Washington public records
Washington Courts' locator helps identify cases, while the court of record supplies authoritative documents. County assessors handle valuations and auditors record deeds. WATCH criminal-history information is a separate service. The PRA's five-business-day response may give an estimate rather than produce the entire file.
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Official record sources
Choose the document you need before searching. A case index, parcel assessment, recorded deed and certified certificate are different records. The links below lead to the responsible government service or its official directory.
| Record / custodian | How to access | Costs and coverage |
|---|---|---|
| Court recordsWashington Courts | Use the name/case search and contact the court of record for documents. | Public locator information and certified copies are separate. The locator identifies cases; it is not an official complete court record or criminal-history report. |
| Property and land recordsWashington Department of Revenue county directory | Find the county assessor/treasurer and county auditor's recorded-document service. | County document and certification fees vary. Assessment and tax records do not replace the auditor's deed and lien instruments. |
| Business recordsWashington Secretary of State | Use Corporations and Charities Filing System search for entity records. | Search and certificate services have separate charges. A Secretary of State entity record and a Department of Revenue business license are different checks. |
| Birth, death, marriage and divorceWashington Department of Health | Select certified or informational birth/death records and marriage/divorce certificate services. | Search and certificate fees depend on record and order method. Qualified-applicant rules govern certified records; a divorce certificate is not the court's complete decree. |
| Criminal-history checksWashington State Patrol WATCH | Use WATCH for public conviction information or the appropriate fingerprint process. | Name checks, fingerprints and certified services have different fees. Public conviction information has statutory limits; it is not a complete nationwide background report. |
A criminal charge is not a conviction. A name match does not establish identity. Use the official case disposition and the appropriate authorized record-check process when those distinctions matter.
Requesting agency records in Washington
Use this process for existing government agency records. Court case copies, vital certificates and criminal-history reports use the separate procedures in the table.
- Who can request
- Any person may request identifiable public records under the PRA. Restrictions still apply to protected information and certain commercial uses of lists.
- How to submit
- Identify the Washington agency, municipality or county that maintains the record, then use its published records-custodian contact or accepted request channel. Describe existing documents, identifiers and dates. Keep the submitted request and acknowledgement; court copies and vital certificates use the separate services above.
- Response and delivery
- Within five business days, the agency must provide records, an internet link, a reasonable estimate, clarification or a denial. The estimate is not a fixed final deadline.
- Fees and estimates
- Inspection is generally free; copying and authorized electronic-delivery costs can apply. Ask for the agency's published schedule and any deposit.
- If access is denied
- Seek the agency's internal review and a written basis for denial. Superior Court review is available; the Attorney General's guidance does not replace a court order.
Washington records-request example
Replace the brackets, narrow the dates and send this to the agency that holds the records. Use its required form or portal when applicable. This example requests agency documents; it is not a certificate application or court filing.
To: [the agency's designated records custodian] Subject: Washington public-records request — [record or project identifier] Under the Public Records Act (RCW 42.56), I request electronic copies of the agency's final permit decision and existing inspection reports for [permit number]. Please use existing records in their available electronic format. If any material is withheld, identify the legal basis and provide the non-exempt portions. Before incurring charges above [your limit], please send an itemized estimate. Please confirm receipt and the expected response date. [Name and contact details required by the receiving agency] [Requester eligibility or residency information, where required]
Before sending, check requester eligibility above. Keep the submission confirmation, cost estimate, response and any exemption cited so a follow-up or appeal can refer to the same request.
Washington public records FAQ
Where can I find Washington court records?
Use the name/case search and contact the court of record for documents. The locator identifies cases; it is not an official complete court record or criminal-history report.
Sources: Washington CourtsAre Washington public records free?
Inspection is generally free; copying and authorized electronic-delivery costs can apply. Ask for the agency's published schedule and any deposit. Certificate and court-document services follow the separate charges listed above.
Sources: Washington official public-records guidance; Washington Courts; Washington Department of HealthHow do I get birth, death, marriage or divorce records in Washington?
Select certified or informational birth/death records and marriage/divorce certificate services. Qualified-applicant rules govern certified records; a divorce certificate is not the court's complete decree.
Sources: Washington Department of Health; Washington CourtsIs a Washington court search a complete criminal-history check?
No. Public conviction information has statutory limits; it is not a complete nationwide background report. Use WATCH for public conviction information or the appropriate fingerprint process.
Sources: Washington State Patrol WATCH; Washington CourtsSources and review
Each link identifies the official custodian or its published directory. Portal coverage and fees can change; confirm the current order details before paying. The date below records the source review, not the date a government record was created.
- Washington official public-records guidance — checked
- Washington Courts — checked
- Washington Department of Revenue county directory — checked
- Washington Secretary of State — checked
- Washington Department of Health — checked
- Washington State Patrol WATCH — checked
Browse other jurisdictions
Public-records access rules vary by jurisdiction. Continue through the directory or return to the full list to choose the agency location you need.
All public-records jurisdictions