Public Records FAQ

Request for Records - Frequently Asked Questions

Police and Sheriff Reports: LESA (Law Enforcement Support Agency), (253) 798-7441

Marriage Certificates: Pierce County Auditor, (253) 798-7435.

Where can I get a copy of a DIVORCE DECREE?

Divorce decrees may be obtained from the county court in which the divorce was granted. If you are not sure which county handled the divorce, try a search through Washington State Courts. Look for: 'Search Case Records' then 'Name Search.'

If your divorce was granted in Pierce County, you may contact the Clerk of the Superior Court: pclerk@co.piercewa.us for instructions on how to request a copy of the divorce.

Where can I get a copy of BIRTH or DEATH CERTIFICATE?

Birth and death certificates may be requested through the Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department, Vital Records Division. The phone number for Vital Records is (253) 798-6418.

Where do I go to get records regarding PROPERTY TAXES, SALES HISTORY, etc for real estate in Pierce County?

You can access information regarding this topic and more using the parcel number or an address to search with Pierce County Assessor, (253) 798-6111.

Where can I get a copy of a recorded REAL ESTATE document?

Recorded documents are with the Pierce County Auditor and many may be viewed or printed from their web site.

Where can I get a copy of the Pierce County CODE or CHARTER?

The Pierce County Code and Charter are available through the Pierce County Council.

Where can I get a copy of an ORDINANCE or RESOLUTION?

Cities and towns in Pierce County may enact Ordinances or Resolutions which apply to their own jurisdictions. Check with the Clerk of the city or town which enacted the proposal you seek.

Pending or recently enacted County Ordinance / Resolution proposals are on file with the Clerk of the Pierce County Council. Ultimately they are transferred to the custody of the Pierce County Executive.

Where can I get a copy of the Pierce County ANNUAL BUDGET?

Request copies of the annual budget from the Pierce County Budget and Finance Department. The budget may also be viewed and printed from the Budget and Finance Department's web site.

I don't see PIERCE TRANSIT, the PIERCE COUNTY HOUSING AUTHORITY, PIERCE CONSERVATION DISTRICT, or the PIERCE COUNTY LIBRARY listed on the the Pierce County Public Records Officer list.
Aren't these organizations part of Pierce County government also?

These are just a few of the public agencies sometimes associated with being a county department. These agencies function separately from county government and each maintain their own websites with useful information. Here is a listing of the websites and telephone contact numbers should need more than what is offered on the website:

Pierce Transit: www.piercetransit.org (253) 581-8080
Pierce County Housing Authority: www.pchawa.org (253) 620-5400
Pierce Conservation District: www.piercecountycd.org (253) 845-9770
Pierce County Library: www.piercecountylibrary.org (253) 536-6500

The County Executive serves on the SOUND TRANSIT Board. Could I submit a public disclosure request to the County Executive Office for Sound Transit records?

Public Disclosure requests regarding Sound Transit records should be directed to Sound Transit. Go to 'About Us' then 'Contact Us' then 'Requests for Records.'

I am still not sure where I should direct my request. What should I do?

If you are unsure of the agency Ask Pierce County and we will help you with determining the appropriate Pierce County Department for your request.