Snohomish County Public Records
What Are Public Records in Snohomish County?
Public records in Snohomish County are defined under the Washington State Public Records Act (PRA), specifically RCW § 42.56.010, as any writing containing information relating to the conduct of government or the performance of any governmental or proprietary function prepared, owned, used, or retained by any state or local agency regardless of physical form or characteristics. Snohomish County maintains a comprehensive collection of public records that document county operations, property ownership, legal proceedings, and other official activities.
The following categories of public records are maintained by various Snohomish County departments:
- Court Records: Civil, criminal, probate, family court cases, and court dockets maintained by the Snohomish County Superior Court and Snohomish County District Court
- Property Records: Deeds, mortgages, liens, easements, plat maps, and property assessments maintained by the Snohomish County Auditor's Office and Assessor's Office
- Vital Records: Birth certificates (from 1907), death certificates (from 1891), marriage licenses (from 1891), and divorce decrees maintained by the Snohomish County Auditor's Office
- Business Records: Business licenses, permits, and fictitious business name statements maintained by the Snohomish County Auditor's Office and Planning and Development Services
- Tax Records: Property tax assessments, tax rolls, and payment records maintained by the Snohomish County Treasurer's Office and Assessor's Office
- Voting and Election Records: Voter registration data, election results, and campaign finance reports maintained by the Snohomish County Auditor's Office
- Meeting Minutes and Agendas: County Council meetings, board meetings, and commission proceedings maintained by the Snohomish County Clerk's Office
- Budget and Financial Documents: County budgets, expenditure reports, and financial statements maintained by the Snohomish County Finance Department
- Law Enforcement Records: Arrest logs, incident reports (where permitted by law), and jail records maintained by the Snohomish County Sheriff's Office
- Land Use and Zoning Records: Building permits, zoning maps, and land use applications maintained by Snohomish County Planning and Development Services
The Snohomish County Public Records Portal serves as the central access point for requesting many types of county records.
Is Snohomish County an Open Records County?
Snohomish County fully complies with the Washington State Public Records Act (PRA), RCW § 42.56, which establishes the framework for public access to government records throughout Washington State. Under RCW § 42.56.070(1), the statute explicitly states that "each agency shall make available for public inspection and copying all public records" unless specifically exempted by law.
The Washington PRA embodies the principle that "the people of this state do not yield their sovereignty to the agencies that serve them" and that "the people insist on remaining informed so that they may maintain control over the instruments that they have created" (RCW § 42.56.030). This foundational principle guides Snohomish County's approach to records management and disclosure.
Snohomish County has established comprehensive public records policies that implement state requirements while addressing county-specific procedures. County Ordinance No. 07-087 formally adopts these policies and procedures for handling public records requests in accordance with state law.
The county also complies with Washington's Open Public Meetings Act (RCW § 42.30), which requires that meetings of governing bodies be open to the public, with limited exceptions. This "sunshine law" works in conjunction with the PRA to ensure transparency in government operations.
Snohomish County's commitment to open records is further demonstrated through its implementation of an online Public Records Request Portal, which facilitates the submission and tracking of records requests.
How to Find Public Records in Snohomish County in 2026
Members of the public seeking records from Snohomish County may utilize several methods to locate and obtain the information they need:
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Online Public Records Portal: The most efficient method for requesting most county records is through the Snohomish County Public Records Portal. This centralized system allows requestors to:
- Submit detailed requests
- Track the status of pending requests
- Receive electronic copies of responsive records
- Communicate with records officers
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Online Searchable Databases: Certain records are directly accessible through specialized online systems:
- Property records can be searched through the Snohomish County Recorded Documents Search
- Court records are available through the Washington Courts Records Portal
- Property assessment and tax information can be accessed via the Snohomish County Property Search
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In-Person Requests: Individuals may visit the appropriate county department during regular business hours to inspect or request records:
- For recorded documents: Visit the Snohomish County Auditor's Office
- For court records: Visit the Snohomish County Clerk's Office or appropriate court
- For property tax records: Visit the Treasurer's or Assessor's Office
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Written Requests: Written public records requests may be submitted using the county's standard request form or by letter containing:
- Requestor's name and contact information
- Date of request
- Clear description of the records sought
- Preferred method of receiving records
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Telephone Requests: For assistance with locating specific records, individuals may contact the Snohomish County Public Records Officer at 425-388-3483.
