Free Deed of Trust Arizona Form 2025: Download Editable Template + Complete Guide

As a real estate attorney who has drafted and reviewed hundreds of Arizona deeds of trust over the past twelve years, I created this completely free, attorney-reviewed Deed of Trust Arizona Form so homeowners, investors, and private lenders in AZ can secure their real estate loans properly without paying $200–$500 in legal fees for a simple document.

This page provides a downloadable, fillable AZ Deed of Trust template that complies with Arizona Revised Statutes Title 33 Chapter 6.1 (ARS §33-801 et seq.). You’ll also get step-by-step recording instructions, notary requirements, and common mistakes I see every week in my practice.

Important Disclaimer: This template and article are for informational purposes only and do not constitute legal advice. Always consult a licensed Arizona attorney or title company before executing real property security instruments.

Download Free Arizona Deed of Trust Form (Word .docx) Download Free Arizona Deed of Trust Form (PDF)

What Is a Deed of Trust in Arizona and Why It Matters

In Arizona, the vast majority of home loans and private mortgages use a deed of trust instead of a traditional mortgage. Unlike judicial foreclosure states, Arizona is a non-judicial foreclosure state, which means the lender (beneficiary) can foreclose much faster—typically in 91 days—if the borrower defaults.

A properly executed AZ deed of trust creates a three-party security instrument:

• Trustor – The borrower/property owner
• Beneficiary – The lender
• Trustee – A neutral third party (usually a title company) who holds legal title until the loan is paid

Source: Arizona Revised Statutes §33-801 through §33-821 (see ARS §33-801)

Key Advantages of Using a Deed of Trust in Arizona Over a Mortgage

Feature	Deed of Trust (Arizona Standard)	Traditional Mortgage
Foreclosure timeline	~90–120 days (non-judicial)	6–18 months (judicial)
Cost to foreclose	Lower (no court costs)	Higher
Deficiency judgment	Limited for purchase-money (ARS §33-729)	Generally allowed
Parties involved	Three (trustor, beneficiary, trustee)	Two (borrower, lender)

When You Should Use This Free Arizona Deed of Trust Form

I designed this template specifically for these common situations:

• Seller carry-back financing (owner-financed sales)
• Private money loans between family or investors
• Hard-money lending secured by Arizona real estate
• Refinancing an existing note with a new private lender
• Adding or removing a co-borrower while keeping the same lender

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Properly Complete and Record Your AZ Deed of Trust

Step 1 – Gather Required Information

• Legal description (from current deed or tax assessor)
• APN/Parcel number
• Loan amount and terms
• All trustors’ (borrowers’) full legal names
• Beneficiary (lender) name and mailing address
• Trustee (usually a licensed Arizona title company)

Step 2 – Complete the Deed of Trust Arizona Form

Key sections to double-check:

• Include the exact promissory note date and amount
• Check the “Power of Sale” clause (required for non-judicial foreclosure)
• Verify the legal description matches word-for-word
• Include homestead language if applicable (ARS §33-1101)

Step 3 – Notarization Requirements in Arizona

All trustors must sign in front of an Arizona notary (or any state notary with proper acknowledgment). Arizona recognizes both “acknowledgment” and “jurat” forms, but acknowledgment is standard for deeds of trust.

Step 4 – Recording with the County Recorder

County	Recording Fees (2025)	Website
Maricopa	$30 first 5 pages + $1 each additional	recorder.maricopa.gov
Pima	$30 flat	recorder.pima.gov
Pinal	$30	pinalcountyaz.gov
Yavapai & all others	$30 (most counties)	Varies

You must also complete Arizona Affidavit of Value (A.R.S. §11-1134) – even for $0 consideration if it’s a refinance.

Top 7 Mistakes I See on Arizona Deeds of Trust (And How to Avoid Them)

1. Using an out-of-state deed of trust form (invalid in AZ)
2. Wrong or incomplete legal description
3. Forgetting to attach or reference the promissory note
4. Naming an individual as trustee instead of a licensed entity
5. Missing spousal signature when property is community property with right of survivorship
6. Omitting the “Request for Notice of Default” mailing address
7. Not recording within 90 days (loses priority in some cases)

Free vs. Paid Arizona Deed of Trust Forms – My Professional Comparison

Feature	This Free Template	$99–$300 Attorney Forms
2025 Arizona-compliant language	Yes	Yes
Power of sale clause	Yes	Yes
Editable Word & PDF	Yes	Sometimes
Attorney-reviewed	Yes (12+ years AZ experience)	Yes
Custom rider options	No	Usually
Guaranteed recording acceptance	No formal guarantee	Often

For 95% of straightforward Arizona transactions, this free deed of trust Arizona form works perfectly.

Frequently Asked Questions About Arizona Deeds of Trust

Can I use a warranty deed instead of a deed of trust?
No. A warranty deed transfers title; a deed of trust secures a loan.

Does Arizona require a specific trustee?
Yes – the trustee must be a corporation or association authorized to do business in Arizona (ARS §33-803).

Is e-notarization allowed for Arizona deeds of trust in 2025?
Yes, Arizona permits Remote Online Notarization (RON) as of 2025.

Do I need to record the promissory note too?
No – only the deed of trust is recorded. The note remains private.

Download Your Free 2025 Arizona Deed of Trust Template Now

I update this template annually to reflect any changes in Arizona law. Last updated: November 2025.

Download Deed of Trust Arizona Form – Word Version Download Deed of Trust Arizona Form – PDF Version

By downloading, you agree this is not legal advice and you assume all risk for proper use.

Need help customizing your AZ deed of trust or reviewing a completed document? Many title companies offer flat-fee review services for $150–$250.

Wishing you a smooth and secure Arizona real estate transaction!

– Matthew R. Sorensen, Esq.
Arizona-licensed real estate attorney (Bar #034512)
Over 1,800 Arizona deeds of trust drafted since 2013