Whether you're conducting a background check, tracing someone's whereabouts, or verifying personal information, public records in Washington State offer a wide array of searchable data. Thanks to digital access, locating individuals and researching their history has become faster and more convenient than ever.
Use online people search tools to find individuals residing in Washington. These services can reveal:
Current and previous addresses
Age and date of birth
Possible relatives and associated phone numbers
Known aliases and alternate names
For more targeted research, you can narrow your search by geographic region, such as city or county, and identify prior addresses to help pinpoint which jurisdictions may hold additional records. If a person has lived in other states, your investigation may need to extend beyond Washington using similar tools found in national databases.
To conduct a statewide criminal background check, request records from official agencies, including the Washington State Patrol’s Criminal History (CHRI) System. These records may include:
Felony and misdemeanor history
Arrest and conviction records
Traffic violations and infractions
Washington’s court system maintains a broad range of public records accessible online, including:
Criminal and civil trials
Divorces and lawsuits
Juvenile cases
Probate and family court filings
Judgments and case outcomes, searchable by case number or party name
Vital records are maintained by the Washington Department of Health, Center for Health Statistics, and include:
Birth and death certificates (available from 1907 to present)
Marriage and divorce certificates (marriage records available from 1968 onward)
These documents can be ordered online, by mail, or in person, depending on your need and eligibility.
Search for assets such as real estate ownership using Washington county recorder or assessor databases. These records include:
Property values
Parcel details
Land size and ownership history
For business-related records, the Washington Secretary of State’s Corporations Division allows you to:
Search business entities by name
Verify corporate status and registration
Identify registered agents and business officers
You can also conduct UCC (Uniform Commercial Code) filings searches to locate financial interests secured by businesses or individuals.
Access bankruptcy filings from Washington’s Western and Eastern District federal courts using the PACER (Public Access to Court Electronic Records) system. While most records are public, some privacy protections may apply.
Verify professional licenses for a wide range of occupations—from real estate appraisers to professional wrestlers—through state-regulated licensing boards. These databases allow you to confirm credentials and disciplinary history instantly.
Additionally, public safety resources allow you to:
Search for registered sex offenders
View “most wanted” lists
Find currently incarcerated individuals
Track missing persons and child alerts
Whether you're an experienced researcher or a first-time user:
Start with a verified directory of government and trusted private sources
Look for sites offering clear instructions, free downloadable forms, and step-by-step guidance
Use platforms with FAQs, blogs, and searchable help guides to get support as you go
Some private websites also offer free search tools as part of their services, often without requiring a membership or subscription. While official agencies may charge nominal fees for processing or copies, many forms and search functions are freely accessible.
Begin your public records investigation using the most current and accurate online tools. A trusted directory—like PublicRecordCenter—offers:
Categorized access to state, county, and city agencies
Links to official databases
Organized record types for background checks, asset searches, vital documents, and more
Eliminate guesswork and avoid misinformation by using reliable, easy-to-navigate portals to conduct your research effectively and confidently.
