Guide to filing a mechanics lien in Franklin County

Where is the Franklin County Recorder's Office that files mechanic liens?

You can file your mechanic liens in person at the Franklin County Auditor’s Office located at:

1016 N. 4th Ave
Pasco, WA 99301

Phone: (509) 545-3502

Office Hours

8:30 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
Closed for Holidays

What is Franklin County's Recording Backlog?

The Franklin County Auditor’s Office does not publicly disclose information on recording backlog.

Should I file my mechanics lien in Franklin County?

If your construction project is located in Franklin County, then yes, you should file your lien here.

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

The Franklin County Auditor’s recording requirements are as follows:

Effective January 1, 1997 formatting requirements for recorded documents as stated in the RCW 36.18 and 65.04 were implemented. All recorded documents (except surveyed maps) are required to meet the
new document standardization requirements as follows:

The first page of the document must include:

1. A three-inch margin at the top and a one-inch margin on the sides and bottom
2. Return address in upper left hand corner
3. Title(s) of instrument(s)
4. Reference number of documents assigned or released
5. Names of Grantors, Grantees and/or Trustees
6. Abbreviated legal description with lot, block, plat or section, township and range
7. Assessor’s tax parcel number if available

Additional pages require a one-inch margin on all sides.

All pages of the document must be on paper of weight and color capable of producing a legible image.

Pages must not be larger than 8 ½ inches wide and 14 inches long.

The text of the document must be printed in 8 point type (approximately 1/8 inch) or larger.

All documents must be prepared in an ink color capable of being imaged.

All seals must be legible and capable of being imaged. Seals must be smudged before recording.

No attachment may be taped, stapled or glued to the pages of the documents.

Documents that do not meet the requirements for the first page will need a cover sheet available from the County Auditor. Documents that do not meet all other requirements will be returned for reformatting
before they can be recorded.

To avoid reformatting your document for margins, you have the option of attaching a coversheet with signed affidavit, and paying the $50.00 non-standard fee in addition to the recording fees.

When using the coversheet please add an additional $1.00 to the recording fee.

If any portion of your document is illegible, it CANNOT be recorded. Stamps or seals over text make it illegible.

Contact the Franklin County Auditor’s office at (509) 545-3536 for more information.

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

Pages must not be larger than 8 ½ inches wide and 14 inches long.

The text of the document must be printed in 8 point type (approximately 1/8 inch) or larger.

The first page must have a three-inch margin at the top and a one-inch margin on the sides and bottom

Additional pages require a one-inch margin on all sides.

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

The Franklin County Auditor’s recording fee is $103.50 for the first page and $1.00 for each additional page.

Additional Recording Fees

Emergency Nonstandard Documents: $50.00 fee in addition to normal recording fees

Multiple Title Documents
First Title (Except listed exceptions): $103.50
Each Additional Title: $103.50
Each Additional Page: $1.00

Lien Fees

State, County & City Liens & Releases: $39.00
Employment Security Liens & Releases: $36.00 for the first page and $1.00 for each additional page

Copy Fees

Certified Copy: $3.00 for the first page and $1.00 for each additional page
Non-Certified Copy: $1.00 for each page

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

You can obtain a recorded copy of your lien in person at the Franklin County Auditor’s Office located at:

1016 N. 4th Ave
Pasco, WA 99301

Phone: (509) 545-3502

Office Hours

8:30 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
Closed for Holidays

Copy fees are as follows:

Certified Copy: $3.00 for the first page and $1.00 for each additional page
Non-Certified Copy: $1.00 for each page

You can also search Franklin County’s Official Records online at:

https://recording.franklin.co.franklin.wa.us:4444/