How to Find Public Records in Washington?

Accessing public records in Washington is more straightforward than in other states. The Evergreen State has one of the best and most efficient records systems in the United States. 

You can easily find digital and printed public records in Washington due to the state's public record laws, i.e., the Public Records Act, and its strong commitment to transparency. This article overviews Washington's public records laws and explains how to find public records in the state. 

Brief Overview of Washington's Public Records Act (PRA)

The Public Records Act is a comprehensive and progressive law that deems all government records public except those specially exempted by certain decrees. The measure covers most government and resident records kept by local and state agencies. 
 

PRA mandates all government agencies to immediately respond to official requests for public records from Washington residents, businesses, or other government or law enforcement agencies. It defines a strict timeline for a response, after which a requester may report to relevant authorities. 

Agencies that do not comply when there are no provisions for exemptions may be penalized. 

Rather than differentiate records based on the type of information they contain, the Public Records Act posits a balancing test that requires agencies to determine if the public's interest in the disclosure may cause potential harm to the record owner's privacy or freedom. 

This balancing test keeps personal information like a person's social security number, medical records, and sensitive law endorsement records private. 

Types and Examples of Public Records You Can Find in Washington

Before you begin your public record search about a person, business, or government agency, the following are types and examples of public records covered by Washington PRA:

Washington Court Records

These records include case filings, court calendars, and court documents and transcripts. You can find these records with state courts and the Washington digital archive. 

Washington Legislative records

These records include proposed bills, resolutions, committee and subcommittee reports, and every other document related to the Washington legislative process. You can find them online at the state's legislature website. 

Washington Property and land records

These records include property tax assessments, zoning regulations, building permits, and property ownership records. You can find them at specific county and city government offices. 

Washington Vital Records

These records include residents' birth and death certificates, divorce decrees, and marriage licenses. You can find them at the state's health department. 

Washington Criminal Records

These records include criminal charges, sex offenses, warrants, and arrest records. You can find them with Washington local law enforcement agencies and state patrols. 

Washington Government Agency Records

These records include all documents, memos, and meeting minutes created or received by all state agencies. You can find that at every state and local government office. 

How to Find Public Records in Washington

Follow the following general steps to request public records in Washington: 

Step 1: Identify the specific government agency maintaining the records

Research the appropriate government agencies or organizations responsible for keeping or maintaining the records you seek. 

Step 2: Streamline your search in your request

Rather than requesting multiple records with an agency, determine the specific document that is of the highest priority. Once you do, please try to find as much detail as you can about it for the request mail. You may find out the date range or the type of document it is. The more specific your search is, the easier it is to locate it. 

Step 3: Send in your request and wait for a response 

Once you've sent in your request, wait for a response from the government agency. According to the PRA laws, all agencies have a strict timeline of five business days to reply to all public records requests, regardless of who the requester is. However, agencies may take more time to respond if your request is very complex or involves many records. But, they must write back within the official duration to seek an extension. 

Step 4: Receive and review the public records

Review the records obtained from the government agency and ascertain if they meet your requirements. Ensure you review them properly to confirm they are complete and accurate. If you notice any discrepancies in the public records, you may contact the agency again for additional records or verification. 

Common Washington State and Local Agencies to Contact for Public Records

Here are the common agencies that receive the most requests for public records access and how to make your requests: 

Washington State Patrol (WSP)

You can request a criminal history record check via the WSP'S website or by posting a mail to PO Box 42600, Olympia, WA 98504. You may also visit their office located at Helen Sommers Building, 106 11th Avenue SW, Olympia, WA 98501. 

Washington State Department of Health (DOH)

You can request vital records online through the DOH website or in person by visiting the Vital Records unit of the DOH headquarters at 111 Israel Rd SE, Tumwater, Washington, 98501, United States. You could also place a call to the department through their official contact, 360-236-4300. 

Washington City and County Governments 

You may request property, court, and specific criminal records via the related agencies' websites. You could also visit the office in person or contact them by phone or mail. Popular links to find contact information for all city and county governments include the Association of Washington Cities and the Washington State Association of Counties.

Washington State Archives (WSA)

You can request government agencies' and officials' records online through the WSA website. You can also research in person at their headquarters at  1129 Washington Street SE, Olympia, WA 98504, or request by mail to their postal address, PO Box 40238, Olympia, Washington 98504-0238.

Should You Rely on Online Databases or Not?

You may have noticed that most Washington agencies maintaining public records have dedicated sections on their websites for public record searches. Using these databases is more straightforward than visiting the offices in person or sending emails. Other advantages of relying on online databases for public records include the following: 

● Convenience 
● Speed 
● Cost-effectiveness 
● Accuracy 

Most times, the results you'll obtain from visiting the offices are the same as displayed on the website.  

Last Note: Other Important Details to Know 

It is important to note that not all of these agencies offer public records information for free. While some offices are restricted by policies and regulations and may be unable to share sensitive information. 

Rather than investing valuable time and effort to find public records in Washington yourself, you can make use of free third-party platforms like Truepeoplesearch. With these websites, you can explore the vast wealth of public records available in Washington government offices and online databases with just a few clicks.