Whatcom County, WA Courts and Public Records
- Arrest Records
- Judgments
- Bankruptcies
- DUIs & DWIs
- Felonies
- Warrants
- Jail Records
- Lien Records
- Sex Offenses
- Misdemeanors
- Criminal Records
- Federal Dockets
The Whatcom Superior Court is the county's general trial court, and the Whatcom County Clerk keeps its official court records. Washington's appellate courts are the Court of Appeals and the Supreme Court.
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Court Name | Whatcom Superior Court |
| Court Type | General trial court, one per county |
| Official Records | Kept by the Whatcom County Clerk |
| Website | courts.wa.gov |
| Online Case Search | JIS-Link at courts.wa.gov |
| Handles | General trial matters for Whatcom County |
| Does NOT Handle | Federal cases (U.S. District Court for Washington); appeals, which go to the Court of Appeals or the Supreme Court |
How to Search Whatcom County Court Records
Have the person's full name, the case number if you know it, and approximate dates ready before you search. Whatcom County superior court records are kept by the Whatcom County Clerk.
Online
Go to courts.wa.gov and open JIS-Link, the statewide case search.
Search by name or case number to view case information.
Check what the portal shows, since not every document is online.
Best for: Quick case lookups by name or number
In Person
Visit the Whatcom County Clerk's office to view or request records.
Bring the case number and party names if you have them.
Ask the clerk whether public terminals are available.
Best for: Records not available online
By Phone
Call the Whatcom County Clerk's office to confirm the request process.
Ask which records the clerk can release and what to include.
Ask the clerk how to send written requests if you cannot visit.
Best for: Requests you cannot make in person
Search by Name on WashingtonCourts.org
Go to WashingtonCourts.org and enter a full name.
Search across record types without a case number.
Confirm results with the court, since they are not official court records.
Best for: Finding leads without a case number
Whatcom County Court Statistics (CY 2024)
Whatcom County courts handled an estimated 20,962 new cases in CY 2024 and disposed of an estimated 21,552. The estimate scales Washington statewide totals by the county's share of state population.
~20,962
Total filings in CY 2024
~21,552
Total dispositions in CY 2024
~1,747
Filings per judicial position (12 estimated positions)
~+1.4%
Change in total filings vs CY 2023
| Metric | CY 2024 | CY 2023 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Filings | ~20,962 | ~20,667 | ~+1.4% |
| Total Dispositions | ~21,552 | ~20,667 | ~+4.3% |
| Criminal Filings | ~14,171 | ~13,876 | ~+2.1% |
| Civil Filings | ~5,609 | ~5,609 | ~+0.0% |
| Family Law Filings | ~945 | ~945 | ~+0.0% |
| Probate Filings | ~443 | ~443 | ~+0.0% |
| Mental Health Filings | ~295 | ~295 | ~+0.0% |
| Juvenile Filings | ~207 | ~207 | ~+0.0% |
| Authorized Judicial Positions | ~12 | ~12 | ~0.0% |
The largest category movement was in criminal filings. Figures marked with ~ are estimates: Washington statewide figures scaled by Whatcom County's 2.95% share of the state population.
How Have Court Filings Changed in Whatcom County?
Estimated total filings in Whatcom County moved up over the last five years; dispositions are estimated at a similar level.
| Fiscal Year | Total Filings | Total Dispositions | YoY Filing Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| CY 2024 | ~20,962 | ~21,552 | ~+1.4% |
| CY 2023 | ~20,667 | ~20,667 | ~+1.5% |
| CY 2022 | ~20,371 | ~20,076 | ~+7.8% |
| CY 2021 | ~18,895 | ~19,190 | ~-3.0% |
| CY 2020 | ~19,486 | ~19,190 | ~-3.0% |
Estimated filings changed +7.6% between CY 2020 and CY 2024, from 19,486 to 20,962. The largest annual change was +7.8% in CY 2022. The latest change of +1.4% reflects statewide Washington trends. Figures marked with ~ are estimates: Washington statewide figures scaled by Whatcom County's 2.95% share of the state population.
What Types of Cases Are Filed in Whatcom County?
