Camas Public Records Directory

All links go directly to official Camas, Washington government websites.

Law Enforcement

Law enforcement in Clark County operates through a network of agencies that includes the Clark County Sheriff's Office alongside municipal departments in Vancouver, Camas, Washougal, and other incorporated cities. Each city police department holds jurisdiction within its own boundaries, while the Sheriff's Office covers unincorporated areas throughout the county. These agencies don't work in isolation. They collaborate on major crimes and participate in joint task forces, creating a coordinated approach to public safety that extends across municipal lines and serves the entire region.

Jail & Inmate Records

Anyone arrested in Clark County is processed through the Clark County Jail in Vancouver, the primary detention facility for the area. The booking procedure includes fingerprinting, photographing, and collecting personal information from those brought in. Families and attorneys can track inmates through an online lookup tool maintained by the Sheriff's Office. Visitation at the facility typically requires advance scheduling, with both in-person and video options available depending on current policies.

Arrest Records

Arrest records across Clark County are maintained by the Sheriff's Office and by individual municipal police departments within their respective jurisdictions. Residents and attorneys seeking these records typically submit formal requests under the Washington Public Records Act, often through the Sheriff's Office. A typical arrest record includes the individual's personal information, circumstances of the arrest, charges filed, and which agency made the arrest. The request process aims to balance transparency with the need to protect certain sensitive details from public disclosure.

Court Records

Bankruptcy matters affecting Camas, Clark County, Washington fall under the jurisdiction of the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Western District of Washington. Residents and businesses can access court records, case information, and related documents through the court's online portal. For general civil and criminal proceedings, the Clark County Superior Court system handles local judicial matters. Those seeking case files, transcripts, or other court documents can submit requests through the Clerk of the Court's office, which maintains the official record of all proceedings.

Criminal Records

The criminal records system in Clark County includes records of felonies, misdemeanors, traffic violations, and the sex offender registry. The Clark County Sheriff's Office and local police departments maintain these records, while the Washington State Patrol provides statewide background checks. Residents can request criminal history information through the Washington Access to Criminal History (WATCH) system. The Washington Bureau of Investigation also plays a role in providing comprehensive criminal background checks for Clark County residents.

Public Records Access

Residents and researchers looking into the past can access a variety of historical documents through the Washington State Archives and Genealogy service, which holds materials related to the city's development over the decades. For current property information—including assessor data and ownership details—the Camas City Clerk's office serves as the central repository for municipal records.
The Clerk's office assists with requests for building permits, zoning information, and other land-related documents that trace how this community has grown from its mill town origins into the city it is today.

Vital Records

The Washington State Department of Health oversees the vital records for Camas, including birth certificates, death records, and marriage licenses. Residents can submit requests for these documents directly through the state's Vital Records office. Additionally, the Camas City Clerk's office maintains a database of local vital statistics and can provide certified copies of select records upon request. For those researching their family history, the Camas Washington Archives and Genealogy service offers a valuable resource for accessing historical vital records and other archival materials.

Business & Licensing Records

Anyone starting or operating a business in Camas, Clark County, Washington can obtain necessary licenses and permits through the city's Building Division. This office handles business licenses, construction permits, and other approvals required for commercial activities within city limits. Entrepreneurs and company representatives work directly with Building Division staff to navigate local regulations and zoning ordinances.
The Camas City Clerk's office also maintains public records related to business incorporations, trade names, and other commercial filings, providing a central resource for documentation tied to the local business community.

Economy & Demographics

Camas boasts a diverse and thriving economy, driven by a range of industries and employers. Major technology firms, healthcare providers, and retail establishments have established a presence in the city, offering ample job opportunities for local residents. The city's proximity to the Portland metropolitan area and its well-developed infrastructure, including the Camas-Washougal Municipal Airport, have further bolstered economic growth. Camas also benefits from a highly educated workforce, with many residents employed in professional and technical occupations.

