King County Court Records Search
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King County is the most populous county in Washington State, encompassing Seattle and dozens of surrounding cities from Bellevue and Kent to Shoreline and Auburn. The county’s court system is correspondingly large, comprising the King County Superior Court, the King County District Court, and more than a dozen municipal courts operating across the region. Each court tier handles distinct categories of cases and maintains its own records, with the Superior Court Clerk’s Office serving as the primary custodian for all Superior Court files and the District Court Clerk managing records for cases heard at the district level.
Court records throughout Washington can be located using official clerk offices, public access terminals at courthouses, and online search tools provided by the courts themselves. The Washington State courts website, accessible through WashingtonStateCourts.us, offers a statewide case search engine and court directory that can point users to case information filed in municipal, district, superior, and appellate courts. For King County specifically, the Superior Court and District Court each operate dedicated online portals that provide direct access to case docket data, filings, and document images.
How to Look Up a Court Case in King County?
King County offers several methods for locating court case information, with the approach depending on which court handled the matter and whether the user needs basic docket data or copies of filed documents.
Superior Court Case Search
The KC Script Portal is the primary tool for searching King County Superior Court records. The portal provides four separate search functions: Criminal Case Search, Civil Case Search, Family/Domestic Case Search, and Probate/Guardianship Search. Users can query by case number, party name, or filing date. Viewing basic case information is free. To request copies of documents, users must create a portal account. Completed records requests remain available for download for 14 calendar days after fulfillment.
District Court Case Search
King County District Court records are accessible through the e-Filing/Case Access Portal. Users must register an account and request a token by calling (206) 205-9200 before they can access documents. Searches can be conducted by case number or party name.
Statewide Case Search
The Washington Courts case search tool covers cases filed across all court levels in the state. For King County cases specifically, the tool directs users to the county’s own portals for the most current information.
In-Person Access
Walk-in visitors can view court records at no charge at any Superior Court Clerk’s Office location during regular business hours (Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM, with limited services from 8:30–9:00 AM and 12:15–1:15 PM). The two primary courthouse locations are:
King County Courthouse (Seattle)
Address: 516 Third Avenue, Room E-609
Seattle, WA 98104
Phone: (206) 296-9300
Maleng Regional Justice Center (Kent)
Address: 401 Fourth Avenue North, Room 2C
Kent, WA 98032
Phone: (206) 296-9300
For questions about records access, the Clerk’s Office can also be reached by email at clerksofficecustomerservice@kingcounty.gov or through live chat during business hours.
Superior Court Copy Fees
| Fee Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| Non-certified copy | $0.50 per page |
| Certified copy | $5.00 first page, $1.00 each additional |
| Exemplified copy | $9.00 first page, $1.00 each additional |
| Additional seal | $2.00 per seal |
| Expedited processing | $40.00 per case |
| Shipping and handling | $10.00 ($7.00 handling + $3.00 postage) |
Standard requests are completed within five business days. Expedited requests are fulfilled within one business day. Fee waivers can be requested directly through the KC Script Portal by qualified individuals.
District Court Copy Fees
- Certified record: $5.00 for the first page, $1.00 for each additional page
- Non-certified copy: $0.25 per page
- CD reproduction: $10.00 per CD
- Exemplified certified copy: starts at $7.00
District Court records can also be requested by completing the Request for Court Records form and emailing it to kcdc.webmaster@kingcounty.gov.
Are Court Records Public in King County?
Court records in King County are presumed open to public inspection under the Washington Public Records Act (RCW 42.56). This statute requires government agencies, including courts, to make records available for inspection and copying unless a specific exemption applies under federal law, state law, court rule, or court order.
Washington courts also operate under General Rule (GR) 31, which governs public access to court records specifically and distinguishes between case records and administrative records. The King County District Court processes administrative records requests under GR 31.1 and its own internal policy.
Several categories of records are sealed or confidential by statute and cannot be accessed by the general public:
- Adoption records — Sealed under RCW 26.33.330
- Paternity records — Sealed under RCW 26.26A.500(2), except for final orders
- Mental illness commitment records — Sealed under RCW 71.05.620
- Juvenile dependency records — Including At-Risk Youth, CHINS, and dependency matters, sealed under RCW 13.50.100
- Confidential name changes — Sealed under RCW 4.24.130(5)
- Alcohol and drug treatment commitment records — Restricted by statute
- Records sealed by judicial order — Any case or document sealed by a specific court order
Eligible parties who need access to sealed or confidential records must verify their identity in person at a Clerk’s Office location or through a virtual meeting arranged via the KC Script Portal. Acceptable identification includes a current government-issued ID or passport. Sealed documents cannot be mailed without a court order. Some records carry enhanced sealing, requiring separate access authorization for each individual document even after the user has been granted access to the broader case file.
King County Criminal Court Records
Criminal cases in King County are divided between the Superior Court and the District Court based on severity. The Superior Court’s Criminal Department handles all adult felony prosecutions, while the District Court adjudicates misdemeanors, gross misdemeanors, and infractions. Municipal courts throughout the county handle city-level criminal offenses and traffic infractions within their respective jurisdictions.
Searching Criminal Court Records
Superior Court criminal case records are searchable through the KC Script Portal using the Criminal Case Search function. District Court criminal records can be searched through the e-Filing/Case Access Portal. Both portals allow searches by defendant name or case number.
Copies of criminal case documents follow the standard fee schedules listed above. In-person viewing at either the Seattle or Kent courthouse locations is free during business hours.
Statewide Criminal History Checks
For criminal background information beyond what appears in King County court dockets, the Washington State Patrol operates the WATCH system (Washington Access to Criminal History). WATCH provides name-based searches of statewide conviction records for a fee of $11.00 per search, payable by credit or debit card.
For more comprehensive checks, the WSP Identification and Background Check Section accepts mail requests using the Request for Conviction Criminal History form. The mail-based name search costs $32.00. Fingerprint-based searches cost $58.00. A notarized letter can be added for an additional $10.00. Payments must be by check, money order, or completed Bankcard Authorization form. Mail requests should be sent to:
Washington State Patrol
Identification and Background Check Section
P.O. Box 42633
Olympia, WA 98504-2633
In-person requests are accepted at the WSP office at 106 11th Avenue SW, Suite 1300, Olympia, WA 98501.
Sheriff’s Office Records
The King County Sheriff’s Office maintains incident reports, arrest records, and other law enforcement documentation for unincorporated King County and its contract cities. Records requests can be submitted online through the Sheriff’s Office website or by completing the PDR request form and mailing it in. Records may also be inspected at no charge in person. The Sheriff’s Office processes requests under RCW 42.56 and charges $30 per hour for administrative records that require more than one hour of staff time.
King County Civil Court Records
Civil litigation in King County is split between the Superior Court and the District Court based on the amount in controversy and the type of relief sought. The Superior Court’s Civil Department has general jurisdiction over all civil matters, while the District Court handles civil cases where the claim does not exceed $100,000 per claimant. The District Court also adjudicates small claims (up to $10,000), evictions, name changes, and nuisance violations.
Accessing Civil Case Records
- Superior Court civil records — Search through the KC Script Portal using the Civil Case Search function. Enter a party name, case number, or filing date. Document copies can be requested through the portal for the standard copy fees.
- District Court civil records — Search through the e-Filing/Case Access Portal by case number or party name. Copies can also be requested by emailing the completed Request for Court Records form to kcdc.webmaster@kingcounty.gov. In-person access is available at all nine District Court locations during regular hours (Monday–Friday, 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM).
- Small claims records — Maintained by the District Court at the location where the case was filed.
District Court Locations
| Location | Address | Phone | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Auburn | 340 E Main St 101, Auburn, WA 98002 | (206) 205-9200 | auburn.kcdc@kingcounty.gov |
| Bellevue | 1309 114th Ave SE, Suite 100, Bellevue, WA 98004 | (206) 205-9200 | bellevue.kcdc@kingcounty.gov |
| Burien | 601 SW 149th St, Burien, WA 98166 | (206) 205-9200 | burien.kcdc@kingcounty.gov |
| Issaquah | 5415 220th Ave SE, Issaquah, WA 98029 | (206) 205-9200 | issaquah.kcdc@kingcounty.gov |
| Kent (MRJC) | 401 4th Ave N, Kent, WA 98032 | (206) 205-9200 | dcrjc.kcdc@kingcounty.gov |
| Redmond | 8601 160th Ave NE, Redmond, WA 98052 | (206) 205-9200 | redmond.kcdc@kingcounty.gov |
| Seattle | 516 Third Ave, Room E-327, Seattle, WA 98104 | (206) 205-9200 | seattle.kcdc@kingcounty.gov |
| Shoreline | 18050 Meridian Ave N, Shoreline, WA 98133 | (206) 205-9200 | shoreline.kcdc@kingcounty.gov |
| Vashon | 10011 SW Bank Road, Vashon, WA 98070 | (206) 205-9200 | burien.kcdc@kingcounty.gov |
Property and Recorded Document Searches
Real estate deeds, mortgages, liens, plats, and surveys are filed with the King County Recorder’s Office and can be searched through the online records search portal. Documents recorded since August 1, 1991 are generally available online. Unofficial copies of documents recorded since 1976 can be viewed; certified copies are available for records after August 1991. Copy fees for recorded documents are $3.00 for the first page and $1.00 for each additional page (certified), or $1.00 per page (uncertified). Staff search fees are $8.00 per hour. The Recorder’s Office is located at:
King Street Center
201 South Jackson Street, Suite 204
Seattle, WA 98104
Phone: (206) 477-6620 (Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM)
Email: KCROCust@kingcounty.gov
King County Family Court Records
Family law matters in King County are primarily handled by the King County Superior Court, which has jurisdiction over dissolutions of marriage, child custody and parenting plan disputes, child support, parentage actions, adoptions, and domestic violence protection orders. The District Court has limited jurisdiction over domestic violence protection orders only. Family cases involving children may be assigned to the Patricia H. Clark Children and Family Justice Center at 1211 East Alder, Seattle, WA 98122.
