Washington's Public Records Act, RCW § 42.56, all government records are presumed open to public inspection and copying unless a specific exemption applies. No special permission, stated purpose, or residency requirement is necessary to access property records.

Legal Basis for Public Access:

The public nature of property records rests on multiple legal foundations. Washington's recording statutes require that instruments affecting real property be recorded with the county Auditor and made available for public inspection. The centuries-old common law tradition of public land records ensures that all parties have constructive notice of recorded interests. This transparency is essential to the functioning of the real estate marketplace and the integrity of the title system.

Why Property Records Are Public:

Transparency: The public has a recognized right to know who owns property, how it is assessed, and what encumbrances affect it. Open records prevent fraudulent transfers and secret conveyances.
Commercial purposes: Real estate transactions, title searches, mortgage lending, and property appraisals all depend on access to recorded property information.
Legal protections: Recording provides constructive notice to all subsequent purchasers and lienholders, establishing priority of interests and protecting against competing claims.
Public interest: Tax assessment transparency, community planning, historical research, and journalistic investigation all rely on open property records.

What Property Information Is Freely Accessible:

Current and historical ownership
Legal descriptions and parcel identification 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 other recorded instruments
Plat maps and surveys

Privacy Considerations:

Under current Washington law, Social Security numbers and financial account numbers are redacted from recorded documents before public release. Certain individuals, including law enforcement officers, judges, and domestic violence victims, may be eligible for address confidentiality protections under Washington's Address Confidentiality Program. Homestead exemption applications may contain personal financial information that is not fully subject to public disclosure; members of the public should contact the Assessor's office for specific policies.

Who Can Access Property Records:

Any member of the public may access property records, including prospective buyers, real estate professionals, title companies, lenders, attorneys, investors, researchers, journalists, and out-of-state or foreign inquirers. No ownership interest in the property is required.

How Much Does It Cost to Get Property Records in St. Evens County?

Members of the public may inspect property records at no charge. Fees apply when copies or certified copies are requested. The following fee structure reflects current charges maintained by the Stevens County Auditor's office:

Service	Current Fee
Standard copy (per page)	$1.00 per page
Certified copy of recorded document	$5.00 for the first page + $1.00 per additional page
Recording a new document (first page)	$203.50 (includes state surcharges)
Recording (each additional page)	$1.00 per page
Online document viewing	Free (no charge for viewing)
Online document download/print	Free through the Self-Service portal

Fees for copies of Assessor records and tax records may differ. Members of the public should confirm current fees directly with the relevant office prior to submitting a request, as fee schedules are subject to revision by the county.

Accepted payment methods at the Auditor's office include cash, check, and money order made payable to the Stevens County Auditor. Credit card payment availability should be confirmed with the office directly.

What is available at no cost:

Online inspection of property records through the Stevens County Self-Service Records portal
Parcel searches through the Stevens County Parcel Map
Viewing assessed values, ownership data, and tax information through the Assessor's and Treasurer's online systems

Fee waiver provisions are not broadly established for property record copies under current county policy, though indigent individuals involved in legal proceedings may seek fee waivers through the court system for court-related documents.

What's Included in a St. Evens County Property Record?

A complete St. Evens County property record encompasses information maintained across multiple county offices. The following describes the full scope of data that may be associated with a given parcel.

Ownership Information:

Current ownership records identify the legal owner or owners by name, ownership type (individual, joint tenancy, tenancy in common, trust, LLC, or corporation), acquisition date, and the deed instrument number or book and page reference. Mailing address for tax billing purposes is also included. Previous ownership information provides a chain of title showing all prior owners, transfer dates, and historical deed references.

Property Identification:

Each parcel is identified by a site address, legal description (lot and block number, subdivision name, plat book and page, or metes-and-bounds description), and a unique Parcel ID / Geo ID number. Condominium unit numbers and alternate parcel numbers are noted where applicable.

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 spaces, pools, fireplaces, and heating and cooling systems. Water source and sewer system type are also recorded.

Valuation Information:

Assessment records include land value, building value, total assessed value, and market value estimates. Historical assessed values for prior years are available, along with year-over-year percentage changes. Agricultural classification values are noted where applicable.

Tax Information:

Tax records include the current year's total tax amount, taxable value after exemptions, millage rate, and a breakdown by taxing authority (county general fund, school district, city or municipality, and special districts). Payment status, due dates, and discount information are included. Tax history shows prior years' payments and any delinquency history. Exemptions applied to the parcel—including senior, disability, veteran, and other qualifying exemptions—are identified.

Sales History:

Sales history includes sale dates, sale prices, deed types (warranty deed, quitclaim deed, foreclosure deed, tax deed, etc.), grantor and grantee names, deed document numbers, and qualified or unqualified sale designations. Documentary stamp amounts are recorded where applicable.

Encumbrances and Liens:

Recorded mortgages are identified by lender name, recording date, original mortgage amount, and book and page reference. Liens—including tax liens, judgment liens, mechanic's liens, HOA liens, and code enforcement liens—are listed with recording dates, amounts, and lienholder information. Other encumbrances such as easements, deed restrictions, covenants, life estates, and lis pendens notices are also part of the official record.

Legal and Regulatory Information:

Zoning classification, land use code, future land use designation, special district assignments (school, fire, water), deed restrictions, subdivision covenants, HOA information, and FEMA flood zone designation are all components of a comprehensive property record.

Maps and Images:

Property records may include exterior photographs, aerial imagery, GIS maps with property boundaries, plat maps, and property sketches. Building permit records, where integrated, include permit dates, descriptions, contractor information, permit values, and certificate of occupancy status.

What is not typically included in public property records:

Current mortgage balances (only original recorded amounts)
Personal financial information beyond what appears in recorded documents
Interior photographs
Social Security numbers (redacted under current law)
Private agreements not submitted for recording
Actual purchase contract terms beyond the recorded sale price

How Long Does St. Evens County Keep Property Records?

Property records in St. Evens County are maintained permanently. Recorded instruments affecting title to real property are never destroyed, as they form the legal foundation of the chain of title and are required by law to remain accessible to the public.

Legal Basis for Permanent Retention:

Washington's recording statutes and the Washington State Archives records retention schedules require that all recorded instruments affecting real property be preserved indefinitely. The necessity of an unbroken chain of title from original land grant to present ownership makes permanent retention both a legal requirement and a practical necessity for the real estate system.

Records Kept Permanently:

All recorded deeds (warranty, quitclaim, trustee's, and all conveyance types), dating back to county formation
All recorded mortgages, deeds of trust, satisfactions, releases, modifications, and assignments
All recorded liens and lien releases (judgment, tax, mechanic's, and other statutory liens)
All recorded plats, subdivision plats, re-plats, condominium declarations, and survey plats
All easements, restrictions, covenants, declarations, and powers of attorney affecting property
Court documents and any instrument affecting title

Format and Storage:

Historical records from the early county period exist in handwritten ledger books. Mid-twentieth century records are preserved on microfilm. More recent records are maintained as digital scans within the county's electronic document management system, with backup systems in place for preservation. The Auditor's office maintains climate-controlled storage for paper and microfilm archives.

Online Access by Time Period:

Time Period	Typical Access Method
Recent (last 20+ years)	Fully online through Self-Service portal
Moderate age (20–50 years)	May be online; microfilm available in office
Historical (50+ years)	In-person access; microfilm or original books
Very old (100+ years)	Archive storage; advance notice may be required

Property Appraiser / Assessor Records:

Assessment rolls, property cards, and exemption records are maintained permanently. Recent years of assessment history are available online through the Self-Service portal. Historical assessments are accessible at the Assessor's office.

Tax Collector / Treasurer Records:

Tax payment records are retained for a minimum of seven years under standard retention schedules. Tax deed records are permanent. Delinquency records are maintained for several years following resolution. Permanent tax deed sale records are maintained by the Auditor's office.

Accessing Historical Records:

Members of the public seeking records predating the county's online database should contact the Auditor's office directly. Staff can retrieve documents from microfilm or archival storage. Retrieval time ranges from same-day to several business days depending on the age and format of the record. Standard copy fees apply.

Stevens County Auditor's Office — Records and Archives
215 S. Oak Street, Room 106
Colville, WA 99114
Phone: (509) 684-7521
Stevens County Auditor

How To Find Liens on Property in St. Evens County?

Liens on property in St. Evens County are recorded instruments and are therefore part of the public record maintained by the Stevens County Auditor's office. Members of the public may search for liens through the following methods.

Online Search:

Access the Stevens County Self-Service Records portal
Search by the property owner's name (as grantor or grantee) or by parcel number
Filter results by document type to identify liens, including judgment liens, mechanic's liens, tax liens, and HOA liens
Review each result for recording date, lienholder, and amount
Select a document to view the scanned image for full lien details

Types of Liens Searchable Through the Auditor's Records:

Judgment liens: Recorded by creditors following a court judgment; indexed under the debtor's name
Mechanic's liens: Filed by contractors or suppliers for unpaid construction work; indexed under the property owner's name
Federal tax liens: Filed by the IRS for unpaid federal taxes; recorded with the county Auditor under 26 U.S.C. § 6323, which governs the validity and priority of federal tax liens
State tax liens: Filed by the Washington Department of Revenue for unpaid state taxes
HOA liens: Filed by homeowner associations for unpaid assessments
Code enforcement liens: Filed by the county or municipality for unresolved code violations

In-Person Search:

Members of the public may visit the Auditor's office to search the grantor-grantee index for liens recorded against a specific property owner or parcel. Staff can assist with identifying the correct index entries and retrieving document images.

Federal Tax Lien Search:

Federal tax liens are recorded with the county Auditor and are searchable through the same portal. The IRS also maintains a lien search process through its Centralized Lien Operation unit for inquiries about specific federal tax lien filings.

Title Company Search:

Title companies conduct comprehensive lien searches as part of a title commitment or title insurance policy. This is the method relied upon in real estate transactions to identify all recorded encumbrances, including liens that may not be immediately apparent through a basic name search.

Stevens County Auditor's Office
215 S. Oak Street, Room 106
Colville, WA 99114
Phone: (509) 684-7521
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Stevens County Auditor

What Is Property Owner Rule in St. Evens County?

The property owner rule in St. Evens County refers to the body of Washington State law and county regulations that govern who may own real property, how ownership is established and transferred, and what rights and obligations attach to property ownership within the county.

Establishment of Ownership:

Under Washington law, ownership of real property is established through a recorded deed. RCW § 65.08.070 provides that every conveyance of real property not recorded is void as against any subsequent purchaser or mortgagee in good faith and for valuable consideration whose conveyance is first duly recorded. This recording requirement means that a deed must be filed with the Stevens County Auditor's office to be legally effective against third parties.

Forms of Ownership Recognized in Washington:

Washington State recognizes the following forms of real property ownership:

Individual ownership: A single person holds title in their name alone
Joint tenancy: Two or more persons hold equal shares with right of survivorship; upon the death of one joint tenant, the surviving joint tenant(s) automatically acquire the deceased's interest
Tenancy in common: Two or more persons hold undivided interests that may be unequal; each owner's interest passes through their estate upon death rather than to the co-owners
Community property: Washington is a community property state; property acquired during marriage is presumed to be community property owned equally by both spouses, unless acquired by gift or inheritance
Trust ownership: Property held by a trustee for the benefit of named beneficiaries
Entity ownership: LLCs, corporations, and partnerships may hold title to real property in Washington

Community Property Rules:

As a community property state, Washington applies specific rules to property acquired during marriage. Under Washington community property law, both spouses have equal management and control rights over community property, and both must sign instruments conveying or encumbering community real property. Property owned prior to marriage or received as a gift or inheritance during marriage is separate property.

Property Tax Obligations:

Property owners in St. Evens County are subject to annual property tax assessment and collection under Washington's property tax statutes. The Assessor values all taxable property within the county, and the Treasurer collects the resulting tax. Failure to pay property taxes may result in the imposition of a tax lien and, ultimately, a tax deed sale. The Washington State Department of Revenue's county assessor and treasurer websites provides additional information on property tax obligations statewide.

Exemptions Available to Property Owners:

Qualifying property owners may apply for exemptions that reduce the taxable value of their property. Available exemptions under current Washington law include the senior citizen and disabled persons property tax exemption, the disabled veteran exemption, and the open space, farm and agricultural land, and timber land current use programs. Applications are filed with the Stevens County Assessor's office.

Zoning and Land Use Regulations:

Property ownership in St. Evens County is subject to zoning and land use regulations administered by the county's Planning department. These regulations govern permitted uses, building setbacks, lot coverage, and development standards applicable to each parcel. Property owners must comply with applicable zoning ordinances and obtain required permits before undertaking construction or changes in use.

Stevens County Planning Department
215 S. Oak Street
Colville, WA 99114
Phone: (509) 684-7472
Stevens County Planning