Records and Licensing Services Division (RALS)

The Records and Licensing Services Division (RALS) is a division of the Department of Executive Services.

RALS is tasked with:

• Recording documents related to real property sales and other transactions and making them accessible for members of the public, businesses, and other government agencies
• Collecting and dispersing real estate excise tax payments on the conveyance of real property in King County
• Providing licensing and information services and promoting public safety by administering and enforcing vehicle and vessel licensing and taxi and transportation network company (TNC) regulations
• Providing internal mail services and physical and electronic records management services to all county agencies
• Providing animal care and control services for the protection of property, human health, and safety and promoting responsible pet ownership and animal welfare through education and licensing programs via public and private sector partnerships

RALS operates within a statutory framework that is prescribed by state law and county code. Many of the services administered by the division are mandated by state law, and are provided in King County on a regional basis across jurisdictional boundaries. RALS also provides certain local services to unincorporated King County and by contract with many local municipalities throughout King County. In addition, RALS is responsible for providing internal services that are necessary for purposes of business efficiency and meeting various legal responsibilities.