Washington County

Washington County is located in the northeastern corner of Colorado, bordering both Kansas and Nebraska along the state's eastern plains. Washington County seat is Akron, a small agricultural community situated at the intersection of U.S. Highway 34 and State Highway 63. Established in 1887 and named after President George Washington, Washington County includes approximately 2,521 square miles of predominantly flat prairie grassland. As of the 2020 Census, Washington County has a population of approximately 4,817 residents, making it one of Colorado's least populous counties. The economy is dominated by dryland farming and ranching, with wheat, corn, and cattle production serving as primary industries. Washington County experiences a semi-arid climate with hot summers and cold winters typical of the High Plains. Washington County's major governmental offices are housed in Washington County Courthouse at 26861 Highway 34, Akron, CO 80720. Washington County Clerk & Recorder maintains vital records, election administration, and property recordings. Washington County Assessor's office, also located in the courthouse, handles property valuations and tax assessments. Historic landmarks include the original 1911 courthouse building and several century farms that have been in continuous family operation since homesteading days. The Arikaree River flows through the southern portion of Washington County, and Washington County played a role in the Plains Indian Wars of the 1860s. What makes Washington County unique is its vast open spaces, its position as one of Colorado's primary wheat-producing regions, and its close rural communities where agriculture remains the dominant way of life.

The Public records access in Washington County is streamlined through the Washington County Courthouse serves the area and handles civil, criminal, family, and probate cases. The courthouse is located in the county seat of this county. Court records and case filings can be requested in person or through the Colorado online court portal.

Public records access in Washington County is streamlined through the Washington County Courthouse, where civil, criminal, family, and probate cases are processed.

Law Enforcement & Arrests

• Processing fees may apply for copies and research time.

Jail & Inmate Records

• The bond process follows Colorado state guidelines, allowing for cash, surety, or property bonds to secure an inmate's release.

Mugshots & Booking Photos

• County Court handles misdemeanor criminal cases, traffic violations, civil cases under $25,000, small claims up to $7,500, protection orders, and preliminary hearings for felony cases.
• Copies of court documents can be requested from the Clerk of Court in Akron, with fees of $0.75 per page for standard copying.
• Certified copies cost an additional $20 per document.
• Some records may require an in-person visit or written request as not all historical documents have been digitized.
• Washington County Clerk of Court accepts requests by mail, in person, or by phone for record searches and document retrieval.

Property records, deeds, and land documents for this county are maintained by the County Clerk or Recorder of Deeds office. Public access includes deed searches, mortgage records, plat maps, and tax assessments.

• Fees for copies are established by state statute at $1.00 for the first page and $0.25 for each additional page, with certified copies requiring an additional $5.00 certification fee.
• The Assessor provides property characteristic data, ownership information, and assessed values for all real and personal property subject to taxation.
• Requesters should provide either a legal description or street address to help with searches.

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

• Certified birth certificates cost $20.00 for the first copy and $13.00 for each additional copy ordered simultaneously.
• Online ordering is available through VitalChek at www.colorado.gov/cdphe/vital records, though VitalChek charges additional processing fees.
• Processing time is typically 3-5 business days for mail requests and immediate for in-person requests in Denver or at the Vital Records office.
• Death certificates follow the same process and fee structure as birth certificates.
• The marriage license fee is approximately $30.00 and the license is valid for 35 days from issuance.

Business records, licenses, and permits for this county are processed by the County Clerk and local government offices.

• For formal business entity formation (corporations, limited liability companies, limited partnerships, etc.), businesses must register with the Colorado Secretary of State's Business Division.
• The Secretary of State maintains a full online database at www.sos.state.co.us/biz where anyyou can search for registered business entities, view filing history, registered agent information, and current status.