When requesting records, it is advisable to be as specific as possible about the information sought, including relevant dates, names, addresses, or file numbers if known. This specificity helps county staff locate responsive records efficiently.
How Much Does It Cost to Get Public Records in Snohomish County?
Snohomish County assesses fees for public records in accordance with RCW § 42.56.120, which authorizes agencies to charge for the actual costs of providing copies of records. The current fee structure for Snohomish County public records is as follows:
Standard Copy Fees:
- Paper copies: $0.15 per page (8.5" x 11" black and white)
- Paper copies (color): $0.30 per page
- Scanned documents (converting paper to electronic format): $0.10 per page
- Electronic files or attachments uploaded to email or cloud storage: $0.05 per 4 electronic files
- Electronic transmission of records: $0.10 per gigabyte
- CD/DVD: $1.00 per disc
- USB drive: Actual cost (typically $10-15)
- Postage/delivery: Actual cost of mailing or shipping
Specialized Record Fees:
- Recorded documents (deeds, mortgages, etc.): $3.00 for the first page and $1.00 for each additional page
- Certified copies of recorded documents: $5.00 additional certification fee
- Marriage licenses: $72.00
- Copies of birth certificates: $25.00 per copy
- Copies of death certificates: $25.00 per copy
Payment Methods Accepted:
- Cash (in-person only)
- Personal checks
- Money orders
- Credit/debit cards (subject to processing fees)
- Electronic payment through the online portal
The county may require advance payment of fees when the estimated cost exceeds $10.00. For large requests, the county may provide records in installments, with payment required for each installment before the next is provided.
Under RCW § 42.56.120(4), Snohomish County may waive fees when it determines that providing the records primarily benefits the public. Fee waiver requests must be submitted in writing with an explanation of the public benefit.
Does Snohomish County Have Free Public Records?
Snohomish County provides several options for accessing public records at no cost:
Free In-Person Inspection: Pursuant to RCW § 42.56.080, members of the public may inspect public records at no charge during normal business hours at the appropriate county office. The county will provide a suitable space for inspection and reasonable time for the review of documents. While inspection is free, any requested copies of inspected documents are subject to the standard copy fees.
Free Online Resources: Snohomish County maintains several free online databases and resources:
- Snohomish County Property Information - Basic property assessment information, ownership details, and tax status
- Snohomish County GIS Portal - Geographic information system maps showing parcel boundaries, zoning, and other land information
- Snohomish County Code - Complete county ordinances and regulations
- Snohomish County Council Agendas and Minutes - Records of council meetings and actions
- Snohomish County Budget Documents - Annual budgets and financial reports
Free Records by Category:
- Voter pamphlets and election results
- County ordinances and resolutions
- Public meeting notices, agendas, and minutes
- County plans and reports published for public information
- Press releases and public announcements
The Snohomish County Public Records Portal also provides free tracking and management of records requests, even though fees may apply to the actual records provided.
Who Can Request Public Records in Snohomish County?
Under the Washington Public Records Act (RCW § 42.56.080), any person may request public records from Snohomish County. The term "any person" is interpreted broadly and includes:
- Washington State residents
- Out-of-state residents
- Foreign nationals
- Organizations, businesses, and associations
- Government agencies
- Media representatives
- Incarcerated individuals (with certain limitations)
Requestors are not required to:
- Provide identification (except for certain restricted records)
- State the purpose of their request
- Explain why they want the records
- Create an account or register to make basic requests
However, for specific record types, additional requirements may apply:
Vital Records (Birth/Death Certificates):
- Must demonstrate "direct and tangible interest" per RCW § 70.58A.530
- Immediate family members, legal representatives, or those with court orders
- Proper identification required
Criminal History Records:
- Complete access limited to the subject of the records
- Third-party access may be restricted based on purpose
- Identification may be required
Medical Records:
- Access generally limited to the patient or authorized representative
- HIPAA authorization forms required for third-party requests
Juvenile Records:
- Access restrictions apply under RCW § 13.50.050
- Court order may be required for sealed records
When requesting your own records that contain personal information, identification is typically required to verify identity and prevent unauthorized disclosure of sensitive information. This may include government-issued photo ID or other verification methods.
