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Department of Assessment & Taxation, Recording Division

Recording a deed in Washington County, Oregon

Everything you need to get a deed on file in Washington County. The office that records it, the formatting it checks, what it costs, and the three ways to submit.

Reviewed July 28, 2026
Create a deed for Washington County
Recording office
County Clerk (Recording Division)
Witnesses
Notary only
Transfer tax
None
First-page margin
3.5″ top
Recording fee
~$86 first page
E-recording
Approved submitters

Recording a deed in Washington County

Deeds affecting property in Washington County, Oregon are recorded with the Department of Assessment & Taxation, Recording Division. Recording is what puts the world on notice of your ownership and fixes the priority date. An unrecorded deed can still transfer title between the parties, but it leaves you exposed to anyone who records first.

The recording rules the office applies come from ORS §§ 205.232 to 205.238 and 205.327 (recording requirements) and 93.640 (effect of recording). Deeds themselves are governed by ORS § 93.010.

Worth knowing

Washington County records deeds through its Department of Assessment & Taxation, Recording Division, 155 N First Avenue, Suite 130, Hillsboro, OR 97124 (503-846-8752).

Worth knowing

Washington County has its own real estate transfer tax: $1 per $1,000 of the selling price (Washington County Code chapter 3.04). Within 15 days after recording, either pay it or file the county's exemption application. Miss the 15 days and the transfer is taxed whatever exemption applies, on at least the real market value, plus a penalty of the tax or $50, whichever is greater. A gift uses form J.16, a sworn statement, signed by both grantor and grantee, of the property's real market value, their relationship, and any mortgage the grantee takes over. A transfer for $13,999 or less uses J.13, and a transfer that only changes the owner's identity, form or place of organization uses J.14. The forms are at washingtoncountyor.gov/at/recording/transfer-tax-exemption. A transfer-on-death deed conveys nothing until death (ORS 93.967); ask the Recording Division whether it wants an exemption application with one.

What to bring

  • The original signed and notarized deed. Recorders do not record photocopies handed over the counter.
  • A completed notarial acknowledgment, with the date, the place where you signed, and the commission expiry all filled in.
  • Washington County's transfer tax ($1 per $1,000 of the selling price) or the county's exemption application, such as form J.16 for a gift, due within 15 days after recording.
  • Payment for the recording fee, about $86 for the first page and roughly $5 per additional page. Many offices do not take personal checks.

Formatting

  • Oregon requires type of at least 10 points on paper no larger than 8.5 × 14 inches (ORS § 205.232). ORS chapter 205 sets no margin rule; the 3.5-inch first-page space is the working room recorders' labels need, applied by Deedly.
  • The first page must carry the true and actual consideration and the tax-statement address (ORS 205.234(1)(d), (e); ORS 93.030, 93.260). A deed with no consideration statement cannot be recorded (ORS 93.030(5)). If either item is in the deed but not on page one, a cover sheet carrying it can be attached (ORS 205.234(2)); otherwise the clerk records the deed but charges a $20 penalty (ORS 205.327). Deedly prints both on page one. A transfer-on-death deed needs no consideration statement (ORS 93.030(6)), but Deedly prints the tax-statement address on it too, as Oregon's statutory form does (ORS 93.975).
  • Deedly's layout, which suits this office: 8.5 × 11 inch paper, a 3.5-inch clear space at the top of page one for the recording stamp, 1-inch margins on the other edges, and type no smaller than 10 point. Deedly formats every document this way automatically.
  • A legal description. A street address alone is not enough.
  • A 'when recorded, return to' block so the stamped original comes back to you.

How to file

  1. In personTake the original to the Department of Assessment & Taxation, Recording Division in Hillsboro. This is the fastest route. You usually walk out with the recording information the same day.
  2. By mailSend the original with a check or money order for the fee and a self-addressed stamped envelope. Allow one to three weeks for the stamped original to come back.
  3. E-recording (check first)E-recording may not be available here. Confirm with the office before relying on it.

Confirm the address before you post anything

Offices move and hours change. Search for "Washington County Oregon Department of Assessment & Taxation, Recording Division" and use the official county website, not a directory listing, which is often years out of date.

Create a deed for Washington County

Formatted to Oregon requirements, with Washington County filing instructions included.

Common questions

With the Department of Assessment & Taxation, Recording Division, located in Hillsboro. Deeds are always recorded in the county where the property sits, not where the owner lives.

Around $86 for the first page and roughly $5 per additional page. Oregon has no state transfer tax. Confirm current fees with the office before you mail anything; they change.

Possibly not. Check the office's website before assuming e-recording is available.

Keep reading

Deedly is not a law firm

Its software and documents are not a substitute for the advice of an attorney. We provide self-help software and state-specific deed forms; you make your own decisions about your property. Using Deedly does not create an attorney-client relationship, and nothing here is legal advice. If your situation is complex or contested, talk to a licensed attorney in your state.