Washington Criminal Records at a Glance
Washington criminal records are accessible through WATCH (Washington Access To Criminal History) operated by the Washington State Patrol. Online background checks cost $11 per name search ($15 for fingerprint). Results include conviction information, arrests less than one year old with pending dispositions, and registered sex/kidnap offender information. Court records are searc
1Washington Statewide Criminal Search Resources
Washington’s WATCH (Washington Access To Criminal History) system lets the public run a background check and receive results immediately online. Results include conviction information, recent arrests with pending dispositions, and registered sex and kidnap offender information.
- WATCH, Washington Access To Criminal Historywatch.wsp.wa.govOnline background check. $11 per name search. Includes convictions, recent arrests, and sex/kidnap offender info.
- WSP, Criminal Historywsp.wa.govWashington State Patrol criminal history portal. Run a background check and receive results immediately via WATCH.
- WATCH Help FAQswatch.wsp.wa.govFAQs including record review/challenge process. Contact Criminal History Records Section at (360) 534-2000 Option 5.
- WATCH Forms Directorywatch.wsp.wa.govCover letter, conviction criminal history request, child/adult abuse record search guidelines, and bank card authorization.
- WASPC, Sex Offender Informationwww.waspc.orgWashington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs registered sex offender information portal.
- WA DOC, Search Resourcesdoc.wa.govWashington Department of Corrections search resources including registered sex offender links and NSOPW.
- Washington VINELink, Victim Notificationvinelink.vineapps.comSearch offenders in Washington custody and register for automated victim notification.
2Federal & National Authoritative Sources
These federal and national sources complement Washington's state-level records. They are the authoritative sources you should cross-check when Washington state records are incomplete or out-of-state activity matters.
The Department of Justice's single national search across every state, territory, and tribal registry. Authoritative for offender status but does not include every historical conviction.
https://www.nsopw.gov/ (nsopw.gov)
How to request your own FBI rap sheet (CJIS Identity History Summary) under Title 28 CFR § 16.30, 16.34. $18 fee, fingerprint submission required.
https://www.fbi.gov/how-we-can-help-you/need-an-fbi-service-or-more-information/identity-history-summary-checks (fbi.gov)
The FBI's aggregate crime statistics program. Useful for context on offense frequency but not a record of individual persons.
https://ucr.fbi.gov/ (ucr.fbi.gov)
Washington Criminal Records, FAQ
Is there a single nationwide criminal record search?
No public one. The FBI's Interstate Identification Index (III) is nationwide but is only accessible to law enforcement agencies and approved employers under Public Law 92-544. Individuals can order their own rap sheet through the CJIS Identity History Summary service.
What is the difference between state and FBI record checks?
A state check searches one state's conviction database. The FBI III check searches every state that participates in III. Both are fingerprint-based.
Can arrests without conviction appear on a background check?
Yes, on some. State BCI responses vary, a few states return arrests without disposition for up to seven years, others redact non-conviction arrests. The FCRA (15 U.S.C. § 1681c) caps non-conviction arrests on consumer reports at 7 years.
How long does an expungement take?
It is a court process governed by state statute, typically 60 - 180 days from petition to order, plus another 60 - 90 days for agency updates.