Find Washington Public Records

Is Washington a Public Records State?

Washington residents have the right to access public records as per the Washington Public Records Act. This legislation presumes that government records and information are public unless specifically exempted. The objective is to facilitate the public's ability to obtain this information efficiently and without requiring personal details unless the record is deemed confidential by law or court decision.

The records available include criminal records, court records, and vital records, amounting to over 65 million transparent public records. This approach ensures that Washington citizens can inspect or obtain copies of government records created or maintained at the municipal, county, or state levels by submitting a public records request.

What is Public Information in Washington?

Public records in Washington encompass a wide array of documents. Examples include vital records such as death records, court records, sex offender information, inmate records, bankruptcy records, and property records. According to RCW 42.56.010(3), public records may also include legislative records, such as reports, meeting minutes, amendments, and correspondence created or received by legislative committees and subcommittees.

Administrative legislative records, like travel information, payroll records, budget and financial records, and records of legislative sessions, are also considered public. These records can be handwritten, typewritten, duplicated, photographed, or recorded in other formats, including audio, video, tapes, maps, and digital devices.

Several provisions of the Public Records Act ensure public access to government records. For example, RCW 42.56.030 mandates that public agencies must liberally interpret the act to facilitate access unless records are exempt by law. Agencies are also required to provide information on how to make public record requests, as stipulated in RCW 42.56.040(1).

How Do I Look Up Public Records in Washington?

To find public records in Washington, follow these steps:

Decide on the desired information: Determine the type of record needed, such as property records for land ownership or vital records for birth and death information.
Identify the custodian agency: Each public agency maintains specific records. For example, divorce records can be obtained from the Superior Court or the Washington State Department of Health.
Write a request: Although not required, submitting a written request can help provide exhaustive information. The request should specify the type of copy needed and the number of copies.
Submit the request: Agencies offer various submission methods, including mail, phone, online, fax, and in-person. Some records may also be available online, such as through the Pierce County public records directory.

Utilizing Third-Party Resources for Washington Public Records Obtaining

City Records

Public city records may be accessible from third-party websites. These platforms offer intuitive tools for expansive searches. Users need to provide sufficient information, such as the subject’s name, address, case number, or file number. Third-party sites are not government-sponsored, so record availability and accuracy may vary.

Public Records

Third-party public records websites offer non-geographically limited search services, making searches straightforward. Users must provide details like the subject’s name and last known location. These sites are not government-sponsored, so the availability and accuracy of results can differ.

How To Look Up Public Records in Washington for Free?

The Washington Public Records Act does not explicitly provide fee waivers. Physical copies often incur duplication fees. However, within its rules, an agency may waive fees for public records (see RCW 42.56.120(4)).

Free public records searches may be possible through public databases maintained by agencies. For example, the Washington Department of Corrections inmate search page and the state’s sex offender registry offer free access to certain non-confidential information. Note that online information may not always be accurate or certified.

Search Public Records in Washington

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