The Washington State Patrol (WSP) is the main source for criminal records in Washington. It ensures that the database contains accurate and complete criminal information. This information is used to run a background check. A background check request can be made online and through the mail.
To make a request online, you need to visit the Washington Access to Criminal History (WATCH) website. You can use the access service either through a pre-established account or through a credit card. After providing the required information, you will immediately get the results. This service has a $10 fee.
If you want to request a background check through mail, you need to get the forms from WSP. Fill them out and submit to WSP, along with a check or money order in the amount of $17. Results will be delivered in 7 to 14 business days.
WSP also grants criminal records requests made by the public. To make a request, you have to fill out the form that is available at WSP's website. Send it to:
Washington State Patrol
Identification and Criminal History Section
PO Box 42633
Olympia WA 98504-2633
(360) 534-2000
A money order or check in the amount of $17 must be sent together with the form.
If you want to obtain criminal history regarding child/adult abuse, you have to complete the corresponding form and send it to the address above. Remember, however, that your request will only be granted if you are part of any licensed organization, agency, entity, or company that works with children, vulnerable adults, and persons with disabilities.
WSP also has a database for the Most Wanted Offenders. It has the necessary information on each of the fugitives, including mug shot, offense, race, last known address, height, weight, and scars/tattoos.
The Department of Corrections (DOC) also has its own section of Most Wanted on its website. Like the WSP database, the DOC Most Wanted database also contains vital information on the offenders at large.
The DOC website has an inmate locator to give the public access to the general information on incarcerated offenders. Available information includes offenders' complete name, age, date of birth, location, supervision conditions, conditional discharge date, execution date, and mandatory release date. To use, you need to supply the last name or DOC number of the concerned offender. Aside from the online locator, you might also want to try calling (360) 725-8213 any time between 8am to 5pm, Monday to Friday.
Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs (WASPC) allows you to locate sex offenders in any county. Just choose a county and begin searching by area, name, and city.
Criminal records can also be obtained from Washington State Supreme Court, Washington State Courts, and County Courthouses. Each court has its rules for obtaining criminal records, so it pays to visit their individual websites and offices.
If you would like to obtain Washington background checks and criminal records, follow these steps:
Step 1.
Download the Washington Background Check Request Form.
Step 2.
Complete the request form in its entirety. Then you should mail it to WSP with a $17 certified check or money order.
Step 3.
Alternatively, if you wish to conduct your search conveniently through the website, visit the Washington Criminal History Check Database and click on "Establish a New Credit Card Account." Then, enter your payment information and begin your search.
For additional information, the Washington State Patrol can be reached through the following contact deatils:
Washington State Police
Identification and Criminal History Section
Washington State Patrol
PO Box 42633
Olympia, WA 98504
(360) 534-2000
If you would like to access Washington arrest records, then you will need to contact the Washington State Department of Corrections. You can access Washington arrest records by searching online or by calling the Department of Corrections directly.
To find the records that you need, you must follow these steps:
Step 1.
Visit the Washington State Department of Corrections' website and go to the Find an Offender page via their Washington Offender Search.
Step 2.
Enter the DOC number or last name of the offender and hit Submit. The offender(s) full name, DOC number, and location will be displayed.
Step 3.
You can also call the Department of Corrections at (360) 725-8213 Monday through Friday between 8 AM and 5 PM.
If you need more help finding Washington arrest records, you can contact the Department of Corrections below:
Washington Department of Corrections
Post Office Box 41100, Mail Stop 41100
Olympia, Washington 98504-1100
(360) 725-8213
Retrieving and Viewing Washington Criminal Records
The Washington State Patrol maintains the state's repository of criminal records. They also manage "WATCH," an online database that is accessible to the public for performing fast criminal records searches. The fee is $10 per search payable by credit card. The Washington State Patrol also accepts requests by mail. Fill out a request form and submit it with a certified check or money order for $17.
Who is Allowed to Retrieve Washington Criminal Records?
Washington allows the public to view anyone's conviction records and deems this public information. Law enforcement agencies and authorized entities are allowed access to complete Washington criminal records.
Accessing WATCH
Using the online system WATCH is simple and less expensive than mailing your request. Simply pay $10 with your credit card and get instant search results you can print from your computer.
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