Court records of Whatcom County, Washington, are available through several channels. WhatcomCourt.us allows you to quickly find public information about court cases in the county. Additionally, records can be searched through official state court online portals, directly at the clerk's office, and through public access terminals installed in court buildings. Below is a practical guide to navigating the county's court system.
Whatcom Court System & Jurisdictions
Several courts operate in Whatcom County, each handling specific categories of cases.
Superior Court (County Superior Court)
This is a court of general jurisdiction. It handles serious criminal cases (felonies), large civil lawsuits, divorce and child custody cases, as well as probate matters. The Superior Court Clerk's Office maintains the official records of all these cases — from filing to final decision.
District Court
The District Court handles:
- Misdemeanors (less serious criminal offenses)
- Civil lawsuits up to $100,000
- Small claims cases — up to $10,000
- Traffic and parking violations
- Protection orders
Most residents encounter the District Court — speeding tickets, minor disputes with neighbors or landlords are handled here.
Municipal Courts
Municipal courts in cities within the county (such as Bellingham Municipal Court) handle violations of city ordinances and some traffic cases. Records of these courts are stored separately from the Superior and District Courts.
If you are unsure which court handled the case, start your search through the Washington State Court search system — it covers cases from Superior, District, and Municipal Courts throughout the state.
Whatcom Court Calendar & Upcoming Hearings
You can find out the date and time of an upcoming hearing in several ways.
- Find My Court Date — Use the Find My Court Date tool on the Washington Courts website. Enter the party's name or case number to see scheduled hearings for today, tomorrow, or the week.
- Case Search via JIS — On the Washington Courts Case Search portal, select "Whatcom County Superior Court" or "Whatcom County District Court" from the list, enter party details, and view the hearing calendar.
- Call the Clerk's Office — If the online system does not display the needed information, call the appropriate court's clerk's office directly. The clerk can confirm the time and courtroom.
Information on online portals is updated daily around 3:00 AM. To confirm current data on the day of the hearing, it's better to call the court.
How to Get a Copy of a Whatcom Court Document
Court records in Whatcom County are generally open for public inspection, although some materials may be restricted by court order or state rules. Important: court records are not subject to the Washington State Public Records Act — access is governed by separate Court Rules.
Certified and Non-Certified Copies
- Non-Certified Copies — Regular photocopies of case documents. Suitable for personal review.
- Certified Copies — Have an official seal and clerk's signature. Required for submission to other institutions, such as immigration or insurance.
How to Obtain a Copy
- Online — Register on the Odyssey portal to view Superior Court documents electronically. Extended access is provided through the clerk's office.
- In Person — Visit the Superior Court Clerk's Office:
- By Mail — Send a written request to the address above, specifying the case number, party names, and document type. Include payment (check or money order payable to Whatcom County Clerk).
Archived Superior Court cases (since 2000) are also available through the Washington State Digital Archives. Access to archival materials is governed by Washington State Court Rules.
Whatcom Court Records Fees & Payment
Below are approximate fees for handling court documents in Whatcom County Superior Court. Exact amounts may change — check current information with the clerk's office.
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Document copy (per page) | $0.50 |
| Document certification | $5.00 per document |
| Registry search (per name) | $20.00 per name |
| Apostille | $2.00 |
Fees are set according to RCW 36.18.016 and RCW 36.18.020 (Revised Code of Washington). District Court and Municipal Courts may have their own rates.
Payment Methods
- Cash, check, or money order — for in-person requests
- Credit or debit card — usually accepted at the clerk's office, a service fee may apply
- By mail — only check or money order, payable to "Whatcom County Clerk"
To check state-level criminal history, use the Washington State Patrol Criminal History service — this is a separate procedure with its own fees, independent of the county court clerk's office.