Walla County

Walla Walla County is located in the southeastern corner of Washington State, bordering Oregon to the south and Columbia County to the north. Walla Walla County seat is the City of Walla Walla, a historic community known for its wine industry, sweet onions, and educational institutions including Whitman College and Walla Walla University. Established in 1854, Walla Walla County covers approximately 1,299 square miles and has a population of around 62,000 residents as of recent estimates. Walla Walla County's scene transitions from the fertile agricultural valleys near Walla Walla County River to the rolling hills of the Blue Mountains to the east. Major landmarks include the historic downtown Walla Walla County, Fort Walla Walla County Museum, Whitman Mission National Historic Site commemorating Marcus and Narcissa Whitman, and the Washington State Penitentiary. Walla Walla County is renowned for its thriving wine industry with over 120 wineries in Walla Walla County Valley AVA. County government offices include Walla Walla County Recorder located at 315 West Main Street, Walla Walla County, WA 99362, the County Clerk at the same address within the County Courthouse, and Walla Walla County Assessor's Office at 315 West Main Street. Walla Walla County's economy historically centered on agriculture, particularly wheat farming and the famous Walla Walla area Sweet Onions, but has diversified significantly with viticulture, food processing, and tourism. Walla Walla County's rich Native American heritage, particularly of the Cayuse, Umatilla, and Walla Walla County tribes, predates European settlement and continues to influence Walla Walla County's cultural identity.

The Walla Walla County Superior Court serves Walla Walla County and is located at 315 W Main St. The court handles civil, criminal, family, and probate cases for the region. Court records and case filings can be requested in person or through the Washington online court portal.

The Walla Walla County Superior Court, located at 315 W Main St, is important in this process, handling civil, criminal, family, and probate cases.

Law Enforcement & Arrests

• Under Washington's Public Records Act (RCW 42.56), arrest records and booking information are generally public records that can be requested from the arresting agency.
• Mugshots and booking photos are typically included in jail booking records and can be viewed through the online jail roster or requested as part of a formal public records request.
• Processing fees may apply for extensive requests or for copies of documents.
• Washington law requires agencies to respond to public records requests within five business days, either providing the records, providing a timeline for production, or denying the request with legal justification.

Jail & Inmate Records

• The bond and bail process in Washington allows for the posting of bail through cash, bond, or property, and information on recently arrested individuals can be obtained through the jail's administrative office.

• Case searches can be conducted online through the Washington Courts website using the statewide case search portal, though some records require in-person or written requests to the Clerk's Office.
• Fees for court records include $5.00 per page for uncertified copies and $6.00 for the first page of certified copies plus $1.00 for each additional page, though fees are subject to change.

• Recording fees vary by document type but generally include a base fee plus per-page charges as established by Washington statute RCW 36.18.010.
• Certified copies of recorded documents can be obtained from the Auditor's Office for a statutory fee, typically $6.00 for the first page and $1.00 for each additional page of the same document.

Vital records for this county include birth, death, marriage, and divorce certificates issued under state vital statistics law.

• Processing time is typically 4-6 weeks for mail requests, though expedited service is available for an additional fee.
• Online ordering is available through the VitalChek service at doh.wa.gov/LicensesPermitsandCertificates/BirthDeathMarriageandDivorce, with additional processing fees.
• Couples must apply in person, provide valid identification, and pay the marriage license fee of approximately $64.00 (subject to change).
• Marriage certificates documenting completed marriages are filed with the Auditor and can be obtained for $10.00 per certified copy.