About Colfax
Colfax, Washington is a community in Whitman County, Washington. This page consolidates verified public records resources for Colfax, including law enforcement, court, vital, property, and government records.
Read more about public records in Colfax
Colfax is located in Whitman County, Washington and had a recorded population of approximately 2,785 at the last census. County and state agencies serving Whitman County are the primary source for most government records affecting Colfax residents.
Law enforcement in Colfax is served by Whitman County Sheriff's Office. Arrest records, booking information, and incident reports are maintained by these agencies and can usually be requested in person, by mail, or via online portals where available.
Court case records for civil, criminal, family, and probate matters in Whitman County are maintained by the county trial court of general jurisdiction and, where applicable, by municipal or district courts. Statewide court case search tools published by the Washington Judicial Branch can also be used to locate cases.
Birth, death, marriage, and divorce certificates for Colfax residents are issued through the Washington State Department of Health (Center for Health Statistics), with local copies often available through the Whitman County Clerk's office. Real-property records (deeds, mortgages, liens) and parcel assessments are recorded with the county Auditor (recorder) and the county Assessor.
Most government records held by Washington agencies are accessible under the Washington Public Records Act, which sets a response window of 5 business days and requires agencies to publish procedures for written records requests. Certain records (juvenile, sealed, victim, and active investigation records) may be withheld or redacted under statutory exemptions.
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement in Colfax
Whitman County Sheriff's Office
The Whitman County Sheriff’s Office strives to enhance the quality of life within Whitman County by working together with area law enforcement agencies and the community at large as we respond to the needs of those we serve.
⚖️ Courts & Case Records in Colfax
Court | City of Colfax Washington
The City of Colfax Municipal Court provides citizens with a fair and impartial court of law by interpreting and adjudicating applicable state laws and city ordinances.
🏠 Property & Public Records in Colfax
Whitman County Auditor
Property records for Colfax, Washington are maintained by the Whitman County Auditor. This office maintains recorded documents including deeds, mortgages, liens, and easements for properties in Whitman County, including Colfax.
About Colfax — In Depth
Jail & Inmate Records
The Whitman County Jail in Colfax is the primary detention facility for the entire county. When someone is booked into custody, the process includes fingerprinting, photographing, and recording personal information. Visitation at the facility requires advance appointments, and visitors must follow specific guidelines regarding conduct and attire.
Arrest Records
The Whitman County Sheriff's Office maintains arrest records for the county, documenting the circumstances surrounding each arrest, the charges filed, booking details, and subsequent legal actions. Residents and legal representatives can request these records through the Sheriff's Office, though the process typically requires a formal written request and may involve fees. Under the Washington Public Records Act, arrest records are generally accessible to the public. However, certain details may be redacted to protect individual privacy or avoid compromising ongoing investigations.
Criminal Records
The criminal records system in Whitman County includes documentation of felonies, misdemeanors, traffic violations, and sex offender registry information. Background checks in Washington can be conducted through the Washington State Patrol's Criminal History Records Section, which provides criminal history information for residents. The Washington State Patrol also offers resources and support for accessing statewide criminal records.
Vital Records
Vital records for Colfax, including birth certificates, death records, and marriage licenses, are managed by the Washington State Department of Health. Individuals can request these documents through the state's Vital Records office at https://doh.wa.gov/licenses-permits-and-certificates/vital records. The Whitman County Auditor's Office maintains a local repository of vital statistics and can assist with obtaining certified copies of these important documents.
Business & Licensing Records
Anyone operating a business within city limits must obtain the necessary licenses and permits from local government. The City of Colfax's Business Licensing Department manages the application and approval process, making sure of businesses comply with zoning regulations and other municipal requirements. Entrepreneurs and existing business owners can find the relevant forms and guidance on the city's website at https://www.colfaxwa.org/business-licensing. The process helps ensure that new enterprises fit within the community's development plans and regulatory framework.
Economy & Demographics
The economy of Colfax is heavily dependent on the agricultural industry, with local farms and agribusinesses playing a significant role in the area's prosperity. Beyond agriculture, the community also benefits from a range of small businesses, ranging from retail shops and restaurants to professional services and light manufacturing. Major employers in Colfax include the Colfax School District, which is an important educational and economic anchor, as well as the Whitman County government, which provides a stable source of local jobs.