Criminal cases are estimated to be the largest category in Whatcom County, at about 67.6% of filings in CY 2024.
| Case Type | Filings CY 2024 | Share of Total | YoY Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Criminal | ~14,171 | ~67.6% | ~+2.1% |
| Civil | ~5,609 | ~26.8% | ~+0.0% |
| Family law | ~945 | ~4.5% | ~+0.0% |
| Probate | ~443 | ~2.1% | ~+0.0% |
| Mental health | ~295 | ~1.4% | ~+0.0% |
| Juvenile | ~207 | ~1.0% | ~+0.0% |
Criminal cases are estimated as the fastest-growing category and civil cases as the fastest-falling. Figures marked with ~ are estimates: Washington statewide figures scaled by Whatcom County's 2.95% share of the state population.
How Does Whatcom County Compare With Washington Overall?
Whatcom County is estimated to account for about 2.95% of the 710,000 cases filed in Washington courts in CY 2024.
| Metric | Whatcom County | Washington | Comparison |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total filings | ~20,962 | 710,000 | ~2.95% of statewide filings |
| YoY change in filings | ~+1.4% | +1.4% | Same as state (estimate) |
| Filings per judicial position | ~1,747 | 1,775 | Estimated at the state level |
| Dispositions per judicial position equivalent | ~1,796 | 1,825 | Estimated at the state level |
| Criminal share of filings | ~67.6% | 67.6% | Same as state (estimate) |
| Civil share of filings | ~26.8% | 26.8% | Same as state (estimate) |
| Family law share of filings | ~4.5% | 4.5% | Same as state (estimate) |
These county values are estimates built from statewide Washington figures, so they track the state mix by design. Actual county dockets may differ. Figures marked with ~ are estimates: Washington statewide figures scaled by Whatcom County's 2.95% share of the state population.
Whatcom County Crime Statistics (2025)
These figures are Washington statewide totals as reported to the FBI, not counts for Whatcom County. Agency reporting may be incomplete, and county crime counts are not available here. Statewide violent and property crimes combined fell 20.1% from 2024 to 2025. In 2025, reporting agencies covered about 97.7% of Washington's population, so year-over-year changes can partly reflect which agencies reported.
22,798
Violent crimes, Washington statewide, 2025
157,507
Property crimes, Washington statewide, 2025 (includes arson)
284.9
Violent crime rate per 100K, Washington statewide, 2025 (population 8,001,020)
-20.1%
Change in total violent plus property crimes, Washington statewide, 2025 vs 2024 (180,305 vs 225,760)
| Offense | 2025 | Rate per 100K | 2024 | YoY Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Homicide | 234 | 2.9 | 304 | -23.0% |
| Rape | 3,120 | 39.0 | 3,212 | -2.9% |
| Robbery | 4,140 | 51.7 | 5,388 | -23.2% |
| Aggravated assault | 15,304 | 191.3 | 17,373 | -11.9% |
| Violent crimes total | 22,798 | 284.9 | 26,277 | -13.2% |
| Burglary | 24,862 | 310.7 | 32,152 | -22.7% |
| Larceny-theft | 111,515 | 1393.8 | 131,566 | -15.2% |
| Motor vehicle theft | 20,206 | 252.5 | 34,655 | -41.7% |
| Property crimes total | 157,507 | 1968.6 | 199,483 | -21.0% |
Rates use the Washington 2025 population of 8,001,020. County-level rates are not published, so this section does not compare Whatcom County with the state. The property crimes total includes arson, so it is larger than the sum of the property offenses listed above.
Whatcom County Courthouse Locations
Whatcom County court proceedings are held at the Whatcom County Courthouse. Check your notice or case paperwork to confirm the courthouse assigned to your case before you go.
| Courthouse | Address | Phone | Verified Services |
|---|---|---|---|
| Whatcom County Courthouse | 311 Grand Avenue, Bellingham, WA 98225 | 360-778-5560 | See location page |
Addresses and phone numbers come from public directory listings and may change, so confirm them with the clerk before you visit.
Which Court Handles Your Case in Whatcom County?
In Whatcom County, Washington, local matters are handled by the Superior Court of Whatcom County and by district or municipal courts for lower-level cases.
| Your Situation | Go To | Key Details |
|---|---|---|
| Traffic ticket | District Court or municipal court serving Whatcom County | Traffic infractions are handled by the district court or the city municipal court where the ticket was issued. |
| Parking ticket | The city or agency that issued the ticket (municipal or district court) | Parking tickets are handled by the issuing city's municipal court or the district court. |
| Misdemeanor | District Court or municipal court in Whatcom County | Misdemeanors are heard in the courts of limited jurisdiction. |
| Felony | Superior Court of Whatcom County | Felony cases are heard in superior court. |
| DUI | District Court or municipal court in Whatcom County | DUI is commonly charged as a gross misdemeanor in a court of limited jurisdiction. |
| Domestic violence | District Court, municipal court, or Superior Court of Whatcom County | Criminal charges go to the limited-jurisdiction court or superior court by level; protection orders may be filed in either. |
| Civil lawsuit | Superior Court of Whatcom County | Civil lawsuits are filed with the county clerk in superior court. |
| Small claims | Small claims division of District Court, Whatcom County | Small claims are filed in the district court serving the area. |
| Eviction | Superior Court of Whatcom County | Eviction (unlawful detainer) cases are filed with the county clerk in superior court. |
| Divorce | Superior Court of Whatcom County | Divorce is filed with the county clerk in superior court. |
| Child custody or support | Superior Court of Whatcom County | Custody and support cases are handled in superior court. |
| Probate or estate | Superior Court of Whatcom County | Probate and estate matters are filed with the county clerk in superior court. |
| Juvenile case | Superior Court of Whatcom County, Juvenile Division | Juvenile matters are handled in superior court. |
| Appeal | Washington Court of Appeals or Supreme Court | Appeals go to the Court of Appeals, and some go directly to the Supreme Court. Federal matters go to the U.S. District Court. |
Are Whatcom County Court Records Public?
Court records for Whatcom County are kept by the Whatcom County Clerk. Access depends on the record type, and you should confirm with the clerk which records you may view.
Public records
Case information for Whatcom County superior court cases can be searched through the statewide case search, JIS-Link, at courts.wa.gov.
Online access
JIS-Link shows case information. Not every document is available online, so ask the Whatcom County Clerk for records that are not posted.
In-person access
Visit the Whatcom County Clerk's office to view or request records. Call ahead to confirm which division holds your case.
How to Search Whatcom County Court Records Online
You can look up case information for Whatcom County through Washington's statewide court record tools and the county clerk.
- Identify the case type, such as criminal, traffic, civil, or family.
- Choose the official portal: Find Court Records or the Odyssey Portal.
- Search by name or case number.
- Review the case details, hearing dates, and outcomes.
- Request documents that are not online from the clerk or court in Whatcom County.
| Case Type | Where to Search | What You'll Find | Limits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Criminal | Odyssey Portal and Find Court Records | Superior court criminal case information in participating counties; limited-jurisdiction court cases use separate local or statewide search tools. | Not all counties use the Odyssey Portal; documents are typically available from the county clerk. |
| Traffic | Find Court Records | Traffic infraction cases are searched through the statewide record search or the local district or municipal court. | Not part of the superior court Odyssey Portal. |
| Civil | Odyssey Portal | Superior court civil case information in participating counties. | Anonymous users generally see case information but not documents; documents are available from the clerk. |
| Small claims | Find Court Records | District court small claims records are found through the statewide search or the local district court. | Not in the superior court portal; ask the district court for documents. |
| Family law | Odyssey Portal | Superior court family case information in participating counties. | Confidential and sealed records are not available, and documents usually require the clerk. |
| Probate | Odyssey Portal | Superior court probate case information in participating counties. | Document access varies by county; contact the Whatcom County clerk. |
| Juvenile | County Clerk, Superior Court of Whatcom County (restricted access) | Juvenile records are generally confidential. | Do not expect juvenile cases to appear in public online search. |
How to Pay Fines & Citations in Whatcom County
Confirm how to pay Whatcom County fines and citations with the Whatcom County Clerk, since payment options are not listed here.
Check your ticket or notice for payment instructions and the court date it sets.
Parking tickets are usually handled by the agency that issued them, not by the superior court.
Whatcom County Court Records FAQ
How do I search Whatcom County court records?
Use JIS-Link at courts.wa.gov to search case information by name or case number, or contact the Whatcom County Clerk.
Are Whatcom County court records public?
Case information is searchable through JIS-Link, but not every document is online. Confirm with the Whatcom County Clerk which records you can view.
How do I find a criminal case?
Search by name or case number on JIS-Link at courts.wa.gov, or ask the Whatcom County Clerk for help.
How do I find a court date?
Check your ticket, notice, or paperwork, or contact the Whatcom County Clerk to confirm.
How do I pay a traffic ticket?
Check your ticket for payment instructions, or contact the Whatcom County Clerk, since payment options are not listed here.
How many cases are filed in Whatcom County each year?
County filing counts are not published here. The county population was 236,392 in 2025.
What is the most common type of case in Whatcom County?
Case-type counts for the county are not published here, so the most common type cannot be stated.
Is crime in Whatcom County rising or falling?
County crime counts are not available here. Statewide, reported violent crimes fell 13.2% to 22,798 in 2025 from 26,277 in 2024, and property crimes fell 21.0% to 157,507 from 199,483, as reported to the FBI. These are Washington statewide figures, and reporting coverage changed between years.
Courts in the County
Bellingham Municipal CourtMore Info
| Address: | 2014 C St, Bellingham, Bellingham, WA, 98225 |
| Phone Number: | 360-778-8150 |
| Website: | https://cob.org/gov/court |
Lynden Municipal CourtMore Info
| Address: | 300 4th St, Lynden, WA, 98264 |
| Phone Number: | 360-354-1170 |
| Website: | https://www.lyndenwa.org/court/ |
Ferndale Municipal CourtMore Info
| Address: | 5694 Second Ave, Ferndale, WA, 98248 |
| Website: | http://ferndalecourts.org/ |
Blaine Municipal Court More Info
| Address: | 435 Martin St, Blaine, WA, 98230 |
| Phone Number: | 360-332-8310 |
| Website: | https://www.ci.blaine.wa.us/166/Municipal-Court |
Useful Links
- Whatcom County, WA - Superior Court - Provides information on court cases, calendars, and services for criminal, civil, and family matters in Whatcom County.
- Whatcom County, WA - District Court - Access to civil, criminal, small claims, and traffic cases handled by the District Court in Whatcom County.
- Find Court Date - Whatcom County, WA - Search tool allowing users to locate and verify court dates in Whatcom County for various cases.
- Washington State Courts - Court Directory - A comprehensive directory across Washington State judicial departments with contacts and operating details for Whatcom County included.
- Whatcom County, WA - Public Defender - Public Defender's office provides legal representation to indigent clients facing criminal charges within Whatcom County jurisdiction.
- Whatcom County, WA - Prosecuting Attorney - Official site of the office responsible for prosecuting all criminal and civil cases in Whatcom County courts.
- Remote Court Hearings - Whatcom County, WA - Instructions and access details for participating in remote court hearings conducted by Whatcom County courts.
- Whatcom County, WA - Juvenile Court - Information and resources related to juvenile justice, dependency cases, and juvenile offender programs within Whatcom County.
- WashingtonLawHelp.org | Free legal help for Washingtonians who cannot afford a lawyer. - Offers free legal information and resources, including court forms and guides for Whatcom County residents.
- Revised Code of Washington (RCW) - Provides the complete collection of codified laws in Washington State, crucial for legal proceedings in Whatcom County.
- Court Services - Whatcom County, WA - Comprehensive description of the variety of support services available to support court operations within Whatcom County.
- Whatcom County, WA - Sheriff's Office - Provides critical components for law enforcement, including jail services, civil processes, and public safety initiatives in Whatcom County.
- American Civil Liberties Union of Washington - Advocates for individual rights and liberties through legal action, protections, and policy, supporting Whatcom County residents.
- Northwest Justice Project (NJP) - Offers free civil legal help to those with low income across Washington State, including Whatcom County.
- Washington State Courts - Forms - Repository of official court forms used in various legal processes within Whatcom County and the entire Washington state.
- Division of Child Support - Washington State - Supports custodial and non-custodial parents with child support services and enforcement in Whatcom County.
- Marriage License - Whatcom County, WA - Guidance and service for obtaining marriage licenses through Whatcom County Auditor's Office with applicable legal requirements.
- Washington State Bar Association - Provides legal resources, support, and guides for practicing lawyers and residents seeking legal assistance in Whatcom County.
- Arrest Records - Whatcom County, WA - Access to public arrest records and related legal documents maintained by Whatcom County law enforcement agencies.
- Victim Witness Services - Whatcom County, WA - Support services provided to crime victims and witnesses navigating the criminal justice system in Whatcom County.
Table of Contents
- Whatcom County, Courts and Public Records
- How to Search Whatcom County Court Records
- Whatcom County Court Statistics (CY 2024)
- How Have Court Filings Changed in Whatcom County?
- What Types of Cases Are Filed in Whatcom County?
- How Does Whatcom County Compare With Washington Overall?
- Whatcom County Crime Statistics (2025)
- Whatcom County Courthouse Locations
- Which Court Handles Your Case in Whatcom County?
- Are Whatcom County Court Records Public?
- How to Search Whatcom County Court Records Online
- How to Pay Fines & Citations in Whatcom County
- Whatcom County Court Records FAQ
- Courts in the County
- Useful Links