About Bellingham
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement in Bellingham
Bellingham Police Department
Bellingham Police Department – 505 Grand Ave, Bellingham WA 98225 Hours: 9 a.m.
https://cob.org/gov/dept/police
Whatcom County Sheriff's Office
The Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office has a staff of over 200 employees under the leadership of Sheriff Donnell "Tank" Tanksley. The Sheriff’s Office is comprised of three bureaus: Law Enforcement and Investigations, Corrections (including the main jail and the Interim Work Center), and Civil.
⚖️ Courts & Case Records in Bellingham
Municipal Court Files and Records - City of Bellingham
You may submit a Court Records Request or make a request through the following methods: Email: court@cob.org Fax: (360) 778-8151 Mail: Bellingham Municipal Court, 2014 C Street, Bellingham, WA 98225 In person: at the clerk’s window in main office You may also contact the court by phone and.
🏠 Property & Public Records in Bellingham
Whatcom County Auditor
Property records for Bellingham, Washington are maintained by the Whatcom County Auditor. This office maintains recorded documents including deeds, mortgages, liens, and easements for properties in Whatcom County, including Bellingham.
About Bellingham — In Depth
Jail & Inmate Records
The Whatcom County Jail in Bellingham is the primary detention facility for the entire county. Booking procedures follow standard protocol: fingerprinting, photographing, and recording personal details of each arrestee. The county maintains an online portal where the public can look up current detainees. Those wishing to visit inmates must schedule appointments in advance, with designated hours varying by inmate classification.
Arrest Records
The Whatcom County Sheriff's Office maintains arrest records for the entire county. Residents and attorneys seeking these records must submit formal written requests in compliance with the Washington Public Records Act. A standard arrest record contains the individual's personal details, circumstances of the arrest, filed charges, and scheduled court appearances.
Criminal Records
Criminal records in Whatcom County cover felony, misdemeanor, traffic offenses, and the sex offender registry. Residents can request background checks through the Washington Access to Criminal History (WATCH) system. The Washington State Patrol offers additional resources for criminal history reports.
Vital Records
Individuals in need of vital records such as birth certificates, death certificates, and marriage licenses can visit the Bellingham Washington Vital Records office, operated by the Washington State Department of Health. This office maintains a database of life events for residents within the 98225, 98226, 98229, and 98228 ZIP codes that make up the Bellingham area. The Vital Records office also provides certified copies of these important documents upon request.
Business & Licensing Records
The City of Bellingham's Business and Economic Development division manages business related public records spanning commercial licenses, zoning information, and building permits. Local entrepreneurs rely on these resources to navigate regulatory requirements and maintain compliance with city regulations. The Whatcom County Auditor's Office also maintains records of commercial property deeds, business licenses, and other commercial transactions affecting the community.
Economy & Demographics
Bellingham's diverse economy is supported by key employers such as Western Washington University, the Port of Bellingham, and various health care providers. The city's thriving business community includes a mix of industries, from technology and manufacturing to tourism and the arts. The Bellingham Regional Chamber of Commerce is a hub for local businesses, providing resources and advocacy to support the growth and development of the area's commercial enterprises.
Elections & Voter Records
Bellingham, Whatcom County, Washington voters receive election services through the Whatcom County Auditor's Office - Elections Division, located at 311 Grand Avenue, Bellingham, WA 98225 (phone: 360-778-5102, website: www.whatcomcounty.us/elections). Washington operates an all-mail voting system, automatically sending ballots to every registered voter for each election. The division handles voter registration, ballot processing, results reporting, and voter education across Whatcom County.
Registering to vote happens through the Washington Secretary of State's VoteWA portal at www.vote.wa.gov, where residents can complete new registrations, update addresses, and change party preferences. The state offers same-day voter registration through Election Day itself, though registering by the deadline - 8 days before Election Day for mail registration - ensures timely ballot delivery. Voters need either a Washington State driver's license or ID number, or the last four digits of their Social Security number. First-time registrants who sign up by mail may need to verify their identity. City elections in Bellingham cover the Mayor and City Council positions. Seven council members represent seven districts, while the Mayor runs citywide. Council members serve four-year staggered terms, with certain positions appearing on odd-numbered year ballots. Candidate information and local ballot measures can be found through the City Clerk's office (phone: 360-778-8130, website: www.cob.org/clerk) and the Whatcom County elections website. Traditional polling places don't exist in this mail-voting state. Ballots arrive at registered addresses approximately 18-20 days before Election Day. Voters can mail completed ballots back (postmarked by Election Day) or use official drop boxes throughout Whatcom County; an interactive map of drop box locations appears on the Elections Division website. Ballot tracking through the VoteWA portal lets voters confirm when their ballot was mailed, received, and counted. Election records in Washington State are broadly accessible to the public. Voter registration data (with some confidential details excluded) can be requested from the Elections Division. Campaign finance records for state and local candidates are searchable through the Washington Public Disclosure Commission at www.pdc.wa.gov, displaying contributions, expenditures, and donor details. Candidate filing documents, including declarations of candidacy and ballot designations, are public records. Precinct-level results appear on the Whatcom County elections website after each election, showing detailed vote totals by geographic area. Bellingham typically matches or exceeds county averages, driven by the engaged university community and urban population.Current federal, state, and local election schedules, ballot contests, candidate filings, and certified results for Bellingham voters are published by the Washington Secretary of State Elections (https://www.sos.wa.gov/elections). Locally, the county may elect commissioners, the County Executive, county Assessor, Auditor, Sheriff, Treasurer, and superior and district court judges depending on term expirations. Some City Council positions may also appear depending on the election cycle. Voters should check the Whatcom County elections website closer to 2026 for the certified list of races and candidates.
