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Tacoma, Washington Public Records

  Trusted Public Records Directory

Search official government public records, criminal records, court records, and background check resources for Tacoma, Washington.

Official Government Sources

Tacoma Public Records Directory

All links go directly to official Tacoma, Washington government websites.

About Tacoma

Tacoma is the third-largest city in Washington State and the county seat of Pierce County, with a population of approximately 220,000 residents as of recent estimates. Founded in 1875 and incorporated in 1884, Tacoma sits on Commencement Bay along Puget Sound, approximately 32 miles south of Seattle and 31 miles north of the state capital, Olympia. The city is known for its deep-water port, the Port of Tacoma, which is one of the largest container ports in North America and a major economic engine for the region. Tacoma is home to significant landmarks including Point Defiance Park, the Museum of Glass, Stadium High School (featured in the film "10 Things I Hate About You"), and the Tacoma Dome. Major employers include Joint Base Lewis-McChord (the largest military installation on the West Coast by population), MultiCare Health System, CHI Franciscan Health, the Tacoma Public Schools, and the City of Tacoma itself. The University of Washington Tacoma and Pacific Lutheran University provide higher education to the region.

Public records in Tacoma are maintained by multiple jurisdictions and are governed by the Washington Public Records Act (Chapter 42.56 RCW). City-level records, including police reports, business licenses, and municipal court documents, are handled by the City of Tacoma through departments such as the Tacoma Police Department (747 Market Street) and Tacoma Municipal Court (940 Tacoma Avenue South). County-level records—including property deeds, marriage licenses, superior and district court cases, and election administration—are managed by Pierce County offices located primarily in downtown Tacoma, such as the Pierce County Auditor's Office (2401 South 35th Street, Room 242), Pierce County Assessor-Treasurer (2401 South 35th Street), and Pierce County Superior Court (930 Tacoma Avenue South). Vital records (birth and death certificates) are issued by the Washington State Department of Health in Tumwater. Residents can access many records online through state and county portals, while others require in-person visits or formal public disclosure requests submitted to the appropriate custodian under Washington's robust transparency laws.

Police Department & Arrest Records

Pierce County is served by several law enforcement agencies, including the Pierce County Sheriff's Department and municipal police departments such as the Tacoma Police Department, Lakewood Police Department, and Puyallup Police Department. Each city department handles law enforcement within its jurisdiction, while the sheriff's office covers unincorporated areas. These agencies often collaborate on major investigations and share resources to enhance public safety across the county.

Jail & Inmate Records

The main detention facility in Pierce County is the Pierce County Jail, located in Tacoma. The booking process involves photographing and fingerprinting individuals upon arrival. Inmate information, including charges and bond amounts, can be accessed through an online inmate lookup tool provided by the sheriff's office. Visitation rules are specific to the facility, requiring appointments and adherence to a dress code. Bail can be posted through the jail's cashier or a bail bondsman, following Washington's bail procedures.

Court Records

Tacoma residents are served by multiple courts depending on case type. The Tacoma Municipal Court, located at 940 Tacoma Avenue South, Tacoma, WA 98402 (phone: 253-591-5420, website: www.cityoftacoma.org/government/city_departments/municipal_court), handles misdemeanors, traffic infractions, and code violations occurring within Tacoma city limits, including DUIs, criminal traffic offenses, and city ordinance violations. Pierce County Superior Court, with its main courthouse at 930 Tacoma Avenue South, Tacoma, WA 98402 (phone: 253-798-7485, website: www.co.pierce.wa.us/superiorcourt), has jurisdiction over all felonies, civil cases over $100,000, family law matters (divorce, custody, adoption), probate, guardianships, and appeals from lower courts. Pierce County District Court, located at 930 Tacoma Avenue South (phone: 253-798-7488, website: www.co.pierce.wa.us/districtcourt), handles misdemeanors, gross misdemeanors, civil cases up to $100,000, small claims (up to $10,000), and preliminary hearings for felonies. Washington State offers online access to many court records through the statewide portal at https://dw.courts.wa.gov/, where users can search Superior and District Court cases by name, case number, or date; some records are restricted by privacy laws. Certified copies of court documents can be requested from the respective court clerk's office; fees vary but typically include $5 for the first page and $1 for each additional page for certified copies, plus search fees. Small claims filing fees range from approximately $29 to $55 depending on claim amount.

Criminal Records

Criminal records in Pierce County encompass felony, misdemeanor, traffic offenses, and the sex offender registry. The Pierce County Sheriff's Department and local police departments maintain these records, while the Washington State Patrol provides statewide background checks. Residents can request criminal history information through the Washington Access to Criminal History (WATCH) system. The Washington Bureau of Investigation offers additional resources for comprehensive background checks.

Arrest Records

Arrest records in Pierce County are maintained by the Pierce County Sheriff's Department and local police departments. Residents and attorneys can request these records through the respective law enforcement agency, often requiring a formal request under the Washington Public Records Act. An arrest record typically includes the individual's personal information, charges, and the arresting officer's details. The process ensures transparency and accountability in law enforcement activities.

Public Records Access

Property and land records for Tacoma are maintained by Pierce County. The Pierce County Assessor-Treasurer, located at 2401 South 35th Street, Tacoma, WA 98409 (phone: 253-798-7422, website: www.piercecountywa.gov/assessortreasurer), maintains property tax assessments, parcel data, ownership information, and property characteristics. The office provides a comprehensive online property search tool at https://atip.piercecountywa.gov/app/propertysearch/ where users can search by address, parcel number, or owner name to view current assessed values, tax history, property characteristics, sales history, legal descriptions, and aerial imagery—all free of charge. The Pierce County Auditor's Office, located at 2401 South 35th Street, Room 242, Tacoma, WA 98409 (phone: 253-798-7460, website: www.piercecountywa.gov/auditor), serves as the county recorder and maintains official records of deeds, mortgages, liens, easements, foreclosures, UCC filings, and other documents affecting real property. Recorded documents are searchable online through the Auditor's Grantor/Grantee Index and Document Search at https://www.piercecountywa.gov/1179/Recording-Search-Options, where users can view and download recorded documents dating back decades, typically free for viewing with fees for certified copies. Pierce County also offers a robust Geographic Information System (GIS) portal at https://gis.piercecountywa.gov/pals/ (Pierce County PALS) providing interactive maps with parcel boundaries, zoning, environmental features, and links to property records. To conduct a property search, residents can start with an address or owner name on the Assessor's website, then cross-reference recorded documents through the Auditor's system for complete ownership chain and encumbrance information.

Economy & Demographics

Tacoma's economy is anchored by several major sectors including maritime trade, military, healthcare, education, and manufacturing. The Port of Tacoma, one of the largest container ports in North America, handles billions of dollars in international cargo annually and supports thousands of direct and indirect jobs in warehousing, logistics, and transportation. Joint Base Lewis-McChord (JBLM), located just south of Tacoma spanning Pierce and Thurston counties, is the region's largest employer with over 40,000 active-duty service members and 15,000 civilian employees, generating massive economic impact through payroll, contracts, and family spending. Healthcare is represented by major systems including MultiCare Health System (headquartered in Tacoma), CHI Franciscan Health, and Virginia Mason Franciscan Health, collectively employing thousands of medical professionals. Tacoma Public Schools employs over 5,000 staff serving approximately 30,000 students. Higher education institutions including the University of Washington Tacoma and Pacific Lutheran University contribute to workforce development and research. Manufacturing remains significant with companies like Boeing (parts manufacturing), Toray Composite Materials America, and various food processing facilities. Median household income in Tacoma is approximately $67,000 (as of recent census estimates), slightly below the Pierce County median of around $80,000. Recent economic development has focused on downtown revitalization, waterfront redevelopment, and expansion of the technology and creative sectors. Tacoma's economy benefits from proximity to Seattle while offering lower business costs, making it attractive for companies seeking Puget Sound access without Seattle's price premium. Tourism centered on museums, parks, and dining contributes significantly, particularly Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium and the Museum District.

