Washington Public Records

• How do I find the actual date of my marriage in WA?
  To look up marriage licenses in the state of Washington, check with the county auditor's office where the marriage occurred. Look for the county auditor's website and see how to request a marriage license, also, see the contact information if you need help. Marriage licenses are considered to be a public record in this state.
• How can I get a copy of a police report in Washington?
  Police reports are provided by the department which made the arrest. It is a common request, and its form, similar to incident/accident reports, can be obtained on individual departments' websites. Police reports are public records. However, there are exceptions before the request is granted.
• How do I find a will in Washington?
  Finding the will before the person is deceased is not easy, and it is not generally considered a public record. However, when the person dies, the executor typically files the will with the court or county clerk, most likely at the venue where the decedent died. You may need to check other county clerks throughout the state. Once the will is filed with the court, it is a public record. This is the general rule of thumb regarding wills and probate; these can be different from one state or court to another. A court records search, where you believe the filing would take place, is a good starting point.
• Where do I find in Washington who owns a home?
  Where is the home? Deed information can be retrieved/viewed from the county recorder offices throughout Washington. Take Seattle, for example; the Kings county recorder's office has a free online property information webpage. This database will reveal names and look up deeds, mortgage documents, easements, liens, and bills of sale. If it's in another county/area, mention it so that others help can be specific.
• Where can I find in Washington, a copy of my birth records?
  If you are looking for copies from the state, the Washington department of health issues them by mail, online, by telephone, or walking in. You can also request a search only for eight dollars; the database includes birth or death after July 1, 1907, which is the time when the state took over these records from counties. For records before that, the county auditor is the custodian and can provide them.
• Where can I find in Washington a website that will let you know if I have a warrant for my arrest?
  You will need to focus on the particular area/agency if the warrant is issued out of Snohomish county, for example, which offers misdemeanor outstanding warrant inquiries or felony outstanding warrant inquiries openly online. Go to the county website and look for either court, or Law enforcement, or put warrants for arrest in their search box.
• Where can I find in Washington the outcome of a person's DUI case and where they may be incarcerated?
  Finding out whether a person is currently incarcerated is free and online. The Washington state department of corrections has an inmate/offender locator. You can search using the entire state's name with one query. Then you will be able to see where they are in custody, and we will also provide a link to the facility and their information. There's a phone number to contact the facility directly, and a list of the offender information can be seen under (list of available information). Criminal records, DUI or not, can be found in several ways; one is the courthouse where the case was tried and asked for the file from clerks. Cases like these are generally county-level. Therefore the county court may have the case. Certain counties have better online public services.
• Where can I find the exact details leading to a felony arrest in Washington?
  Copies of Police arrest reports contain charges and other information. However, individual departments have policy restrictions that can be looked up on their websites. Many, if not most, departments will have instructions and a form to make the individual public request. These records may only be available to parties involved in the case; the law enforcement department's site will have more information about who can make the request. Unfortunately, it is not apparent what the information within the report will contain until viewed. If you know the location of the arrest, you can begin by looking up periodicals such as local news organizations, which may not rank well when too small, so getting the name of the publication first can cut out some of the search work. Another method would be to pull the case file from the courthouse directly. Most arrests are made locally and sent to trial within the same county. You can begin the search online using the Washington superior court case summary search, an open free public search. This searches across various court levels. You must know the full name, first and last, or case number. This search is generally for the public to look up when they are due to appear in court. Since it is an easy and quick search, it is worth trying; there is nothing to lose. If you are unsure of what is available, peruse the public records links/sites to view a list of agencies and their responsibilities. The courthouse keeps files on cases they've heard. You can see court records online by going to their web pages. The case file can have more information than the arrest report, which the arresting agency completes. Charges can change when they go to court. The case file may spell out much of what happened to surround the costs. Where was this case? Maybe someone can help you with specifics on what to do if the issue is in the same location.
• Where can I find access to open court case records in Washington, and if they are open to the public?
  The presiding judge can seal court case information. However, that's not common, and most case files can be viewed at the courthouse. Companies called 'attorney services can go to the courthouse to pull up the case and get copies. Which county is it in? It may even be available online, depending on the court where the case is being heard.
