King County Court Records | WashingtonCourtRecords.us (2024)

According to the State Courts, Washington court records are any information, document, or exhibit relating to a judicial proceeding maintained by a court. They can also be defined as any information related to a judicial proceeding in a case management system created or prepared by the court. Typical examples of court records in King County are a decree, index, order, calendar, docket, judgment, or minute entry in a courtroom proceeding. TheSuperior Court Clerkand District Court Clerk oversee all court records in King County. Interested persons will find the following information in court records disseminated by the Court Clerk:

Case summary (filing date and type and case disposition)
Charges (charge information and completion)
Participants (type, name, and attorney’s name)
Document list (sub number, date filed, document name, additional information, page number, filer’s name, and seal)
Events (date/time, type, additional information, official, and location)
Judgments (file date/description, memo, amount, interest rate, modified date, and status)

Information retrieved from a court record search can be used for different purposes. For example, case parties can use court record information to determine the status of their case. Lawyers can use it as evidence in an ongoing court hearing. Law enforcement officers can also use it in an ongoing investigation.

Are Court Records Public in King County?

Yes. TheWashington Public Records Actstates that all court records are open to the public except those restricted by federal or state law, court rule or order, or case law. This allows King County residents to view or copy court records from the appropriate record custodian during regular business hours. However, selected court records cannot be accessed by the public. Some examples include adoption, paternity (except final orders), juvenile non-offender records, confidential name change, mental illness commitment as well as court records sealed by judicial order, and alcohol and drug treatment commitment records.

King County Court Records Search

A King County court records search can be done online or in person at the county courthouses. Most courts have online portals where individuals can view court records for free. In-person requests must be made during office hours (Monday through Friday, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm). A name or case number is needed to process the request.

King County Court Records Search by Name

A King Court court records name-based search is mostly done online or in person at the court where the case was handled. Online requests can be made using the District Court’s E-filing/case Access Portal or the Superior Court’s KC Script Portal. In-person requests can be made at any District or Superior Courthouse location.

King County Courts

King County Courts are trial courts with limited and general jurisdiction. The court system comprises Superior, District, and Municipal Courts. Below are the addresses of all courts in King County:

King County Superior Courts

King County Courthouse (KCCH) - Seattle Location
516 Third Avenue, Room E-609
Seattle, WA 98104

Norm Maleng Regional Justice Center (MRJC) - Kent Location
401 Fourth Avenue N, Room 2C
Kent, WA 98032

Patricia H. Clark Children and Family Justice Center
1211 East Alder, Room 3015
Seattle, WA 98122

King County District Courts

Auburn
340 E Main St 101
Auburn, WA 98002
Phone: (206) 205-9200
Fax: (206) 296-0525
Email: auburn.kcdc@kingcounty.gov

Bellevue
1309 114th Ave. S.E.
Suite 100
Bellevue, WA 98004
Phone: (206) 205-9200
Fax: (425) 777-9157
Email: bellevue.kcdc@kingcounty.gov

Burien
601 S.W. 149th St.
Burien, WA 98166
Phone: (206) 205-9200
Fax: (206) 296-0124
Email: burien.kcdc@kingcounty.gov

King County Superior Court Case Search

TheKing County Superior Courthasgeneral jurisdictionover all civil and criminal matters, including family law and juvenile cases. Most Superior Court case records can be retrieved through theKC Script Portal. Copies of Superior Court records can also be obtained in person at anycourthouse locationor virtually. Inquirers who want to initiate a virtual visit must submit a records request through the KC Script Portal. Afterward, the court will send instructions to the requester on how to meet with a clerk virtually.

King County District Court Records

King CountyDistrict Courthas limited jurisdiction on cases like civil litigation, small claims matter not exceeding $10,000, nuisance violations, name changes, misdemeanors, felonies, search warrants, infractions, and false alarm hearings. Interested persons can get District Court records via any of these options:

Online: Requests can be made via theE-filing/case Access Portal. Users must register an account to access court records via the portal. After logging in to the portal with an email and password, click the “Case Search” tab and search for a record by case number or name. Individuals registering as public users must request a token by calling (206) 205-9200 to access documents.
By email: Complete theRequest for Court Recordsform and email it to kcdc.webmaster@kingcounty.gov.
In-person: Visit anyKing County District Court courthouse locationfrom Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. to request copies of court records. Inquirers can use the Court’s public computer terminals to access records or seek the assistance of the court clerk. Certified District Court records cost $5 for the first page and $1.00 for each additional page. Non-certified copies cost $0.25 (per page).

