About Burien
Burien is a city in King County, Washington. Use the official town and county resources on this page to reach the clerk, court, assessment, public records, and Freedom of Information request pages serving residents and researchers.
One notable landmark in Burien is the Burien Town Square, a mixed-use development that includes residential units, retail spaces, and public parks, serving as a central hub for community activities. The city is home to the Dottie Harper Park, which provides recreational opportunities for families and residents.This growth is partly attributed to its strategic location near Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, which has historically contributed to the local economy and job market.
Municipal elections for mayor and city council typically occur in November of odd-numbered years. Candidate information appears on the King County Elections website as races approach. Voters can locate their polling place at www.kingcounty.gov/depts/elections/how-to-vote/ballot-drop-boxes.aspx. Election records throughout the state, including voter rolls, campaign finance reports, and ballot measures, are public records available for inspection. King County recorded a The next scheduled election is the November 2026 general election, which will feature city council races, county offices, and potentially state and federal representatives. Washington allows all registered voters to request absentee or mail-in ballots. The process requires submitting a request to the King County elections office, which then mails the ballot to the voter. Completed ballots must be postmarked by election day or deposited in a ballot drop box.
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement in Burien
Burien Police Department
The Burien Police Department is responsible for ensuring the safety of the community through crime prevention and enforcement of the municipal code. The City of Burien contracts with King County Sheriff’s Office for police services.
⚖️ Courts & Case Records in Burien
Group detail - KCDC - South Division, Burien Courthouse
The Online Directory enables lookup of King County staff and related information
🔗 https://directory.kingcounty.gov/GroupDetail.asp?GroupID=7140
🏠 Property & Public Records in Burien
King County Auditor
Property records for Burien, Washington are maintained by the King County Auditor. This office maintains recorded documents including deeds, mortgages, liens, and easements for properties in King County, including Burien.
About Burien — In Depth
Jail & Inmate Records
Two primary detention facilities serve the county: the King County Correctional Facility in Seattle and the Maleng Regional Justice Center in Kent. Anyone arrested within county boundaries goes through booking at one of these locations, where they're processed and held pending trial or release. The King County Department of Adult and Juvenile Detention maintains an online inmate lookup tool for accessing detainee information. Visitation requires advance scheduling, with specific protocols governing both in-person and video visits.
Arrest Records
The King County Sheriff's Office and local police departments maintain arrest records for the area. These documents capture the circumstances surrounding each arrest, charges filed, booking details, and personal information about the arrestee. Anyone seeking these records, whether residents or attorneys, must submit a formal request under the Washington Public Records Act to the appropriate law enforcement agency. A standard arrest record from the county includes the subject's name, date of birth, arrest date, charges, and current case status, offering a complete snapshot of the arrest incident.
Criminal Records
The criminal records system in King County covers a variety of records, including felony, misdemeanor, traffic violations, and the sex offender registry. The King County Superior Court handles felony cases, while the District Court oversees misdemeanors and traffic offenses.
Residents can request background checks for employment or personal purposes, accessing information on convictions, arrests, and pending charges. The Washington State Patrol helps with compiling and disseminating criminal history information for King County residents.
Vital Records
For Burien residents in need of vital records, the Washington State Department of Health Vital Records office is the authoritative source. This includes birth certificates, death records, marriage licenses, and more. Records can be requested online, by mail, or in person at the Burien location. The Burien Washington Vital Records portal also features helpful guides on the application process and necessary documentation. Whether you require a certified copy of a birth certificate or are researching your family tree, this office maintains the official registry for the city.
Business & Licensing Records
The City of Burien's website is the primary resource for businesses operating locally or planning to launch here. The Burien City Clerk's office handles business license issuance, building permits, and other essential documentation. Entrepreneurs will find details on zoning regulations, tax requirements, and compliance matters necessary for opening a company in this King County community. The site offers direct access to application forms and step-by-step guidance for navigating the local permitting process.
Economy & Demographics
Burien's economy is anchored by a range of thriving industries, from healthcare and technology to manufacturing and aviation. Major employers in the city include Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, Kaiser Permanente, and the Highline Public Schools district. The city also boasts a vibrant small business community, with locally-owned shops, restaurants, and professional services firms contributing to Burien's economic vitality. Overall, the area's affordable cost of living, skilled workforce, and strategic location make it an attractive destination for businesses of all sizes.
