Spokane Valley Public Records Directory

All links go directly to official Spokane Valley, Washington government websites.

Law Enforcement

Multiple law enforcement agencies serve Spokane County, dividing responsibilities across jurisdictional lines. These agencies don't operate in isolation, major crimes and public safety initiatives bring them together for collaborative efforts that ensure coverage across the entire county.

Jail & Inmate Records

When someone gets arrested in Spokane County, they're processed through the Spokane County Jail, operated by Detention Services and located in Spokane. The booking process follows standard procedure: fingerprinting, photographs, and bail assessment. Families searching for information can use Spokane County's online inmate lookup tool to access booking details and current charges. Visitation requires advance scheduling, with both in-person and video options available depending on the facility's specific rules.

Arrest Records

Arrest records across Spokane County are maintained by the Sheriff's Office and individual municipal police departments. Anyone seeking these records, residents, attorneys, or other authorized parties, needs to submit a formal request under the Washington Public Records Act to the appropriate agency. What you'll find in a typical arrest record includes personal information about the individual, specifics about the arrest itself, charges filed, and which agency made the arrest. These records serve essential functions in legal proceedings and background checks throughout Spokane County.

Court Records

The Spokane Valley Washington Bankruptcy Court has jurisdiction over all bankruptcy-related cases for Spokane Valley, Spokane County, Washington and the surrounding region. The court's website offers access to case information, filing procedures, and local rules for those navigating the bankruptcy process. Everything else, civil disputes, criminal matters, and other judicial proceedings, gets handled by the Spokane County Superior Court and District Court system, which manages the broader county's legal affairs beyond bankruptcy cases.

Criminal Records

The criminal records system in Spokane County includes records of felonies, misdemeanors, traffic offenses, and the sex offender registry. Residents can request background checks through the Washington Access to Criminal History (WATCH) system, which provides access to public criminal records for a fee. The Washington State Patrol also assists in providing criminal history information for residents.

Public Records Access

Historical records for Spokane Valley and the surrounding region are housed at the Spokane Valley Washington Archives and Genealogy office, where the collection spans property deeds, land surveys, and assessor information accessible through an online database. The Spokane County Assessor's website adds another layer of detail with parcel data, tax information, and current real estate values for anyone researching property records.
Those digging into the area's history will find the Spokane Valley Library particularly helpful, the local history collection is extensive, and the staff knows how to guide genealogical research through the community's past.

Vital Records

Vital records for Spokane Valley, such as birth certificates, death records, and marriage licenses, are managed by the Washington State Department of Health. Residents can request copies of these important documents through the state's Vital Records office. The department's online portal allows individuals to submit applications and make secure payments for certified copies of vital records. The Spokane Valley Washington Vital Records office can provide guidance on the process and requirements for obtaining these essential documents.

Business & Licensing Records

The City of Spokane Valley's Building Division handles the permitting and licensing process for local businesses, making it the first stop for entrepreneurs and commercial property owners. Business licenses, construction permits, and zoning approvals all flow through the division's online portal designed for ease of use. Beyond the official channels, the Spokane Valley Chamber of Commerce provides networking opportunities, advocacy for the business community, and up-to-date information on economic development initiatives shaping the area's business scene.

Economy & Demographics

Spokane Valley's diverse economy is anchored by a mix of industries, including healthcare, advanced manufacturing, logistics, and technology. Major employers in the city include Providence Sacred Heart Medical Center, Spokane Teachers Credit Union, and the Boeing Company. The Spokane Valley Chamber of Commerce actively promotes the area's business-friendly climate, highlighting the city's strategic location, skilled workforce, and quality of life as key advantages for companies looking to relocate or expand.

Elections & Voter Records

The Spokane County Elections Office serves Spokane Valley, Spokane County, Washington voters from its location at 1033 West Gardner Avenue, Spokane, WA 99260, phone (509) 477-2320, website https://www.spokanecounty.org/elections/. Washington runs entirely on vote-by-mail, so every registered voter automatically receives a ballot at their registered address for each election. Registration happens online at https://voter.votewa.gov/ up to 8 days before an election, or in person through Election Day at designated voting centers that offer same-day registration.
You'll need a Washington State driver's license or ID card number, or the last four digits of your Social Security number to complete online registration. Municipal elections in odd-numbered years determine the city's leadership - seven council members elected at-large and the mayor. The next municipal elections arrive in November 2025, with August primaries if candidate numbers require them. Council members serve four-year staggered terms, and voters can research candidates, local ballot measures, and voters' pamphlets through the Spokane County elections website. While most residents vote by mail, those needing accessible in-person voting can locate polling places through the VoteWA portal at https://voter.votewa.gov/ by entering their address. The state makes extensive election records publicly available. Campaigns and political parties can purchase voter registration lists, while campaign finance reports are searchable through the Washington Public Disclosure Commission at https://www.pdc.wa.gov/. Candidate filings and declarations come from the Spokane County elections office, and precinct-level results get published after each election. The November 2024 presidential election saw approximately 62-65% voter turnout across the county, with over 260,000 ballots cast from roughly 360,000 registered voters. On November 3, 2026, residents will decide several important races. Washington doesn't have a U.S. Senate seat up that year, but all U.S. House seats will be on the ballot, including Washington's 4th and 5th Congressional Districts covering the area. The Governor's race waits until 2028. State legislative races for the 4th and 6th Legislative Districts will include all State House positions with their two-year terms, plus some State Senate seats on four-year cycles. County offices up for election include County Commissioner positions, Assessor, Auditor, Clerk, Prosecutor, Sheriff, and Treasurer depending on the rotation. Local measures, school levies, and fire district positions may also appear. Requesting a mail-in ballot is automatic once your registration address is current - ballots go out approximately 18 days before each election. Voters can track ballot status online through VoteWA. Ballot drop boxes are scattered throughout the city and county; an interactive map at https://www.spokanecounty.org/3352/Ballot-Drop-Box-Locations shows all locations. Get your ballot postmarked by Election Day or into an official drop box by 8:00 PM that evening.

Public Records Transparency Score

Court Records: Yes: Online Statewide Portal | Property: Yes: Free Online Assessor+Recorder | Arrest Logs: Yes: Online Inmate Roster | Vital Records: Yes: Online Ordering | Business: Yes: Free State Database | Elections: Yes: Online Registration & Results | Overall: 9.2/10, Spokane County and Washington State provide excellent public records access with online portals for court records, property searches, inmate rosters, vital records ordering, business entity searches, and complete election information, making most records accessible without in-person visits.

Frequently Asked Questions

1 What are the school district and education performance data for Spokane Valley, Spokane County, Washington?
Public schools in Spokane Valley, Spokane County, Washington are administered by the local school district. For information about school enrollment, academic performance, and school ratings, residents should contact the Spokane County school administration or the Washington Department of Education. School district boundaries, student-teacher ratios, and test scores are available through the National Center for Education Statistics at nces.ed.gov.
Crime data for Spokane Valley, Spokane County, Washington is maintained by local law enforcement agencies. Residents can access crime data through the FBI Crime Data Explorer or by contacting local law enforcement directly.
The Spokane Valley Public Library provides access to various public records resources including online databases, historical archives, and government document collections. Library patrons can access property records, court records, and genealogy resources through the library's reference section. The Spokane County library system may offer additional branches and digital resources. Contact the library directly for hours, available databases, and research assistance.
The Spokane Valley Public Library serves residents of Spokane Valley and the surrounding Spokane County area in Washington. Contact the library directly or visit the Spokane County library system website for the current address, phone number, hours of operation, and available services.
Fingerprinting services for Spokane Valley, Washington residents are available through the local police department and authorized third-party providers in Spokane County. Fingerprinting is commonly required for background checks, professional licensing, employment screening, and immigration applications. The Washington Department of Justice or state police may also process fingerprint-based background checks.
Vital records for Spokane Valley, Spokane County, Washington including birth certificates, death certificates, and marriage licenses are available through the Washington State Department of Health. Requests can be made online, by mail, or in person. Locally, the Spokane County Clerk's office may also process vital record requests. You will need valid photo identification and proof of eligibility. Processing times and fees vary by office and request method.
To register to vote in Spokane Valley, Washington, residents can register online through the Washington Secretary of State's website, by mail, or in person at the Spokane 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 Spokane Valley, contact the Spokane County Clerk's office for schedules and ballot information.
Property records for Spokane Valley, Washington are maintained by the County Assessor's Office and the County County Auditor. The Assessor's Office is responsible for discovering, listing, and valuing all taxable property within County, including parcels in Spokane Valley. Records available include property ownership, assessed values, legal descriptions, parcel maps, and tax history. The County County Auditor maintains recorded documents including deeds, mortgages, liens, and easements. Many Washington counties provide online property record searches through their county websites. For in-person requests, visit the County offices at the county courthouse. The County Treasurer handles property tax payments and tax sale information.
Birth, death, and marriage records for Spokane Valley, 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 County Clerk's office issues marriage licenses and maintains marriage records for 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.
Business licensing for Spokane Valley, Washington operates at municipal, county, and state levels. The Spokane Valley town or city clerk's office handles local business permits, zoning approvals, and any municipal license requirements for businesses operating within Spokane Valley limits. County may require additional registrations for businesses in unincorporated areas or county-level sales tax licensing. At the state level, all Washington businesses must register with the Washington Secretary of State and obtain applicable state tax identification numbers from the Washington Department of Revenue. Professional licenses for regulated occupations are issued by the relevant Washington licensing boards. For a complete list of requirements for starting a business in Spokane Valley, contact the Spokane Valley clerk's office and the County economic development office.