Washington County Public Records Access

Washington County public records are held by offices in Hillsboro, the county seat. As one of the most populous counties in Oregon, Washington County handles a high volume of recorded documents, court filings, and property records each year. You can search for records online, by phone, or in person at county offices. The Recording Department, Assessment and Taxation, Sheriff, and Circuit Court all maintain public records. This page covers what each Washington County office holds and how to access their records.

Washington County Recording Department

The Washington County Recording Department is part of the Assessment and Taxation division. It is located at 150 N First Avenue, Suite 201, in Hillsboro, OR 97124. The phone number is (503) 846-8811. This office records deeds, mortgages, liens, easements, and other land documents. It also handles marriage certificates after they are returned from ceremonies.

Washington County offers both online search and eRecording for documents. The online search tool lets you look up recorded documents from your computer. You can search by name, document type, or recording date. eRecording allows title companies and attorneys to submit documents electronically. This speeds up the recording process and makes records available faster. Visit the Washington County Recording Department website for more details on these services.

The Washington County Recording Department website provides online tools for searching and submitting recorded documents.

Note: Washington County eRecording is available for authorized submitters who register with the Recording Department.

Washington County Property Tax Records

The Washington County Assessment and Taxation office is at 155 N First Avenue, Suite 200, in Hillsboro. The phone number is (503) 846-8741. This office assesses property values, calculates tax bills, and collects property taxes. All of these create public records that you can access.

Washington County provides an online property tax search and payment system. You can look up any parcel in the county and see its assessed value, tax amount, and ownership details. The system also lets property owners pay their taxes online. This is one of the most used public records tools in Washington County because so many people need property data for real estate, title work, and tax planning.

The Assessment and Taxation website has links to property search tools, tax forms, and appeal information. If you think your property value is wrong, you can file an appeal with the Board of Property Tax Appeals through this office. All appeal records are also public documents in Washington County.

The Washington County Assessment and Taxation page gives the public online access to property values, tax data, and payment tools.

Washington County Sheriff Records

The Washington County Sheriff is at 215 SW Adams Ave, Hillsboro, OR 97123. The main number for headquarters and jail is (503) 846-2700. The North Precinct can be reached at (503) 846-5570. The sheriff handles law enforcement, jail operations, and civil process across Washington County.

Washington County offers several online tools for sheriff records. The office provides an online inmate search so you can look up who is in custody. A 24-hour arrest and release log is also posted. Booking reports are downloadable from the sheriff website. These tools make it easy to find current custody information without calling or visiting in person. Washington County is one of the few counties in Oregon with this level of online access to sheriff records.

The Washington County Sheriff website features an inmate roster, arrest logs, and booking reports available for public download.

For incident reports and other records not posted online, file a public records request with the Washington County Sheriff. You can do this in writing or through the office website. Response time is typically within five business days as required by Oregon law.

Washington County Circuit Court

The Washington County Circuit Court is at 150 N First Avenue in Hillsboro. The phone number is (503) 846-8888. This is one of the busiest circuit courts in Oregon. It handles a large volume of civil, criminal, family, and probate cases each year. All court filings become public records unless sealed by a judge.

Washington County Circuit Court has specialized treatment courts for certain case types. These include programs for substance abuse and mental health issues. The court also runs a self-help center where people without lawyers can get help with forms and procedures. Court records from all divisions are accessible through the clerk office or online tools in Washington County.

Oregon eCourt Case Information (OECI) provides online access to Washington County court records. You can search by name or case number to find filing details, case status, and party information. Go to the Oregon eCourt portal for online searches. A small fee applies for detailed views. The Washington County Circuit Court page has local rules, forms, and scheduling information.

The Oregon Judicial Department page for Washington County provides forms, court schedules, and information about the self-help center.

Note: Washington County Circuit Court is among the busiest in Oregon, so allow extra time for records requests.

Washington County Records Requests

Oregon public records law covers all Washington County offices. Under ORS 192.311 through 192.478, you have the right to inspect and copy government records. Most records are open to the public. Some are exempt, such as certain law enforcement files, personnel records, and information protected by federal law.

To request records from Washington County, contact the office that has the documents. Put your request in writing and describe what you need. Each department may have its own forms and procedures. The office must respond within five business days. Fees may apply for staff time and copy costs. The Oregon DOJ public records page has information about your rights and how to file an appeal if your request is denied.

Vital Records in Washington County

Birth and death certificates are managed at the state level by the Oregon Health Authority. You can order certified copies online, by mail, or in person. Visit the Oregon vital records page to get started. Marriage licenses in Washington County are issued by the County Clerk at the Recording Department in Hillsboro.

Washington County handles a large number of marriage license applications each year due to its population. Both parties must appear with photo ID. The license is valid for 60 days. After the ceremony, the officiant returns the signed license to the clerk for recording. The recorded certificate becomes a public record in Washington County.

Nearby Counties

Washington County borders Multnomah County, Clackamas County, Yamhill County, Columbia County, and Tillamook County. Many residents live near county lines and may need records from more than one county. Check the address of the property or event to find which county holds the records you need.