Washington, D.C. public records
D.C. records come from District agencies, D.C. Superior Court and the Recorder of Deeds. They are separate from federal agency and federal court records located in Washington. Use D.C. Health for birth/death certificates and Superior Court for marriage and divorce records.
By DeepSearch · Updated
Agency records law
Freedom of Information Act of 1976
D.C. Code § 2-531 et seq.
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 recordsDistrict of Columbia Courts | Select the Superior Court's current case-search system or request records from the division. | Case lookup and certified-copy orders are separate. D.C. local courts are different from federal district court; protected case material is excluded. |
| Property and land recordsD.C. Office of Tax and Revenue, Recorder of Deeds | Search or request recorded real-estate instruments through Recorder of Deeds services. | Document copies and certification have published charges. The District has one recorder service rather than county recorders; assessment data is a separate record. |
| Business recordsD.C. Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection | Use the District's business portal for corporate-registration and licensing services. | Search, certificates and license services have different fees. Corporate registration and a business license are separate checks; select the correct service. |
| Birth, death, marriage and divorceD.C. Health Vital Records Division | Follow the birth or death certificate application and identity checks. | Certificate and processing fees apply. Marriage records and divorce decrees come from D.C. Superior Court, not this birth/death service. |
| Criminal-history checksMetropolitan Police Department | Use the police-clearance and arrest/history instructions for the requested purpose. | Clearance and record services have their own charges. An MPD record covers its stated local scope; it is not an FBI or nationwide criminal-history search. |
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, D.C.
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 can request District government records under D.C. FOIA. Federal agencies located in Washington use federal FOIA instead.
- How to submit
- Identify the Washington, D.C. 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
- The usual determination period is 15 business days. Written notice of unusual circumstances may extend it by up to 10 business days.
- Fees and estimates
- Reasonable search, review and duplication fees can apply. A public-interest waiver is possible; request an estimate and explain any waiver claim.
- If access is denied
- Request the exemption in writing. D.C. provides an administrative appeal to the Mayor as well as Superior Court review.
Washington, D.C. 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, D.C. public-records request — [record or project identifier] Under the Freedom of Information Act of 1976 (D.C. Code § 2-531 et seq.), I request electronic copies of the District agency's executed contract and final payment records for [contract number] during [dates]. 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, D.C. public records FAQ
Where can I find Washington, D.C. court records?
Select the Superior Court's current case-search system or request records from the division. D.C. local courts are different from federal district court; protected case material is excluded.
Sources: District of Columbia CourtsAre Washington, D.C. public records free?
Reasonable search, review and duplication fees can apply. A public-interest waiver is possible; request an estimate and explain any waiver claim. Certificate and court-document services follow the separate charges listed above.
Sources: Washington, D.C. official public-records guidance; District of Columbia Courts; D.C. Health Vital Records DivisionHow do I get birth, death, marriage or divorce records in Washington, D.C.?
Follow the birth or death certificate application and identity checks. Marriage records and divorce decrees come from D.C. Superior Court, not this birth/death service.
Sources: D.C. Health Vital Records Division; District of Columbia CourtsIs a Washington, D.C. court search a complete criminal-history check?
No. An MPD record covers its stated local scope; it is not an FBI or nationwide criminal-history search. Use the police-clearance and arrest/history instructions for the requested purpose.
Sources: Metropolitan Police Department; District of Columbia 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, D.C. official public-records guidance — checked
- District of Columbia Courts — checked
- D.C. Office of Tax and Revenue, Recorder of Deeds — checked
- D.C. Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection — checked
- D.C. Health Vital Records Division — checked
- Metropolitan Police Department — 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.
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