Records requests

Court case records

Most people seeking District Court records need these types of records. Court case records include: case files, case summary reports, calendars, and other records related to in-court proceedings.

You can get District Court case records in these ways:

• Online

  • Use the District Court e-filing/case access portal (available 24/7)
  • Register for a free e-filing/case access portal account
    • To access case records via the portal, you must be either:
      • A Washington Attorney User
      • Government User
      • Registered Public User who has received a King County District Court token to access records in a case you are a party to
        • You can request a token for your case by calling 206 205-9200

• Log-in to the District Court e-filing/case access portal
  • Click on the “Case Search” tab
  • Search for a case, by case number, last name (first name is optional) or company name

• In-person

  • Visit any King County District Court courthouse location, Monday through Friday, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm
  • You can use the Court’s public computer terminals or ask the court clerks for help

• Email

  • Fill out the Request for Court Records form
  • Email the completed form to: kcdc.webmaster@kingcounty.gov

 Other court case records resources

• King County Superior Court
• Seattle Municipal Court
• Washington Administrative Office of the Courts (AOC)

Name change records

Name change records relate to a change in your legal name, as granted by the Court.

After a District Court judge grants a name change request, the Court files the Name Change Order with the King County Recorder’s Office.

• For name changes after August 1, 1991, go to the Recorder’s Office website to request certified copies
• For name changes before July 31, 1991, contact King County Superior Court

Administrative records

Administrative records relate to the management, supervision, or administration of the Court.

District Court handles administrative records requests per Washington State Courts General Rule (GR) 31.1 and District Court policy OPR 2015-08.
 
You must submit your request for administrative records in writing.

• Fill out a Request for Administrative Public Records form
  • Do not use this form to request case records. Refer to Court case records
• Send your completed form to the email or mailing address shown on the form

Limitations on administrative records requests

When processing administrative records requests, District Court cannot:

• Answer questions involving general research or compiling of information
• Perform legal research
• Create a record if a record does not currently exist

Costs and fees

To offset costs, the Court charges $30 per hour for administrative records requests that take more than 1 hour of staff time.

We will let you know in advance if there will be a cost to process your request. You must pay any fees before the Court will complete your request.

Appeal a public records decision

If you disagree with a decision on denial or redaction of an administrative record, you may request a review of that decision. You must submit your request for review within 90 days of the Public Records Officer's decision. Use the Request for Review form. Refer to OPR 2015-08 for details.