Search Pierce County Public Records

Pierce County public records are held by the County Clerk, Auditor, Sheriff, Assessor, and other elected offices based in Tacoma. As the second most populous county in Washington, Pierce County handles a large volume of records requests each year. The county uses the GovQA portal for most department requests, and separate systems serve the Superior Court and the Assessor. This page covers where Pierce County public records live, how to request them, and what fees apply.

Pierce County Public Records Request Process

Pierce County processes public records requests under Chapter 42.56 RCW, Washington's Public Records Act. Each department has a designated records officer, and the county must respond within five business days. That response could be the records themselves, an acknowledgment with a timeline, a request for clarification, or a written denial with the specific legal basis for withholding. Most requests go through the Pierce County Public Records Request portal.

Pierce County publishes its fee schedule publicly. Printed copies cost $0.15 per page. Electronic file copies run $0.10 per gigabyte. If a document needs to be converted from paper to electronic format, that costs $0.10 per page. CD, DVD, and USB device costs are added at cost plus postage when applicable. Body-worn camera and dash camera video requires redaction time, billed at $0.63 per minute of video. For large requests, ask for a fee estimate before production begins. You may also inspect records in person at no charge before deciding what to copy.

The Pierce County official website lists all departments and their records contacts. Some departments have their own portals or procedures separate from the main public records office. Check the department page first if you know the specific office that holds what you need.

Pierce County Superior Court Clerk

The Pierce County Superior Court Clerk maintains records for all Superior Court cases, including civil, criminal, family law, probate, guardianship, and juvenile matters. Court records are governed by Washington Court Rules GR 31 and GR 31.1 rather than the Public Records Act. The clerk's office in Tacoma handles requests for court documents, certified copies, and case information. You can also search Pierce County Superior Court cases through the Washington State Courts Odyssey Portal.

The Odyssey Portal is free to use and does not require a login for basic case searching. Search by case number or party name to see docket entries, case status, and hearing dates. For document images or certified copies, contact the clerk's office directly or visit in person. Older records that predate the electronic system may require an in-person request.

Note: Court records go through the clerk's office, not the county's general public records process. Contact the clerk directly for all Superior Court document requests.

Pierce County Official Records Portal

The Pierce County official website provides access to county services, department contacts, and the public records request system. Most department records can be requested through the main county portal.

The official site is organized by department and service type, making it straightforward to find the right office for any records request.

For recorded documents such as deeds, mortgages, and liens, the Pierce County Auditor's Office handles recording and document retrieval. The Auditor maintains the permanent land record for the county and can provide copies of documents recorded in Pierce County going back many decades. Property assessment data and parcel information are available through the Pierce County Assessor's office online search tools.

The Pierce County Public Records Request page is the central point for most county department requests. Submit your request online, by phone, or by email. Be specific about what you need and include the relevant dates, names, and any reference numbers you already have.

The Pierce County public records request system routes your request to the correct department and tracks the response timeline required by state law.

Online Tools for Pierce County Records

Pierce County makes a number of records searchable online without a formal request. The Assessor's parcel search lets you look up property data, ownership history, and assessed values by address or parcel number. The Auditor's recording index is also available online for searching recorded documents. Both tools are free and do not require registration.

The Washington State Digital Archives holds historical records from Pierce County and other local governments across the state. This is a good resource for older records that may not appear in the county's modern electronic systems. The archives hold millions of records including older court case files, property instruments, and vital records.

For state-level guidance on how the Public Records Act works and what to do if a request is denied, the Washington State Attorney General's Open Government page is a helpful resource. The AG's office provides an informal ombudsman service for people having trouble getting public records from any Washington agency.

Note: Pierce County sheriff records and law enforcement documents may be partially exempt under RCW 42.56.240 when release could interfere with an active investigation.

Cities in Pierce County

Pierce County contains several large cities. Each incorporated city maintains its own records separate from county records. Superior Court filings for these cities go through the Pierce County Superior Court in Tacoma.

Nearby Counties

Pierce County borders several other counties. If you're not certain which county holds the records you need, check the address where the event occurred or look at any existing documents for the filing location.