Washington Background Checks

Washington Criminal Records

To research Washington criminal records, begin your search with the Washington State Patrol, which maintains criminal history record information. You can access this information via the Washington Access To Criminal History (WATCH). The WATCH system requires a credit card or a pre-established account.

There is a $10 fee for each search completed on the system. Alternatively, you can fill out a Washington criminal records request and mail or fax the form in for a fee of $17. Fingerprint searches cost $26. If you need the Washington criminal records notarized, there is an additional $5 charge.

The information furnished by the WATCH system is based on name and/or description only. The only way to get a positive identification for Washington criminal records is through fingerprint identification. The general public is limited to conviction information only. You will be able to see pending arrest offenses less than a year old, as well as whether or not the offender is a registered sex offender or kidnapper. Written responses will take 7 to 14 business days to return.

To request criminal records online do the following:

Step 1: Visit the WATCH webpage. Click Here.
Step 2: Create an account in order to run a search.
Step 3: Enter your credit card information to cover the $10 processing fee.

To request criminal records by mail do the following:

Step 1: Fill out the Request for Conviction Criminal History Record form. Click Here.
Step 2: Include payment. There is a $17 processing fee for standard record search requests. For a fingerprint search the fee is $26.
Step 3: Mail the completed application and payment to the address indicated on the form.

For more information regarding accessing Washington criminal records, you can contact the office using the information below:

Identification and Criminal History Section
Washington State Patrol
P.O. Box 42633
Olympia, WA 98504
(360) 534-2000

Resource Links
Washington Criminal History Records
Request Form

Washington Court Records

To access Washington court records while you are conducting a Washington background check, contact the Washington court system. The court system maintains an online database that allows you to search for public Washington court records. You have the option to search by case number, person name, or business name. Your results will include a case summary, calendar information, and docket of case activities. Keep in mind that not all records may be accessible due to privacy laws.

To search for court records online do the following:

Step 1: Visit the Washington Search For A Case webpage. Click Here.
Step 2: Search by Court Date, Case, or attorney.
Step 3: Fill out all required information fields and click “Submit” to view all available results.

If you need additional information regarding Washington court records, then you can contact the office using the information below:

Administrative Office of the Courts Administrative Office
1206 Quince St. SE
P.O. Box 44170
Olympia, WA 98504
360-753-3365

Resource Links
Washington Court Case Search

Washington Jail Records

If you are seeking Washington jail records, the Washington Department of Corrections is an excellent resource that maintains inmate information. You can search online for offenders using either their DOC number or last name. Information is updated nightly, and while it is believed to be accurate, there is no guarantee that all information is current. Information that is available include name, age, date of birth, date of commitment and release, DOC number, facility assignment, mandatory release date, parole date, and more.

To search for jail records online do the following:

Step 1: Visit the Washington Inmate Search webpage. Click Here.
Step 2: Enter the offender’s DOC number or Last Name.
Step 3: Click “Submit” to view all available results.

For more information regarding accessing Washington jail records, you can contact the office using the information listed below:

Washington Department of Corrections
P.O. Box 41100, Mail Stop 41100
Olympia, Washington 98504
(360) 725-8213

Resource Links
Washington Offender Search

Washington Driving Records

The Washington State Department of Licensing can help you access your own Washington driving records. You will be required to fill out a Driving Record Request. You can then either mail in the form to the Department of Licensing or stop in person at a driver licensing office. You will need your photo ID, and there is a $10 fee to access the records. Fees are non-refundable and can be paid by check or money order when ordering Washington driving records by mail, or by cash, check, or money order when ordering them in person.

Because Washington driving records contain confidential information, only select people can order another person’s record. This includes attorneys, government agencies, employers and prospective employers, school districts, and volunteer organizations. These organizations are required to submit the same request form signed by the driver, and all organizations except law enforcement agencies will need to include the $10 fee when submitting a request. Specific requirements for each type of organization are listed online.

If you need additional information regarding accessing Washington driving records, then you can contact the office using the information listed below:

Driver Records
Department of Licensing
P.O. Box 9048
Olympia, WA 98507
(360) 902-3900

Resource Links
Washington Driving Record Information

Additional Resources

Washington Sexual Offender Registry
Washington Attorney General