Find Background Check Records in Clallam County

Running a background check in Clallam County means working with several different offices depending on what type of record you need. The Sheriff's Office handles fingerprinting and local criminal history letters, while the Superior Court Clerk in Port Angeles keeps court case files going back many years. For a full Washington State criminal history, the Washington State Patrol is the right starting point. This page covers each source, what they offer, how to request records, and what fees to expect so you can get the Clallam County background check information you need.

Clallam County Sheriff Background Check Services

The Clallam County Sheriff's Support Services Section handles criminal records, civil process, sex offender registration, concealed pistol licenses, and firearm purchase approvals. Sheriff Brian King oversees the office, which you can reach at (360) 417-2262. If you need a local criminal history letter or fingerprinting done, this section is where you go.

The Clallam County Sheriff's Support Services page covers criminal records, fingerprinting fees, and how to request local background check letters.

Under RCW 10.97, the Sheriff's Office does not distribute Washington State criminal history record information. That function belongs to Washington State Patrol. What the Clallam County Sheriff can provide is a letter confirming whether someone has a criminal history in unincorporated Clallam County specifically. This costs $10 with a valid photo ID. A notarized version costs an extra $5.

Fingerprinting is available at the Sheriff's Office for $10. This is commonly used for licensing applications, adoptions, and other state-required background checks that need a fingerprint card. Call ahead to confirm current hours and any scheduling requirements before you go.

Clallam County Superior Court Clerk Records

The Superior Court Clerk's Office in Clallam County files and indexes all records for Superior and Family Court. The courthouse is at 223 E. 4th Street, Suite 9, Port Angeles, WA 98362. Hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The Clerk is an elected position and serves as Administrator of Court Records and Financial Officer for the Courts.

The Clallam County Superior Court records request page explains how to request court documents in person, by email, and what fees apply.

Court records at this level include criminal felonies, civil suits, domestic relations cases, juvenile offender files, and dependency proceedings. These are the records most relevant to a background check involving serious criminal history. Case files are maintained according to Washington State retention schedules and are available to the public unless sealed by court order.

You can get records in person at the courthouse or by email at Web_Clerk@ClallamCountyWA.gov. If you email, include the case name, case number, and a list of specific documents you need. The Clerk does not give legal advice, so come prepared with basic case information.

Copy fees are as follows: non-certified paper copies cost $0.50 per page, non-certified electronic copies are $0.25 per page, and certified copies cost $5.00 for the first page plus $1.00 for each additional page. A certified copy includes the Official Seal of the Court and a Deputy Clerk's signature. These are often needed by the Social Security Administration, Veterans Administration, and financial institutions. Payment can be made by cash, cashier's check, money order, or online through LexisNexis.

Clallam County Court System

The Clallam County courts page covers the full court structure, including Superior, District, and Juvenile courts, along with links to records access and self-help resources.

Clallam County has both a Superior Court and a District Court. The District Court has limited jurisdiction over traffic violations, misdemeanors, civil cases under $100,000, and small claims cases. Both courts keep records that show up in a background check. District Court handles the bulk of misdemeanor criminal cases, while Superior Court takes felony matters and more serious civil and family law cases.

Criminal history data from both the Superior and District Courts is available on public access computer terminals in the courthouse lobby. You can search on-site without submitting a formal records request. This is a fast way to verify whether someone has a case on file in Clallam County. For copies of documents found, you can then request them through the Clerk's Office.

Note: Juvenile court records are handled differently and are not open to the public in most cases. Contact the Juvenile Services department for specifics on those records.

Clallam County Departments and Background Check Records

The Clallam County departments directory lists all county offices and their contact information, including the Sheriff, Clerk, Auditor, and others relevant to public records searches.

Several county departments hold records that can be relevant to a background check depending on what you are looking for. The Auditor's Office maintains transparency and provides various citizen services. The Assessor handles property records. The Treasurer collects property taxes. If your search involves civil judgments or tax liens, these offices may hold relevant files. The county's online jail roster also shows current inmate information for the Clallam County Jail.

For a comprehensive background check that goes beyond court records, the Washington State Patrol's WATCH database covers criminal history statewide. Online requests cost $10. Written requests cost $35, plus $5 if you need a notarized letter. These fees apply whether you are checking your own history or an authorized third party is checking someone else's. Visit watch.wsp.wa.gov for the online option.

Cities in Clallam County

Clallam County includes Port Angeles, Sequim, Forks, and several smaller communities on the Olympic Peninsula. Court records for all of these areas are handled through the county courthouse in Port Angeles.

Nearby Counties

Clallam County sits at the northwest corner of Washington's Olympic Peninsula. Jefferson County lies to the east and south. If you need to check records in a neighboring area, each county has its own court system and sheriff records.