Official Government Resources
Find An Offender Statewide
Washington State Department of Corrections Mailing Address: Post Office Box 41100, Mail Stop 41100 Olympia, Washington 98504-1100 Physical Address: 7345 Linderson Way SW Tumwater, WA 98501-6504
Bellingham Washington Archives and Genealogy
Washington State Archives genealogy and historical records for Bellingham.
Bellingham Washington Bankruptcy Court
US Bankruptcy Court Western District of Washington for Bellingham.
Bellingham Washington Vital Records
Washington Department of Health vital records for Bellingham.
Bellingham Washington Inmate Search
Washington Department of Corrections offender search for Bellingham.
Bellingham Washington Missing Persons
Washington State Patrol missing persons for Bellingham.
Bellingham Washington Most Wanted
Washington State Patrol most wanted for Bellingham.
Bellingham Washington Sex Offender Registry
Washington State sex offender inquiry for Bellingham.
Bellingham Washington Criminal History Records
Washington State Patrol criminal history records for Bellingham.
Bellingham Washington Census and Vital Statistics
U.S. Census Bureau quick facts, demographics, and population statistics for Bellingham.
City of Bellingham
Directory of Bellingham city records and information 210 Lottie Street Bellingham, WA 98225 Phone: (360) 778-8000 Fax: (
Bellingham Police Department
Law enforcement services 505 Grand Avenue Bellingham, WA 98225 Phone: (360) 778-8800 Fax: (360) 778-8701
Bellingham Fire Department
Fire and medical emergency services 1800 Broadway Bellingham, WA 98225 Phone: (360) 778-8400 Fax: (360) 778-8401 Email:
Bellingham Municipal Court
Judicial support services 2014 C Street Bellingham, WA 98225 Email: court@cob.org Phone: (360) 778-8150 Fax:
Bellingham Library Department
Research assistance and reference materials 210 Central Avenue Bellingham, WA 98225 Phone: (360) 778-7323 Fax: (360) 778
Planning and Community Development Department
Building and construction codes, permits, inspections 210 Lottie Street Bellingham, WA 98225 Email: planning@cob.org Pho
Bellingham Whatcom Chamber of Commerce
Business listings directory 119 N. Commercial Street, Suite 110 Bellingham, WA 98225 Phone: 360-734-1330 Email: chamber@
Whatcom Museum Foundation
Local historical archives and artifacts 121 Prospect Street Bellingham, WA 98225 Phone: 360-778-8930 Fax: 360-778-8931
Bellingham Washington U.S. Census
Population and demographic statistics Bellingham, WA 98225
Bellingham 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
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I register to vote in Bellingham, Washington?
To register to vote in Bellingham, Washington, residents can register online through the Washington Secretary of State's website, by mail, or in person at the Whatcom County elections office. Washington requires voters to be U.S. citizens, at least 18 years old by Election Day, and residents of the state. The registration deadline is typically 30 days before an election. Voters can verify their registration status and find polling locations through the Washington Secretary of State's voter lookup tool. For local municipal elections in Bellingham, contact the Whatcom County Clerk's office for schedules and ballot information.
How do I look up property records in Bellingham, Washington?
Property records for Bellingham, Washington are maintained by the Whatcom County Assessor's Office and the Whatcom County Auditor. The Assessor's Office is responsible for discovering, listing, and valuing all taxable property within Whatcom County, including parcels in Bellingham. Records available include property ownership, assessed values, legal descriptions, parcel maps, and tax history. The Whatcom County Auditor maintains recorded documents including deeds, mortgages, liens, and easements. Many Washington counties provide online property record searches through their county websites. The Whatcom County Treasurer handles property tax payments and tax sale information.
How do I get a birth or death certificate in Bellingham, Washington?
Birth, death, and marriage records for Bellingham, Washington residents are available through both county and state offices. The Washington State Department of Health, Center for Health Statistics, located in Olympia, maintains statewide vital records and can issue certified copies of birth and death certificates for events occurring anywhere in Washington. Orders can be placed online, by mail, or in person. Locally, the Whatcom County Clerk's office issues marriage licenses and maintains marriage records for Whatcom County. Birth and death certificates may also be available through local vital records offices. Requestors typically need to provide valid photo identification and proof of their relationship to the person named on the record. Processing times and fees vary by office and record type.