Elections & Voter Records

The elections office serving Camas, Clark County, Washington voters is the Clark County Elections Division, located at 1408 Franklin St, Vancouver, WA 98660. You can reach them at (564) 397-2345 or visit their website at https://clark.wa.gov/elections. Residents can register to vote online through the Washington Secretary of State website at https://voter.votewa.gov/WhereToVote.aspx. The registration deadline is 29 days before any election, and you'll need a Washington state driver's license or ID card to complete the process.
Municipal elections for mayor and city council typically take place in November of odd-numbered years. Information about local candidates and elections is available on the city's website at https://www.cityofcamas.us/yourgovernment/elections. Voters can look up their polling location on the Clark County Elections website at https://clark.wa.gov/elections/where-do-i-vote. Election records—including voter registration lists, campaign finance reports, and ballot measure information—are generally considered public records in Washington and can be requested from the Elections Division. In the 2024 general election, the county saw a voter turnout of 75.6 percent. The next scheduled elections are the November 2026 general election, which will include races for mayor, city council, county council, and other local offices. Washington is an all-mail voting state, meaning every registered voter receives a ballot by mail. Absentee and mail-in ballots can be requested online, by mail, or in person, and must be postmarked or returned to a dropbox by election day. More information is available on the Clark County Elections website.

Frequently Asked Questions

1 What are the school district and education performance data for Camas, Clark County, Washington?
Education in Camas is served by local school districts. Students attend schools within Clark County. The Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction oversees K-12 public education for the state, including curriculum standards, teacher certification, and school accountability.

For specific information about schools serving Camas, contact the local school district office or visit the Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction website to find district boundaries, school ratings, and enrollment information for your address.
Law enforcement in Camas, Clark County, Washington is provided by the Camas Police Department and the Clark County Sheriff's Office. Crime data for Camas is reported to the FBI's Uniform Crime Reporting Program and can be accessed through the FBI Crime Data Explorer. Residents can also request local crime reports from the Camas Police Department or the Clark County Sheriff's Office.
The Camas Public Library in Clark 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 Camas Washington Archives and Genealogy at https://www.sos.wa.gov/archives/Genealogy.aspx. Contact the Camas Public Library reference desk for assistance or to confirm hours and services.
The Camas, Clark County, Washington Library is located at 625 NE 4th Ave, Camas, WA 98607.
Fingerprinting services for Camas, Washington residents are provided at the Camas Police Department, which serves Clark 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 Camas Police Department for 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/.
In order to obtain vital records from Camas, Clark County, Washington, you must contact the Clark County Auditor's Office.

The vital records available from the Clark County Auditor's Office include birth certificates, death certificates, marriage certificates, and divorce decrees. All of these records include the address of the individual listed on the record.
ELECTION HUB for Camas, Washington voters

The elections office that serves Camas voters is the Clark County Elections Division, located at 1408 Franklin St, Vancouver, WA 98660. Their phone number is (564) 397-2345, and their website is https://clark.wa.gov/elections.

Camas residents can register to vote online at the Washington Secretary of State website at https://voter.votewa.gov/WhereToVote.aspx. The voter registration deadline is 29 days before an election. To register, you'll need a Washington state driver's license or ID card.

Camas holds municipal elections for mayor and city counci
Camas residents and researchers can access a variety of public records through the Washington State Archives and Genealogy service. This resource provides access to historical documents, land records, and other materials related to the city's past. For more detailed property information, including assessor data and ownership details, individuals can consult the Camas City Clerk's office, which serves as the central repository for municipal records. The Clerk's office can assist with requests for building permits, zoning information, and other land-related documents that chronicle the city's de
The Washington State Department of Health oversees the vital records for Camas, including birth certificates, death records, and marriage licenses. Residents can submit requests for these documents directly through the state's Vital Records office. Additionally, the Camas City Clerk's office maintains a database of local vital statistics and can provide certified copies of select records upon request. For those researching their family history, the Camas Washington Archives and Genealogy service offers a valuable resource for accessing historical vital records and other archival materials.
Individuals and businesses operating in Camas can obtain the necessary licenses and permits through the city's Building Division. This office oversees the issuance of business licenses, construction permits, and other approvals required for commercial activities. Entrepreneurs and company representatives can work directly with the Building Division staff to ensure compliance with local regulations and zoning ordinances. Additionally, the Camas City Clerk's office maintains public records related to business incorporations, trade names, and other commercial filings within the city limits.