Mason County Public Records
Mason County public records are held by several offices in Shelton, the county seat in Western Washington. The County Clerk handles Superior Court records, while the Auditor maintains recorded property documents and marriage licenses. Mason County operates a dedicated public records request page to help residents identify the right contact and submit requests under Washington's Public Records Act. This page explains how to access Mason County public records, which office holds what, and what online tools are available.
Mason County Overview
Mason County Superior Court Clerk Records
The Mason County Superior Court Clerk maintains records for all Superior Court cases in the county. That includes civil matters, criminal felonies, family law cases, divorce proceedings, probate filings, and guardianship records. To order copies of court documents, you can email the Clerk's office directly at superiorcourtclerk@masoncountywa.gov. Staff can confirm what is available, provide a cost estimate, and explain how payment works.
In-person visits are handled during business hours at the courthouse in Shelton. Written requests by mail are also accepted. Include the case number if you have it, the full names of all parties, and the specific documents you need. Certified copies cost more than standard paper copies. Washington Court Rules GR 31 and GR 31.1 govern access to court records in Mason County, not the Public Records Act. Restricted records such as adoption files and sealed cases require a court order to access.
| Office | Mason County Superior Court Clerk |
|---|---|
| superiorcourtclerk@masoncountywa.gov | |
| Phone | (360) 275-4467 |
| Website | masoncountywa.gov |
Mason County Public Records Request System
Mason County maintains a dedicated public records request page at masoncountywa.gov/services/public_records/index.php. The page lists department contacts, a printable records request form, and the county's public records policy. The county's main contact number for general inquiries is (360) 275-4467. Using the right department contact speeds up your request significantly.
All general county records fall under Chapter 42.56 RCW, the Washington Public Records Act. Under RCW 42.56.520, the records officer must respond within five business days. That response can provide the records, give a timeline, ask for clarification, or deny the request with the legal exemption stated in writing. Paper copies cost up to $0.15 per page under RCW 42.56.120. You may inspect records in person for free before ordering copies.
Mason County's public records request page lists department contacts, a printable form, and the county's public records policy.
The Mason County public records page is the best starting point for any request, whether you need court documents, property records, or other government files.
Note: For court records specifically, email the Superior Court Clerk at superiorcourtclerk@masoncountywa.gov rather than using the general public records form.
Mason County Auditor Recording Services
The Mason County Auditor handles recorded documents including deeds, mortgages, liens, easements, and plats. These form the permanent land record for the county. The Auditor's recording division provides an online search tool for recorded documents. The Auditor also processes marriage license applications and other vital record functions at the county level.
A fraud notification service called Fraud Notify is available through the Auditor's office. This free service alerts property owners when new documents are recorded against their property in Mason County, which can help flag unauthorized transfers or liens early. Veterans can file DD-214 discharge papers with the Mason County Auditor at no charge, and free certified copies are available to veterans upon request.
The Mason County Auditor recording services page provides access to the recorded documents search tool and information on the Fraud Notify service.
The Auditor's recording page at masoncountywa.gov/departments/auditor/recording.php lets you search recorded documents and enroll in Fraud Notify for free property alerts.
Online Tools for Mason County Records
The Washington State Courts Odyssey Portal at odysseyportal.courts.wa.gov provides free access to Superior Court case information for Mason County. Search by party name or case number. The portal shows case type, filing dates, docket entries, parties, and hearing schedules. No registration is needed for basic searches. It is a good first stop before contacting the Clerk for certified copies.
The Washington State Digital Archives at digitalarchives.wa.gov holds historical records from Mason County. Older court case files, vital records, and other government documents are searchable at no cost. The archive covers over 21 million records statewide. It is useful for records that predate modern online systems or for genealogical research.
The Mason County official website connects residents to all county departments, services, and records portals.
The county website at masoncountywa.gov is the central hub for navigating Mason County government records, request forms, and department contacts.
Nearby Counties
These counties border Mason County in Western Washington. If you are unsure which county holds the records you need, use the address where the event occurred or where the case was originally filed.