About Apache County

County Seat St
Established 1879
Named After the Apache Native
Population 65,680 residents
Area 11,218 square miles

Apache County is located in the northeastern corner of Arizona, bordered by New Mexico to the east and Utah to the north. Apache County seat is St. Johns, a small community situated along U.S. Route 180. Apache County was established in 1879 and is named after the Apache Native American tribes who historically inhabited Apache County. Covering approximately 11,218 square miles, it ranks as one of Arizona's largest counties by land area. The population is approximately 66,000 residents, with a significant portion residing within the Navajo Nation and Fort Apache Indian Reservation, which together comprise most of Apache County's territory. Apache County is home to remarkable natural landmarks including Canyon de Chelly National Monument, the Petrified Forest National Park (partially), and portions of the White Mountains. Apache County's economy is heavily influenced by tribal governance, tourism, forestry, and ranching. Major communities include St. Johns, Eagar, Springerville, Chinle, and Window Rock—the capital of the Navajo Nation. Apache County Recorder's Office, located at 75 West Cleveland Street in St. Johns, maintains property records and recorded documents. Apache County Assessor, also based in St. Johns, handles property assessments and tax roll information. Apache County Clerk of the Superior Court manages court filings and marriage licenses. Apache County's unique demographic composition, with over 70% of residents identifying as Native American, distinguishes it culturally and administratively from most Arizona counties. The elevation ranges from approximately 5,000 to over 9,000 feet, creating diverse ecosystems and climates. Apache County's blend of Native American heritage, stunning high-desert scenes, and small-town communities makes it a distinctive region within Arizona.

  • The elevation ranges from approximately 5,000 to over 9,000 feet, creating diverse ecosystems and climates.

Court Records & Case Information

The Apache County Courthouse serves Apache County, Arizona and handles civil, criminal, family, and probate cases. The courthouse is located in the county seat of the area. Court records and case filings can be requested in person or through the Arizona online court portal.

Apache County Arizona court is located in St. Johns, Arizona. The court has jurisdiction over civil and criminal cases, including felonies, misdemeanors, and traffic violations. The court also has jurisdiction over family law matters, such as divorce, child support, and adoption.

Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement

Law Enforcement & Arrests

  • Mugshots and booking photos are generally available through direct request to the Sheriff's Office, though processing times vary.

Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records

Courts & Case Records

  • Court records in Apache County can be searched through the Arizona Judicial Branch's Public Access to Court Information system, though not all Apache County cases may be immediately available online.
  • Fees for certified copies typically range from $0.50 per page for standard copies to $24 for certified documents.
  • Case search fees may apply for extensive research requests.
  • Due to limited resources, Apache County courts may require advance notice for voluminous records requests, and some older records may be archived off-site requiring additional retrieval time.

Property & Public Records

  • Copy fees are established by state statute: $1.00 for the first page and $0.50 for each additional page of standard copies; certified copies carry an additional $5.00 certification fee per document.

Vital Records

Vital records for this county include birth, death, marriage, and divorce certificates issued under state vital statistics law.

  • Birth certificates cost $20 for the first copy and $10 for each additional copy ordered simultaneously; death certificates cost $20 each.
  • Processing time for vital records requests varies: online orders through VitalChek typically take 5-7 business days for expedited service, while mail-in requests to the state office may take 4-6 weeks.

Business & Licensing

Business records, licenses, and permits for this county are processed by the County Clerk and local government offices.

  • This searchable database provides information on business names, registered agents, filing dates, status, and principal addresses.
  • There is no fee to search the database, though certified copies of documents carry fees ranging from $10 to $25.
  • Sales tax licenses in Arizona are issued by the Arizona Department of Revenue through their AZTaxes.gov portal; businesses must register for a Transaction Privilege Tax (TPT) license before conducting taxable sales.

Official Government Resources

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I search for someone recently arrested in Apache County, Arizona?
To search for someone recently arrested in Apache County, Arizona, you can contact the Apache County Jail, located in St. Johns. The jail provides an inmate lookup process through their official website where you can search for current detainees. You can call the jail directly at (928) 337-4321 for more information about recent arrests and inmate status.
Mugshots or booking photos in Apache County, Arizona, can be obtained from the Apache County Sheriff's Office. They may provide access to these records through their official website or by visiting the office in person. For online access, check the Sheriff's Office section on the website for any available portals or contact them at (928) 337-4321 for assistance.
To obtain a criminal background check in Apache County, Arizona, you need to contact the Arizona Department of Public Safety. They handle statewide criminal history records, and you can request a background check through their website. Locally, you may also inquire at the Apache County Sheriff's Office for any additional procedures specific to the county.
You can look up sex offenders in Apache County, Arizona, by accessing the Arizona Sex Offender Registry. The registry is maintained by the Arizona Department of Public Safety and provides an online search tool to locate registered sex offenders by name, address, or zip code. This resource is available to the public for safety and informational purposes.
To register to vote in Apache County, you can complete registration online at servicearizona.com through the Arizona Secretary of State's portal, by mail using the official Arizona Voter Registration Form, or in person at the Apache County Recorder's Office at 75 West Cleveland Street, St. Johns. Registration must be received or postmarked at least 29 days before any election. Once registered, you can request to join the Permanent Early Voting List to automatically receive mail-in ballots for all elections, or you can request a one-time early ballot by contacting the Recorder's Office at (928) 337-4567.
Property records in Apache County are maintained by the Apache County Recorder's Office at 75 West Cleveland Street, St. Johns, Arizona 85936, phone (928) 337-4567. You can search for recorded documents including deeds, mortgages, liens, and plat maps by visiting the office in person during business hours, as online access is limited. For property tax assessment information, contact the Assessor's Office at the same address, extension 4222. Note that most of the region consists of tribal trust land, which is not recorded through the county system and requires coordination with tribal authorities for information.
To obtain certified copies of birth or death certificates for events occurring in Apache County, contact the Arizona Department of Health Services, Office of Vital Records, at 1818 West Adams Street, Phoenix, Arizona 85007, or order online through VitalChek at azdhs.gov/licensing/vital records. Birth certificates cost $20 for the first copy; death certificates cost $20 each. Online orders typically take 5-7 business days for expedited service, while mail requests may take 4-6 weeks. You must provide valid photo identification and proof of eligibility (relationship to the person on the certificate or legal interest) as required by Arizona Revised Statutes §36-301 et seq.
To search business entity registrations, visit the Arizona Corporation Commission's online database at ecorp.azcc.gov, which provides free searches for corporations, LLCs, partnerships, and trade names registered in Arizona. For local business licenses specific to Apache County or its municipalities, contact the Apache County Clerk's Office at (928) 337-4364 or the individual town offices in St. Johns, Springerville, or Eagar. Sales tax licenses and Transaction Privilege Tax registrations are managed by the Arizona Department of Revenue through AZTaxes.gov. Building permits and zoning records for unincorporated areas are maintained by the Apache County Community Development Department.

Nearby Counties

San Juan County NM Navajo County AZ McKinley County NM Graham County AZ Cibola County NM Montezuma County CO San Juan County UT Greenlee County AZ