Anacortes Public Records Directory
All links go directly to official Anacortes, Washington government websites.
About Anacortes City Government
Annual Budget
$26 million
Regular Meetings
Public Sessions
The city government of Anacortes, Washington, is governed by the Anacortes City Council, which consists of seven elected members. Each council member serves a four-year term and is elected at-large by the residents of Anacortes. The current council members include Mayor Matt Miller, and council members Lisa Janicki, Ryan Walters, and others, with elections held in odd-numbered years.
For the fiscal year 2023, Anacortes has an approximate annual operating budget of $26 million. This budget covers various city services, including public safety, infrastructure maintenance, and community development, ensuring the effective functioning of local government operations.
The Anacortes City Council holds regular meetings on the first and third Mondays of each month at 6:00 PM. These meetings take place at the Anacortes City Hall, located at 904 6th Street, Anacortes, WA 98221. Residents are encouraged to attend and participate in the governance of their community.
About Anacortes, Washington
Anacortes, Washington, is located in Skagit County and has a current population of approximately 17,000 residents, according to the 2020 Census. This picturesque city is situated on Fidalgo Island and is known for its stunning waterfront views and access to the San Juan Islands. Notable neighborhoods include the historic downtown area, which features a variety of shops and restaurants, and the scenic neighborhood of Cap Sante, known for its panoramic views of the surrounding waters.
Among the city's landmarks, the Anacortes Ferry Terminal serves as a critical transportation hub, providing access to the San Juan Islands and the Olympic Peninsula. Another significant site is the Anacortes Museum, which showcases the city's rich maritime history and cultural heritage. Economically, Anacortes has a strong connection to the fishing and maritime industries, with the Port of Anacortes playing a vital role in the local economy, contributing to the city's historical significance as a center for shipbuilding and fishing since the late 19th century. The city's budget for 2023 is approximately $45 million, reflecting its commitment to infrastructure, public safety, and community services.
Anacortes, Washington Public Records & Government Resources
Anacortes Washington Archives and Genealogy
Washington State Archives genealogy and historical records for Anacortes.
Anacortes Washington Bankruptcy Court
US Bankruptcy Court Western District of Washington for Anacortes.
Anacortes Washington Vital Records
Washington Department of Health vital records for Anacortes.
Anacortes Washington Inmate Search
Washington Department of Corrections offender search for Anacortes.
Anacortes Washington Missing Persons
Washington State Patrol missing persons for Anacortes.
Anacortes Washington Most Wanted
Washington State Patrol most wanted for Anacortes.
Anacortes Washington Sex Offender Registry
Washington State sex offender inquiry for Anacortes.
Anacortes Washington Criminal History Records
Washington State Patrol criminal history records for Anacortes.
Anacortes Washington Census and Vital Statistics
U.S. Census Bureau quick facts, demographics, and population statistics for Anacortes.
City of Anacortes
Directory of Anacortes city records and information P.O. Box 547 Anacortes, WA 98221 Ph: 360-293-1900
Anacortes Police Department
Law enforcement and emergency response services 1218 24th Street Anacortes, WA 98221 Phone: (360) 293-4684 Fax: (360) 29
City of Anacortes Municipal Court
Arraignments, hearings, trials, probation revocation 1218 24th Street Anacortes WA 98221 Phone: (360) 293-1913 Fax: (360
Anacortes Fire Department
Fire and emergency medical services 1016 13th Street Anacortes, WA 98221 Phone: 360-2931925 Fax: 360-299-1965
Anacortes School District
Public school information and educational services 2200 M Ave Anacortes, WA 98221-3794 Phone: (360) 293-1200
Anacortes Building Department
Zoning information and permit applications 904 6th Street Anacortes, WA 98221 Phone: 360-293-1901
Anacortes Public Library
Research assistance and reference materials 1220 10th Street Anacortes, WA 98221 Phone: (360) 293-1910
Anacortes History Museum
Historic documents, archives and artifacts 1305 8th Street Anacortes, WA 98221 phone: (360) 293-1915 fax: (360) 293-1929
Anacortes Chamber of Commerce
Local business listings directory 819 Commercial Ave Anacortes, WA 98221-4130 Phone: (360) 293-7911
Anacortes Washington U.S. Census
Population and demographic statistics
Anacortes Washington Background Checks
Washington State Patrol Identification and Criminal History Section Washington State Patrol General Administration Build
Civil and Criminal Cases In Washington Courts
Divorces, criminal history and other court filings The Administrative Office Of The Courts 1206 Quince Street SE P.O. Bo
Center for Missing and Exploited Children
Quick search for missing children, sex offenders, Amber alerts, records and more public information
Find An Offender Statewide
Washington State Department of Corrections Mailing Address: Post Office Box 41100, Mail Stop 41100 Olympia, Washington 9
About Anacortes
Anacortes, located in Skagit County, Washington, is a picturesque city with a population of approximately 17,667 residents. Situated on Fidalgo Island, this vibrant community is known for its stunning waterfront views and proximity to the San Juan Islands. The historic downtown area features a variety of locally-owned shops and restaurants, while the scenic Cap Sante neighborhood boasts panoramic vistas of the surrounding waters. As a transportation hub, the Anacortes Ferry Terminal provides vital access to the San Juan Islands and the Olympic Peninsula.
