FAQ

What types of records are not provided by the Secretary of State?

The Secretary of State is not responsible for such commonly requested records as certified birth, death and marriage certificates, police reports, investigations, arrests and body cam footage, wills, professional licenses, driver's licenses, sales and transfers of motor vehicles, court cases, case management files, citizenship documents, land use documents, inspections, or contracts between other agencies. We highly recommend you identify the agency most likely to hold these records.

Where can I 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 requests are processed in accordance with (Chapter 44-14 WAC).

A request for information, data, or lists is not a request for a public record. Also, state agencies are not required to create records that did exist at the time the request was submitted.

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 or phone

Public Records Office

PO BOX 40224

Olympia, WA 98504-0224

Phone: (360) 704-5220

Fax: (360) 704-7834

Email: publicrecords@sos.wa.gov

When will I receive a response to my Public Records request?

You will receive a reply by email or mail (depending on which option you chose) within 5 business days after receipt of your request. The response will include one of the following:

● A copy, or a link to a copy, of the records requested.

● A request for clarification to proceed with your request.

● A reasonable estimate of the time it will take to produce the records.

● A referral to another agency or website where the records are available.

● A denial of the request if the records are exempted from public disclosure under state law.

For some large requests, records may be provided in installments. With each installment we will provide an estimate of the time it will take to produce the next one.

Please note that requests are generally answered in the order in which they are received. While your request may appear to be simple and straightforward, we may need to work on requests received prior before we can focus on yours.

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.

Will I be charged a fee?

The Secretary of State's office is not currently charging a fee for paper or electronic records but reserves the right to do so in accordance with the sample fee schedule provided in (WAC 44-14-07001

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.