Klickitat County Public Records
How to Find Public Records in Klickitat County in 2026
KlickitatRecords.us provides access to publicly available information related to public records maintained by government agencies in Klickitat County, Washington. Members of the public may use this resource to locate information that may include court filings, property documents, vital records, and other materials generated by county and state agencies. The availability and completeness of any particular record depends on the maintaining agency, the nature of the record, and applicable state law.
Records that may be accessible through official channels include:
- Court records (civil, criminal, probate, and family law)
- Property deeds, mortgages, and liens
- Vital records (birth, death, marriage, and divorce)
- Business licenses and permits
- Property tax and assessment records
- Voting and election records
- County commission meeting minutes and agendas
- Law enforcement incident reports and arrest logs
- Land use and zoning records
Records can be searched through official court resources, clerk offices, public access terminals, and online tools.
Online Access: Members of the public may conduct case searches through the Washington Courts case search portal, which includes records from Klickitat County Superior Court. The Odyssey Portal for Washington Courts provides additional access to court documents; public access does not require registration. The Klickitat County Auditor's office maintains an online property records database for land and recorded document searches. Historical land records from 1988 onward are also accessible through the Washington State Digital Archives.
In-Person Requests: Members of the public may visit the Klickitat County Auditor's Office or the County Clerk's Office in Goldendale, Washington. Requestors should bring a valid photo identification and be prepared to complete a public records request form. Staff will direct requestors to the appropriate department based on the record type sought.
Written/Mail Requests: Written requests must identify the record sought with reasonable specificity, including the subject's name, date range, and record type. Under RCW 42.56, agencies are required to respond to public records requests within five business days of receipt, either by providing the records, acknowledging the request and providing an estimated response date, or denying the request with a written explanation.
Phone/Email:
- Klickitat County Auditor: (509) 773-4001
- Klickitat County Clerk: (509) 773-5744
What Are Public Records in Klickitat County?
Public records in Klickitat County are defined by Washington State law as any writing containing information relating to the conduct of government or the performance of any governmental or proprietary function prepared, owned, used, or retained by any state or local agency. Under RCW § 42.56.010, the term "public record" encompasses a broad range of documents, regardless of physical form or characteristics.
The following record types are maintained by specific county offices:
| Record Type | Maintaining Office |
|---|---|
| Court records (civil, criminal, probate, family) | Klickitat County Clerk |
| Property deeds, mortgages, liens | Klickitat County Auditor |
| Vital records (marriage, divorce) | Klickitat County Auditor |
| Birth and death certificates | Washington State Department of Health |
| Business licenses and permits | Klickitat County Auditor |
| Property tax and assessment records | Klickitat County Assessor |
| Voting and election records | Klickitat County Auditor |
| Meeting minutes and agendas | Klickitat County Board of Commissioners |
| Law enforcement records | Klickitat County Sheriff's Office |
| Land use and zoning records | Klickitat County Planning Department |
Recorded land documents from 1988 onward are indexed and available through the Klickitat County Auditor recorded land records collection maintained by the Washington State Digital Archives.
Is Klickitat County an Open Records County?
Klickitat County fully complies with Washington State's open records framework. Under the Washington Public Records Act, RCW 42.56, all state and local agencies, including county offices, are required to make public records available for inspection and copying upon request. The Act establishes a strong presumption in favor of disclosure, placing the burden on the agency to justify any withholding of records.
As stated in the Washington Public Records Act, "The people of this state do not yield their sovereignty to the agencies that serve them. The people, in delegating authority, do not give their public servants the right to decide what is good for the people to know and what is not good for them to know." This foundational principle governs all public records activity in Klickitat County.
The Washington State Attorney General's Office provides guidance to agencies and the public on compliance with the Act. County agencies are required to adopt and publish written public records policies, designate a public records officer, and maintain an index of records available for public inspection. Klickitat County's public records policies are administered through each respective department's designated records officer.
How Much Does It Cost to Get Public Records in Klickitat County?
The standard fee structure for public records in Klickitat County is governed by Washington State law and the county's adopted fee schedule. Members of the public may inspect records at no charge; fees apply when copies are requested.
Standard Copy Fees:
| Format | Fee |
|---|---|
| Black and white paper copies (letter/legal) | $0.15 per page |
| Color paper copies | $0.15 per page (or actual cost) |
| Electronic records (scanning to email/USB) | Actual cost of scanning |
| Certified copies (vital records, court documents) | Varies by document type |
| Certification of court records | $5.00 per document |
Under RCW § 42.56.120, agencies may charge for the actual cost of providing records, including the cost of copying, scanning, and electronic delivery. Agencies may not charge for the time spent locating records or reviewing records for exemptions unless the request is for a large volume of records requiring customized retrieval.