Elections & Voter Records
Voters in Colfax are served by the Whitman County Auditor's Office, Elections Division, Colfax, WA 99111 (phone: 509-397-5240, website: whitmancountyauditor.com). Washington operates entirely by mail ballot, meaning all registered voters automatically receive ballots for every election. Registration is straightforward through the Washington Secretary of State's VoteWA portal at vote.wa.gov, where residents can register for the first time, update addresses, or change party preferences.
Registration must be received or postmarked at least eight days before an election, though same-day registration remains available in person through Election Day at the Whitman County elections office. Washington requires no party registration for primary elections. Council members serve four-year staggered terms, and the mayoral race occurs every four years. Candidate information, local ballot measures, and sample ballots are available through the Whitman County elections website and official notices posted at City Hall. Since the state eliminated traditional polling places in favor of universal mail voting, ballots arrive approximately 18 days before each election. Voters can return them by mail (postmarked by Election Day), at official ballot drop boxes located throughout Whitman County including in Colfax, or in person at the Auditor's Office during business hours. The county maintains a ballot drop box locator on its elections website. Under Washington law (RCW 29A.08), voter registration lists are public records available for political purposes, campaigns, and non-commercial use. Precinct-level results are published after certification, and campaign finance reports for local candidates and ballot measure committees can be accessed through the Washington Public Disclosure Commission at pdc.wa.gov. The Washington Governor's race was held in 2024, so 2026 will feature state legislature and county-level races as the primary focus. Washington's automatic mail ballot system means every registered voter receives a ballot for each election without needing to request absentee status.
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
Colfax Washington Archives and Genealogy
Washington State Archives genealogy and historical records for Colfax.
Colfax Washington Bankruptcy Court
US Bankruptcy Court Eastern District of Washington for Colfax.
Colfax Washington Vital Records
Washington Department of Health vital records for Colfax.
Colfax Washington Inmate Search
Washington Department of Corrections offender search for Colfax.
Colfax Washington Missing Persons
Washington State Patrol missing persons for Colfax.
Colfax Washington Most Wanted
Washington State Patrol most wanted for Colfax.
Colfax Washington Sex Offender Registry
Washington State sex offender inquiry for Colfax.
Colfax Washington Criminal History Records
Washington State Patrol criminal history records for Colfax.
Colfax Washington Census and Vital Statistics
U.S. Census Bureau quick facts, demographics, and population statistics for Colfax.
City of Colfax
Directory of Colfax city records and information N 400 Mill Street Colfax, WA 99111 Phone: 509-397-3861 Fax: 509-397-228
Colfax Police Department
Law enforcement and crime prevention services 300 N Mill Street Colfax, WA 99111 Phone: (509) 397-3600
City of Colfax Municipal Court
Processing of criminal misdemeanors and infractions 400 N. Mill Street P.O. Box 229 Colfax, WA 99111 Phone: 509-397-3861
Colfax Main Library Branch
Research assistance and reference materials 102 S Main St Colfax, WA 99111-1863 Phone: (509) 397-4366 Fax:
Colfax Building Department
Building fees, permits and inspections N 400 Mill Street Colfax, WA 99111 Phone: 509-397-3861 Fax: 509-397-2281
Colfax City, WA U.S. Census
Population and demographic statistics
Colfax 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 Colfax, Washington?
To register to vote in Colfax, Washington, residents can register online through the Washington Secretary of State's website, by mail, or in person at the Whitman 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 Colfax, contact the Whitman County Clerk's office for schedules and ballot information.
How do I look up property records in Colfax, Washington?
Property records for Colfax, Washington are maintained by the Whitman County Assessor's Office and the Whitman County Auditor. The Assessor's Office is responsible for discovering, listing, and valuing all taxable property within Whitman County, including parcels in Colfax. Records available include property ownership, assessed values, legal descriptions, parcel maps, and tax history. The Whitman County Auditor maintains recorded documents including deeds, mortgages, liens, and easements. Many Washington counties provide online property record searches through their county websites. The Whitman County Treasurer handles property tax payments and tax sale information.
How do I get a birth or death certificate in Colfax, Washington?
Birth, death, and marriage records for Colfax, 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 Whitman County Clerk's office issues marriage licenses and maintains marriage records for Whitman 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.