The Anacortes Museum showcases the city's rich maritime history and cultural heritage, reflecting its deep ties to the fishing and shipbuilding industries that have shaped the local economy since the late 19th century.
Police Department & Arrest Records
In addition to the Skagit County Sheriff's Office, several city police departments operate within the county, including the Mount Vernon Police Department, Anacortes Police Department, Burlington Police Department, and Sedro-Woolley Police Department. Each department is responsible for law enforcement within its city limits, while the sheriff's office handles the unincorporated areas. These agencies coordinate on major crimes and emergencies, often collaborating through joint task forces and mutual aid agreements to ensure comprehensive public safety coverage.
Jail & Inmate Records
The Skagit County Community Justice Center serves as the primary detention facility for the county. The booking process at the facility involves fingerprinting, photographing, and recording personal information of the arrestees. Inmate lookup is available through the county's online portal, allowing the public to search for current inmates. Visitation rules are specific to the facility, requiring visitors to schedule appointments and adhere to strict guidelines.
Court Records
The City of Anacortes is served by the Anacortes Municipal Court, which handles a variety of civil and criminal cases within the local jurisdiction. The court's records, including case dockets and proceedings, are accessible to the public through the city's website. For federal bankruptcy filings, residents can consult the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Western District of Washington, which has a location in Anacortes.
Criminal Records
The criminal records system in Skagit County encompasses various types of records, including felony, misdemeanor, traffic violations, and the sex offender registry. The Skagit County Sheriff's Office and local police departments maintain these records, while the Washington State Patrol provides statewide background checks for residents. To conduct a background check in Washington, individuals can request a Criminal History Record Information (CHRI) from the Washington State Patrol, which includes arrest and conviction data.
Arrest Records
Arrest records in Skagit County are maintained by the Skagit County Sheriff's Office and local police departments. Residents and attorneys can request these records by contacting the respective law enforcement agency. A Skagit County arrest record typically includes the individual's name, date of arrest, charges, and booking details. The process is governed by the Washington Public Records Act, which ensures public access to government records while protecting individual privacy.
Public Records Access
Residents of Anacortes, Skagit County, can access a variety of public records through the Washington State Archives and Genealogy website. This includes land records, property assessments, and other valuable information about the city's real estate and development history. The Anacortes Building Department also maintains records related to local zoning, permits, and construction projects, providing insight into the community's growth and infrastructure.
Economy & Demographics
Anacortes, Skagit County, has a diverse economy with strong ties to the fishing and maritime industries. The Port of Anacortes plays a vital role in the local economy, contributing to the city's historical significance as a center for shipbuilding and commercial fishing. According to the 2023 city budget, Anacortes has an annual budget of approximately $45 million, reflecting its commitment to infrastructure, public safety, and community services.
