How to Obtain a Criminal History in Washington State

It is important to know the criminal histories of people before you hire them.

It is necessary at times to ensure that a person is representing themselves truthfully. Employers must consistently investigate potential employees to understand their history before giving them the job. Landlords and secondary schools also often require full documentation of one's criminal history. If you live in the state of Washington, you can conduct such a search of a person's criminal background in a few easy steps.

Things You'll Need

• Computer with Internet Access

Instructions

1. Open your computer's Internet browser and go to https://watch.wsp.wa.gov/. This website, called "Washington Access To Criminal History" is the state's link to databases of criminal histories. They offer a variety of services dealing with criminal histories.

2. Sign up for the service. You must sign up for the service before you can request information. Signing up does not cost anything, but you do have to pay for the various services.

3. Select the service you want and purchase it through the website's online system. The company offers fingerprint database searches and name and birthdate searches at different prices.

Tips & Warnings

• The site, though it obtains its information directly from the Washington State Patrol, it does not guarantee the accuracy of the results.

• You should read the FAQs to understand all of the intricate details of this bill.

References

• Watch.wsp.wa.gov: Washington Access to Criminal History