Find Wasco County Public Records

Wasco County public records are available through offices in The Dalles, the county seat. Located along the Columbia River in north central Oregon, Wasco County keeps records on property, court cases, and vital events. The County Clerk, Assessor, Sheriff, and Circuit Court all hold public records. You can search for documents in person, by phone, or through online tools. This page explains what each Wasco County office holds and how to get the records you need.

Wasco County Clerk Office

The Wasco County Clerk keeps recorded documents at 511 Washington Street in The Dalles. The phone number is (541) 506-2530. This office records deeds, mortgages, liens, and other land documents. It also handles marriage licenses and election records. The clerk is the central hub for many types of public records in Wasco County.

The Wasco County Clerk office also serves as a passport acceptance facility. This means you can apply for a U.S. passport at this location. While this is not a county record, it shows the range of services available at the clerk office. For property-related documents, the clerk can search by name, document type, or recording date. Copies are available for a fee.

Recorded documents in Wasco County go back many decades. Older records may be on microfilm or in storage, so allow extra time for those searches. The clerk staff can guide you through the process and help you find what you need. Call ahead to check current fees and hours for records requests in Wasco County.

Wasco County Property Tax Records

The Wasco County Assessment and Taxation department handles property records. This office sets the assessed value on all real property in the county. Property tax records show who owns a parcel, what it is worth, and how much tax is owed. These records are public and open for review.

You can access Wasco County property records through the county website. The site has tools to look up parcels and view tax information. For detailed questions, contact the Assessment and Taxation office in The Dalles. Staff can help with property values, tax statements, and ownership history. Wasco County property records are useful for real estate research, title work, and tax appeals.

The Wasco County Assessment and Taxation website provides online access to property data and tax records for parcels across the county.

Note: Wasco County property tax records are updated each year after new assessments are completed.

Wasco County Court Records

The Wasco County Circuit Court hears civil, criminal, family, and probate cases. Court records are public under Oregon law. You can search for case files by party name or case number. The court phone number is (541) 506-2700.

Oregon eCourt Case Information (OECI) gives you online access to Wasco County court records. This system lets you search cases filed in any Oregon circuit court. You can find filing dates, case types, and party names. Visit the OECI search portal to look up cases. A small fee applies for detailed case information. For copies of documents filed in a case, contact the Wasco County court clerk at the courthouse in The Dalles.

The Wasco County Circuit Court page has local court rules, forms, and contact details. This court serves all of Wasco County from the courthouse in The Dalles. Family law, landlord-tenant, and small claims are among the most common case types filed here. Criminal cases range from traffic offenses to felony charges. All of these create records that the public can access through Wasco County.

The Oregon Judicial Department page for Wasco County lists court hours, judicial assignments, and local procedures for records requests.

Wasco County Sheriff Records

The Wasco County Sheriff provides law enforcement across the county. The non-emergency number is (541) 506-2571. The sheriff handles patrols, investigations, civil process, and search and rescue. The office also runs marine patrol on the Columbia River. Records from the sheriff include incident reports, arrest records, and civil papers served.

You can request records from the Wasco County Sheriff through a public records request. Put your request in writing and describe the records you need. The office will respond within five business days under Oregon law. Some records may be exempt from release, such as files tied to active cases. The sheriff can explain what is available and any costs for copies in Wasco County.

Note: Contact the Wasco County Sheriff non-emergency line at (541) 506-2571 for records questions.

Vital Records in Wasco County

Birth and death certificates for Wasco County come from the state level. The Oregon Health Authority manages vital records for all counties. You can order certificates online, by mail, or in person at their Portland office. Visit the Oregon vital records page to start your order. The office keeps records dating back to the early 1900s.

Marriage licenses in Wasco County are issued by the County Clerk at 511 Washington Street in The Dalles. Both parties must appear in person with valid ID. The signed license is returned after the ceremony and recorded. Once recorded, it becomes a public record in Wasco County. You can get a copy of a recorded marriage certificate from the clerk office for a fee.

For older or historical records from Wasco County, the Oregon State Archives may have additional documents. They hold a large collection of county records from across the state going back to territorial days.

Wasco County Records Requests

Oregon public records law applies to all Wasco County offices. The law is in ORS 192.311 through 192.478. It gives the public the right to inspect and copy government records. Most records held by Wasco County are open to the public. A few types are exempt, such as certain law enforcement records and personal information protected by other laws.

To make a public records request in Wasco County, contact the specific office that holds the records. You can ask in writing, by email, or in person. Each office may have its own request form. The office must respond within five business days. They can charge for the cost of search time and making copies. The Oregon Attorney General's public records guide explains your rights and the process in detail.

Nearby Counties

Wasco County shares borders with Hood River County, Sherman County, Jefferson County, and Wheeler County. Across the Columbia River is Klickitat County in Washington state. If you need records from a neighboring county, contact that county's offices directly. Each county keeps its own set of public records.