Search King County court records in Washington using official online tools for Superior Court, District Court, statewide case search, court dates, filed documents, certified copies, criminal cases, civil cases, family law, probate, protection orders, traffic infractions and hearing information. This guide explains where to search free, when KC Script is required, how District Court case access works, and how to avoid confusing court case records with recorder or public agency records.
Need King County Court Records Right Now?
For King County Superior Court records, start with the official KC Script Portal. It allows users to view, request and purchase Superior Court records, documents and audio recordings. For King County District Court records, use the District Court e-Filing and Case Access Portal. For a broad statewide search by name or case number, use the Washington Courts Name and Case Search.
King County Court Records Overview
King County court records are official case records created by courts in King County, Washington. They can include case numbers, party names, case type, docket entries, calendars, hearing dates, filed documents, judgments, orders, sentencing conditions, protection order status and other information connected to a court proceeding.
The main mistake people make is using the wrong portal. King County has different access points for Superior Court, District Court, statewide case search and recorded documents. If you search the wrong system, you may think a record does not exist when it is actually in another court or record office.
Fast answer: where should you search first?
| Need | Best Official Starting Point | Use This For |
|---|---|---|
| Superior Court case records | KC Script Portal | Felony, civil, family, probate, guardianship, juvenile offender and Superior Court documents |
| District Court case records | KCDC e-Filing / Case Access Portal | Misdemeanor, infraction, civil, small claims, protection order and District Court case details |
| Statewide case lookup | Washington Courts Name and Case Search | Search for cases or people across Washington courts |
| Recorded property documents | King County Recorder records search | Deeds, liens, recorded documents and some official county recordings |
Superior Court vs District Court in King County WA
Before you search, identify whether the case belongs to Superior Court or District Court. King County Superior Court is a general jurisdiction trial court that can hear civil, criminal, family law and juvenile cases. King County District Court handles a separate range of civil, criminal and infraction matters at multiple locations around the county.
Which King County court handles my case?
| Court | Common Case Types | Official Search Tool |
|---|---|---|
| King County Superior Court | Felony criminal, major civil cases, divorce, family law, probate, guardianship, juvenile, protection orders, appeals from lower courts | KC Script Portal |
| King County District Court | Misdemeanors, gross misdemeanors, infractions, small claims, certain civil cases, protection order matters and local court calendars | KCDC e-Filing / Case Access Portal |
| Washington State Courts search | Broad case and person search across state court systems | Name and Case Search |
| Federal court | Federal crimes, bankruptcy, federal civil rights, federal agency cases, immigration-related federal cases, copyright and federal law matters | PACER |
Free King County Court Records Search Online
Many users searching “King County Court Records WA free online search” want a quick case lookup by name, case number or court date. Some case information can be searched without paying, but document downloads, certified copies, clerk-assisted copies and research requests may involve fees.
Free online search micro-steps
- Start with the Washington Courts Name and Case Search Use the statewide case search when you do not know which King County court handled the case. Search by person name or case number and note the court, case type and case number.
- Move to KC Script for Superior Court records If the case is a King County Superior Court matter, open the KC Script Portal to view, request or purchase court documents and records.
- Use the District Court portal for District Court cases If the case belongs to King County District Court, use the KCDC e-Filing and Case Access Portal. You may need registration or a token for certain party-level access.
- Confirm the record before paying for copies Verify the case number, party names, filing date, court location and document title before ordering copies or certified copies.
KC Script Portal for King County Superior Court Records
The KC Script Portal is the main online records and filing portal for the King County Superior Court Clerk’s Office. It is used to e-file documents, submit working copies, manage e-service, view court records, request or purchase documents, pay some legal financial obligations and verify certified document copies.
What you can do in KC Script
- Search King County Superior Court records by case number or participant name.
- View available public case information and docket entries.
- Download or request public documents when available.
- Purchase copies, certified copies or exemplified copies when needed.
- Request court recordings or audio files for eligible hearings.
- Pay legal financial obligations on some criminal cases.
- Verify certified document copies through the portal.
KC Script Superior Court records search steps
- Open the official portal Go to KC Script Portal. Avoid unofficial paid sites that copy public data.
- Create or sign in to your account when needed Some viewing and purchase actions may require account access. Keep your email and payment method ready if you plan to buy copies.