King County Criminal Records

King County criminal records can be retrieved from the Washington State Police (WSP)Identification and Criminal History Records Section. The WSP issues unrestricted criminal history record information (CHRI) to certified criminal justice agencies for criminal justice purposes. The public can also get CHRI for non-criminal justice purposes, but access is limited. Criminal records can be obtained:

Online: Individuals can run a background check and receive the results immediately usingWashington Access to Criminal History(WATCH). A fee of $11 is required for each name searched. Payments can be made by debit/credit card or by billing a pre-established account.

By mail: Request criminal records based on an individual’s name and date of birth by submitting a completedRequest for Conviction Criminal History Formto the Identification and Background Check Section. The mail package must include a $32.00 fee payable by check, money order, or by completing theBankcard Authorization form. Alternatively, requesters can obtain criminal records by submitting a full set of fingerprints and applicable fees to the WSP. A $58 fee is required to process the fingerprint card. Anotarized lettercan also be requested with the criminal records for an additional $10 fee. All criminal record requests can be mailed to:

Washington State Patrol
Identification and Background Check Section
P.O. Box 42633
Olympia, WA 98504-2633

In-person: Requesters can visit the WSP to request criminal records based on an individual’s name, date of birth, or fingerprints at the Olympia office. Those making requests based on name or date of birth must fill out the appropriate form provided by the record staff. A fee of $32 is required for this service, payable by cash, check, or credit/debit card. Individuals submitting fingerprints must pay a $58 fee. In-person requests should be made at:

Washington State Patrol
Identification and Background Check Section
106 11th Ave SW
Suite 1300,
Olympia, WA 98501

King County Criminal Court Case Lookup

TheCriminal Departmentmaintains all adult criminal records in King County Superior Court. Individuals can access these records online or in person virtually using the KC Script Portal. Alternatively, copies of criminal court records can be obtained in person at any of the Superior Courthouse locations.

The King County District Court handles criminal cases, including misdemeanors, infractions, and felonies. Individuals can obtain their criminal court records online through the Case Access Portal, by email at kcdc.webmaster@kingcounty.gov, or in person at the courthouse. Requesters must register an account to use the portal.

Get King County Civil Court Records

The District and Superior Courts maintain criminal court records in King County. TheCivil Departmenthas general jurisdiction over civil cases in the Superior Court, while the District Court has limited jurisdiction. Specifically, the King County District Court handlescivil casesthat do not exceed $100,000 per claimant, while the Superior Court hears civil matters involving more than $300.

Civil cases maintained by the Superior Court Civil Department can be retrieved online through the KC Script Portal, in person at any courthouse location, or virtually. Virtual requests can also be made through the KC Script Portal. The District Court disseminates civil records online through the Case Access Portal, by email at kcdc.webmaster@kingcounty.gov, and in person.

King County Family Court Records

Family court records are available at the King County District and Superior Courts. Most family court records are closed to the public, but anyone can access them with a court order. The King County Superior Court handles family cases like child support, dissolutions, parentage, adoptions, and domestic violence protection matters. In contrast, the King County District Court handles only domestic violence protection orders.

Family court records are accessible online through the KC Script Portal or Case Access Portal, depending on the court where the case was handled. Alternatively, requesters can visit the court in person during office hours. A name or case number will be required to process the request. The court does not charge fees for family court records inspection, but copies of such records come with a cost.

King County Dissolution of Marriage Records

The Superior Court is the keeper of dissolution of marriage records in King County. These records are available online through the KC Script Portal and in person at any of the Superior Courthouse locations. A name or case number will be required to conduct the search. In-person requesters must visit the courthouse between Monday and Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

King County Marriage and Divorce Records

TheKings County Recorder’s Officedisseminates certified copies of marriage records by phone, mail, or person. These copies cost $3 for the first page and $1 for each additional page. Phone requests should be made by calling (206) 477-6620 from Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Payment can be made with a debit/credit card. Mail requesters send a completedCopy Request Formto the Office and make payment by personal check, money order, or cashier’s check. Information about marriages before 1991 can be viewed at the Washington State Digital Archives. Go to the “Detailed Search” area and select marriage records in the collect search box. The search criteria are by name or marriage year.

Individuals can access divorce records at the King County Superior Court. Requests can be made online via the KC Script Portal and in person at the courthouse. Users can search and view divorce information on the portal by clicking the Search & View Case Information icon. Click the “Family/Domestic Case Search” tab and conduct a search by case number, name, or filing date. Afterward, enter the characters shown in the image above the search button. To request and view divorce court records, individuals must click the “Request/View Court Records” icon, create an account, and log in with an email and secured password.

King County Birth and Death Records

Residents can orderbirthanddeath recordsfrom thePublic Health – Seattle & King County. Only record holders (for birth records only) and qualified applicants can obtain birth and death records in King County. The qualified applicants are spouses or domestic partners, children, stepchildren, parents, stepparents, legal guardians, siblings, grandparents, great-grandparents, legal or authorized representatives, government agencies, and courts. Recorder seekers must submit documentation to prove theireligibility,identity, and relationship to the subject of record. The ID must include the requester’s photo, full name, and date of birth and cannot be expired by more than 60 days. King County birth records and death records cost $25 each. However, extra fees may be incurred based on ordering methods. Birth and death certificates can be ordered:

Online and Phone: The King County Vital Records Office issues birth and death records online and by phone at (888) 273-4623 through a third-party vendor. The vendor charges $6 as agency fees and a $11.50 VCN Handling fee alongside the standard certificate fee. Payments can be made by credit cards. The turnaround time is between 4 and 5 business days. Requesters will receive their orders by regular mail. Rush delivery service is available by UPS for an extra fee of $18.50, while USPS Priority Mail costs $9.90.
Mail: Record seekers can order a death or birth certificate by mail and pay with a money order or check. Use the Birth (EnglishorSpanish) or Death (EnglishorSpanish) certificate form (297 KB) and mail it in. The Office charges a fee of $4 for mail orders and processes death certificates in 2 to 3 weeks. King County birth certificates are processed in 3 to 4 weeks.
In-person: Individuals can visit the Vital Records Office’s lobby on weekdays between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. ( The office opens at 9 a.m. 1st Wednesday of every month). The Office is located on the 2nd floor in the East Lobby. On arrival at the East Lobby, check in on the QLess application and go to the VitalChek kiosk to start ordering. This service costs $28.50.

King County residents can find birth and death records online by emailing archives@kingcounty.gov, calling (206) 263-2480, or visiting the King County Archives. King County birth and death records are also available online through theWashington State Digital Archives. Go to the “Detailed Search” area and select death or birth records in the collect search box. Email and phone requesters provide a brief description of the records they want.

King County Probate Court Records

The Superior Court is the custodian of probate matters in King County. These records can be found online through the KC Script Portal. This portal lets users view probate court information by case number, name, or filing date. However, copies of probate records can be obtained via the portal by creating an account. Requesters can also visit any courthouse location to obtain copies of probate court records. In-person requests should be made during office hours. A name or case number and the appropriate fees will be required to facilitate the search.

King County Property Records

Property records are maintained by several custodians in King County. Each custodian keeps different types of property information and inquirers must contact the right custodian to retrieve specific property records. Here is how to find property records in King County, depending on the record custodian:

King County Archives: Remote access to property documents recorded before August 1991 can be made by email at archives@kingcounty.gov or by phone at (206) 263-2480. Phone and email requests can be made from Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Copies of property records can be obtained in person at the King County Archives from Tuesday to Wednesday, 10 am - 3 pm at:

King County Archives
1215 E. Fir Street,
Seattle, WA 98122

Recorder's Office: This custodian maintains property records like mortgages,surveys, real estate deeds, plats, andregistered land (Torrens). Most ofthese recordsare available online, but record seekers can visit the Office in person at theKing County Customer Service Centerin Pioneer Square or submit a request by mail. Certified copies of property records cost $3 for the first page and $1 for each additional page. Uncertified copies cost $1 per page. Record staff charges $8 per hour for search fees.
- Online requests can be made using theOnline Records Searchportal. The search criteria are by name, document, book and page, consideration, parcel ID, record date, recording number, or torren. If the property records requested through the portal were recorded since 1976, only unofficial copies of documents will be returned. However, a certified copy can be retrieved online if the document was recorded after August 1991.
- Mail requests involve submitting a completedCopy Request Formalongside the necessary fees payable by check or money order. The processing time is between 7 and 10 business days.
- In-person request service hours are between Monday and Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. The requester can pay the necessary fees in cash. The Recorder’s Office is located at:

King Street Center
201 South Jackson Street, Suite 204
Seattle, WA 98104

Assessor's Office: This custodian keeps property value information in King County. At this office, individuals can access property valuations, characteristics, levy rates, and information on sale history. The Assessor’s Office disseminates property records online and in person. Online requests can be made using theProperty Lookup portals.

Treasury Operations: Individuals can get property tax records from this Office. Records can be retrievedonlineor in person at theCustomer Service Center, which is open weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The search criteria for online requests are by tax account or parcel number.
The King County GIS Center:Record seekers can use the Center’sParcel Viewerto find property-related information. They can search by address or parcel number or zoom in on the map and click on a parcel.

King County Court Records Online

There are a plethora of third-party vendors likeWashingtoncourtrecords.usthat offer court record information across multiple jurisdictions. This allows requesters to find King County court records through name-based searches on third-party databases. Access to basic court information is free on most third-party websites. However, extensive court records attract a small fee. These charges vary per vendor, but they usually cost between $2.95 and $4.95 for 7 days of unlimited access or a monthly subscription charge of $19.95 and $24.95.