Accepted payment methods at county offices include cash, check, and money order. Some offices accept credit or debit cards; requestors should confirm accepted payment methods with the specific office prior to submitting a request. Fee waivers are not mandated by state statute for standard requests, though agencies retain discretion to waive fees in individual cases.
Does Klickitat County Have Free Public Records?
Free inspection of public records is available at Klickitat County government offices during regular business hours. Members of the public may review records in person without charge; fees apply only when physical or electronic copies are requested.
The following resources provide free access to public records:
- Washington Courts Case Search: Members of the public may search Klickitat County Superior Court case records at no cost through the Washington Courts case search portal.
- Washington State Digital Archives: Recorded land records and other historical documents are available for free online viewing through the state's digital archives.
- Washington DOC Warrant Search: Active warrant information may be searched at no cost through the Washington State Department of Corrections warrant search.
- Klickitat County Auditor Online Portal: Property and recorded document indexes are available for free online search.
- Public Access Terminals: In-person public access terminals are available at the Klickitat County Courthouse for free record inspection.
Free inspection and free online access are distinct from free copies. Obtaining physical or electronic copies of records is subject to the fee schedule described above.
Who Can Request Public Records in Klickitat County?
Any person may request public records in Klickitat County, regardless of residency, citizenship, or stated purpose. Washington State law does not require requestors to be residents of the state or county, nor does it require requestors to identify themselves or explain the reason for their request for most record types.
Requestors are not required to:
- Be a Washington State resident
- Provide government-issued identification for standard requests
- State the purpose of the request
Certain record types carry additional access requirements. Requests for criminal history background checks must be submitted to the Washington State Patrol and may require the subject's consent or a permissible purpose under state and federal law. Requests for one's own records may require identity verification to ensure the correct records are released. Requests for records involving third parties, such as juvenile records or sealed court files, are subject to statutory restrictions regardless of the requestor's identity.
Non-residents retain the same rights as residents under the Washington Public Records Act. Requestors located outside Klickitat County may submit requests by mail, email, or through online portals without appearing in person.
What Records Are Confidential in Klickitat County?
Not all government records are subject to public disclosure. Washington State law identifies specific categories of records that are exempt from mandatory disclosure. The following record types are currently withheld from public access under applicable exemptions:
- Juvenile court records: Protected under RCW 13.50 and related statutes
- Sealed court records: Records sealed by judicial order are not available for public inspection
- Ongoing criminal investigation records: Withheld to protect investigative integrity
- Personal identifying information: Social Security numbers, financial account numbers, and similar data are redacted prior to disclosure
- Medical and health records: Protected under HIPAA and state health privacy laws
- Adoption records: Sealed by statute; access is restricted to parties with legal standing
- Child welfare and protective services records: Exempt under RCW 74.13
- Personnel records: Certain employee information is exempt, with exceptions for disciplinary records involving public officials
- Trade secrets and proprietary business information: Exempt when submitted to government agencies under confidentiality agreements
- Security plans and critical infrastructure details: Withheld to protect public safety
As stated in the Washington Public Records Act, "Each agency, in accordance with published rules, shall make available for public inspection and copying all public records, unless the record falls within the specific exemptions of subsection (6) of this section, this chapter, or other statute which exempts or prohibits disclosure of specific information or records."
When an agency withholds a record or portion of a record, it is required to provide a written explanation citing the specific statutory exemption. Requestors who believe a record has been improperly withheld may seek review through the Washington State Office of the Attorney General or pursue judicial review in superior court.
Klickitat County Recorder's Office: Contact Information and Hours
Office Name: Klickitat County Auditor (Recording Division)
Physical Address:
228 W Main St, Room 104
Goldendale, WA 98620
Phone: (509) 773-4001
Website: Klickitat County Auditor
Office Hours:
Monday – Friday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Closed on state and federal holidays
Additional Offices:
Klickitat County Clerk
228 W Main St
Goldendale, WA 98620
(509) 773-5744
Klickitat County Clerk
Klickitat County Assessor
228 W Main St
Goldendale, WA 98620
(509) 773-5891
Klickitat County Assessor
Klickitat County Sheriff's Office
228 W Main St
Goldendale, WA 98620
(509) 773-4411
Klickitat County Sheriff
Klickitat County Board of Commissioners
228 W Main St
Goldendale, WA 98620
(509) 773-4612
Klickitat County Commissioners