- Search by case number or participant name Use the exact cause number if available. If searching by name, try last name first, full legal name, spelling variations and business name versions.
- Open the correct case result Confirm the case type, parties, court location and filing date before ordering documents.
- Request the correct copy type Choose non-certified, certified, exemplified or audio records depending on what the requesting agency needs.
King County District Court Case Search
King County District Court has its own e-Filing and Case Access Portal. It can be used for filed King County District Court civil, infraction and criminal cases. District Court case information may include upcoming hearing dates, hearing times, locations, judgment information, sentence conditions, warrant status, protection order status and an index of filed documents.
How to search King County District Court records online
- Open the District Court portal Go to King County District Court e-Filing and Case Access Portal.
- Use the Case Search tab Search by case number, last name, optional first name or company name.
- Check whether you need a token For some District Court records, a registered public user may need a King County District Court token if they are a party to the case.
- Call the District Court main line if needed For token access or case access help, call 206-205-9200.
Search by Name, Business Name or Case Number
People often search “King County court records by name,” “King County case lookup by name,” or “King County court records free by case number.” The best search method depends on how much information you already have.
Case number search for King County court records
A case number search is usually the most accurate method. Washington courts may call it a case number, cause number or court file number depending on the context. It appears on hearing notices, pleadings, orders, judgments, citations, court emails and clerk documents.
- Copy the complete case number Do not remove zeros, letters or court prefixes unless the portal instructions tell you to format the number differently.
- Search the statewide portal first if the court is unknown Use Washington Courts Name and Case Search to identify the court and case type.
- Search the court-specific portal next Use KC Script for Superior Court or the KCDC portal for District Court.
- Verify party names and court location Check the parties, date filed, case type and court before paying for any document.
Name search for King County court records
Name search can be useful, but it is easy to get wrong results. Try the full legal name, former name, maiden name, middle initial, business name, abbreviation and punctuation variations. For businesses, search the legal entity name and trade name if known.
Criminal Court Records in King County WA
King County criminal court records may appear in Superior Court or District Court depending on the charge and filing court. Felony cases generally belong to Superior Court. Misdemeanors, gross misdemeanors and many local criminal matters may be handled in District Court or municipal court.
How to search King County criminal court records online
| Criminal Record Need | Search Here | Important Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Felony criminal case | KC Script Portal | Search Superior Court records by case number or participant name. |
| Misdemeanor or gross misdemeanor | District Court portal | Use case number, last name or company name search. |
| Warrant status connected to District Court case | District Court portal or court contact | District Court portal may show warrant status in case information. |
| Statewide criminal case search | Washington Courts Name and Case Search | Useful when the filing court is unknown. |
| Formal criminal history check | Washington State Patrol WATCH | Court records are not the same as a complete criminal history report. |
Civil, Family, Probate and Guardianship Records in King County
King County Superior Court handles many civil, family, probate, guardianship and protection order matters. These records may include pleadings, motions, orders, judgments, decrees, parenting plans, probate orders, guardianship reports and docket entries. Online availability depends on record type, access rules and whether the record is sealed or restricted.
Common King County Superior Court record searches
| Search Intent | Common Record Type | Where to Start |
|---|---|---|
| King County divorce records | Family law case records, decree, parenting plan, orders | KC Script Portal or Superior Court Clerk |
| King County civil court records | Complaints, judgments, motions, orders, docket entries | KC Script Portal |
| King County probate records | Estate, will, personal representative and probate orders | KC Script Portal |
| King County guardianship records | Guardianship/conservatorship filings and orders | KC Script Portal, subject to access limits |
| King County protection order records | Petitions, temporary orders, final orders and hearing information | KC Script Portal or District Court portal depending on filing |
Traffic Tickets, Infractions and District Court Cases
Traffic tickets and infractions in King County are often handled through District Court or municipal court depending on where the ticket was issued. District Court case access can show case information, hearing dates, judgment details and related records for eligible cases.
How to check a King County traffic or infraction case
- Look at the ticket or notice Find the court name, citation number, violation date and hearing instructions.
- Search the District Court portal If King County District Court is listed, use the KCDC e-Filing and Case Access Portal.
- Use case number or last name Search by citation/case number first. If unavailable, search by last name and confirm the case details carefully.
- Check payment and hearing options Review whether the case allows payment, mitigation, contested hearing, deferral or court appearance. Follow the exact instructions on your official notice.
King County Court Date, Calendar and Hearing Lookup
For court date lookup, first identify the filing court. King County District Court provides case access and calendar information through its portal and court pages. Superior Court calendars and records are connected to Superior Court systems and clerk records. Washington Courts statewide search can help identify the case and court if you are unsure.
How to find a court date in King County WA
- Check your court paperwork first Look for the courthouse, department, judge, hearing date, Zoom/video instructions, courtroom and case number.
- Search the proper case portal Use KC Script for Superior Court or the District Court portal for District Court matters.
- Confirm the hearing location Some hearings are in Seattle, Kent, juvenile court, a District Court location or by video/telephone.
- Re-check before attending Schedules can change. Check the portal or contact the clerk before you travel or log in remotely.
Copies, Certified Copies and Fees for King County Court Records
Online record search is only the first step. If an agency, attorney, employer, school, immigration office, licensing board, bank or title company asks for proof, you may need an official copy, certified copy or exemplified copy from the court clerk.
Superior Court Clerk copy fees through KC Script and Clerk services
| Record or Service | Official Fee Listed | Use Case |
|---|---|---|
| Non-certified copy online | $0.25 per page for online viewing/download | Personal review, non-official copy, general reference |
| Non-certified clerk-assisted copy | $0.50 per page | When clerk help or page count is needed |
| Certified copy | $5 first page, $1 each additional page | Official proof for legal or agency use |
| Exemplified copy | $9 first page, $1 each additional page | Higher authentication for special legal use |
| Research fee | $30 per hour or portion of an hour | Clerk research assistance |
| Shipping and handling | $10 when applicable | Mailing records when no SASE is provided |
| Superior Court hearing audio CD | $25 per cause number up to 72 minutes | Court recording request |
District Court copy fees
| District Court Service | Official Fee Listed | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Non-certified copy | $0.25 per page | Standard copy of District Court records |
| Certified copy | $5 first page, $1 each additional page | Official certified record copy |
| CD reproduction | $10 per CD | Electronic recording of proceeding |
| Clerk services | $20 per hour or portion of an hour | Research or clerk-assisted service |
Sealed, Confidential and Restricted King County Court Records
Washington court access rules generally support public access to court records, but access is not absolute. Some records are restricted by federal law, state law, court rule, case law or court order. Online portals may show limited case information, hide documents or block access to sensitive filings.
Records that may be restricted online
- Juvenile and dependency records
- Adoption records and certain parentage information
- Sealed criminal or civil case records
- Protection order information that is restricted by law or order
- Confidential financial source documents
- Medical, mental health or treatment information
- Victim, witness or protected party identifying information
- Guardianship, family law or probate documents subject to access limits
Court Records vs King County Recorded Documents
King County court records are not the same as recorded documents. Court records come from Superior Court, District Court, municipal courts or federal courts. Recorded documents come from the King County Recorder’s Office and may include property records, deeds, liens, mortgages, plats, marriage-related recordings and other official county recordings.
Which office should you use?
| You Need | Use | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Divorce case, probate order, felony case, civil lawsuit | KC Script / Superior Court Clerk | These are Superior Court case records. |
| Misdemeanor, infraction, small claim or District Court hearing | District Court portal | These are District Court case records. |
| Deed, recorded lien, recorded property document | Recorder’s Office online records search | These are recorded documents, not court case records. |
| Federal case filed in Washington | PACER | Federal cases are not held in King County court portals. |
King County Courthouse Map and Contacts
For in-person public terminal access, clerk support, certified copies or court attendance, use the official court location listed on your notice. King County Superior Court has main locations in Seattle, Kent and juvenile/family justice facilities. District Court has multiple locations throughout the county.
King County Courthouse — Seattle
516 Third Avenue, Seattle, WA 98104
Superior Court mailing reference: 516 Third Avenue, Room C-203, Seattle, WA 98104
Superior Court Clerk customer service: 206-296-9300
Superior Court main contact: Seattle 206-477-1400 · Kent 206-477-2600
Other important King County court contacts
| Office | Official Contact | Use For |
|---|---|---|
| Superior Court Clerk customer service | 206-296-9300 | Superior Court records, copies, clerk questions |
| Superior Court Clerk eServices | 206-477-3000 | KC Script and electronic filing support |
| District Court main phone | 206-205-9200 | District Court cases, portal token help and case access |
| King County Superior Court | Superior Court website | General Superior Court information and calendars |
| King County District Court | District Court website | District Court hearings, records and locations |
Practical Search Tips for King County Court Records
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I search King County court records online for free?
Start with Washington Courts Name and Case Search if you do not know the exact court. For Superior Court records, use the KC Script Portal. For District Court records, use the King County District Court e-Filing and Case Access Portal. Some search information may be free, but copies, certified copies and document downloads may have fees.
What is the official King County Superior Court records portal?
The official Superior Court records portal is the KC Script Portal at dja-prd-ecexap1.kingcounty.gov. It is used for Superior Court records, e-filing, document requests, purchases, audio recordings and certified copy verification.
What is the official King County District Court case search portal?
King County District Court uses the e-Filing and Case Access Portal at kcdc-efiling.kingcounty.gov/ecourt. It can be used for filed District Court civil, infraction and criminal cases.
Can I search King County court records by name?
Yes. You can search by name in official systems, but name search can return wrong matches. Confirm the case number, court name, case type, filing date and party details before relying on a result.
Can I search King County court records by case number?
Yes. Case number search is usually the best method. Use the full case or cause number from your notice, pleading, ticket, order or judgment, then search the correct Superior Court or District Court portal.
Are King County court records public?
Many court records are public under Washington court access rules, but access is not absolute. Some records are sealed, confidential, restricted by law, restricted by court rule or available only through a courthouse or clerk request.
How do I get certified copies of King County court records?
For Superior Court, use KC Script or contact the Superior Court Clerk’s Office. Certified copies are listed at $5 for the first page and $1 for each additional page. For District Court, certified copy fees are also listed as $5 for the first page and $1 for each additional page.
How much do King County court record copies cost?
Superior Court online non-certified copies are listed at $0.25 per page, clerk-assisted copies at $0.50 per page, certified copies at $5 first page plus $1 each additional page, and exemplified copies at $9 first page plus $1 each additional page. District Court non-certified copies are listed at $0.25 per page.
How do I find my King County court date?
Check your court notice first. Then search the correct court portal: KC Script for Superior Court or the District Court e-Filing and Case Access Portal for District Court. Confirm the date, time, courtroom, remote hearing instructions and location before attending.
Are King County criminal court records online?
Many criminal case records can be searched online, depending on the court and access limits. Felony cases are generally searched through Superior Court records, while many misdemeanors and infractions are searched through District Court or municipal court systems.
Is a King County court record search the same as a background check?
No. A court record search shows case information from court systems. A formal background check or criminal history report may require a separate state, federal or fingerprint-based process depending on the purpose.
Where is the King County Courthouse?
The King County Courthouse is at 516 Third Avenue, Seattle, WA 98104. The Superior Court Clerk customer service phone number is 206-296-9300.
What phone number should I call for King County Superior Court records?
For Superior Court Clerk customer service, call 206-296-9300. For Superior Court eServices, call 206-477-3000.
What phone number should I call for King County District Court records?
For King County District Court case access and records questions, call the District Court main line at 206-205-9200.
Can I find King County divorce records online?
Divorce records are generally Superior Court family law records. Start with KC Script, then request copies from the Superior Court Clerk if you need a decree, order, parenting plan or certified document.
Can I find King County probate records online?
Probate records are generally King County Superior Court records. Use KC Script to search by case number, participant name or estate-related information, then request copies if needed.
Why can’t I find a King County court record online?
The case may be sealed, confidential, restricted from remote access, filed in a different court, filed under a different name, too old for easy online access, or available only through clerk request or courthouse public terminals.
Are property records the same as King County court records?
No. Property deeds, recorded liens and recorded documents are handled by the King County Recorder’s Office. Court case records are handled by the courts and court clerks.
Final Summary
For king county court records, first identify the correct court. Use KC Script for King County Superior Court records, the District Court e-Filing and Case Access Portal for District Court records, and Washington Courts Name and Case Search for statewide case lookup. Use the Recorder’s Office only for recorded documents such as deeds and property records.
If you need official proof, do not rely only on a search summary. Request the correct copy type from the appropriate court: plain copy, certified copy, exemplified copy, audio recording or full records request. Always verify the case number, court, party identity and document title before paying for a record.