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King County Archives holds the original recorded documents dated from 1853 to July 31, 1991. These include property records such as deeds, short plats, and easements. They also include military discharge (DD-214) records. We hold microfilmed copies of those documents for public access.

The Archives makes microfilmed copies of the records in our holdings available to the public, who may access the microfilm in person during open building hours. We also scan recorded documents from the microfilm by request for Archives patrons.

For documents recorded after August 1, 1991 or after, please visit the King County Recorder's Office.

Recorded property documents

The Archives maintains recorded property documents, such as deeds, easements, short plats, and surveys. All documents are dated before August 1, 1991.

Request recorded property documents

What are recorded documents?

A recorded document is any document that is officially recorded by the County Auditor or County Recorder. Documents recorded before 1970 were recorded by the King County Auditor. With the adoption of the 1969 King County Charter, the Auditor's Office was abolished, and its duties were transferred to the newly created Recorder's Office. The King County Recorder's Office is charged with recording documents such as real estate deeds, mortgages, plats, and surveys.

Marriage applications

The Archives hold marriage applications that were filed in King County dated from 1989 to 2013. For marriage applications dated after 2013, please visit the King County Recorder's Office.

Request a copy of a marriage application

Where are pre-1989 applications?

Before 1989, marriage applications were not considered archival records. Based on the Washington State Records Retention Schedule, these records were not retained.

Please contact the Archives office if you need a letter stating this information.

Looking for a copy of your marriage certificate?

For marriage certificates dated after 1989

Order a copy directly from the King County Recorder's Office

For marriage certificates dated before 1989

Order from the Washington State Digital Archives.

Military discharge documents (DD214)

Link to this online form to request copies of recorded military discharge documents dated before August 1, 1991.

Fees

King County Archives no longer charges duplication fees for uncertified copies of recorded documents dated before August 1991 and not available online through the King County Recorder's Office.

Unlike Recorder's and Auditor's offices in Washington State, King County Archives is not required by law to charge for uncertified copies of recorded documents. We discontinued charging for the following reasons:

  • King County Archives places a high value on equity and social justice. Fees disadvantage members of the public who can't afford to pay. Charging fees also creates an assumption that people who request access to public records can afford to pay for access.
  • King County Archives places a high value on enhancing patron access. We are working to increase public access to public records.
  • King County Archives places a high value to streamlining its procedures to ensure the office is working most efficiently to serve the public. Not charging fees eliminates the work of invoicing patrons and processing payments.
  • This change aligns with how the county processes public records requests, which is to fulfill them without charging.
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