About Tacoma
The Tacoma Police Department is the primary law enforcement agency serving the city, focused on safety and security to its residents. If you need to obtain arrest records, mugshots, booking records, or criminal history in Tacoma, the process begins with the Tacoma Police Department's records unit, where requests can be submitted in person or via mail. For full criminal history information, requests can be directed to the Washington State Patrol’s Criminal Records Division, which maintains the statewide criminal repository. The state also provides online lookup portals, making it easier for people to access some public records without having to visit city or county offices in person. Court proceedings in Tacoma are managed by the Pierce County Superior Court, which handles a wide range of legal matters, including civil, criminal, and family law cases. To access court records, individuals can use the online portal provided by the Pierce County District Court, allowing for easy searches of case documents and filings. In-person requests can also be made at the court clerk's office, where staff can assist in finding specific court records. For vital records such as birth, death, and marriage certificates, residents must contact the Pierce County Clerk-Recorder's office, where these documents can be requested. The Washington State Department of Health offers a broader range of vital records services. Property records can be accessed through the Pierce County Assessor-Treasurer's office and the Recorder’s office, both of which provide online tools for searching property ownership and transaction history. Lastly, the Washington Public Records Act allows for general public records requests, typically requiring a response within 5 to 10 business days, for public access in local government processes.
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement in Tacoma
Pierce County Sheriff's Office
In addition to his formal career. enjoys competing in motorsports and spending quality time adventuring in the mountains with family and friends. Major Dobson has served with the Pierce County Sheriff’s Department since 2000.
⚖️ Courts & Case Records in Tacoma
Pierce County Court | Records Search
Pierce County, WA County Clerk | Constance R. White | 930 Tacoma Ave. S. - Rm 110 Tacoma, WA 98402 253-798-3372 The Pierce Count
🏠 Property & Public Records in Tacoma
Pierce County Auditor
Property records for Tacoma, Washington are maintained by the Pierce County Auditor. This office maintains recorded documents including deeds, mortgages, liens, and easements for properties in Pierce County, including Tacoma.
About Tacoma — In Depth
Jail & Inmate Records
The Pierce County Jail in Tacoma is the main detention facility for the area. Upon arrival, individuals go through booking procedures that include photographing and fingerprinting. The sheriff's office maintains an online inmate lookup tool where the public can access information about current detainees, including charges and bond amounts. Visitation at the facility requires advance appointments and compliance with specific dress code requirements. Those posting bail can do so through the jail's cashier window or by working with a bail bondsman, following Washington's established bail procedures.
Arrest Records
Both the Pierce County Sheriff's Department and municipal police departments throughout Pierce County maintain arrest records for incidents within their jurisdictions. Residents and attorneys seeking these records typically submit a formal request under the Washington Public Records Act to the appropriate law enforcement agency. The records generally contain the arrested individual's personal information, the charges filed, and details about the arresting officer. This process provides transparency and holds law enforcement accountable to the communities they serve.
Criminal Records
Criminal records in Pierce County cover felony, misdemeanor, traffic offenses, and the sex offender registry. Residents can request criminal history information through the Washington Access to Criminal History (WATCH) system. The Washington State Patrol offers additional resources for background checks.
Vital Records
Tacoma residents in need of vital records such as birth certificates, death records, and marriage licenses can turn to the Washington State Department of Health's Vital Records office. This state-level agency oversees the management and issuance of these important documents For people across the city and the broader Pierce County region. The Tacoma Washington Vital Records office provides a centralized resource for accessing these essential personal documents, so that local residents can obtain the records they require for various legal and administrative purposes.
Business & Licensing Records
The business community in Tacoma relies on public records and licensing resources administered by local government. The City of Tacoma's Business Licensing and Tax Division issues business licenses and permits while managing regulatory requirements for companies operating within city limits. Entrepreneurs and established business owners can access information on zoning regulations, permits, and essential documentation through the City Clerk's office and the city's online resources.
Economy & Demographics
Tacoma's economy is supported by a diverse range of industries and major employers. The Port of Tacoma, a crucial economic driver for the region, oversees the city's thriving maritime and logistics operations. The healthcare sector is also a significant contributor, with MultiCare Health System being one of the area's largest employers. Aerospace giant Boeing maintains a strong presence in Tacoma, providing high-skilled engineering and manufacturing jobs.
The city's economic vitality is further supported by its burgeoning tourism industry, which attracts visitors to the city's renowned cultural institutions, outdoor recreation opportunities, and scenic waterfront.
Elections & Voter Records
Tacoma voters are served by the Pierce County Auditor's Office, Elections Division, located at 2501 South 35th Street, Suite C, Tacoma, WA 98409 (phone: 253-798-VOTE or 253-798-8683, website: www.piercecountywa.gov/elections). Washington operates as an all-mail-ballot state, meaning all registered voters automatically receive ballots mailed to their registered address approximately 18 days before each election.
Registration happens online through the Washington Secretary of State at https://voter.votewa.gov/WhereToVote.aspx, with deadlines set at 8 days before election day for online or mail registration. Same-day registration remains available in person at the Elections Office through 8 p.m. On Election Day. No photo ID is required to register if providing a Washington driver's license or state ID number; otherwise, the last four digits of a Social Security number are needed. The city operates under a council-manager government with nine City Council members elected by district and a separately elected mayor. Municipal elections occur in odd-numbered years (2023, 2025, 2027, etc.) with the mayor and some council positions on the ballot. Voters can locate their ballot drop box locations, voting centers (if applicable), and personalized voter information at https://voter.votewa.gov/ by entering their name and date of birth. Washington makes extensive election records public, voter registration lists are available for purchase for political purposes, campaign finance disclosures are searchable through the Public Disclosure Commission at https://www.pdc.wa.gov/, candidate filings and ballot measure information are posted by the Elections Office, and detailed precinct-level results are published after certification. Washington does not have a U.S.Current federal, state, and local election schedules, ballot contests, candidate filings, and certified results for Tacoma voters are published by the Washington Secretary of State Elections (https://www.sos.wa.gov/elections). Pierce County will elect county executive, county council positions, assessor-treasurer, auditor, prosecuting attorney, sheriff, and superior court judges. Voters receive mail-in ballots automatically; no absentee request is needed. Ballots must be postmarked by Election Day or deposited in official drop boxes by 8 p.m. On Election Day. The county operates over 30 ballot drop box locations throughout the area, listed at www.piercecountywa.gov/elections, and also offers a Voting Center at the Elections Office for accessible voting and same-day registration.
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
Tacoma Washington Archives and Genealogy
Washington State Archives genealogy and historical records for Tacoma.
Tacoma Washington Bankruptcy Court
US Bankruptcy Court Western District of Washington for Tacoma.
Tacoma Washington Vital Records
Washington Department of Health vital records for Tacoma.
Tacoma Washington Inmate Search
Washington Department of Corrections offender search for Tacoma.
Tacoma Washington Missing Persons
Washington State Patrol missing persons for Tacoma.
Tacoma Washington Most Wanted
Washington State Patrol most wanted for Tacoma.
Tacoma Washington Sex Offender Registry
Washington State sex offender inquiry for Tacoma.
Tacoma Washington Criminal History Records
Washington State Patrol criminal history records for Tacoma.
Tacoma Washington Census and Vital Statistics
U.S. Census Bureau quick facts, demographics, and population statistics for Tacoma.
City of Tacoma
Directory of Tacoma city records and information 747 Market Street Tacoma, WA 98402 Phone: (253) 591-5000
Tacoma City Clerk
Official city records, voter registrar, special events permits 747 Market Street Tacoma WA 98402 Phone: (253) 591-5505
Tacoma Police Department
Law enforcement services, crime statistics, investigations 3701 South Pine Street Tacoma WA 98409 Phone: (253) 591-5900
Tacoma Fire Department
Fire prevention, safety, emergency medical services 901 Fawcett Avenue Tacoma WA 98402 Phone: (253) 591-5737
Tacoma Municipal Court
Criminal traffic offenses, parking tickets, hearings and warrant information 930 Tacoma Avenue South Tacoma WA 98402 Pho
Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber
Businesses directory, events calendar and relocation information 950 Pacific Avenue Tacoma WA 98402
Tacoma School District
General education information, student services P.O. Box 1357 Tacoma WA 98401 Phone: (253) 571-1000
Seattle-Tacoma International Airport
Tacoma commercial aviation information, passenger services, parking and transportation 17801 International Blvd. Seattle
Tacoma Art Museum
Exhibitions, collections, programs and events 1701 Pacific Avenue Tacoma WA 98402 Phone: (253) 272-4258
Tacoma, U.S. Census Bureau
Population and demographic information Tacoma WA 98402
Tacoma 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 Pierce County, Washington
Search public records in neighboring cities within the same county:
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I register to vote in Tacoma, Washington?
To register to vote in Tacoma, Washington, residents can register online through the Washington Secretary of State's website, by mail, or in person at the Pierce 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 Tacoma, contact the Pierce County Clerk's office for schedules and ballot information.
How do I look up property records in Tacoma, Washington?
Property records for Tacoma, Washington are maintained by the Pierce County Assessor's Office and the Pierce County Auditor. The Assessor's Office is responsible for discovering, listing, and valuing all taxable property within Pierce County, including parcels in Tacoma. Records available include property ownership, assessed values, legal descriptions, parcel maps, and tax history. The Pierce County Auditor maintains recorded documents including deeds, mortgages, liens, and easements. Many Washington counties provide online property record searches through their county websites. The Pierce County Treasurer handles property tax payments and tax sale information.
How do I get a birth or death certificate in Tacoma, Washington?
Birth, death, and marriage records for Tacoma, 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 Pierce County Clerk's office issues marriage licenses and maintains marriage records for Pierce 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.