What are Bellingham City Public Records?
The Washington Public Records Act defines Bellingham City public records as any information a city agent generates or maintains while performing their duties. This information may be physically documented or carried electronically. However, the law exempts individual government-generated records from public access. Exempt records include the following types:
- Public school records containing students’ personal information, or any public health agent’s records that contain patients’ or clients’ personal information;
- Documents containing personal or financial information, if disclosure would violate privacy rights;
- Documents containing voluntary information submitted to enhance 911 emergency communications.
Bellingham City public records of the above nature are only available to eligible persons or persons with court orders to obtain them.
Bellingham City Crime Statistics
The Bellingham Police Department keeps records of all arrests its officers make in the city. It forwards those records to the Federal Bureau of Investigation and makes them available on its Crime Statistics page. According to a 2019 report, the FBI recorded 251 violent crimes and 2,689 property crimes among Bellingham City’s 91,906 people, with violent crimes showing four murders, 28 rape cases, 61 robberies, and 158 cases of aggravated assault. A closer look at property crimes revealed 323 burglaries, 2,251 cases of larceny-theft, 115 vehicular thefts, and six arson cases.
The chance of being a violent crime victim in Bellingham City is 0.28%, while the statewide chance is 0.29%. In Washington, the chance of being a property crime victim is 2.7%, lower than the chance in Bellingham City, which is 3.3%.
Are Bellingham City Criminal Records Public?
Per the Criminal Records Privacy Act, Bellingham City criminal records are publicly available. Under this Act, law enforcement agencies may issue conviction data without restriction. However, arrest records and non-conviction data are considered confidential. Parties interested in Bellingham criminal records may query the Washington Access To Criminal History (WATCH) website. The Washington State Patrol provides publicly available conviction records that criminal justice agencies and state courts routinely send. The site also includes abductor and sex offender information.
Interested persons may also request Bellingham City criminal records from the Washington State Patrol in person or by mail. Applicants must complete a Conviction Criminal History Form or submit a full set of fingerprints for a conviction CHRI request. Persons submitting the Conviction Criminal History Form must pay $32, while those submitting fingerprints must pay $58 (by cash, check, or credit card). Interested persons may also request a notarized letter for $10.
In-person Requests:
Washington State Patrol
106 11th Ave SW Suite 1300,
Olympia WA 98501
Phone: (360) 705-5100
Mail-in Requests:
Washington State Patrol,
Identification and Background Check Section
P.O. Box 42633,
Olympia, WA 98504-2633
How to Obtain Bellingham City Police Reports and Arrest Records?
Per Washington statutes, Bellingham City arrest records are publicly unavailable. However, the Bellingham City Police Department provides public access to other police reports online and in person. For online access, the public may use the Bellingham Public Records Request Portal. Users will need to create an account or use a pre-existing account to request a Bellingham City police report.
Alternatively, interested persons may obtain Bellingham City police reports by visiting or calling the Police Department. The Department is open to visitors from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.
Bellingham Police Department
505 Grand Ave,
Bellingham WA 98225
Phone: (360) 778-8800
How to Find Sex Offender Information in Bellingham City
According to RCW 4.24.550 and the Washington State Supreme Court decision in State vs. Ward, law enforcement agencies in Washington must provide the public with sex offender information. Individuals who wish to find Bellingham City sex offender information may query the Bellingham City Sex Offender Notice Page. Searchers will find sex offender information like the person’s full name, address, phone number, known aliases, and photographs.
Interested persons may also find statewide sex offender information on the Washington Public Sex Offender Registry.
How to Find Bellingham City Inmate Records
Individuals arrested and convicted for crimes in Bellingham City serve time in the Whatcom County Jail. The Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office keeps an official register of all inmates and makes this information available online. Researchers may query the log to find Bellingham City inmate records, including:
- Inmate’s name and date of birth;
- Custody status;
- Charges;
- Bail;
- Visiting schedule;
- Release type.
How Do I Visit an Inmate in Bellingham City Jail?
The Whatcom County Sheriff allows friends and family of inmates at the Whatcom County Jail to visit according to the following locations schedules:
- 1st & 3rd Floor (all women) Saturday: 8:00 a.m., 9:00a.m., 10:00a.m.;
- 1st & 3rd Floor (all women) Sunday: 8:00 a.m., 9:00a.m., 10:00a.m.;
- 2nd Floor Units 2A, 2B, & 2C Saturday: 1:00 p.m., 2:00 p.m., 3:00 p.m.;
- 2nd Floor Units 2D, 2E, & 2F Sunday: 1:00 p.m., 2:00 p.m., 3:00 p.m
Inmates’ locations may change at any time, and it is their responsibility to inform visitors of the change. Each inmate may receive one visitor for one hour per week. Visitors must present a valid ID that contains their full name and birth date. Minors must visit with an adult present - unless visiting a parent - and present a valid birth certificate as identification.
