Guide to filing a mechanics lien in Navajo County

If you’re looking to file a mechanics lien with the Navajo County Recorder, you should review Arizona’s lien laws to make sure you have lien rights. Because each state’s lien laws are unique, here are three major laws in Arizona that you should be aware of:

  1. In order to file a mechanics lien in Arizona, you must submit a Preliminary Notice first. All parties who are directly contracted with the property owner must submit a Preliminary “20 day” Notice in event of a nonpayment dispute. Failure to do this means you don’t have the right to file a lien.
  2. Unlicensed contractors cannot file mechanics liens in Arizona. It’s recommended that you get licensed no matter which state you work in, and in states like Arizona, it’s a requirement to secure your lien rights.
  3. Lastly, you must be directly contracted with the property owner to file a mechanics lien in Arizona. All parties who aren’t contracted with the owner don’t have the right to file.

This page includes useful information about where to file a mechanics lien in Navajo County, as well as the Navajo County Recorder’s filing requirements, fees, filing methods, and other relevant information.

Where is the Navajo Recorder's Office that files mechanics liens?

You can file your mechanics liens in person or by mail.

In Person

You can bring your documents to the Navajo County Recorder’s office in person located at:

Holbrook Main Complex
100 East Code Talkers Drive
Holbrook, AZ 86025

Phone: (928) 524-4194
Fax: (928) 524-430

By Mail

You can also mail your documents for recording to:

Navajo County Recorder
P.O. Box 668
Holbrook, AZ 86025
Forms are available at most office supply or stationary stores.

What is Navajo County's Recording Backlog?

The Navajo County Recorder does not publicly disclose information on recording backlog. If the document meets the from requirements, is complete, and the proper fees have been paid the County Recorder’s office will accept your document and make it a matter of permanent public record. We then key the pertinent information to create an index so that you may locate this document in the future. Your original document will be returned to the address typed on the document. If the original document is ever lost or misplaced, a certified copy may be obtained from the County Recorder’s office.

Should my mechanics lien be filed in Navajo County, or some other county?

If the project is located in Navajo county, then yes, you will want to record your lien with the Navajo County Recorder’s office.

What are Navajo County's requirements for recording a mechanics lien?

The Navajo County Recorder’s document recording requirements are as follows:

Pursuant to A.R.S. 11-480

1. Title or Caption – Each document must have a title or caption briefly stating the nature of the document.

2. Original or Copy – Each document must be an original or a certified copy of the original, and shall be sufficiently eligible for recorder to make certified copies from the photographic or micrographic record.

3. Signatures – Each document must have original signatures or carbon copies of original signatures, except when otherwise provided by law.
Document and Print Size Each document must be no larger than 8 1/2 inches wide by 14 inches long, and shall have a print size no smaller than 10 point type.

4. Margins – Each document must have at least a one-half inch margin across the bottom and the left and right sides from the top to the bottom. The first page shall have a top margin of at least two inches of vertical space from left to right, and shall be reserved for recordation and return address information.

5. Modifications – Any document which modifies a previously recorded document must state the recording date, docket and page or sequence number of the document being modified.

6. Transfer of Real Property – Documents evidencing a transfer of title of real property must be accompanied by an ‘Affidavit of Property Value,’ as set forth in A.R.S. 11-1133 . All documents submitted without an affidavit or with any incomplete or missing information as required by the statute will be rejected and returned to the submitter. Transfers exempt from the Affidavit as set forth in A.R.S. 11-1134 must be accompanied by the Arizona Department of Revenue exemption number at the time of recording. Instructions are set forth in A.R.S. 11-1134.C.

7. Forms – The Navajo County Recorder’s Office does not provide any forms. Forms are available at office supply stores. Some Real Estate forms are available at http://www.kaktus.com/real-estate-forms/real-estate-forms.html. The Navajo County Recorder’s Office has no involvement with, nor endorses this site. The link has been provided solely for your convenience.

8. Legal Inquiries – The Navajo County Recorder’s Office is under instruction from the Navajo County Attorney’s Office not to give legal advice or guidance. Please consult an attorney or title company for this type of information.

What are the margin & page size requirements to file a lien in Navajo County?

Each document must be no larger than 8 1/2 inches wide by 14 inches long, and shall have a print size no smaller than 10 point type.

Each document must have at least a one-half inch margin across the bottom and the left and right sides from the top to the bottom. The first page shall have a top margin of at least two inches of vertical space from left to right, and shall be reserved for recordation and return address information.

How can I make payment to the Navajo County Recorder?

The Navajo County Recorder accepts check payments. Make checks payable to Navajo County Recorder.

What are the filing fees to record a mechanics lien in Navajo County?

The Navajo County Recorder’s recording fee is $30.00.

Copy Fees

Copies of Records: $1.00 per page
Certified Copies: $3.00 per document
$1.00 per page + $3.00 for certification

How do I get a recorded copy of my lien from Navajo County's Recorder's Office?

The Navajo County Recorder does not publicly disclose information on recording backlog. If the document meets the from requirements, is complete, and the proper fees have been paid the County Recorder’s office will accept your document and make it a matter of permanent public record. We then key the pertinent information to create an index so that you may locate this document in the future. Your original document will be returned to the address typed on the document. If the original document is ever lost or misplaced, a certified copy may be obtained from the County Recorder’s office.

Do I have the right to file a mechanics lien in Navajo, Arizona?

Determining whether you have the right to file a mechanics lien in Navajo, AZ depends on your situation. Generally speaking, every state gives those who have furnished labor and/or materials to a construction project the right to file a mechanics lien if unpaid for the furnishing. The same is true in Arizona. However, there are some state-specific limitations as to who is qualified to file a mechanics lien that is important when considering whether you have the right to file a mechanics lien in Navajo County, AZ.

You can read more about lien rights and if you have the right to file a lien on our Arizona Mechanics Lien Resources page.

What is the fee to file an Arizona Preliminary Notice in Navajo County?

The fee to file an Arizona Preliminary Notice in Navajo is $15.