Accessing Family Court Records
Family case docket information can be searched through the KC Script Portal using the Family/Domestic Case Search function, which allows queries by case number, party name, or filing date. Copies of family court documents can be requested through the portal or in person at either the Seattle or Kent courthouse.
Many family court records carry access restrictions. Adoption files are sealed under RCW 26.33.330. Paternity records are confidential under RCW 26.26A.500(2), with the exception of final orders. Juvenile dependency, at-risk youth, and CHINS records are sealed under RCW 13.50.100. To view sealed family court records, eligible parties must verify their identity with a government-issued photo ID at a courthouse or through a virtual appointment arranged via the KC Script Portal.
Marriage Records
Marriage licenses in King County are issued by the Recorder’s Office. Certified copies of marriage records can be obtained by phone at (206) 477-6620 (Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM), by mail using the Copy Request Form, or in person at the King Street Center. Certified copies cost $3.00 for the first page and $1.00 for each additional page. Phone orders can be paid by credit or debit card. Mail payments must be by personal check, money order, or cashier’s check payable to King County Recorder.
Marriage records before 1991 can be viewed through the Washington State Digital Archives under the “Detailed Search” area by selecting marriage records and searching by name or year.
Divorce Records
Dissolution of marriage records are maintained by the Superior Court Clerk. These can be searched through the KC Script Portal’s Family/Domestic Case Search by case number, party name, or filing date. In-person requests are accepted at either courthouse location during regular business hours.
Birth and Death Records
Birth and death certificates are issued by Public Health – Seattle & King County. Each certificate costs $25.00. Only the record subject (for birth certificates) and qualified applicants — including spouses, parents, children, siblings, grandparents, legal guardians, and authorized legal representatives — may obtain copies. Requesters must provide documentation proving eligibility and identity.
Ordering options include:
- Online/phone — Through VitalChek at (888) 273-4623; each certificate is $25 plus agency fees ($6.00) and a handling fee ($11.50); processing takes 4–5 business days
- Mail — Download the birth certificate order form or death certificate order form; include a $4.00 mail processing fee; pay by check or money order; birth certificates take 3–4 weeks, death certificates 2–3 weeks
- In person — Visit the Vital Records Office lobby (Monday–Friday, 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM; opens at 9:00 AM the first Wednesday of each month); use the VitalChek kiosk; the in-person fee is $28.50, and certificates are typically issued within 10–15 minutes
Historical birth and death records are also available through the Washington State Digital Archives or by contacting the King County Archives at (206) 263-2480 or archives@kingcounty.gov.
King County Probate Court Records
Probate and guardianship matters in King County are adjudicated by the King County Superior Court. The Ex Parte & Probate Department handles estate administration, wills, trusts, conservatorships, guardianships, and related proceedings. The department can be reached at (206) 477-2517.
Searching Probate Records
The KC Script Portal includes a dedicated Probate/Guardianship Search function accessible from the case search page. Users can search by case number, decedent or ward name, or filing date. Basic docket information is viewable without an account, but requesting copies of documents requires account registration and payment of the standard Superior Court copy fees.
Requesting Probate Documents
Copies of probate filings can be obtained through the KC Script Portal or in person at the Seattle or Kent courthouse. Standard processing takes five business days; expedited processing ($40 per case) is completed within one business day. The same per-page copy fees that apply to all Superior Court records apply to probate documents.
In-Person Access
Probate case files can be reviewed at no cost at either courthouse location during regular hours (8:30 AM – 4:30 PM, Monday through Friday). The Clerk’s Office staff at both locations can assist with locating files. For probate-specific questions, the Clerk’s Office customer service line is (206) 296-9300.
Guardianship Records
Guardianship and conservatorship cases are searchable through the same Probate/Guardianship portal. Certain guardianship records that involve protected health information or sealed proceedings by court order may have restricted access, requiring identity verification and proof of authorization to view.
Municipal Courts
King County is also home to numerous municipal courts that handle city ordinance violations, traffic infractions, and misdemeanors within their jurisdictions. These courts maintain their own case records independently. For records from a specific municipal court, contact that court directly. Major municipal courts in the county include the Seattle Municipal Court at 600 5th Avenue, Seattle, WA 98104, Phone: (206) 684-5600, and the Kent Municipal Court at 1220 Central Avenue South, Kent, WA 98032, Phone: (253) 856-5730, among others. Each municipal court sets its own procedures for records access and copy fees.