St. Evens County Public Records
How to Find Public Records in St. Evens County in 2026
Members of the public seeking government documents, court filings, property data, and vital records in Stevens County, Washington may access a range of publicly available information through official county and state channels. StEvensRecords.us aggregates publicly available data that may assist researchers in locating relevant record categories. Available record types in Stevens County include:
- Court records (civil, criminal, probate, and family law)
- Property deeds, mortgages, and assessment records
- Vital records (marriage, death, and birth certificates)
- Business licenses and permits
- Tax and land use records
- Voting and election records
- County commission meeting minutes and agendas
Records can be searched through official court resources, clerk offices, public access terminals, and online tools.
Online Access:
The Stevens County Auditor's Self-Service portal provides online access to recorded documents including deeds, liens, and other instruments maintained by the Auditor's Office. No registration is required to perform basic searches. Historical marriage records dating from 1859 through 2008 are accessible through the Washington State Digital Archives, which preserves electronic records of both state and local government agencies.
In-Person Requests:
Members of the public may visit the Stevens County Auditor's Office at 215 S. Oak Street, Room 106, Colville, WA 99114. The office is open Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM. Requestors should bring a valid photo identification and a written description of the records sought.
Written/Mail Requests:
Written requests may be submitted to the Stevens County Auditor's Office at the address listed above. Requests must include the requestor's name, contact information, a description of the records sought, and the preferred format for delivery. Under RCW 42.56.520, agencies are required to respond to public records requests within five business days.
Phone/Email:
- Phone: (509) 684-7514
- Email: auditor@stevenscountywa.gov
What Are Public Records in St. Evens County?
Public records in Stevens County are defined broadly under Washington State law as any writing containing information relating to the conduct of government or the performance of any governmental or proprietary function prepared, owned, used, or retained by any state or local agency. Under RCW 42.56.010, the definition encompasses documents, papers, maps, photographs, and electronic records.
The following record types are currently maintained by Stevens County agencies:
| Record Type | Maintaining Office |
|---|---|
| Court records (civil, criminal, probate, family) | Stevens County Superior Court Clerk |
| Property deeds, mortgages, liens | Stevens County Auditor |
| Vital records (marriage, death) | Stevens County Auditor |
| Birth and death certificates | Washington State Department of Health |
| Business licenses and permits | Stevens County Auditor / Washington Secretary of State |
| Property tax and assessment records | Stevens County Assessor |
| Voting and election records | Stevens County Auditor |
| Meeting minutes and agendas | Stevens County Board of Commissioners |
| Law enforcement records | Stevens County Sheriff's Office |
| Land use and zoning records | Stevens County Planning Department |
The Stevens County Auditor's Office serves as the primary repository for recorded documents, vital records, and election materials. Court records are maintained by the Stevens County Superior Court Clerk located at the courthouse.
Is St. Evens County an Open Records County?
Stevens County operates in full compliance with Washington State's open records framework. Under the Washington Public Records Act, RCW 42.56, all state and local agencies are required to make public records available for inspection and copying upon request, unless a specific exemption applies.
As stated by the Washington State Attorney General's Office, "The Public Records Act reflects the Legislature's intent that free and open examination of public records is in the public interest, even though such examination may cause inconvenience or embarrassment to public officials or others." This principle governs how Stevens County agencies respond to records requests.
The Act establishes a strong presumption of openness, placing the burden on the agency to demonstrate that a specific exemption justifies withholding any portion of a requested record. Stevens County agencies are required to provide a written explanation when denying access to any record or portion thereof. The Washington Attorney General's Model Rules provide additional guidance on agency obligations under the Public Records Act.
How Much Does It Cost to Get Public Records in St. Evens County?
The current fee structure for public records in Stevens County is governed by state law and individual agency schedules. Under RCW 42.56.120, agencies may charge fees that reflect the actual cost of providing records, including scanning, copying, and electronic delivery.
Standard Copy and Document Fees:
| Service | Standard Fee |
|---|---|
| Black-and-white paper copies (letter/legal) | $0.15 per page |
| Color copies | $0.25 per page |
| Certified copies of recorded documents | $5.00 for the first page; $1.00 each additional page |
| Electronic records (scanned to email or USB) | Actual cost of scanning |
| Certified vital records (marriage certificates) | $3.00 per copy |
- Inspection fees: No fee is charged for inspecting public records in person.
- Certification fees: Certified copies of recorded instruments carry a separate certification charge.
- Search fees: Washington State law does not permit agencies to charge a fee solely for searching records.
- Payment methods: The Stevens County Auditor's Office accepts cash, check, and credit/debit cards for records-related fees.
Fee waivers are not broadly mandated under state law, though agencies retain discretion to waive fees in cases involving minimal cost or public interest considerations.
Does St. Evens County Have Free Public Records?
Free inspection of public records is available in Stevens County. Washington State law requires that agencies permit any person to inspect public records at no charge during regular business hours. The distinction between free inspection and free copies is significant: while viewing records in person carries no fee, obtaining physical or electronic copies is subject to the fee schedule described above.
The following resources provide free access to Stevens County records:
- The Stevens County Auditor's public records portal allows free online searching and viewing of recorded documents including deeds, liens, and other instruments.
- The Washington State Digital Archives provides free online access to historical county records, including marriage records from 1859 to 2008.
- The Stevens County Assessor's Office provides free online access to property assessment and tax records through the county's official website.
- Public access terminals are available at the Stevens County Courthouse for in-person review of court records at no charge.
Who Can Request Public Records in St. Evens County?
Any person may request public records from Stevens County agencies, regardless of residency, citizenship, or stated purpose. Washington's Public Records Act does not restrict access based on the requestor's identity or the reason for the request. Requestors are not required to be Washington State residents, and agencies may not demand that a requestor explain why they are seeking a particular record.
Specific provisions regarding requestor eligibility include:
- Identification: Agencies may ask for a name and contact information to facilitate the response, but are not authorized to require government-issued identification as a condition of access.
- Purpose: Requestors are not required to state a purpose for most public records requests.
- Non-residents: Non-residents of Stevens County and Washington State retain full rights to request public records under state law.
- Personal records: Individuals requesting their own records, such as personal court filings or vital records, follow the same process as any other requestor, though additional verification may be required for certified copies of vital records.
Certain record categories, such as juvenile court records and sealed case files, carry additional access restrictions regardless of the requestor's identity.
What Records Are Confidential in St. Evens County?
Not all government records in Stevens County are subject to public disclosure. Washington State law enumerates specific categories of exempt records, and agencies are authorized to withhold or redact information falling within those categories. The following record types are currently exempt from public disclosure under Washington law:
- Sealed court records: Records sealed by judicial order are not available for public inspection.
- Juvenile records: Records pertaining to juvenile offenders are restricted under state juvenile justice statutes.
- Ongoing investigation records: Law enforcement records related to active investigations may be withheld to protect the integrity of the investigation.
- Personal identifying information: Social Security numbers, financial account data, and similar identifiers are exempt from disclosure.
- Medical records: Health and medical information is protected under both state law and the federal Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).
- Adoption records: Adoption proceedings and related documents are confidential by statute.
- Child welfare records: Records maintained by child protective services are exempt from public disclosure.
- Personnel records: Certain employee records are exempt, with exceptions for records relating to public employee misconduct.
- Trade secrets and proprietary business information: Commercially sensitive information submitted to government agencies may be withheld.
- Security and infrastructure plans: Documents detailing security vulnerabilities or critical infrastructure are exempt.
As noted by the Washington Attorney General's Office, "Exemptions are to be narrowly construed, and the burden is on the agency to demonstrate that a specific exemption applies." Agencies must provide a written explanation citing the applicable exemption when withholding any record or portion thereof.
St. Evens County Recorder's Office: Contact Information and Hours
Stevens County Auditor's Office 215 S. Oak Street, Room 106, Colville, WA 99114 (509) 684-7514 Stevens County Auditor
Office Hours: Monday – Friday: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM Closed on state and federal holidays.
Stevens County Superior Court Clerk 215 S. Oak Street, Room 206, Colville, WA 99114 (509) 684-7520 Stevens County Superior Court
Office Hours: Monday – Friday: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Stevens County Assessor's Office 215 S. Oak Street, Room 245, Colville, WA 99114 (509) 684-7535 Stevens County Assessor
Office Hours: Monday – Friday: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Stevens County Sheriff's Office 255 S. Oak Street, Colville, WA 99114 (509) 684-2555 Stevens County Sheriff
Office Hours: Monday – Friday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Stevens County Board of Commissioners 215 S. Oak Street, Room 109, Colville, WA 99114 (509) 684-7510 Stevens County Board of Commissioners
Office Hours: Monday – Friday: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM