About University Place — In Depth
Jail & Inmate Records
The Pierce County Jail in Tacoma is the main detention facility for Pierce County. Upon arrival, individuals go through booking that includes photographing and fingerprinting. The sheriff's office provides an online inmate lookup tool where the public can access current inmate information, 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 or by working with a bail bondsman, following Washington's established bail procedures.
Arrest Records
Arrest records throughout Pierce County are kept by the Pierce County Sheriff's Department and local police departments serving their jurisdictions. Residents and attorneys seeking these records must submit a formal request to the appropriate law enforcement agency under the Washington Public Records Act. Each arrest record contains the individual's personal information, the charges filed, and details about the arresting officer. This system maintains transparency and accountability in how law enforcement operates across Pierce County.
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
The Washington State Department of Health's Vital Records office serves University Place residents by providing access to birth certificates, death records, and marriage licenses. Individuals in need of these important documents can submit requests online or by mail to the Vital Records office in Olympia. The University Place City Clerk's office also maintains some local vital records and can assist community members with obtaining copies or verifying information.
Business & Licensing Records
Business owners and entrepreneurs in University Place find essential resources at the City Clerk's office, which processes business licensing, zoning approvals, and various permits. The Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber of Commerce is a central hub for the local business community, offering networking opportunities, advocacy, and support services. Those launching or expanding a business in the area can consult the city's Planning and Community Development Department for guidance on regulatory requirements and procedures.
Economy & Demographics
University Place's economy is anchored by a diverse mix of industries, including retail, healthcare, and education. Major employers in the area include the MultiCare Health System, which operates a medical center in the city, and the University of Washington Tacoma campus, which draws students and staff to the region. The city's thriving commercial districts, such as the University Place Town Center, also contribute to a local economy, offering ample opportunities for entrepreneurship and job creation.
Elections & Voter Records
The Pierce County Auditor's Office, Elections Division handles all election administration for University Place voters from its office 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 voting state, delivering ballots to every registered voter approximately 18 days before each election. Registration happens online through the Washington Secretary of State at https://voter.votewa.gov or via paper forms available at libraries, government offices, and the Elections Division.
Online and mail registration must be completed at least 8 days before Election Day, though in-person registration remains available through Election Day itself. A valid Washington State driver's license or ID number is required for online registration. The city holds municipal elections in odd-numbered years for its seven-member City Council, from which the Mayor is selected. The next municipal general election falls on November 4, 2025, with primaries scheduled for August if necessary. Council members serve staggered four-year terms. Candidate filings, local ballot measures, and voter pamphlets appear on the Pierce County Elections website. While all voters receive mail ballots, accessible voting locations can be found through the VoteWA portal at https://voter.votewa.gov, which also allows ballot tracking. Washington's public disclosure laws open extensive election records to public view: voter registration lists (excluding birth dates and phone numbers) are available for purchase, campaign finance reports can be searched at the Public Disclosure Commission website (www.pdc.wa.gov), candidate declarations are public at the Elections office, and precinct-level results appear online after each election.Current federal, state, and local election schedules, ballot contests, candidate filings, and certified results for University voters are published by the Washington Secretary of State Elections (https://www.sos.wa.gov/elections). Mail-in ballots must carry an Election Day postmark or be deposited in official ballot drop boxes by 8:00 PM on Election Day. Pierce County operates over 30 ballot drop box locations throughout Pierce County, including boxes in the community. Voters can request replacement ballots online or by phone up to the day before Election Day, and the VoteWA system sends email or text notifications when ballots are mailed, received, and counted.
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
University Place Washington Archives and Genealogy
Washington State Archives genealogy and historical records for University Place.
University Place Washington Bankruptcy Court
US Bankruptcy Court Western District of Washington for University Place.
University Place Washington Vital Records
Washington Department of Health vital records for University Place.
University Place Washington Inmate Search
Washington Department of Corrections offender search for University Place.
University Place Washington Missing Persons
Washington State Patrol missing persons for University Place.
University Place Washington Most Wanted
Washington State Patrol most wanted for University Place.
University Place Washington Sex Offender Registry
Washington State sex offender inquiry for University Place.
University Place Washington Criminal History Records
Washington State Patrol criminal history records for University Place.
City of University Place
Directory of University Place city records and information 3715 Bridgeport Way West, Suite B-1 University Place, WA 9846
University Place City Clerk
Essential records, disclosure requests and electronic records access 3715 Bridgeport Way West University Place WA 98466
University Place Police Department
Law enforcement services and crime prevention 3631 Drexler Drive West University Place WA 98466 Phone: (253) 798-3205
University Place Fire Department
Fire prevention, rescue and emergency services, fire code permits 3631 Drexler Drive West University Place WA 98466 Phon
University Place Planning and Community Development Department
Zoning and code information, contractor, builder permits, inspections 3715 Bridgeport Way West University Place WA 9846
University Place Library
Access libraries services, reference materials, research assistance, books 7315 27th Street West University Place WA 984
Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber
University Place businesses directory and economic development 950 Pacific Avenue P.O. Box 1933 98401 Tacoma WA 98402 Ph
University Place, U.S. Census Bureau
Population and demographic information University Place WA 98466
University Place 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 University Place, Washington?
To register to vote in University Place, 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 University Place, contact the Pierce County Clerk's office for schedules and ballot information.
How do I look up property records in University Place, Washington?
Property records for University Place, 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 University Place. 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 University Place, Washington?
Birth, death, and marriage records for University Place, 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.