Washington public records and people search guide
In Washington, the Washington Public Records Act (RCW 42.56) governs access to government records. Court cases are generally public at the court where they were filed. Searching public records for personal reasons is legal; using them to screen tenants or employees requires an FCRA-compliant report.
At a glance
What is usually public in Washington
- Court records: civil, criminal, small claims and most probate filings, unless sealed or confidential by law.
- Property records: owner of record, deeds and tax assessments, from the county assessor and recorder. See how to find a property owner.
- Business filings: companies registered with the Washington Secretary of State (or equivalent office).
- Professional licenses: through Washington's licensing boards. See how to verify a license.
- Sex offender registry: Washington's registry is included in the national search at NSOPW.gov.
- Vital records (birth, death, marriage, divorce): access rules vary; many are restricted to the people named or their families. Contact the Washington vital records office or the county.
How to request records from a Washington agency
- Identify the agency that holds the record (city, county or state).
- Send a written request that describes the records as specifically as you can, citing the Washington Public Records Act. Many agencies have an online portal.
- Expect a response within the statutory period: 5 business days to provide records, acknowledge with an estimate, or deny.
- Ask about copy fees up front.
- If denied, ask for the specific exemption relied on. Appeal options are summarized in the guide below.
Detailed, maintained legal summary: Reporters Committee Open Government Guide: Washington.
Searching Washington court records
- Washington Judicial Branch: court directory, forms and access policies.
- Washington Courts offers a free statewide name and case search for trial courts.
- Federal cases in Washington: PACER.
Reading results: an arrest is not a conviction, and similar names are easy to confuse. Match the date of birth and county. See how to check criminal records legally.
Public profiles, photos and phone data. Private: nobody is notified.
Washington area codes
Questions
Are court records public in Washington?
Most Washington court records are open to the public unless sealed, expunged or confidential by law (for example juvenile and many family matters). Start at the Washington Judicial Branch website or the clerk of the court where the case was filed.
What is Washington's public records law?
The Washington Public Records Act (RCW 42.56) gives the public a right to inspect and copy government records, with exemptions set by law. Response time: 5 business days to provide records, acknowledge with an estimate, or deny.
Can I run a background check on someone in Washington?
You can search public records yourself for personal reasons. For hiring, renting, lending or insurance decisions, federal law (the FCRA) requires a consumer reporting agency and the person's permission, and Washington may add its own rules.
How do I look up a Washington phone number?
Enter it in a reverse phone lookup. Washington area codes include 206, 253, 360, 425, 509.
Updated 2026-10-28. Links checked 2026-10-28. General information, not legal advice; statutes change, so confirm details with the agency or the Reporters Committee guide.
TrueSearch is not a consumer reporting agency as defined by the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA). Do not use TrueSearch or anything on this page to make decisions about employment, housing or tenant screening, credit, insurance, or any other FCRA-covered purpose. Results come from publicly available information and licensed telecom data and may be incomplete or out of date.