Elections & Voter Records
Burien, Washington falls under the jurisdiction of the King County Elections Division, which handles all election administration for local voters. The elections office is located at 919 SW Grady Way, Renton, WA 98057, and can be reached at (206) 296-8683. Their website is www.kingcounty.gov/depts/elections.aspx. Residents can register to vote online at www.sos.wa.gov/elections/register.aspx. Washington requires registration at least 8 days before an election, and applicants need a state driver's license or ID card to complete the process.
Municipal elections for mayor and city council typically occur in November of odd-numbered years. Candidate information appears on the King County Elections website as races approach. Voters can locate their polling place at www.kingcounty.gov/depts/elections/how-to-vote/ballot-drop-boxes.aspx. Election records throughout the state, including voter rolls, campaign finance reports, and ballot measures, are public records available for inspection. King County recorded a Washington allows all registered voters to request absentee or mail-in ballots. The process requires submitting a request to the King County elections office, which then mails the ballot to the voter. Completed ballots must be postmarked by election day or deposited in a ballot drop box.
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
Burien Washington Archives and Genealogy
Washington State Archives genealogy and historical records for Burien.
Burien Washington Bankruptcy Court
US Bankruptcy Court Western District of Washington for Burien.
Burien Washington Vital Records
Washington Department of Health vital records for Burien.
Burien Washington Inmate Search
Washington Department of Corrections offender search for Burien.
Burien Washington Missing Persons
Washington State Patrol missing persons for Burien.
Burien Washington Most Wanted
Washington State Patrol most wanted for Burien.
Burien Washington Sex Offender Registry
Washington State sex offender inquiry for Burien.
Burien Washington Criminal History Records
Washington State Patrol criminal history records for Burien.
Burien Washington Census and Vital Statistics
U.S. Census Bureau quick facts, demographics, and population statistics for Burien.
City of Burien
Directory of Burien city services and information 400 SW 152nd St, Suite 300 Burien, WA 98166 Ph: (206) 241-4647 Fax: (2
King County District Court South Division
Criminal, traffic, civil and small claims cases 601 SW 149th St Burien, WA 98166 Phone: (206) 205-9200
Burien-Normandy Park Fire Department
Fire, mutual aid response and emergency medical services 15100 8th Ave Southwest Burien, WA 98166 Phone: (206) 242-2040
Burien Library
Research assistance and reference materials 400 SW 152nd St Burien, WA 98166 Phone: (206) 243-3490
Highline Public Schools
Burien school services and education resources 15675 Ambaum Blvd S.W. Burien, WA 98166 Phone: (206) 433-0111
Southwest King County Chamber
Burien business listings directory 14220 Interurban Ave S #134 Tukwila, WA 98168-4662 Phone: (206) 575-1633
Burien City, WA U.S. Census
Population and demographic statistics
Burien 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
Nearby Cities in King County, Washington
Search public records in neighboring cities within the same county:
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I register to vote in Burien, Washington?
To register to vote in Burien, Washington, residents can register online through the Washington Secretary of State's website, by mail, or in person at the King 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 Burien, contact the King County Clerk's office for schedules and ballot information.
How do I look up property records in Burien, Washington?
The Burien Washington Archives and Genealogy website provides a centralized portal for accessing a wide range of public records related to property, land, and real estate in the city. Residents can search land title records, property tax assessments, and other key documents maintained by the King County Assessor's Office. The site also houses historical archives that offer valuable insights into Burien's past. Those researching the ownership history of a home or tracing their family's roots in the area will find this resource invaluable.
How do I get a birth or death certificate in Burien, Washington?
For Burien residents in need of vital records, the Washington State Department of Health Vital Records office is the authoritative source. This includes birth certificates, death records, marriage licenses, and more. Records can be requested online, by mail, or in person at the Burien location. The Burien Washington Vital Records portal also features helpful guides on the application process and necessary documentation. Whether you require a certified copy of a birth certificate or are researching your family tree, this office maintains the official registry for the city.
How do I find business license records in Burien, Washington?
The City of Burien's website is the go-to resource for businesses operating in the area or those looking to start a new venture here. The Burien City Clerk's office manages the issuance of business licenses, building permits, and other key documentation. Entrepreneurs can also find information on zoning regulations, tax requirements, and other compliance matters essential to opening a company in this King County community. The site provides direct links to application forms and guidance on navigating the local permitting process.