Law Enforcement & Arrest Records

The Tacoma Police Department (TPD), headquartered at 747 Market Street, Tacoma, WA 98402 (phone: 253-798-4721, website: www.cityoftacoma.org/government/city_departments/police), serves the incorporated City of Tacoma with full law enforcement authority. TPD handles all police services within city limits, including patrol, investigations, and records. To request police reports or incident records, residents must submit a public disclosure request through the TPD Records Unit; requests can be submitted online via the city's public records portal or in person at police headquarters. Fees for copies apply per Washington statute. The Pierce County Sheriff's Department, located at 3000 South Pine Street, Tacoma, WA 98409 (phone: 253-798-7530, website: www.piercecountywa.gov/sheriff), serves unincorporated areas of Pierce County and provides regional services including jail operations, civil processing, and specialized units; it does not provide direct patrol within Tacoma city limits. Arrest and jail booking records for individuals detained in Pierce County are managed by the Pierce County Jail, and the public can search current inmates through the Pierce County Sheriff's online inmate roster at https://www.piercecountywa.gov/1540/Inmate-Inquiry, which displays names, booking photos (mugshots), charges, booking dates, bond amounts, housing location, and projected release dates. Under the Washington Public Records Act (Chapter 42.56 RCW), all law enforcement agencies must respond to public records requests within five business days, either providing the records, acknowledging the request with a reasonable estimate of time needed, or denying the request with statutory justification. Most incident reports, arrest logs, and booking information are considered public unless exempted by statute (such as ongoing investigations or sealed juvenile records).

Vital Records

Vital records for Tacoma residents are managed at the state level. Birth and death certificates for events occurring in Tacoma or anywhere in Washington are issued exclusively by the Washington State Department of Health, Center for Health Statistics, located at 101 Israel Road SE, Tumwater, WA 98501 (phone: 360-236-4300, website: www.doh.wa.gov/LicensesPermitsandCertificates/BirthDeathMarriageandDivorce). Birth certificates cost $25 for the first copy and $10 for each additional copy ordered at the same time; death certificates cost $25 for the first copy and $10 for additional copies. Online ordering is available through VitalChek at https://www.doh.wa.gov/LicensesPermitsandCertificates/BirthDeathMarriageandDivorce/OrderingaCertificate with expedited processing and shipping options; standard processing takes approximately 4-6 weeks. Only eligible individuals may request vital records: the subject (if 18+), parent, legal guardian, spouse, adult child, sibling, grandparent, or legal representative with documentation. Marriage licenses in Pierce County are issued by the Pierce County Auditor's Office, Marriage License Division, at 2401 South 35th Street, Room 242, Tacoma, WA 98409 (phone: 253-798-3373). The marriage license fee is $68, and there is no waiting period or blood test requirement; the license is valid for 60 days. Both applicants must appear in person with valid photo identification. Marriage certificates (certified copies of the recorded marriage) are available from the Auditor's Office for $10. Divorce records are maintained as court records by Pierce County Superior Court at 930 Tacoma Avenue South; divorce decrees can be requested from the Superior Court Clerk's office, and indexes are searchable through the state court portal. Washington law allows birth records to be sealed upon adoption, and records over 75 years old may be accessible through the Washington State Archives for genealogical research.

Business & Licensing Records

Business licensing in Tacoma operates at multiple levels. The City of Tacoma requires a business license for most commercial activities conducted within city limits. Applications and renewals are processed through the City of Tacoma Tax & License Division, 747 Market Street, Room 100, Tacoma, WA 98402 (phone: 253-591-5252, website: www.cityoftacoma.org/business_license). Business license fees vary based on gross receipts and business type, typically starting around $55 annually with additional B&O tax requirements. Tacoma maintains a searchable business license database on its website where the public can verify active licenses. For businesses operating in unincorporated Pierce County or county-wide, licenses may be required from Pierce County; contact Pierce County Planning and Public Works at 253-798-3600. Fictitious business name (DBA) registrations are filed with the Pierce County Auditor's Office at 2401 South 35th Street, Room 242, Tacoma, WA 98409; the filing fee is approximately $60 and DBAs are searchable through the Auditor's online recording system. State-level business entity formation and registration (corporations, LLCs, limited partnerships, nonprofits) is managed by the Washington Secretary of State, Corporations and Charities Division (website: www.sos.wa.gov/corps). The Secretary of State's Business Search portal at https://ccfs.sos.wa.gov/ allows free searches of all registered entities showing status (active, dissolved, delinquent), registered agent information, formation date, and filing history. UCC (Uniform Commercial Code) lien filings, which secure interests in business assets, are also filed with and searchable through the Washington Secretary of State's UCC database at https://www.sos.wa.gov/corps/ucc_search.aspx. Business owners in Tacoma can look up commercial property tax assessments through the Pierce County Assessor's online parcel search at https://atip.piercecountywa.gov/app/propertysearch/ by entering the business address to view assessed value, tax amounts, and property classification.

Elections & Voter Records

Tacoma voters are served by the Pierce County Auditor's Office, Elections Division, located at 2501 South 35th Street, Suite C, Tacoma, WA 98409 (phone: 253-798-VOTE or 253-798-8683, website: www.piercecountywa.gov/elections). Washington is an all-mail-ballot state; all registered voters automatically receive ballots mailed to their registered address approximately 18 days before each election. Tacoma residents register to vote online through the Washington Secretary of State at https://voter.votewa.gov/WhereToVote.aspx; registration deadlines are 8 days before election day for online/mail registration and same-day registration is available in person at the Elections Office through 8 p.m. on Election Day. No photo ID is required to register if providing a Washington driver's license or state ID number; otherwise, the last four digits of a Social Security number are required. Tacoma operates under a council-manager government with nine City Council members elected by district and a separately elected mayor; municipal elections are held in odd-numbered years (2023, 2025, 2027, etc.) with the mayor and some council positions on the ballot. The next Tacoma municipal elections will be in November 2025, with primary elections in August 2025 if needed. Voters can find their ballot drop box locations, voting center (if applicable), and personalized voter information at https://voter.votewa.gov/ by entering their name and date of birth. Washington makes extensive election records public: voter registration lists are available for purchase for political purposes, campaign finance disclosures are searchable through the Public Disclosure Commission at https://www.pdc.wa.gov/, candidate filings and ballot measure information are posted by the Elections Office, and detailed precinct-level results are published after certification. In the November 2024 presidential election, Pierce County reported approximately 63% voter turnout with over 360,000 ballots counted out of approximately 570,000 registered voters. On November 3, 2026, Tacoma and Pierce County voters will decide several major races: Washington does not have a U.S. Senate seat up in 2026 (next in 2028), but voters will elect statewide offices including Governor (currently Jay Inslee's seat is open as he's not seeking re-election), Lieutenant Governor, Secretary of State, Attorney General, and other executive positions. All 98 state House seats and half of the state Senate (odd-numbered districts) will be on the ballot, including Tacoma's representation in the 27th, 28th, and 29th Legislative Districts. Pierce County will elect county executive, county council positions, assessor-treasurer, auditor, prosecuting attorney, sheriff, and superior court judges. Washington voters receive mail-in ballots automatically; no absentee request is needed. Ballots must be postmarked by Election Day or deposited in official drop boxes by 8 p.m. on Election Day. Pierce County operates over 30 ballot drop box locations throughout Tacoma and the county, listed at www.piercecountywa.gov/elections, and also offers a Voting Center at the Elections Office for accessible voting and same-day registration.

Public Records Transparency Score

Court Records: ✅ Online Statewide Portal | Property: ✅ Free Online Assessor+Recorder | Arrest Logs: ✅ Online Inmate Roster | Vital Records: ✅ Online Ordering | Business: ✅ Free State Database | Elections: ✅ Online Registration & Results | Overall: 9.2/10 — Pierce County and Washington State provide exceptional public records access with comprehensive free online databases for property, court, business, and election records, plus robust compliance with the Public Records Act.

Frequently Asked Questions

1
What is the process for someone who is arrested in Tacoma, Pierce County, Washington to go through the jail and court system?
If you are arrested in the City of Tacoma, Washington, you will be transported to the Pierce County Jail for booking and processing. During booking, officers will record your personal information, take fingerprints and photographs, and log personal belongings. After booking, you may be held pending arraignment before the Pierce County Court. Under Washington law, you have the right to remain silent and the right to an attorney; if you cannot afford legal representation, a public defender will be appointed. Bail may be set at arraignment depending on the charges, your criminal history, and flight risk. Criminal history records are maintained by the Washington State Patrol. The Pierce County Sheriff's Office maintains an online inmate roster at https://www.doc.wa.gov/information/offendersearch.aspx where you can look up current detainees.
2
What are the school district and education performance data for Tacoma, Pierce County, Washington?
The Tacoma Public Schools district serves the city of Tacoma, Pierce County, Washington. According to the Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction, Tacoma Public Schools had an overall graduation rate of 79.2% in the 2018-19 school year. The district also had an overall proficiency rate of 57.2% in English Language Arts and 44.2% in Math.
3
What are the crime statistics for Tacoma, Pierce County, Washington?
According to the Tacoma Police Department's 2019 Annual Report, the total number of reported crimes in Tacoma, Pierce County, Washington was 16,945. Of those reported crimes, the most common were larceny (5,845), burglary (2,845), and motor vehicle theft (2,072).
4
What publicly accessible records can be obtained from the Tacoma, Pierce County, Washington Library?
The Tacoma Public Library in Pierce County, Washington provides residents with access to public records and government document resources. Library cardholders can access online databases including genealogy services, historical newspapers, and Washington government records. The reference staff can assist with locating court records, property records, and vital records through the library's online catalog and interlibrary loan network. The library maintains materials on how to submit public records requests under the Washington Public Records Act (RCW 42.56), which governs access to government documents in Washington. The library also offers access to genealogy resources including the Tacoma Washington Archives and Genealogy at https://www.sos.wa.gov/archives/Genealogy.aspx. Contact the Tacoma Public Library reference desk at (253) for assistance or to confirm hours and services.
5
Where is the Tacoma, Pierce County, Washington Public Library located?
The Tacoma Public Library is located at 1102 Tacoma Ave S, Tacoma, WA 98402.
6
Where is the nearest fingerprinting office located in Tacoma, Pierce County, Washington?
Fingerprinting services for Tacoma, Washington residents are provided at the Tacoma Police Department, which serves Pierce County. Fingerprinting is required for a variety of purposes, including pre-employment background checks, professional licensing (nursing, teaching, law, real estate), volunteer work with children or the elderly, immigration and naturalization applications, firearm purchases, and FBI Identity History Summary requests. To schedule fingerprinting, call the Tacoma Police Department at (253) or visit in person. Bring a valid, government-issued photo ID (driver's license or passport) and any required agency forms. Fingerprint cards are typically forwarded to the Washington State Patrol for processing. For statewide fingerprint-based background checks, visit the Washington State Patrol at https://www.wsp.wa.gov/crime/criminal-history/.
7
What are the requirements for obtaining vital records from Tacoma, Pierce County, Washington, and what information is provided in the records?
To obtain Tacoma, Pierce County, Washington vital records, you must contact the Pierce County Auditor's Office.

The records available include birth certificates, death certificates, marriage certificates, and divorce decrees. All of these records include the name of the person, the date of the event, and the place of the event. Birth certificates also include the parents' names, and death certificates include the cause of death. Marriage certificates include the names of both parties, and divorce decrees include the date of the divorce and the court that granted it.
8
About background check
A background check in Tacoma, Pierce County, Washington typically includes a review of criminal history, driving records, credit history, employment verification, education verification, and sex offender registry status. Employers, landlords, and licensing boards commonly request background checks in Washington. Criminal background checks are processed through the Washington State Patrol, which maintains arrest records, convictions, and disposition data for Washington residents. The Washington State Patrol provides official criminal history checks at https://www.wsp.wa.gov/crime/criminal-history/. Under the Washington Public Records Act (RCW 42.56), individuals have the right to request their own records. Federal background checks are available through the FBI's Identity History Summary program. The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) governs how background check information may be used by employers and landlords.
Last reviewed: Mar 25, 2026 Updated: Mar 25, 2026