AZGPS FAQ Directory
While you can walk your property or measure distances for personal reference, you cannot legally perform or record your own property survey in Arizona unless you are a licensed Registered Land Surveyor (RLS).
⚖️ 1. Arizona Law Requires a Licensed Surveyor
Property boundaries in Arizona are regulated under the Arizona Administrative Code R4-30 and overseen by the Arizona Board of Technical Registration (AZBTR). These rules state that only individuals who hold an active Arizona surveying license may:
- ✅ Establish or mark property boundary lines
- ✅ Prepare or sign a Record of Survey or subdivision plat
- ✅ Certify or seal survey drawings used for legal or permit purposes
Any unlicensed person who performs or offers these services may be subject to enforcement action by AZBTR.
📍 2. What You *Can* Do as a Property Owner
You’re free to measure your lot for personal understanding — for example, estimating fence lines or planning landscaping — but those measurements are not legally binding and should not be used to mark or alter official boundaries. If you plan to build, sell, or dispute a line, a licensed survey is required to confirm and document your property limits accurately.
🧭 3. How Licensed Surveyors Determine Property Lines
Professional surveyors combine record research, monument recovery, and precision instruments such as GNSS RTK and robotic total stations to locate boundaries within hundredths of a foot. They then file or certify the results so your property description aligns with local and state records.
🔎 4. Verify Your Surveyor’s License
Before hiring a surveyor, confirm they are licensed and in good standing using the AZBTR Licensee Search Tool. You can view license status, expiration dates, and any complaint history to ensure your survey is performed by a qualified professional.
💡 5. Why Hiring a Licensed Surveyor Protects You
- 🔹 Ensures accuracy that meets Arizona’s legal standards
- 🔹 Provides documentation accepted by counties and title companies
- 🔹 Prevents boundary and encroachment disputes
- 🔹 Protects your investment if the survey results are challenged in court
In Summary
In Arizona, you cannot legally survey your own property for official or record purposes unless you are a licensed Registered Land Surveyor (RLS). Personal measurements are fine for planning, but official boundary surveys must be performed, signed, and sealed by a qualified professional to be valid.
Need to verify or update your property boundaries? Request a free online estimate at azgps.org/get-a-quote, or confirm a surveyor’s credentials through the AZBTR Licensee Search Tool.