Law Enforcement & Arrest Records
Public safety in Anacortes is overseen by the Anacortes Police Department, which maintains records related to crime, arrests, and incident reports. Residents can also access the Washington State Patrol's statewide resources, such as the Sex Offender Registry and the Most Wanted list. For missing persons cases, the Washington State Patrol's Missing Persons Unit serves the Skagit County community.
Vital Records
For vital records such as birth certificates, death records, and marriage licenses, Anacortes residents can turn to the Washington State Department of Health. The department's Vital Records office serves the entire Skagit County region, ensuring easy access to these important documents for local families. Additionally, the Anacortes School District maintains records related to student enrollment, transcripts, and other educational data for the community's youth.
Business & Licensing Records
Businesses operating in Anacortes can obtain the necessary licenses and permits through the City of Anacortes. The local government's Business Services department oversees the issuance of business licenses, as well as zoning and land use approvals. This information can be valuable for entrepreneurs and companies looking to establish or expand their operations within the Skagit County city.
Elections & Voter Records
Anacortes voters are served by the Skagit County Elections Office (officially part of the Skagit County Auditor), located at 700 S 2nd Street, Mount Vernon, WA 98273 (phone: 360-416-1702, website: www.skagitcounty.net/elections). Washington is a universal vote-by-mail state, with all registered voters automatically receiving ballots by mail approximately 18 days before each election. Anacortes residents can register to vote online at https://voter.votewa.gov through the Washington Secretary of State's VoteWA system, with registration accepted up to 8 days before Election Day for online registration or in-person at the elections office through Election Day. New registrants need a Washington driver's license or state ID number, or the last four digits of their Social Security number. Anacortes holds municipal elections for mayor and city council positions in odd-numbered years, with the next municipal general election scheduled for November 2025. The mayor serves a four-year term, and city council members (seven total representing two wards) serve staggered four-year terms. Candidate filings and local ballot measures are posted on the city website and through the county elections office. Anacortes voters can find their ballot drop box locations (including locations at City Hall and the Anacortes Public Library) and verify registration status at https://voter.votewa.gov. Washington public disclosure laws make extensive election records public: voter registration lists (without birth dates or phone numbers) are available for purchase for political purposes; campaign finance reports are searchable at www.pdc.wa.gov through the Public Disclosure Commission; candidate filings and declarations are public; and detailed precinct-level election results are published after certification. In the November 2024 presidential election, Skagit County reported approximately 64% voter turnout with roughly 48,000 ballots counted from approximately 75,000 registered voters, with results showing a relatively balanced electorate. The November 3, 2026 general election will feature races for U.S. Senate (Maria Cantwell's seat is up for election in 2024, Patty Murray's in 2028, so 2026 will not include a Senate race unless there is a special election), all U.S. House seats including Washington's 2nd Congressional District (which includes Anacortes), Washington state legislative positions including the 40th Legislative District (which represents Anacortes) for both State Senate and House positions, Skagit County offices including County Commissioners, County Auditor, and other constitutional offices, and potentially local ballot measures for fire districts, school levies, or city initiatives. Washington voters request absentee ballots (though all voters receive mail ballots automatically) or replacement ballots through the county elections office online or by phone.
Public Records Transparency Score
Court Records: ✅ Online Statewide Portal | Property: ✅ Free Online Assessor+Recorder | Arrest Logs: ✅ Online Inmate Roster | Vital Records: ✅ Online Ordering | Business: ✅ Free State Database | Elections: ✅ Online Registration & Results | Overall: 9.2/10 — Skagit County and Washington State provide exceptional online access to most public records with free statewide court search, comprehensive property databases, inmate rosters, online vital records ordering, and robust business entity searches, representing one of the most transparent public records systems in the nation.
Frequently Asked Questions
1 What are the school district and education performance data for Anacortes, Skagit County, Washington?
The Anacortes School District is located in Skagit County, Washington. According to the Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction, the district has an overall graduation rate of 91.3%, which is higher than the state average of 82.3%. The district also has an overall proficiency rate of 79.2%, which is higher than the state average of 67.1%.
2 What are the crime statistics for Anacortes, Skagit County, Washington?
According to the Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs, Anacortes had a total of 1,072 reported crimes in 2019. Of those, there were 8 violent crimes, including 1 murder, 1 rape, 3 robberies, and 3 aggravated assaults. There were also 1,064 property crimes, including 39 burglaries, 845 larcenies, and 180 motor vehicle thefts.
3 What publicly accessible records can be obtained from the Anacortes, Skagit County, Washington Library?
The Anacortes Public Library in Skagit County, Washington provides residents with access to public records and government document resources. Library cardholders can access online databases including genealogy services, historical newspapers, and Washington government records. The reference staff can assist with locating court records, property records, and vital records through the library's online catalog and interlibrary loan network. The library maintains materials on how to submit public records requests under the Washington Public Records Act (RCW 42.56), which governs access to government documents in Washington. The library also offers access to genealogy resources including the Anacortes Washington Archives and Genealogy at https://www.sos.wa.gov/archives/Genealogy.aspx. Contact the Anacortes Public Library reference desk at (360) for assistance or to confirm hours and services.
4 Where is the Anacortes, Skagit County, Washington Public Library located?
The Anacortes, Skagit County, Washington Library is located at 1220 10th Street, Anacortes, WA 98221.
5 Where is the nearest fingerprinting office located in Anacortes, Skagit County, Washington?
Fingerprinting services for Anacortes, Washington residents are provided at the Anacortes Police Department, which serves Skagit County. Fingerprinting is required for a variety of purposes, including pre-employment background checks, professional licensing (nursing, teaching, law, real estate), volunteer work with children or the elderly, immigration and naturalization applications, firearm purchases, and FBI Identity History Summary requests. To schedule fingerprinting, call the Anacortes Police Department at (360) or visit in person. Bring a valid, government-issued photo ID (driver's license or passport) and any required agency forms. Fingerprint cards are typically forwarded to the Washington State Patrol for processing. For statewide fingerprint-based background checks, visit the Washington State Patrol at https://www.wsp.wa.gov/crime/criminal-history/.
6 What are the requirements for obtaining vital records from Anacortes, Skagit County, Washington, and what information is provided in the records?
The Skagit County Auditor's Office is the official custodian of vital records for Anacortes, Skagit County, Washington. To obtain vital records, you must submit a request in person or by mail.
When submitting a request, you must provide the following information:
* Full name of the person on the record
* Date of birth
* Place of birth
* Date of death (if applicable)
* Your name and address
* Your relationship to the person on the record
* Your phone number
* Your email address
* Your signature
* Payment (check or money order)
Vital records include birth certificates, death certificates, marriage certificates, and divorce decrees.
When submitting a request, you must provide the following information:
* Full name of the person on the record
* Date of birth
* Place of birth
* Date of death (if applicable)
* Your name and address
* Your relationship to the person on the record
* Your phone number
* Your email address
* Your signature
* Payment (check or money order)
Vital records include birth certificates, death certificates, marriage certificates, and divorce decrees.
7 How do I register to vote in Anacortes, Washington?
Anacortes voters are served by the Skagit County Elections Office (officially part of the Skagit County Auditor), located at 700 S 2nd Street, Mount Vernon, WA 98273 (phone: 360-416-1702, website: www.skagitcounty.net/elections). Washington is a universal vote-by-mail state, with all registered voters automatically receiving ballots by mail approximately 18 days before each election. Anacortes residents can register to vote online at https://voter.votewa.gov through the Washington Secretary of State's VoteWA system, with registration accepted up to 8 days before Election Day for online registr...
8 How do I look up property records in Anacortes, Washington?
The Skagit County Assessor's Office at 700 S 2nd Street, Suite 201, Mount Vernon, WA 98273 (phone: 360-416-1780, website: www.skagitcounty.net/assessor) maintains property assessment records for all parcels in Anacortes and throughout the county. Their online property information system at www.skagitcounty.net/assessor allows free searches by property address, parcel number, or owner name, displaying assessed values, property characteristics, sales history, aerial photos, and tax district information. Assessment rolls show both land and improvement values, exemptions, and historical assessment...
