Clallam County Public Records /Clallam County Property Records

Clallam County Property Records

What Is Clallam County Property Records

Property records in Clallam County are official documents that establish and track the legal ownership, transfers, and encumbrances of real property within county boundaries. These records serve as the authoritative documentation of property rights and interests throughout the county. Pursuant to Washington State law RCW 65.08.070, all instruments affecting real property must be recorded to provide constructive notice to the public.

The primary purposes of Clallam County property records include:

Establishing legal ownership and chain of title
Providing public notice of property interests
Protecting property rights of owners and lienholders
Facilitating real estate transactions
Supporting property tax assessment and collection

The Clallam County Auditor's Office maintains the official repository of property records, while the Clallam County Assessor determines property values and maintains parcel information. These records form the foundation of real estate ownership in the county and are essential for property transactions, title research, and legal matters involving real property.

Clallam County Auditor's Office
223 East 4th Street, Suite 1
Port Angeles, WA 98362
(360) 417-2222
Clallam County Auditor

Are Property Records Public Information In Clallam County?

Property records in Clallam County are public information and accessible to all citizens under Washington State law. The Washington Public Records Act, codified in RCW 42.56, establishes that public records, including property records, must be available for public inspection and copying. Additionally, § 65.04.140 of the Washington Revised Code specifically mandates that county auditors maintain property records for public examination.

The legal basis for public access to property records includes:

Property ownership is fundamentally a matter of public record
Recording statutes require public access to provide constructive notice
Transparency in land ownership serves the public interest
Public access facilitates real estate transactions and property research

Members of the public may access Clallam County property records without demonstrating any specific interest in the records or providing a reason for their request. The Document Recording Division of the Clallam County Auditor's Office maintains these public records and makes them available through both in-person and online access methods.

While property records are public, certain personal information may be redacted in accordance with privacy protections under state law. The Washington Department of Revenue oversees property tax administration and ensures that counties maintain appropriate public access to property records while following state guidelines for privacy protection.

How To Search Property Records in Clallam County in 2026

Members of the public seeking property records in Clallam County may utilize several methods to locate and access these documents. The county maintains comprehensive systems for property record searches through both in-person and digital channels.

To search property records in person:

Visit the Clallam County Auditor's Office during regular business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM)
Complete a public records request form at the service counter
Provide specific information about the property (address, parcel number, or owner name)
Staff will assist with accessing the appropriate records
Pay applicable fees for copies if needed ($0.15 per page for standard copies)

To search property records by mail:

Download and complete the public records request form from the county website
Include specific property information in your request
Mail the completed form to the Clallam County Auditor's Office
Include a self-addressed stamped envelope for response
Enclose payment for any applicable fees

Clallam County Assessor's Office
223 East 4th Street, Suite 8
Port Angeles, WA 98362
(360) 417-2228
Clallam County Assessor

The county's property search system allows users to search by various criteria including parcel number, property address, owner name, or legal description. The property search tips provided by the county offer guidance on effective search strategies and troubleshooting common issues.

How To Find Property Records in Clallam County Online?

Clallam County offers comprehensive online access to property records through several digital platforms. The county's online property record system provides convenient access to a wide range of property information without requiring an in-person visit to county offices.

To access property records online:

Visit the Clallam County Property Search portal
Select the appropriate search method (parcel number, address, owner name)
Enter the search criteria in the designated fields
Review the search results and select the property of interest
Access available property information including ownership details, assessed value, and tax information

For historical property records, the Washington State Digital Archives maintains digitized land records from the Clallam County Auditor dating from 1985 to 2014. These archives primarily contain documents related to real estate transactions and land ownership.

Additional online resources include:

The Treasurer's Tax and Timber Report which provides consolidated tax levy rates and property tax information
The Document Recording section of the county website which explains recording requirements and procedures
The Property Tax Payment Information page which details tax payment deadlines and methods

Users experiencing difficulties with online searches may consult the county's Property Search Tips page for guidance on refining search parameters and resolving common issues.

How To Look Up Clallam County Property Records for Free?

Clallam County provides several no-cost options for accessing property records. These free resources allow members of the public to conduct basic property research without incurring fees.

Free property record access methods include:

Using the Clallam County Property Search portal online
- This service is available 24/7 at no charge
- Provides basic property information including ownership, assessed value, and tax status
- No registration or account required
Visiting the public access terminals at the county offices
- Available during regular business hours at no charge
- Located in the Assessor's Office and Auditor's Office
- Staff assistance available for search guidance
Accessing the Washington State Digital Archives for historical records
- Free online access to digitized land records from 1985-2014
- Searchable by name, date, or document type

While basic property record searches are free, certain services may incur fees:

Printed copies of documents ($0.15 per page)
Certified copies of records ($5.00 per document plus copy fees)
Research assistance beyond standard lookup services ($40.00 per hour after first 30 minutes)

The Clallam County Treasurer's Office also provides free access to property tax information, including current and historical tax amounts, payment status, and due dates. This information can be accessed through the online property search system or by visiting the Treasurer's Office in person.

Clallam County Treasurer's Office
223 East 4th Street, Suite 3
Port Angeles, WA 98362
(360) 417-2344
Clallam County Treasurer

What's Included in a Clallam County Property Record?

