FAQ
Where can I go to get records or information directly?
Elections – search for Washington Voter Registration Database Extract, ballots delivered and returned, candidates, initiatives and referenda, Election Results (county and statewide, county elections offices, and elections-related Data and Research.
Corporations and Charities – search for a business, corporation, charity, or non-profit agency.
Archives – search for birth, death, and divorce records, census records, maps, military records, minutes and meetings records, land records, Oaths of Office, and naturalization records.
What are Public Records?
The Public Records Act (Chapter 42.56 RCW) is a Washington State law that allows you to review government records. Public records include documents in all formats, whether electronic or paper, that relate to government operations or conduct. Public records request is processed in accordance with (Chapter 44-14 WAC).
How do I request Public Records?
Request records online
The request must be for a specific identifiable record or series of records. The more precisely you identify the record you seek, the more efficient and effective we can be in locating and providing the appropriate documents. The requester must engage in communication with the Public Records Officer. Otherwise, the production of documents may be delayed or ultimately denied.
You can request all types of records by visiting the Public Records Request portal. The portal is a secure platform for:
● Requesting the records, you need.
● Getting updates about the status of your request.
● Easily accessing records once we've processed your request.
If you can't use the online portal, choose one of the options below.
Request records by mail
Public Records Office
PO BOX 40224
Olympia, WA 98504-0224
Phone: (360) 704-5220
Fax: (360) 704-7834
Email: publicrecords@sos.wa.gov
Fees: Please note that copying charges may apply. The Secretary of State's office reserves the right to charge for records in accordance with the sample fee schedule provided in (WAC 44-14-07001)
When will I receive a response to my Public Records request?
You'll get a reply by email or mail (depending on which option you chose) within 5 business days after we receive your request. The response might include the records you requested, but sometimes we'll do one of the following:
● Provide the records (or a link to the portion of our website that contains the records).
● We may request clarification.
● If the documents are not readily available, we will provide a reasonable estimate of time that it will take us to produce the records.
● For some large requests, we may have to produce the records on a partial or installment basis.
● We will also provide the estimated timeframes for each incremental delivery as we work through your request.
● We may redirect you to subject matter experts in a different state agency or public website.
● When legal exemptions apply, we may deny the request in whole or in part, either by withholding the requested records or redacting the documents.
What is an exemption or redaction?
An exemption refers to content within a public record, or possibly the entire record itself, which is protected by law and will not be disclosed. This protected content will be redacted, or blacked out, from the record. If the entire record is exempt, it will not be provided at all. In either case, the reason for the exemption will be provided along with the portion of law allowing its exemption.
Is my request confidential?
Specific details about a public records request, such as the date it was received, the date it was closed, the name and email address of the requestor, and the nature of the request itself, may be released upon request as part of a public records log.