Visitors must conduct themselves appropriately or risk eviction from the facility. Visitors are also subject to a search or metal detector scan before entering the prison. The prison administration expects all visitors to dress comfortably but conservatively. Prison staff will not admit any visitors wearing the following:
- Tank tops or sleeveless shirts;
- Tight pants or leggings;
- Sundresses;
- Ripped jeans;
- Facecaps or sunshades;
- Shirts with violent, lewd, or gang-affiliated print.
Bellingham City Court Records
In Washington State, the trial court system comprises Superior, District, Municipal, and Toll Courts, and the Traffic Violations Bureau. In Whatcom County, the Bellingham Municipal court deals with all violations of the City’s Code - criminal and civil infractions alike. The Municipal Court handles issues like aggravated assault, criminal mischief, driving under the influence of intoxicants, violating protective orders, disorderly conduct, and trespassing. The Whatcom County Superior Court deals with all Bellingham City felonies, while the Whatcom County District Court handles civil disputes in Bellingham City.
Location of All Courts in Bellingham City
Whatcom County Superior Court
Whatcom County Courthouse
311 Grand Avenue, Suite 301,
Bellingham, WA 98225
Phone: (360) 778-5560
Fax: (360) 778-5561
Whatcom County Superior Court - Juvenile
Whatcom County Courthouse
311 Grand Avenue, Suite 501,
Bellingham, WA 98225
Phone: (360) 778-5490
Fax: (360) 778-5491
Whatcom County District Court
Whatcom County Courthouse
311 Grand Avenue, Suite 401,
Bellingham, WA 98225
Phone: (360) 778-5400
Fax: (360) 778-5401
Bellingham Municipal Court
2014 C Street,
Bellingham, WA 98225
Phone: (360) 778-8150
Fax: (360) 778-8151
Are Bellingham City Court Records Public?
Per the Washington Public Records Act, Bellingham City residents can request, view, and copy most Bellingham City court records. All persons have the right to view motions and pleadings, docket records, judgments, and court orders, testimony transcripts, and other things a case file should contain.
While most court records are publicly accessible, those that contain confidential information are considered private. These private records include, but are not limited to:
- Adoption records;
- Records of commitment to addiction and mental illness facilities;
- Family law cases.
Individuals who wish to obtain confidential court records must file a Motion and Declaration to Allow Access to Records with the court.
Can You Look up a Bellingham City Court Case Online?
Persons who wish to find Bellingham City court cases online may query the Washington Courts Case Search Page. The portal holds records for the Superior Courts, District Courts, and Municipal Courts. Interested persons will find descriptions of various case types, including civil, criminal, probate, guardianship, and family law cases. Per Washington Law, researchers may only see limited information on non-confidential records on the portal.
How to Obtain Bellingham City Civil Court Case Records
The Whatcom County Superior Court and District Court share jurisdiction over Bellingham City civil court cases. Interested persons may get Bellingham City civil court case records online, in-person, or by mail. For online access, the public may visit the Washington Courts Case Search Page. This portal provides case records for all Washington courts, including the Whatcom County Superior and District Courts. Interested persons may search for Bellingham civil court case records by selecting Whatcom County from the drop-down list and then searching by case name, case number, or business name.
While the Case Search Page records are publicly accessible, the courts do not verify the documents and only provide them for informational purposes. Individuals who wish to verify civil court case records must contact the Whatcom County District Court by mail or fax. Requesters must fill out a Whatcom County District Court Records Request Form, indicating the case type, the parties’ names, and the case number. Bellingham civil court case records cost fifteen cents per page, while certification costs $5 per document.
Whatcom County District Court
311 Grand Avenue, Suite 401
Bellingham, WA 98225
Fax: (360) 778-5401
The Bellingham Municipal Court also hears certain civil cases and makes their records publicly available. Interested individuals may obtain these records by completing a Request for Court Records Form and submitting it in person or by mail.
Bellingham Municipal Court,
2014 C Street,
Bellingham, WA 98225
Fax: (360) 778-8151
Email: court@cob.org
How to Obtain Bellingham City Criminal Court Records
The Whatcom County Superior Court and District Court are jointly responsible for Bellingham City criminal court cases. Individuals who wish to access criminal court records may do so online or by mail. For online access, the public may visit the Washington Courts Case Search Page. This portal provides case records for all Washington courts, including the Whatcom County Superior and District Courts. Interested persons may search by selecting Whatcom County from the drop-down list and then searching by case name or case number.
Details available on the Case Search Page are only provided for informational purposes and not verified by the courts. Anyone that wants to verify Bellingham criminal court records must reach out to the Whatcom County District Court by mail or fax. These persons must complete a Whatcom County District Court Records Request Form with the case type, the defendant’s name, and the case number. Bellingham criminal court records are typically available at no charge.
Whatcom County District Court
311 Grand Avenue, Suite 401
Bellingham, WA 98225
Fax: (360) 778-5401
The Bellingham Municipal Court also hears certain criminal cases and makes their records publicly available. Interested individuals may obtain these records by completing a Request for Court Records Form and submitting it in person or by mail.
Bellingham Municipal Court,
2014 C Street,
Bellingham, WA 98225
Fax: (360) 778-8151
Email: court@cob.org
What are Bellingham City Vital Records?
Bellingham City vital records refer to government-generated documents that record details of life events in the city. Examples of life events are births, deaths, marriages, and divorces. Per the Revised Code of Washington Chapter 42.56.365 which took effect on January 1, 2021, Bellingham City vital records are exempt from public disclosure.
The Washington State Department of Health is primarily responsible for birth, death, marriage, and divorce records. However, the Whatcom County Superior Court Clerk is responsible for Bellingham City divorce records, as the Whatcom County Auditor’s Office is responsible for Bellingham City marriage records. Bellingham City birth and death records are obtainable from the Whatcom County Health Department.
Where and How to Get Bellingham City Divorce Records
The Whatcom County Superior Court Clerk maintains Bellingham City divorce records and makes copies of these records available to the following eligible persons:
- The divorced couple;
- The divorcees’ immediate family members (e.g., children, parents, siblings, etc.);
- The divorcees’ legal representatives;
- Anyone with a legal order to obtain a divorce record from the court.
Eligible persons may request Bellingham divorce records from the Clerk’s office in person or by mail. Requesters must provide the divorcees’ names, the date and place of the divorce, and proof of eligibility.
Superior Court Administration
311 Grand Avenue, Suite 301
Bellingham, WA 98225
Phone: (360) 778-5560
The Washington State Department of Health also offers certified copies of Bellingham City divorce records from January 1, 1968, until date. Eligible persons may complete a Marriage/Divorce Certificate Order Form, attach a check or money order for $25 per certificate, and proof of eligibility, and submit the request to
Center for Health Statistics
Town Center 1
101 Israel Road SE
Tumwater, WA 98501
Phone: (800) 525-0127
Department of Health
P.O. Box 9709
Olympia, WA
98507-9709
Where and How to Get Public Bellingham City Marriage Records
The Washington State Department of Health is responsible for creating and maintaining Bellingham City marriage records. Per the Revised Code of Washington Chapter 42.56.365, which took effect on January 1, 2021, Bellingham City marriage certificates are publicly inaccessible.
Where and How to Get Confidential Marriage Records in Bellingham City
The Washington State Department of Health creates and maintains Bellingham City marriage records and makes them available to the following eligible persons:
- The married couple;
- The couple’s immediate family members (e.g., children, parents, siblings, etc.);
- The couples’ legal representatives;
- Anyone with a legal order to obtain a marriage record.
Eligible persons can get copies of Bellingham marriage certificates, filed since January 1, 1968. Requesters may order copies online, in person, or by mail. In-person or mail-in requesters must complete a Marriage/Divorce Certificate Order Form, attach proof of eligibility and a check or money order for $25 per certificate, and submit the document to
Center for Health Statistics
Town Center 1
101 Israel Road SE
Tumwater, WA 98501
Phone: (800) 525-0127
Department of Health
P.O. Box 9709
Olympia, WA
98507-9709
The Whatcom County Auditor's Office provides records of Bellingham City marriage licenses. Eligible persons may get certified copies by mailing written requests to the auditor's office. The application must contain the spouses' names and the marriage date. The requestor must also attach a stamped, self-addressed envelope, and $3 per record for marriages after 1980 or $11 for those before 1980.
Whatcom County Auditor
Attention: Marriages
311 Grand Avenue, Suite 103
Bellingham, WA 98225
Where and How to Find Bellingham City Birth Records
The Whatcom County Health Department issues and maintains Bellingham City birth records created after July 1907. The Department provides certified copies to the following eligible parties:
- The registrant (above 18 years old);
- The registrant’s parents (listed on the record);
- The registrant’s spouse;
- The registrant’s immediate family members (siblings, children, etc.);
- The registrant’s legal representatives.
Interested persons who meet the requested eligibility conditions may apply for Bellingham City birth records by sending a completed Birth Certificate Application form via mail or fax to:
509 Girard Street
Bellingham, WA 98225
TelePhone: (360) 778-6000
Fax: (360) 778-6001
Individuals may also submit a written request to the above address, indicating the following:
- The registrant’s full name
- The registrant’s birth date and place of birth;
- The mother's full name & maiden name;
- The father's full name.
Bellingham City birth certificates cost $20, payable by cash, cheque, or card. However, if a record is unavailable, the requester will only pay $8 for the search.
Where and How to Find Bellingham City Death Records
The Whatcom County Health Department is responsible for creating Bellingham City death records after July 1907. The Department provides certified copies to the following eligible parties:
- The deceased’s spouse;
- The deceased’s immediate family members (parents, siblings, children, etc.);
- The deceased’s legal representatives;
- Anyone with a court order to obtain the death record.
Interested persons who meet the requested eligibility conditions may apply for Bellingham City death records by sending a completed Death Certificate Application form via mail or fax to:
509 Girard Street
Bellingham, WA 98225
TelePhone: (360) 778-6000
Fax: (360) 778-6001
Individuals may also submit a written request to the above address, indicating the following:
- The deceased’s full name
- The deceased’s date and place of death.
Bellingham City death certificates cost $20, payable by cash, cheque, or card. However, if a record is unavailable, the requester will only pay $8 for the search.