Clallam County property records encompass a comprehensive collection of documents and information related to real property within the county. These records are maintained by multiple county offices, each responsible for different aspects of property documentation.

Property records in Clallam County typically include:

Ownership Documents
- Deeds (warranty, quitclaim, special warranty)
- Transfer on death deeds
- Trustee's deeds
- Executor's deeds
Financial Encumbrances
- Mortgages and deeds of trust
- Liens (tax, mechanic's, judgment)
- Releases and satisfactions
- Assignments of mortgage
Property Characteristics
- Legal description
- Parcel number
- Property address
- Lot size and dimensions
- Zoning classification
Assessment Information
- Assessed value (land and improvements)
- Tax levy rates
- Exemption status
- Assessment history
Tax Information
- Current tax amounts
- Payment status
- Tax history
- Special assessments

Pursuant to § 84.40.175 of the Washington Revised Code, the county also maintains records on personal property for tax purposes. Unlike real property (land and permanently attached structures), personal property includes movable items used in business operations such as equipment, machinery, and furniture.

The Clallam County Assessor is responsible for determining property values and maintaining detailed property characteristics, while the Clallam County Auditor records ownership documents and encumbrances. The Clallam County Treasurer maintains tax payment records and processes property tax payments.

How Long Does Clallam County Keep Property Records?

Clallam County maintains property records in accordance with Washington State's records retention schedule. The retention periods vary based on the type of document and its legal significance. The Washington State Archives establishes these retention requirements under the authority of RCW 40.14, which governs public records preservation.

Standard retention periods for common property records include:

Deeds and ownership documents: Permanent retention
Mortgage and lien documents: Permanent retention
Property tax rolls: Permanent retention
Assessment records: 10 years after superseded
Tax payment records: 6 years after paid
Property record cards: Life of the property plus 6 years
Building permits: Life of the structure

Historical property records dating back to the county's formation in 1854 are preserved through various means. Records from 1985 to 2014 have been digitized and are available through the Washington State Digital Archives. Older records may be stored in microfilm or original paper format at the county archives or the Washington State Archives.

The county's records management program ensures that property records are maintained in accordance with state mandates while providing appropriate public access. The Document Recording Division of the Auditor's Office follows established protocols for document preservation, including climate-controlled storage for physical records and secure digital backup systems for electronic records.

How To Find Liens on Property In Clallam County?

Liens on property in Clallam County are public records that can be researched through several official channels. A lien is a legal claim against property that serves as security for a debt or obligation and may affect the transferability of property ownership.

To search for liens on Clallam County property:

Conduct an online search through the Clallam County Property Search portal
- Enter the property address or parcel number
- Review the property record for listed encumbrances
- Note that not all liens may appear in the basic property record
Visit the Clallam County Auditor's Office in person
- Request a title search or lien search for the specific property
- Provide the property address or parcel number
- Staff can assist with accessing the grantor-grantee index
- Pay applicable fees for copies of lien documents
Check with specialized departments for specific lien types:
- Tax liens: Clallam County Treasurer's Office
- Mechanic's liens: Clallam County Auditor's Recording Division
- Judgment liens: Clallam County Superior Court
- Federal tax liens: Clallam County Auditor's Recording Division

Common types of liens that may appear on Clallam County properties include:

Property tax liens for unpaid property taxes
Mechanic's liens filed by contractors for unpaid work
Judgment liens resulting from court judgments
Federal tax liens for unpaid federal taxes
Child support liens
Homeowners association liens
Utility liens

The Personal Property Tax Information page provides details on tax liens specifically related to personal property. According to Washington State law, property tax liens have priority over most other liens and encumbrances on real property.

What Is Property Owner Rule In Clallam County?

The Property Owner Rule in Clallam County refers to the legal framework governing property ownership rights and responsibilities under Washington State law. This rule encompasses various regulations that define how property is owned, transferred, and encumbered within the county.

Key components of the Property Owner Rule include:

Recording Requirements
- All documents affecting real property interests must be recorded with the county auditor
- Unrecorded documents may be valid between parties but lack priority against subsequent recorded interests
- Recording provides constructive notice to the public under § 65.08.070 RCW
Ownership Types
- Fee simple: complete ownership with all rights to the property
- Joint tenancy: ownership by two or more people with right of survivorship
- Tenancy in common: ownership by two or more people without right of survivorship
- Community property: ownership by married couples or registered domestic partners
Property Tax Obligations
- Property owners are responsible for paying annual property taxes
- Tax payments are due by April 30 (first half) and October 31 (second half)
- Delinquent taxes accrue interest and penalties
- Properties with unpaid taxes may be subject to foreclosure after three years
Transfer Requirements
- Real Estate Excise Tax (REET) must be paid on property transfers
- Disclosure statements required for residential property sales
- Recorded deed must include legal description and assessor's parcel number

The Washington Department of Revenue oversees property tax administration and ensures county compliance with state regulations. Property owners should be aware that under Washington law, property ownership carries both rights and responsibilities, including maintenance obligations, tax liabilities, and compliance with zoning regulations.

Property owners may access information about their specific property rights and obligations through the Clallam County Assessor's Office or by consulting with a real estate attorney familiar with Washington State property law.