King County, Washington Warrant Search

In King County, Washington, a warrant search involves utilizing available resources to locate information on warrants issued within the county. These searches may require you to use online search platforms or to contact the government entity that issued the warrant directly.

For example, the court is usually the first option for searching warrants issued in the county. The court offers both online and offline options for inquiring about warrants in its custody. Local law enforcement agencies, such as the King County Sheriff’s Office, may conduct searches for arrest warrants issued in the county.

Warrants are legal documents that empower government officials to conduct specific actions, such as carrying out an arrest or searching a property. Requesters may encounter this information when searching for warrants in King County.

• The record subject
• Purpose of the warrant
• Warrant number and issuance date.
• Signature of the issuing public official.

Why Conduct a Warrant Search in King County?

In King County, persons or entities may look up information about warrants for these reasons:

• For background checks: Warrants usually contain information about defendants and their alleged offense. This information may prove useful in employment-related background checks. Individuals may also search for warrants concerning a prospective business partner or date.
• To resolve unknown and active warrants: You may conduct searches for unknown and pending warrants to resolve them before the police make an arrest. This way, you get to avoid having an arrest record.
• To make legal preparations: You may conduct warrant searches to find active warrants and to prepare for legal actions, such as surrender or making a court appearance.

How to Perform a King County Warrant Search Online

You may search warrants in King County by using official search platforms maintained by government agencies. The Washington Department of Corrections hosts a searchable portal for arrest warrants and secretary’s warrants. To search warrants on the platform, inquirers must fill out the following information:

• First and last name
• DOC number
• Crime
• County name

On the other hand, you may locate bench and search warrants via the online database maintained by the King County District Court. Inquirers are typically required to create an account before conducting searches on the platform.

The King County Superior Court Clerk’s office also maintains an online search portal for warrants issued by the superior court. Inquirers must fill in required information to view warrant information on the platform.

How to Check for Outstanding Warrants in King County by Phone or In Person

In King County, you can primarily check for outstanding warrants at the courthouse where the warrant was issued. In most cases, the clerk of these courts handles requests for warrant information. You may obtain information about warrants by making inquiries at the court clerk’s office during business hours. For example, you may visit the King County Superior Court Clerk at these locations:

At the same time, you can view and obtain arrest and secretary warrants in the custody of the King County Sheriff’s Office and the Washington Department of Corrections. The same rule for in-person requests also applies, as inquirers must visit the agency’s physical location to access warrants in their custody. To inquire for warrants at the sheriff’s office, you may visit the agency at this address:

For in-person requests at the Department of Corrections, inquirers must visit the agency at this location:

Note: The King County Sheriff’s Office does not provide information on warrants via phone calls. In addition to this, you may receive the required warrant information on the same day you made the request.

King County Sheriff’s Office Warrant Search Process

The King County Sheriff’s Criminal Warrant Unit may receive and process requests for arrest warrants. Inquirers can access the record by making a request in person at the county sheriff’s physical address.

Upon receiving requests from inquirers, the agency will retrieve and copy out the information. Arrest warrants released by the county sheriff’s office may include the following details:

• The record subject’s name and personal details, like height and ethnicity.
• Alleged criminal offense.
• Warrant issuance date.
• Reasons for the warrant.
• Name of the court and the official who issued the warrant.

Accessing Public Records Related to Warrants in King County

In King County, arrest warrants are typically associated with public records, such as court records, arrest logs, and warrant lists maintained by the secretary. These records play a crucial role in providing context regarding arrest warrants. To access these records, inquirers are typically required to use resources provided by the designated record custodian.

Case in point: you can access King County court records by using online or offline resources. The King County Superior Court, via the Case Access Portal, allows searches for court records related to arrests. Inquirers must create an account and provide relevant details to view records on the platform. On the other hand, the court clerk receives and processes in-person requests for such information.

There are no arrest logs of recently arrested persons in King County. However, you may request copies of arrest reports in person or via mail request to the county sheriff’s office at:

The mail request must include a completed request form for arrest records and the required search and copy fees.

Types of Warrants Issued in King County

There are various types of arrest warrants issued in King County. Each warrant type is distinct in terms of functions and the issuing agencies. In King County, public agencies may issue the following types of warrants:

• Criminal warrants: Arrest warrants are court directives that authorize law enforcement officers to apprehend and bring a suspect into custody. The King County courts may issue arrest warrants for felony and misdemeanor offenses. With that being said, a typical arrest warrant includes the record subject’s personal data, crime description, warrant issuance date, and the court official’s signature.
• Bench warrants: King County’s court judges issue bench warrants when a defendant refuses to show up for a court hearing. This type of warrant commands arresting officers to apprehend the offender and bring them before the court.
• Search warrant: A search warrant grants law enforcement officers the right to search properties listed in the warrant. The court issues a search warrant when there’s sufficient proof that the property contains evidence of misdeeds.
• Secretary warrants: These are directives issued by the Secretary of the Department of Corrections in Washington. These warrants are quite distinct since they can perform different functions. A secretary warrant could authorize an arrest or financial disbursement.

How Long Warrants Remain Active in King County

In King County, arrest and bench warrants do not have an expiration date. This means the warrants remain active until the defendant is arrested or the court judge nullifies them. However, search warrants have a 10-day expiration date under state laws. Arresting officers are required to conduct searches within 10 days of receiving the directive from the issuing court.

What To Do if You Find an Outstanding Warrant in King County

In King County, persons with an outstanding warrant may resolve them via these options:

• Turn themselves in at a local police station: Police officers are legally eligible to make arrests as long as there is an active warrant. The arresting officer will book the defendant and take appropriate actions in line with the directive.
• Call the court involved: You may resolve bench warrants by calling the court that issued them. Call the superior court if the warrant is for a felony. Misdemeanors and infractions mostly fall under the jurisdiction of municipal and district courts.
• Contact a bail bond company or an attorney to take specific actions to resolve the warrant.