Washington Lien Search
Submit a request for a WA lien search for any property across all 39 Washington state counties. A Washington lien search identifies all recorded encumbrances against a property including mortgages, judgment liens, tax liens, mechanic liens, HOA liens, lis pendens, and UCC filings. U.S. Title Records delivers professional Washington state lien search reports starting at $95 with coverage for King, Pierce, Snohomish, Clark, Spokane, and every other WA county.
Professional WA lien search services. All 39 Washington counties covered. No login required.
What Is a Washington Lien Search?
A Washington lien search examines county auditor records, court filings, and state databases to identify all liens recorded against a property or property owner in Washington state. A WA lien search reveals mortgages, deeds of trust, judgment liens, state and federal tax liens, mechanic liens (governed by RCW Title 60), HOA liens, lis pendens, and UCC filings. The search produces a detailed lien report delivered in PDF format.
Washington state is a tax deed state, not a tax lien state. This means that when property taxes go unpaid for three or more years, the county does not sell a tax lien certificate. Instead, the county conducts a tax deed foreclosure sale under RCW 84.64, transferring full ownership to the winning bidder. A WA lien search before purchasing at a tax deed sale is essential to identify any additional liens that may survive the sale.
Washington State Lien Law (RCW Title 60)
Washington lien law is governed primarily by RCW Title 60 (Liens). Mechanic liens in Washington must be filed within 90 days of the last date labor or materials were furnished (RCW 60.04.141). Judgment liens attach to all real property owned in the county where the judgment is recorded and remain valid for 10 years (RCW 4.56.200). In Washington, UCC liens are filed with the Department of Licensing and expire after 5 years unless renewed.
Where Are WA Liens Recorded?
In Washington state, property liens are recorded at the county auditor's office (not "recorder" as in most other states). Each of Washington's 39 counties maintains its own auditor recording system. Federal tax liens against real property are filed with the county auditor, while federal tax liens against personal property are filed with the Washington Department of Licensing per RCW 60.68.015. UCC liens are also filed with the Department of Licensing.
Types of Liens Found in a Washington Lien Search
What a professional WA lien search identifies on your property
Mortgage Liens / Deeds of Trust
Washington uses deeds of trust rather than traditional mortgages for most residential lending. A WA lien search identifies all open deeds of trust, their original amounts, lender names, recording dates, and whether any assignments or modifications have been recorded. Washington allows non-judicial foreclosure through the deed of trust process under RCW 61.24.
Judgment Liens
A judgment lien in Washington attaches to all real property owned by the debtor in the county where the judgment is filed. Under RCW 4.56.200, Washington judgment liens remain effective for 10 years from the date of entry and can be renewed. A WA lien search checks superior court records in the county where the property is located to identify active judgment liens.
Tax Liens and Tax Deed Sales
Washington is a tax deed state under RCW 84.64. After 3 years of delinquent property taxes, the county treasurer can initiate tax deed foreclosure proceedings. Unlike tax lien states, Washington does not sell tax lien certificates. Instead, the property itself is sold at public auction. A WA lien search reveals the current tax delinquency status and whether foreclosure proceedings have been initiated.
Mechanic Liens (Construction Liens)
Washington mechanic liens are governed by RCW 60.04. Contractors, subcontractors, and material suppliers who are not paid for work on a Washington property can file a construction lien within 90 days of the last date labor or materials were furnished. A WA lien search identifies any active mechanic liens and their recording details.
HOA and Condo Association Liens
Homeowners associations and condominium associations in Washington can file liens for unpaid assessments under RCW 64.38 (HOA Act) and RCW 64.34 (Condominium Act). A Washington lien search identifies any recorded HOA or condo assessment liens. In Washington, HOA liens for unpaid assessments have a limited priority over first-position deeds of trust for up to 6 months of unpaid dues.
UCC Liens and Federal Tax Liens
UCC (Uniform Commercial Code) liens in Washington are filed with the Department of Licensing (DOL), not the county auditor. A comprehensive WA lien search includes DOL records to identify active UCC filings against the property owner. Federal tax liens against real property are filed with the county auditor, while federal tax liens against personal property are filed with the DOL per RCW 60.68.015.
WA Lien Search Coverage by County
Professional lien search services for all 39 Washington state counties
Washington Lien Search Reports and Pricing
Select the WA lien search report that matches your needs
Property Lien Report
Standard WA lien search identifying all voluntary and involuntary liens recorded against the property. Covers mortgages, deeds of trust, judgment liens, tax liens, mechanic liens, HOA liens, lis pendens, and code enforcement liens in any Washington county.
Full Property/Owner Lien Report
The most comprehensive WA lien search available. Combines a full property lien search with personal liens against the current owner, including UCC filings from the Washington Department of Licensing and bankruptcy records from federal court.
Property Detail Report
Quick Washington property verification including current owner, sale history, open mortgages of record, and tax assessor data. Best for initial WA property research before ordering a full lien search. Does not include judgment liens, tax liens, or mechanic liens.
Expanded Title Search
Complete Washington title search with full chain of conveyance, all liens, easements, legal descriptions, and preliminary title report. The most thorough WA lien search combined with complete ownership research.
Additional WA services: Deed Copy ($45) · WA Title Search by Name ($75) · Chain of Title ($275) · Abstractor Service · Asset Investigation (USAR)
Washington Lien Search Questions
Common questions about WA property lien searches
How Much Does a WA Lien Search Cost?
