Clatsop County Public Record Search
Clatsop County has kept records since 1844. The county seat is Astoria, located at the mouth of the Columbia River on the Oregon coast. Public records in Clatsop County are maintained by the clerk, assessor, sheriff, and circuit court. Online records go back to 1992 for some document types. You can search for property records, court cases, and law enforcement files through these Clatsop County offices. This page explains how to find and request the records you need.
Clatsop County Clerk Records
The Clatsop County Clerk handles recorded documents from the office at 820 Exchange Street in Astoria. Deeds, mortgages, liens, and other land records are filed here. The office has online records from 1992 forward. Older records going back to 1844 are kept on site and can be searched in person.
You can learn more about the Clatsop County Clerk at co.clatsop.or.us/clerk. The office website describes available services and online tools for searching Clatsop County records. Staff are on hand to help with your search. Call (541) 325-8511 or visit during office hours. Bring a property address, name, or document number to make your search faster.
With records dating back to 1844, the Clatsop County Clerk holds some of the oldest public records in Oregon.
| Office |
Clatsop County Clerk 820 Exchange Street, Suite 220 Astoria, OR 97103 Phone: (503) 325-8511 |
|---|---|
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM |
Clatsop County Property Records
The Clatsop County Assessor maintains property data for every parcel in the county. Ownership, assessed values, and tax information are all tracked by this office. The assessor is at 820 Exchange Street, Suite 110, in Astoria. Call (503) 325-8372 to ask about a specific property.
Property records in Clatsop County are public under Oregon law. Anyone can view them. Oregon handles property taxes at the county level. The assessor sets values based on state rules, and the county collects the taxes. If you think your property value is wrong, you can appeal to the Board of Property Tax Appeals. These appeal records are public as well. Clatsop County property records are useful for real estate deals, title work, and tax questions. The assessor keeps data on residential, commercial, farm, and forest land across the county.
Note: Property value appeals in Clatsop County must be filed within the deadline set by Oregon law each year.
Clatsop County Court Records
The Clatsop County Circuit Court sits at 749 Commercial Street in Astoria. This court handles civil, criminal, family, and probate cases. Given its coastal location, the court also deals with cases involving fishing and maritime issues. Court records are public unless sealed by a judge.
Search Clatsop County court cases online through the Oregon eCourt system. The system covers all 36 counties in Oregon. You can look up cases by party name or case number. Basic case information is free. For copies of filings and court orders, reach out to the court clerk at (503) 325-8555 or visit in person. Certified copies of Clatsop County court records cost a small fee.
The Oregon Judicial Department page for Clatsop County has details on local rules and filing procedures.
Visit courts.oregon.gov/courts/clatsop for more about the Clatsop County Circuit Court.
Clatsop County Sheriff Records
The Clatsop County Sheriff is at 636 Duane Street in Astoria. The sheriff provides law enforcement for rural areas and runs a marine patrol on the Columbia River and Pacific Ocean. For non-emergency calls, dial (503) 325-8635.
Sheriff records in Clatsop County include arrest logs, incident reports, and civil process documents. Under the Oregon Public Records Law, most of these records are open to the public. Exemptions may apply for active investigations or records that could put someone at risk. Oregon's public records law under ORS 192 has over 500 exemptions, but the default is that records are open. You can request records from the Clatsop County Sheriff by visiting the office, calling, or sending a written request.
The Clatsop County Sheriff's Office website has information on services and records access.
Visit co.clatsop.or.us/sheriff for more about the Clatsop County Sheriff.
How to Get Clatsop County Records
Each office in Clatsop County has its own process for records requests. The key is knowing which office has what you need. Property documents go through the clerk or assessor. Court files are at the circuit court. Law enforcement records come from the sheriff. Oregon law gives you the right to inspect any public record without stating a reason.
Fees can apply for copies and search time. Under ORS 192, agencies can charge reasonable fees. They can also waive fees if the release serves the public interest. If your request is denied, the agency must explain why in writing and cite the specific exemption. For local agencies in Clatsop County, you can appeal to the county district attorney. State agency denials go to the Oregon Attorney General.
- Deeds, liens, and mortgages: Clatsop County Clerk
- Property values and tax data: Clatsop County Assessor
- Court cases and filings: Clatsop County Circuit Court
- Arrest reports and incidents: Clatsop County Sheriff
- Vital records: Oregon Health Authority
For historical Clatsop County records, the Oregon State Archives may hold documents not kept at the county level. Records from 1844 onward may be available through the archives or through the county clerk.
Note: Online records from the Clatsop County Clerk begin in 1992, so records from 1844 to 1991 must be searched in person at the Astoria office.
Nearby Counties
Clatsop County borders Columbia County, Tillamook County, and Multnomah County. If you need records from a neighboring area, check where the property or event is located. Each county keeps its own records at the county seat.