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King County Washington home

King County records and requests

Learn about the many types of records available across King County and how to access them, including public records requests.

King County maintains many records across many agencies. Most of these records are already available online.

Birth and death records

King County has birth records for all persons born in Washington state for births registered from 1907 to present.

Order a birth certificate

King County has death records for all people who:

  • Died in Seattle at anytime
  • Died in King County from 1944 to the present
  • Died in Washington from 2015 to the present

Order a death certificate

Changes to a birth or death record

Learn how to request changes to a birth or death certificate

Court records

District Court records

Most people seeking District Court records need court case records. These include: case files, case summary reports, and calendars. Use the e-Filing and Case Access portal to find case information on filed King County District Court (KCDC) civil, infraction and criminal cases.  

Superior Court records

The Superior Court Clerk’s Office maintains the official records of Superior Court cases. They also oversee all record-keeping pertaining to those court cases. 

These include:

  • Criminal
  • Civil
  • Family law
  • Adoptions
  • Juvenile offender
  • Adoptions
  • Paternity
  • Juvenile dependency
  • Confidential name changes
  • Civil protection orders

Records include any document, information and exhibits that are maintained by the court in connection with a Superior Court proceeding. Examples of court records are:

  • Case index
  • Calendars
  • Dockets
  • Orders
  • Decrees
  • Judgments
  • Exhibits
  • Minute entries in a court proceeding

  
Many court records, including documents and audio recordings, can be accessed online via the KC Script Portal.  Most all court records, including exhibits, are also available in person.  

 

Find recorded documents

Official documents filed with local government are called recorded documents.

Most recorded documents are related to property or land use, including:

  • Deeds
  • Easements
  • Mortgages
  • Leases
  • Liens
  • Plats
  • Surveys
  • Condominium records

Other commonly recorded documents include:

  • Military discharge papers (DD-214s)
  • Power of attorney records
  • Name changes
  • Marriage certificates
  • Death certificates

You can search most documents recorded on or after August 1, 1991 on our free online database.

King County Archives

King County Archives preserves and provides access to County government records of enduring historical value.

The Archives holds historical records created by King County government agencies, employees, and elected officials.

Records include:

  • County Council meeting minutes
  • County legislation and Executive Office policies
  • Elections results and precinct maps
  • Land use records including:
    • Land and road maps
    • Timber cruise reports
    • Aerial photographs
  • County Commissioners’ road records
  • Photographs, maps, and history files of County-owned parks and buildings
  • Records documenting the key functions of each department such as studies, reports, and correspondence. 

The Archives also provides access to real property recorded documents on microfilm that were recorded from 1853 to August 1, 1991, with the exception of plats and surveys.

Marriage certificates are not available through the Archives. 

Medical Examiner records

Autopsy and investigator reports

Family members of the deceased can request autopsy and/or investigator reports.

Decedents list

The King County Medical Examiner's Office investigates sudden, violent, unexpected, and suspicious deaths that happen in King County. They do not investigate every death.

They release a decedents list (once investigation is complete) on weekday afternoons (excluding holidays). Note that the office investigates sudden, violent, unexpected, and suspicious deaths that happen in King County. It does not investigate every death.

Public records requests

For public records not listed elsewhere on this page, you may submit a public records request via the Public Records Request Center. 

King County aims to promote public trust and government transparency through public disclosure. Under the Public Records Act, most records are available to the public for inspection and copying.

Learn more about submitting public records requests to specific King County agencies below: