Getting a Copy of Your Washington Criminal Record
Which Washington agency keeps criminal history records, how to request your own record, and the fee.
Short answer: The Washington State Patrol (WSP) Identification and Background Check Section keeps state criminal history. To inspect your complete record in person, go to WSP in Olympia (Helen Sommers Building, 106 11th Ave SW, Suite 1300; Washington State Patrol, Criminal History
| Getting a copy of your criminal record | The Washington State Patrol (WSP) Identification and Background Check Section keeps state criminal history. To inspect your complete record in person, go to WSP in Olympia (Helen Sommers Building, 106 11th Ave SW, Suite 1300; Monday-Friday 8 a.m.-5 p.m., closed noon-1 p.m.); there is no fee, but you must provide fingerprints. By mail, a copy of your full (non-conviction) record costs $12 with a fingerprint card, sent to Washington State Patrol, Identification and Background Check Section, PO Box 42633, Olympia, WA 98504-2633. WSP's online WATCH system returns a conviction-record check immediately for $11; conviction records by mail or in person cost $32 (name and date of birth) or $58 (fingerprints). Phone: (360) 534-2000. |
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| What relief the state offers | Washington's main remedy for convictions is "vacating" the conviction. The court lets the person withdraw the guilty plea (or sets aside the guilty verdict) and dismisses the charge. Misdemeanors are vacated under RCW 9.96.060 and felonies under RCW 9.94A.640. Non-conviction records can be deleted from criminal history files. Juvenile records are sealed. The Governor can grant pardons, and has run a special marijuana pardon program. |
Where to get help in Washington
More Washington expungement & criminal records
- Expunging or Sealing a Felony in Washington
- Clearing a DUI From Your Record in Washington
- How to File for Expungement in Washington
- Sealing or Expunging Juvenile Records in Washington
- All Washington expungement & criminal records rules
FAQ
How do I check my own criminal record in Washington?
The Washington State Patrol (WSP) Identification and Background Check Section keeps state criminal history. To inspect your complete record in person, go to WSP in Olympia (Helen Sommers Building, 106 11th Ave SW, Suite 1300; Monday-Friday 8 a.m.-5 p.m., closed noon-1 p.m.); there is no fee, but you must provide fingerprints. By mail, a copy of your full (non-conviction) record costs $12 with a fingerprint card, sent to Washington State Patrol, Identification and Background Check Section, PO Box 42633, Olympia, WA 98504-2633. WSP's online WATCH system returns a conviction-record check immediately for $11; conviction records by mail or in person cost $32 (name and date of birth) or $58 (fingerprints). Phone: (360) 534-2000.
Can you get a criminal record expunged in Washington?
Washington's main remedy for convictions is "vacating" the conviction. The court lets the person withdraw the guilty plea (or sets aside the guilty verdict) and dismisses the charge. Misdemeanors are vacated under RCW 9.96.060 and felonies under RCW 9.94A.640. Non-conviction records can be deleted from criminal history files. Juvenile records are sealed. The Governor can grant pardons, and has run a special marijuana pardon program.
General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.