9 How do I get a birth or death certificate in Anacortes, Washington?
Birth and death certificates for Anacortes residents are issued by the Washington State Department of Health, Center for Health Statistics, PO Box 47814, Olympia, WA 98504-7814 (phone: 360-236-4300, website: www.doh.wa.gov/vitalrecords). Certified birth certificates cost $25 for the first copy and $10 for each additional copy ordered at the same time, with online ordering available through VitalChek at www.doh.wa.gov/vitalrecords for an additional service fee. Applicants must provide valid photo identification and demonstrate eligibility (parent, legal guardian, adult subject, or legal represe...
10 How do I find business license records in Anacortes, Washington?
The City of Anacortes requires businesses operating within city limits to obtain a business license through Anacortes City Hall, 904 6th Street, Anacortes, WA 98221 (phone: 360-293-1900, website: www.cityofanacortes.org). Business license fees vary based on business type and gross receipts, with annual renewals required. The city maintains a registry of licensed businesses searchable through the city clerk's office. Fictitious business name (DBA) registrations in Washington are filed with the Skagit County Auditor's Office at 700 S 2nd Street, Suite 101, Mount Vernon, WA 98273 (phone: 360-416-...
11 Additional Public Records Information
The Skagit County Auditor's Office is the official custodian of vital records for Anacortes, Skagit County, Washington. To obtain vital records, you must submit a request in person or by mail.
In-person requests can be made at the Skagit County Auditor's Office located at:
Skagit County Auditor's Office
700 South Second Street
Mount Vernon, WA 98273
Phone: (360) 416-1700
Fax: (360) 416-1701
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00am-4:30pm
Mail requests can be sent to:
Skagit County Auditor's Office
PO Box 659
Mount Vernon, WA 98273
When submitting a request, you must provide the following information:
* Full name of the person on the record
* Date of birth
* Place of birth
* Date of death (if applicable)
* Your name and address
* Your relationship to the person on the record
* Your phone number
* Your email address
* Your signature
* Payment (check or money order)
Vital records include birth certificates, death certificates, marriage certificates, and divorce decrees. All requests must include a fee of $20 per record.
In-person requests can be made at the Skagit County Auditor's Office located at:
Skagit County Auditor's Office
700 South Second Street
Mount Vernon, WA 98273
Phone: (360) 416-1700
Fax: (360) 416-1701
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00am-4:30pm
Mail requests can be sent to:
Skagit County Auditor's Office
PO Box 659
Mount Vernon, WA 98273
When submitting a request, you must provide the following information:
* Full name of the person on the record
* Date of birth
* Place of birth
* Date of death (if applicable)
* Your name and address
* Your relationship to the person on the record
* Your phone number
* Your email address
* Your signature
* Payment (check or money order)
Vital records include birth certificates, death certificates, marriage certificates, and divorce decrees. All requests must include a fee of $20 per record.
12 Additional Public Records Information
The Anacortes School District is located in Skagit County, Washington. According to the Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction, the district has an overall graduation rate of 91.3%, which is higher than the state average of 82.3%. The district also has an overall proficiency rate of 79.2%, which is higher than the state average of 67.1%.
13 Additional Public Records Information
According to the Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs, Anacortes had a total of 1,072 reported crimes in 2019. Of those, there were 8 violent crimes, including 1 murder, 1 rape, 3 robberies, and 3 aggravated assaults. There were also 1,064 property crimes, including 39 burglaries, 845 larcenies, and 180 motor vehicle thefts.
14 Additional Public Records Information
Yes, you can find public records in the Anacortes Public Library. The library has a variety of resources available, including local, state, and federal government documents, as well as historical records. The library also offers access to online databases and other digital resources.
15 Additional Public Records Information
The Anacortes, Skagit County, Washington Library is located at 1220 10th Street, Anacortes, WA 98221.
16 Additional Public Records Information
The Anacortes Police Department provides fingerprinting services for the City of Anacortes and Skagit County. The department is located at 1218 24th Street, Anacortes, WA 98221. The department can be contacted at (360) 293-4682.
Nearby Cities in Skagit County, Washington
Search public records in neighboring cities within the same county: