A public records request can be filled out online here.  A request form is also available at:

County Executive's Office
311 Grand Avenue Suite 108
Bellingham, WA 98225

For assistance, or to make requests by phone, contact Public Records Officer Tammy Dixon.

Public Records requests must include:

• Name and address and contact information for requestor
• Description of public records adequate to locate the records
• Date of request

You will receive a response within 5 business days.

Sheriff's Office Records

To request records from the Whatcom County Sheriff's Office, please go to the Sheriff's Records Request Page.

Court Records

Court records are not subject to the Public Records Act. To request Superior Court records visit their webpage and look for the Access Your Case tab.

You can request District Court records in person, by mail, telephone or fax:

Whatcom County District Court
311 Grand Avenue Suite 401
Bellingham, WA 98225

Phone: 360-778-5400
Fax: 360-778-5401

Government Obligation

Local governments are not required to create documents to comply with a request for specific information. Rather, they must produce existing records for review and copying. Also, local governments are not obligated to compile information from various records so that information is in a form that is more useful to the requestor.

Please note: Many public records are currently available on the county's web site at no cost. Examples include real property searches, Comprehensive Plan, critical areas and shoreline updates, Budget, County Council meetings (current and past), ordinances, resolutions, Home Rule Charter, County Code, RCWs, WACs, jail press releases, sex offender registry, budget, law and justice, and other reports.

The Public Records Officer will make records available for inspection and copying by appointment during normal business hours, excluding legal holidays. Requestors will not remove documents from the viewing area or disassemble or alter any document.

The requestor will indicate which documents he or she wishes the county to copy.

Records Index

There is no single index (PDF) of county records. Whatcom County government has 3 branches and numerous departments and offices. The records are complex and stored in multiple locations. The Public Records Officer will coordinate with departments to assure compliance with the Public Records Act.