Snohomish County processes all requests without discrimination based on the identity of the requestor, except where specifically authorized by law to make distinctions (such as for commercial use requests or requests from incarcerated individuals).
What Records Are Confidential in Snohomish County?
While Snohomish County strives for transparency, certain records are exempt from disclosure under Washington law. The Public Records Act (PRA) contains over 500 specific exemptions, with the primary categories outlined in RCW § 42.56.230 through RCW § 42.56.480. The following records are generally confidential:
Personal Privacy Information (RCW § 42.56.230):
- Social Security numbers
- Driver's license numbers
- Financial account information
- Personal contact information of government employees
- Personnel records containing personal information
- Personal information in files maintained for students
Law Enforcement Records (RCW § 42.56.240):
- Active investigation records that would hinder law enforcement
- Identity of witnesses and victims of crimes
- Sex offender information not subject to community notification
- Intelligence information related to terrorism or security threats
- 911 calls containing personal information of callers or witnesses
Health and Medical Records:
- Medical records protected under HIPAA
- Mental health treatment records
- Substance abuse treatment records
- Public health information identifying individuals
Juvenile Records (RCW § 13.50.050):
- Juvenile offender records (with exceptions)
- Child welfare and dependency records
- Records related to Child Protective Services investigations
Court Records:
- Sealed court records
- Adoption records
- Records sealed by court order
- Non-conviction criminal history after specified time periods
Business and Economic Information (RCW § 42.56.270):
- Trade secrets
- Proprietary financial information
- Valuable formulae and research data
- Commercial information provided in confidence
Security and Infrastructure Records (RCW § 42.56.420):
- Emergency response plans
- Vulnerability assessments
- Security system plans for public buildings
- Information about critical infrastructure
Attorney-Client Privileged Communications:
- Legal advice between county attorneys and officials
- Attorney work product prepared for litigation
When a record contains both exempt and non-exempt information, Snohomish County will redact (remove) only the exempt portions and provide the remainder of the record, as required by RCW § 42.56.210(1). The county must identify the specific exemption that applies to any withheld information and explain how it applies to the redacted content.
Snohomish County Recorder's Office: Contact Information and Hours
Snohomish County Auditor's Office - Recording Division
3000 Rockefeller Avenue, 1st Floor Administration Building West
Everett, WA 98201
425-388-3483
Snohomish County Auditor's Office
Public Counter Hours:
Monday - Friday: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Closed on weekends and county-observed holidays
Recording Services Available:
- Recording of deeds, mortgages, and other property documents
- Marriage licenses
- Certified copies of vital records (birth and death certificates)
- Military discharge recording
- UCC (Uniform Commercial Code) filings
- Document research assistance
Additional Contact Information:
Snohomish County Clerk's Office (Court Records)
3000 Rockefeller Avenue, 2nd Floor Mission Building
Everett, WA 98201
425-388-3466
Snohomish County Clerk's Office
Snohomish County Assessor's Office (Property Assessment Records)
3000 Rockefeller Avenue, 1st Floor Administration Building East
Everett, WA 98201
425-388-3433
Snohomish County Assessor's Office
Snohomish County Public Records Officer
3000 Rockefeller Avenue, 6th Floor Administration Building East
Everett, WA 98201
425-388-3481
Snohomish County Public Records
For assistance with locating specific records or determining which office maintains the records you seek, contact the Snohomish County Public Records Officer at 425-388-3481 or submit an inquiry through the Public Records Portal.