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Arizona · A.R.S. §§33-707, 33-712Arizona release after payoff: 30 days to record, then $1,000 after a certified-mail request

When an Arizona mortgagee, trustee or other person entitled to payment receives full satisfaction of a mortgage or deed of trust, it acknowledges satisfaction by delivering or recording a release, satisfaction or deed of release and reconveyance that cites the recording information; the trustee needn't join, and a recorded release is conclusive evidence of satisfaction for purchasers and lenders for value without notice (A.R.S. §33-707(A)). If it fails to record a sufficient release within 30 days after satisfaction, it is liable for the actual damages its neglect causes; if it still fails for more than 30 days after a written certified-mail request identifying the loan from the borrower, trustor, current owner or their agent, it owes $1,000 in addition to actual damages (§33-712(A)–(B)).

The rules

  1. 1. 30 days (§33-712(A))

    Record a sufficient release after satisfaction, or owe actual damages.

  2. 2. Certified request (§33-712(B))

    30 more days after a certified-mail request, then $1,000 plus damages.

  3. 3. Release contents (§33-707(A))

    Cites the recording number; the trustee needn't join.

What the TC can do

  • Note the payoff date – the statutory clock runs from it or from the written request.
  • Calendar a check of the county records for the recorded release.
  • If it's missing, send the written request in the form the statute requires and keep proof of delivery.

Questions about Arizona mortgage releases

How long does an Arizona lender have to release a paid-off loan?

30 days after receiving satisfaction; after that it is liable for actual damages (A.R.S. §33-712(A)).

What's the Arizona penalty for a late release?

$1,000 plus actual damages if the release still isn't recorded more than 30 days after a written certified-mail request identifying the loan (§33-712(B)).

Related guides

ClosingCode adds a post-closing task to confirm the seller's paid-off mortgage release was recorded, with an owner and a due date.

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Source: Arizona Revised Statutes §§33-707 and 33-712 (azleg.gov, read October 26, 2026).

General information, not legal advice. Penalties are enforced in court; ask a local attorney before demanding one. ClosingCode is software; it is not a law firm. This guide is not a substitute for the advice or services of an attorney.