FOIA Friend

Jurisdiction-first help for public records requests.

Back to jurisdictions

Washington (WA)

Law: Washington Public Records Act (Wash. Rev. Code §§ 42.56.001–42.56.904)

Notes: Use the state’s online portal. Agencies must respond within 5 business days. Ask for a fee waiver if the information benefits the public.

Generate a Request for Washington

Jurisdiction Facts

Sourced from the jurisdiction registry. Not legal advice.

Best Practice

Use the state’s online portal. Agencies must respond within 5 business days. Ask for a fee waiver if the information benefits the public.

Statutory Response Deadline

5 business days under RCW 42.56.520.

Observed Average Response

40 days (MuckRock observed average, not a statutory deadline).

Fee Waivers / Intake

No search fees. $100/day penalty for noncompliance.

Appeals

No administrative appeal; may file suit in superior court. Prevailing parties recover attorney fees, costs, and penalties.

Direct links to the governing statute, official requester guidance, and central portal for this jurisdiction.

Common Agencies

Seattle Police Department, Seattle, WA

Portal: Submit online

Email: [email protected]

Mail: Seattle Police Department Public Request Unit 610 5th Avenue Seattle, WA 98104-1900

Fees & notes

The SPD uses the GovQA portal for public records requests. The department has been the subject of litigation regarding its compliance with the Public Records Act, including issues related to the timeliness of responses and the withholding of records.

Source Reviewed 2026-05-24

View full details →

State of Washington — Public Records Act Statute

No verified submission path on file.

Fees & notes

Official text of the Washington Public Records Act. RCW 42.56.040 requires agencies to publish procedures. Copy fees: actual cost (typically $0.15/page). Electronic records to be provided at no charge if routinely posted online. Agency must respond within 5 business days.

Source Reviewed 2026-04-27

View full details →