A Washington lien search costs $95 for a Property Lien Report or $195 for a Full Property/Owner Lien Report that includes personal liens, UCC filings, and bankruptcy records. A basic Property Detail Report showing owner and mortgage data costs $29. All reports cover any of Washington's 39 counties with the same pricing. No subscription required.
View WA Pricing →Is Washington a Tax Lien or Tax Deed State?
Washington is a tax deed state. Under RCW 84.64, when property taxes are delinquent for 3+ years, the county treasurer initiates a tax deed foreclosure sale rather than selling a tax lien certificate. The winning bidder at a Washington tax deed sale receives full ownership of the property. A WA lien search before bidding reveals any additional liens that may affect the property.
WA Auction Guide →How Long Do Judgment Liens Last in Washington?
Judgment liens in Washington last 10 years from the date of entry under RCW 4.56.200. They can be renewed for additional 10-year periods. A judgment lien attaches to all real property owned by the debtor in the county where it is filed. A WA lien search reveals active judgment liens and their recording dates.
Judgment Lien Search →Where Are UCC Liens Filed in Washington?
In Washington, UCC liens are filed with the Department of Licensing (DOL), not the county auditor. UCC liens expire after 5 years unless a continuation statement is filed. A comprehensive WA lien search from U.S. Title Records includes DOL records to capture UCC filings that a county-only search would miss.
UCC Lien Search →How Long Does a WA Lien Search Take?
Washington lien search reports are delivered via email in PDF format. Chain of title searches and abstractor services for Washington courthouse records not available digitally may take 2-5 business days. Orders processed 7 days a week including holidays.
Order WA Search →Do I Need a Lien Search Before Buying in Washington?
Yes. Washington's non-judicial foreclosure process (RCW 61.24) means properties can be sold at trustee sales without court oversight. A WA lien search reveals surviving liens, tax delinquencies, HOA assessment liens, and mechanic liens that could become your responsibility. The $195 Full Owner Lien Report is recommended for any WA property purchase.
Order Lien Search →How to Submit a request for a Washington Lien Search
Get your WA lien search report in three simple steps
Enter WA Property Address
Provide the Washington property address or assessor parcel number. Works for any of the 39 WA counties. No login required.
Select Lien Report Type
Choose Property Lien Report ($95), Full Owner Lien Report ($195), or Expanded Title Search ($375) for a complete WA lien search.
Receive WA Lien Report
Your Washington lien search report is delivered to your email via email in PDF format. Full consultation included.
Washington Lien Search FAQ
Frequently asked questions about WA property lien searches
What is a Washington lien search?
A Washington lien search examines county auditor records, court filings, and state databases to identify all liens recorded against a property in any of Washington's 39 counties. The WA lien search covers mortgages, deeds of trust, judgment liens, tax liens, mechanic liens (RCW 60.04), HOA liens, lis pendens, and UCC filings. Reports issued via email in PDF format.
How much does a WA lien search cost?
A Washington Property Lien Report costs $95. The Full Property/Owner Lien Report costs $195 and includes personal liens, UCC filings from the WA Department of Licensing, and bankruptcy records. The Expanded Title Search with complete lien coverage costs $375. No subscription required. Same pricing for all 39 WA counties.
What types of liens exist in Washington state?
Washington liens include deeds of trust (mortgages), judgment liens (10-year duration under RCW 4.56.200), state and federal tax liens, mechanic/construction liens (RCW 60.04, 90-day filing window), HOA/condo assessment liens, lis pendens, UCC filings (filed with Dept of Licensing), and state tax warrants from the Department of Revenue. A comprehensive WA lien search identifies all types.
Is Washington a tax lien state?
No. Washington is a tax deed state, not a tax lien state. Under RCW 84.64, the county does not sell tax lien certificates. Instead, after 3+ years of delinquent property taxes, the county treasurer initiates a tax deed foreclosure sale that transfers full property ownership to the winning bidder. A WA lien search before a tax deed sale reveals the complete lien picture.
How long does a mechanic lien last in Washington?
In Washington, a mechanic lien (construction lien) must be filed within 90 days of the last date labor or materials were furnished under RCW 60.04.141. The lien must then be enforced by filing a lawsuit within 8 months of recording. If no suit is filed within 8 months, the lien expires. A WA lien search identifies active mechanic liens and their recording dates.
Do I need a lien search before buying property in Washington?
Yes. A Washington lien search before purchasing reveals judgment liens, tax delinquencies, mechanic liens, HOA assessment liens, and other encumbrances that could become your responsibility. Washington's non-judicial foreclosure process means trustee sales happen without court oversight, making a WA lien search essential for auction buyers.
Which Washington counties does U.S. Title Records cover?
U.S. Title Records provides WA lien search coverage for all 39 Washington state counties including King (Seattle), Pierce (Tacoma), Snohomish (Everett), Clark (Vancouver), Spokane, Thurston (Olympia), Kitsap, Whatcom (Bellingham), Yakima, and every other county. Same pricing regardless of county. View all Washington property records.
How do I order a WA lien search?
Visit ustitlerecords.com/search-property-records, enter the Washington property address or parcel number, select your lien report type ($95 or $195), and complete payment. No account required. Your WA lien search report is delivered to your email via email in PDF format. Email office@ustitlerecords.com with questions.
Order Your Washington Lien Search Now
Professional WA lien search for any property across all 39 Washington counties. Lien reports from $95 with email delivery. No subscription required.