• Where can I find in Washington how to clear my record of something I was charged with but never convicted of, and it was dismissed?
  Where the records appear is an important factor. The Washington state patrol's Identification and Criminal History Section is the statewide central repository for criminal history record information (CHRI). This service also offers the following in case of errors: Updating existing CHRI, Non-conviction CHRI Review, Modifications/Challenges, Compromised Identity Claims, and Questions Regarding CHRI. This is on the Washington state patrol's website under 'Updating An Existing State Criminal History
• Where can I find in Washington, a copy of my birth certificate?
  Washington State Department of Health issues birth certificates occurring from 1907 and later. Go to the department's site, then into licenses, permits, and certificates (a tab on top); under birth, death, marriage, and divorce, you will see a link to how to order certificates. You can see how to order and what you will need to order online, by phone, or by mail, and if there are any fees.
• Where do I find in Washington all marriages on June 25th, 2015?
  The Washington Department of Health shows marriages (statistics) from 1968, including same-sex marriages since December 2012. For registered domestic partnerships, the secretary of state's site will have that information freely on their site (search sec of state corporations, then domestic partnerships within site)
• Where can I find in Washington a free copy of an autopsy?
  Many online obituaries list recent death; they will show up on SERPs. If you can't find it in the obits, you can try the link to Washington cemeteries https://www.digitalarchives.wa.gov/Collections/TitleInfo/1306It's an open free search you can quickly check. You will be taken to the Secretary of state's webpage of digital archives by clicking on that. A "Collections" tab on top will take you to a page showing different databases. Under the Collections online portion, you will see the cemetery records link on the left; once you click on that, a list of cemeteries you can access freely appears on the right.
• Where can I find out in Washington? What are census tracts?
  Census tracts are subdivisions of a county that contain a unique numeric code. These are small areas where the population ranges from 1,200 to 8,000 maximum and averages approximately 4,000 residents. Before the census tracts, block numbering areas (BNA)s were used for cities where tracts did not exist. Then, in 1990 both were used to cover the entire United States. By 2000, the census tracts covered all of the U.S. In 2010; new tracts were introduced due to merging or separating due to population changes and were available to the public in December 2010. The census program is offered only once every ten years, and census tracts are aimed at being eventually permanent. This allows for comparisons from one decade to another. Once the tract has exceeded 8,000 residents, the tract is split to the extent of the population numbers being met. If the tract decreases in population below 1,200 residents, the tract with then is merged with a neighboring tract meeting the eligibility standards. The census tract relationship files in the geography portion of the census site show the 2000 census tracts compared to the 2010 census tracts.
• Where can I find in Washington permission to view search warrants?
  Warrants for arrest are mainly at the local or county court level and issued by a judge. Some police departments make their warrant for arrest list public online, depending on the area.
• Where can I find the cause of death of a deceased individual in Washington?
  A few factors play into the ease of obtaining this type of record. For example, whether you are a descendant of the deceased, was it noteworthy to end up in the newspapers, when and where did this occur (county or city)? Is it archived?
• Where can I find, in Washington, access to accident reports on State Route 18?
  If you are looking for official accident reports, you can obtain them online from the Washington State Patrol's 'collision records section' page. Their 7345 Linderson Way SW, Tumwater, WA, office has a kiosk to request these records.
• Where can we find access to accident statistics, and how are they compiled in Washington?
  For statistics specific to Washington's transportation collisions, the Washington State Department of Transportation provides the public with their collected data. The data is not compiled from crash reports entered by other drivers but from collision reports submitted by law enforcement. Traffic fatalities in Washington are lower than the national average. Since 2006, total statewide fatal collisions dropped from 578 to 422 in 2010. Seattle, with the largest population, reported 26 fatalities, but Tukwila, Sea-Tac, Lynnwood, Renton, and Kent have higher per-population rates of deaths and injuries. Statistics also show that most fatal collisions occur during clear or partly cloudy days. This statistic is an example of data that can be misleading. There are fewer vehicles on the roads during bad weather and fewer collisions. Another example of very similar data is the month where the most crashes occur. Summertime being the most desirable weather for driving, the month with the most reported collisions is July, with 53 in 2010. Friday is the day of the week with the most accidents on all Washington public roads, with Saturday second and Monday a close third. Five o'clock is the peak hour of the day when collisions are most likely statewide. As for age groups, 16 to 30-year-olds are involved in more fatal crashes than any other age group, but surprisingly drivers over 70 are a very close second in statistical standings. Women have fewer fatalities than men in just about every category.
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Departments which record, maintain and provide official documents, certificates or information requested by the general public.

• Washington Criminal Records:
  Where and How to Request Criminal Record Checks.
• Washington Court Records:
  Criminal cases, civil filings, divorces, bankruptcy and judgments.
• Washington Most Wanted:
  Photos and description of fugitives wanted by law enforcement agencies.
• Washington Prison and Jail Inmates:
  Database of available photos and details of jailed inmates in custody.
• Washington Official Website:
  Government department official public web-portal.
• Washington Open Public Record Act:
  Laws supporting public's right to inspect government documents.
• Washington Public Records Request:
  A written request form inquiring about a public record may be used in finding specific files - the more descriptive, the more likely the record will be found.
• Washington Birth Records:
  Certified or informational copy requests from official departments.
• Washington Cemetery Records:
  Burials, plots and directory of cemeteries.
• Washington Elected Officials:
  Names and contact information and public press releases of members elected to office.
• Washington Constitution:
  Political processes, amendments, proposals adopted by the state legislature, legal and political organizations.

• Total Violent Crime:
  22,377
• Murder And Nonnegligent Manslaughter:
  198
• Rape:
  3,332
• Robbery:
  5,147
• Aggravated Assault:
  13,700
• Total Property Crime:
  204,224
• Burglary:
  34,540
• Larceny Theft:
  145,282
• Motor Vehicle Theft:
  24,402

• Information About People and Demographics

• Total population of persons residing within the state
  6,724,540
• Estimate of the state's total residency
  5,894,143
• Percentage change of the total resident population
  14%
• Net change of residents' total population
  830,419
• Complete count of statewide resident population
  5,894,121
• Population estimate of residents less than 5 years of age
  450,617
• Estimated percentage of residents that are less than 5 years of age
  7%
• Estimate of residents that are less than 18 years of age
  1,569,592
• Estimated percentage of residents that are less than 18 years of age
  24%
• Percentage estimate of residents that are 65 years of age and older
  12%
• Estimate of residents that are 65 years of age and older
  806,202
• Total estimate percentage of female residents
  50%
• State's white resident population
  5,196,362
• State's black resident population
  240,042
• State's American Indian and Alaska Native resident populations
  103,869
• State's Asian resident population
  481,067
• State's Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander resident population
  40,475
• Statewide resident population of two or more races
  312,926
• Statewide resident population of Hispanic or Latino origin
  755,790
• Non Hispanic white resident population
  4,876,804
• Statewide percentage of white residents
  77%
• Statewide percentage of black residents
  4%
• Statewide percentage of American Indian and Alaska Native residents
  2%
• Statewide percentage of Asian residents
  7%
• Statewide percentage of Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander
  1%
• Statewide percentage of Two or more races
  5%
• Statewide percentage of Hispanic or Latino Origin
  11%
• Statewide percentage of non Hispanic white
  73%

• Vital Statistics

  Births and deaths occurring in Washington
• Births
  88,978
• Deaths
  47,323
• Infant death occurring within the state of persons one year of age or less
  429
• Percentage of persons with the same residence of one year or more
  81%

• Resident Background Information

  Education and background history of Washington Residents
• Percentage of foreign born population in the state
  12%
• Percentage of residents 5 years of age and older that speak languages other than English at home
  17%
• Percentage of persons from 25 years of age and older with high a school education or higher
  89%
• Percentage of persons from 25 years of age and older with bachelor's degree or higher
  31%
• Total number of Veterans
  615,860

• Current Housing and Real Estate Data

  Households located in Washington
• Average time spent commuting to work for person 16 years and over not working from their personal residence
  25 Min
• Housing unit estimates
  2,814,238
• Net change of housing units estimates
  363,153
• Housing unit estimates - percentage change
  15%
• Percentage of the state's housing units being occupied by owners
  65%
• Median value of the state's housing units being occupied by owners
  $277,600
• Percentage of housing in structure of multi dwelling units
  26%
• Total number of households
  2,512,327
• Average size of households
  3

• Washington Employment Data

  Income, earnings and payrolls of people residing within the State
• Per capita income in the past 12 months in dollars adjusted to inflation
  $29,320
• Statewide income of median households in Washington
  $56,479
• Percentage of persons living in poverty
  12%
• The personal income of persons employed
  $265,738
• Per capita income of persons employed
  $41,203
• Labor force of civilian workers
  3,528,707
• The unemployment of the civilian labor force
  314,207
• The rate of unemployed civilian labor force
  9%
• Employment of person relating to all industries
  3,948,743
• Net change of employment in all industries
  397,275
• People employed by the government
  609,199
• Earnings by persons working in all industries
  201,930,674
• Average earnings per job in all industries
  51,138
• Number of private non farm establishments
  182,207