Spokane Public Records Directory
All links go directly to official Spokane, Washington government websites.
About Spokane City Government
Government Type
City Council
The city government of Spokane, Washington, is governed by the Spokane City Council, which consists of seven members. Council members are elected to serve four-year terms, with the elections held in odd-numbered years. The council is composed of six district representatives and one at-large member, ensuring diverse representation across the city.The public is encouraged to attend, and the meetings are also streamed online for broader accessibility, for public access and community engagement in local governance.
About Spokane, Washington
The Spokane Police Department is the primary law enforcement agency responsible for maintaining public safety and order within the city. In addition, the Spokane County Sheriff's Office oversees law enforcement in the surrounding unincorporated areas of Spokane County. If you need criminal records, including arrest records, mugshots, and booking records, the process begins with the Spokane Police Department's Records Unit. Individuals can contact the unit directly or visit their office to request specific records. For records related to incidents occurring outside the city limits, the Spokane County Sheriff's Office is the appropriate agency to approach. Individuals may access broader criminal history through the Washington State Criminal Repository, maintained by the Washington State Patrol. The repository allows residents to request criminal background checks online or via mail. There are several online portals available, including the Washington State Patrol's Criminal History Search, which simplifies the lookup process for public records related to criminal activity. When it comes to judicial matters, Spokane is served by the Spokane County Superior Court, which handles a wide range of cases, including civil, family, and criminal matters. Obtaining court records can be accomplished through the court's online portal, which offers access to various documents and case information. Alternatively, individuals may visit the clerk's office in person to request records. For vital records such as birth, death, and marriage certificates, the Spokane County Clerk-Recorder’s office is the designated authority, while Washington State Vital Records can also provide such documents statewide. Property records, crucial for real estate transactions and inquiries, can be accessed through the Spokane County Assessor and Recorder’s offices, both of which maintain online portals for convenience. Lastly, the Washington Public Records Act allows residents to make public records requests for documents held by government agencies. Typical response times for these requests range from 5 to 10 business days, depending on the complexity of the request and the volume of records involved.
Spokane, Washington Public Records & Government Resources
Spokane Washington Archives and Genealogy
Washington State Archives genealogy and historical records for Spokane.
Spokane Washington Bankruptcy Court
US Bankruptcy Court Western District of Washington for Spokane.
Spokane Washington Vital Records
Washington Department of Health vital records for Spokane.
Spokane Washington Inmate Search
Washington Department of Corrections offender search for Spokane.
Spokane Washington Missing Persons
Washington State Patrol missing persons for Spokane.
Spokane Washington Most Wanted
Washington State Patrol most wanted for Spokane.
Spokane Washington Sex Offender Registry
Washington State sex offender inquiry for Spokane.
Spokane Washington Criminal History Records
Washington State Patrol criminal history records for Spokane.
Spokane Washington Census and Vital Statistics
U.S. Census Bureau quick facts, demographics, and population statistics for Spokane.
City of Spokane
Directory of Spokane city records and information 808 W. Spokane Falls Blvd Spokane, WA 99201
Spokane Administration
City department and services contact information 808 W. Spokane Falls Boulevard Spokane WA 99201 Phone: (509) 625-6110 F
Spokane Police Department
Law enforcement patrol services and investigations 1100 W. Mallon Avenue Spokane WA 99201 Phone: (509) 625-4000
Spokane Fire Department
Fire, rescue and emergency medical services 44 W. Riverside Spokane WA 99201 Phone: (509) 625-7000 Fax: (509) 625-7006
Spokane Building Department
Permits, inspections and property information 808 W. Spokane Falls Boulevard Spokane WA 99201 Phone: (509) 625-6300 Fax:
Spokane Public Library
Access to libraries, reference materials and research assistance 906 West Main Spokane WA 99201 Phone: (509) 444-5300 Fa
Greater Spokane Chamber of Commerce
Businesses directory, community and visitor information 801 W. Riverside Spokane WA 99201 Phone: (509) 624-1393
Spokane Public Schools
General education information, parents and students resources 200 N. Bernard Spokane WA 99201 Phone: (509) 354-5900
Northwest Museum of Arts and Culture
Spokane regional exhibits, collections, events, archives and research services 2316 W. First Avenue Spokane WA 99201 Pho
The Spokesman-Review
Spokane current and archived local newspaper articles 999 W. Riverside Spokane WA 99201 Phone: (509) 459-5000
Spokane International Airport
Commercial flights information, rental car and shuttle services 9000 W. Airport Drive Spokane WA 99224 Phone: (509) 455-
Spokane, U.S. Census Bureau
Population and demographic information Spokane WA 99224
Spokane 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
Find An Offender Statewide
Washington State Department of Corrections Mailing Address: Post Office Box 41100, Mail Stop 41100 Olympia, Washington 9
Law Enforcement
Law enforcement across the county operates through a network of agencies, each with distinct jurisdictions that together cover the entire region. The Spokane Police Department patrols the city itself, while the Spokane County Sheriff's Office handles unincorporated areas throughout the county. Neighboring municipalities maintain their own forces—the Spokane Valley Police Department and Cheney Police Department serve their respective communities. These agencies don't work in isolation.
Jail & Inmate Records
Spokane County Detention Services runs Spokane County jail facility in Spokane, where everyone arrested in Spokane County goes through the booking process. Once there, individuals are fingerprinted, photographed, and evaluated for bail eligibility according to state procedures. The county maintains an online inmate lookup tool that provides booking details and current charges. Families and attorneys planning visits need to schedule ahead—the facility offers both in-person and video visitation, though specific rules govern each option.
Arrest Records
When someone gets arrested in the area, the record lands with either the Spokane County Sheriff's Office or the city police department that made the arrest. Anyone seeking these records—whether residents conducting background checks or attorneys building cases—needs to submit a formal request under the Washington Public Records Act. What you'll find in a typical arrest record includes personal information about the arrestee, circumstances of the arrest, charges filed, and which agency made the collar.
Court Records
The local court system handles everything from minor infractions to serious felonies through two main bodies. Spokane County Superior Court is the court of general jurisdiction, tackling major civil disputes and criminal cases, while the Spokane County District Court manages lower-level matters. Anyone needing court records, case files, or information about judicial proceedings can start with the courts' websites or contact the Clerk of the Court's Office directly.
Criminal Records
The criminal records system in Spokane County includes records of felonies, misdemeanors, traffic offenses, and the sex offender registry. The Spokane County Sheriff's Office and local police departments maintain these records, while the Washington State Patrol provides statewide criminal history information. 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 Bureau of Investigation also assists in providing criminal history information for residents.
Public Records Access
Property information in the region flows through two key county offices that maintain detailed databases on every parcel. The Spokane County Assessor's Office tracks property ownership, valuations, and tax assessments—residents can access this information through the office's website or by contacting staff directly. Meanwhile, the Spokane County Auditor's Office handles the official recording side, maintaining permanent records of deeds, real estate transactions, and land documents that establish legal ownership.
Vital Records
Individuals in need of vital records, such as birth certificates, death records, and marriage licenses, can turn to the Spokane County Health District. The district's Vital Records Office is the primary repository for these important documents. Residents can submit requests for certified copies, either in person, by mail, or through the office's online portal. The Washington State Department of Health also provides a centralized resource for accessing vital statistics and demographic data for the Spokane region.
Business & Licensing Records
The City of Spokane's Business & Development Services department is the central hub for entrepreneurs and established businesses navigating local requirements. This office handles business license issuance along with the review and approval process for construction permits, zoning applications, and land use proposals. Business owners can access the necessary forms and applications through the city's online platforms, streamlining what used to require multiple in-person visits.
Economy & Demographics
Spokane's economy thrives on a mix of industries, with healthcare, education, and manufacturing playing important roles. Major employers such as Providence Health & Services and the Spokane Public Schools contribute significantly to the local economy. The city's diverse business scene also includes a growing tech sector, with companies like Itron and Avista Corporation headquartered in the area. Spokane is a regional hub for logistics and transportation, leveraging its strategic location and multimodal infrastructure to support the movement of goods and services throughout the Pacific Northwest.
Elections & Voter Records
Voting in Spokane, Spokane County, Washington runs through the Spokane County Elections Office, part of the County Auditor's Office at 1033 West Gardner Avenue, Spokane, WA 99260 (phone: 509-477-2320, website: https://www.spokanecounty.org/703/Elections). Washington operates entirely by mail—every registered voter automatically receives a ballot for each election, eliminating the need for traditional polling places.
Registration happens online at https://voter.votewa.gov/WhereToVote.aspx, the Secretary of State's VoteWA portal, where residents need either a Washington driver's license or ID number, or the last four digits of their Social Security number. The deadline is eight days before Election Day for online and mail registration, though same-day registration remains available in person at the elections office or voting centers through Election Day itself. City elections follow an odd-year schedule, with races for Mayor and City Council (seven members total) most recently held in 2023, and the next council contests coming in 2027. These municipal races are nonpartisan, and candidates file with the Spokane City Clerk rather than Spokane County. Residents looking for candidate lists, sample ballots, and local measures can check the Spokane County elections website or the City of Spokane's election pages. While traditional polling places are scarce due to the mail system, voters can drop completed ballots at official drop boxes throughout the city (locations listed at https://www.spokanecounty.org/703/Elections) or vote in person at accessible voting centers during the days before and on Election Day. The VoteWA portal offers ballot tracking, letting voters confirm their ballot arrived and was counted. Public election records include voter registration data (excluding confidential information), precinct results, and campaign finance reports filed with the Washington Public Disclosure Commission (https://www.pdc.wa.gov/). Candidate filings, contribution and expenditure reports, and initiative data are all searchable online. The November 2024 general election saw roughly 73% turnout among registered voters countywide, driven by the presidential race. Looking ahead to November 3, 2026, local voters will decide numerous contests: all U.S. House seats are up (the city sits in District 5), though no U.S. Senate seat from Washington appears that year (next in 2028) and the Governor's race waits until 2028. State legislative seats in the 3rd, 4th, and 6th Districts covering the county will be contested. County offices on the ballot include Spokane County Commissioners (three seats, elected countywide), County Auditor, Assessor, Treasurer, Prosecuting Attorney, and Sheriff, depending on term schedules. Superior and District Court judicial positions may also appear. City voters might see advisory measures, bond issues, or council races if scheduled. Though all registered voters receive mail ballots automatically, residents can request absentee or accessible voting materials from the elections office; military and overseas voters use the Federal Post Card Application (FPCA) and can receive ballots electronically. All ballots must be postmarked by Election Day or deposited in an official drop box by 8:00 p.m. On Election Day.
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: 9.5/10 — Spokane County and the City of Spokane offer exceptional public records access with free online searchable databases for property, court dockets, jail rosters, business entities, and elections, supported by Washington state transparency laws and user-friendly digital portals.
Frequently Asked Questions
1 What are the school district and education performance data for Spokane, Spokane County, Washington?
Public schools in Spokane, 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.
2 What are the crime statistics for Spokane, Spokane County, Washington?
Crime data for Spokane, Spokane County, Washington is maintained by local law enforcement agencies. The Spokane County Sheriff's Office and local police departments report crime statistics to the FBI's Uniform Crime Reporting Program. Residents can access crime data through the FBI Crime Data Explorer or by contacting local law enforcement directly. For specific crime reports or incident data, submit a public records request to the Spokane police department or the Spokane County Sheriff's Office.
3 What publicly accessible records can be obtained from the Spokane, Spokane County, Washington Library?
The Spokane 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.
4 Where is the Spokane, Spokane County, Washington Public Library located?
The Spokane Public Library serves residents of Spokane 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.
5 Where is the nearest fingerprinting office located in Spokane, Spokane County, Washington?
Fingerprinting services for Spokane, 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. Contact the Spokane Police Department or the Spokane County Sheriff's Office for scheduling, fees, and required documentation. The Washington Department of Justice or state police may also process fingerprint-based background checks.
6 What are the requirements for obtaining vital records from Spokane, Spokane County, Washington, and what information is provided in the records?
Vital records for Spokane, 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.
7 How do I register to vote in Spokane, Washington?
To register to vote in Spokane, 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. 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, contact the Spokane County Clerk's office for schedules and ballot information.
8 How do I look up property records in Spokane, Washington?
Property records for Spokane, Washington are maintained by the Spokane County Assessor's Office and the Spokane County Clerk and Recorder. The Assessor's Office is responsible for discovering, listing, and valuing all taxable property within Spokane County, including parcels in Spokane. Records available include property ownership, assessed values, legal descriptions, parcel maps, and tax history. The Spokane County Clerk and Recorder 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 Spokane County offices at the county courthouse. The Spokane County Treasurer handles property tax payments and tax sale information.
9 How do I get a birth or death certificate in Spokane, Washington?
Birth, death, and marriage records for Spokane, 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 Spokane County Clerk's office issues marriage licenses and maintains marriage records for Spokane 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.
10 How do I find business license records in Spokane, Washington?
Business licensing for Spokane, Washington operates at municipal, county, and state levels. The Spokane town or city clerk's office handles local business permits, zoning approvals, and any municipal license requirements for businesses operating within Spokane limits. Spokane 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, contact the Spokane clerk's office and the Spokane County economic development office.
Nearby Cities in Spokane County, Washington
Search public records in neighboring cities within the same county: