Washington State Patrol Criminal Background Check

Jurisdiction: Country: United States | Province or State: Washington

What is a Washington State Patrol Criminal Background Check?

A Washington State Patrol criminal background check is an official search of Washington’s criminal history record information tied to a specific person. It pulls records reported to Washington State Patrol by law enforcement agencies, prosecutors, and courts across the state. You can run a name-based search or a fingerprint-based search. A name-based search uses the person’s identifiers—full legal name, date of birth, and known aliases—to find potential matches. A fingerprint-based search uses biometric data to confirm identity and reduce false matches. Results can include adult conviction information and, in some cases, pending cases and arrests that are awaiting disposition. Nonconviction information and sealed or vacated records are handled under strict rules and are often not available to the public.

You typically use this form when you want official Washington criminal history directly from the state repository, not a private database. Employers and licensing agencies rely on it to make decisions that carry legal weight. Individuals use it to see what an employer or landlord might see, to prepare for an interview, or to correct errors in their record. Landlords and property managers use it as one piece of a tenant-screening process. Nonprofits and schools use it to screen volunteers who work with children or vulnerable adults. Attorneys and investigators use it to verify case outcomes, check disposition updates, or gather certified information for court filings.

You would need this form if a job offer, professional license, adoption or foster-care approval, volunteer placement, or tenancy depends on a Washington-only criminal history check. You might also need it to satisfy a court order or to support a petition to vacate a conviction. If you believe your record shows a case that should have been dismissed, vacated, or sealed, you would use this process to get the official state record and start a correction or update. If you’ve been the victim of identity theft or a mistaken identity arrest, a fingerprint-based check can help you prove you are not the person connected to an incident in the database.

Typical scenarios

• You’re filling a bookkeeper role and, after deciding the candidate is qualified, you run a Washington criminal background check to verify there are no recent financial crimes.
• You’re a home care agency screening a caregiver and need the state record as part of a broader safety check.
• You’re a landlord choosing between finalists and want to confirm there are no recent violent felony convictions.
• You’re a law school applicant who wants to confirm your Washington record is clean before you disclose any incidents to the bar.
• You’re an individual who pleaded to a misdemeanor years ago and wants to confirm the record shows the correct disposition after a court order to vacate.

In each case, the Washington State Patrol check is a direct, authoritative way to verify what the state database shows today.

When Would You Use a Washington State Patrol Criminal Background Check?

You use a Washington State Patrol criminal background check when your decision relates to conduct in Washington and you need a state-level result. Employers use it after completing initial screening to evaluate job-related convictions, especially for roles handling money, working in homes, entering secure facilities, or interacting with vulnerable clients. Licensing boards and state contractors use it to meet statutory screening requirements for positions in healthcare, education, security, or caregiving. Nonprofit directors and school administrators use it to onboard volunteers for youth sports, tutoring, or mentoring programs. Landlords and property managers use it near the end of the rental screening process to verify recent conviction history, typically after reviewing income, credit, and references. Solo practitioners and small firms use it to hire staff who will access trust accounts or client data. Gig-economy platforms and regulated industries use it to ensure compliance with state rules.

Individuals use it proactively to see what appears before a high-stakes application. If you know you were arrested but your case was dismissed, you may run a fingerprint-based check to make sure the disposition is correct and, if it is not, start a correction. If you are pursuing a court order to vacate a past conviction, you gather your official Washington record as part of your packet. If you changed your name, you may run a check under both the old and new names to make sure records link properly. If you suspect someone else used your identity in Washington, you use a fingerprint-based check to separate your identity from the offender’s record. Attorneys use the check to confirm court updates have flowed through to the state database before advising clients.

You do not use this form when a federal or national background check is required, such as for certain immigration, federal contracting, or interstate licensing purposes. The Washington State Patrol check covers Washington records and does not substitute for out-of-state or federal checks when those are required. It can still be an important part of a multilayered screening process focused on Washington events.

Legal Characteristics of the Washington State Patrol Criminal Background Check

A Washington State Patrol criminal background check is an official state record query. It is not a contract, but it is a legal process governed by Washington law. Your authorization, the purpose you certify, and how you use and store the results carry legal consequences. The subject’s consent and identity information ensure the request is valid. The Patrol’s internal matching rules and, where used, fingerprint verification ensure the results are tied to the correct person. Dissemination limits and privacy rules apply to what the Patrol can release and to how requestors can use the information.

For most noncriminal-justice purposes, the Patrol provides conviction information and, in some instances, pending charges. Nonconviction data is restricted. Sealed, vacated, or otherwise protected records are handled under specific rules and may not appear in a general public request. Name-based checks can occasionally produce false positives or miss records when identifiers are incomplete, which is why fingerprint-based checks are preferred for high-stakes decisions and for corrections. A fingerprint match provides the strongest assurance that the results reflect the right person.

If you are an employer, housing provider, or licensing coordinator, you must comply with state and federal fair hiring and privacy laws when you use criminal history in decisions. In Washington, you generally cannot ask about criminal history until after you decide the applicant is otherwise qualified for the role. If you use a consumer reporting agency to compile a background report, federal rules require you to give the applicant clear disclosure and obtain written authorization. If you plan to take adverse action based on the results, you must give the person a copy of the report and a chance to respond before finalizing the decision. Even when you obtain Washington records directly, adopting a similar notice-and-response process is a best practice and helps reduce risk.

For landlords, state and local laws limit how you can consider criminal history and may require individualized assessments. You should evaluate the nature of the offense, how long ago it occurred, and its relevance to tenancy. Across all uses, you must handle records securely, limit dissemination, and retain them only as long as needed for the purpose of the check. Misuse of criminal history information can lead to complaints, fines, or litigation. If you obtain a record without a proper purpose or without the subject’s consent when consent is required, you can face penalties. If you deny an opportunity based on an inaccurate record, you risk discrimination or consumer protection claims.

Finally, scope is a legal consideration. A Washington State Patrol check is a Washington state check. It will not include federal records or out-of-state matters except to the extent Washington agencies reported information tied to Washington events. If your decision requires a broader search, plan for additional checks. Also recognize that court reporting and database updates can lag behind real-time events. If a candidate shows you a recent court order resolving a case but the state database has not yet updated, you should pause for confirmation or request supporting documentation before making a decision.

How to Fill Out a Washington State Patrol Criminal Background Check

1) Decide whether you need a name-based or fingerprint-based check.

• Choose a name-based check when you need a fast, Washington-only search and the stakes are low to moderate.
• Choose a fingerprint-based check when accuracy is critical, the name is common, there are aliases or multiple dates of birth on record, or you need to correct or challenge information.

2) Confirm your role and purpose.

• If you are an employer or landlord, confirm you are at the correct stage of your process. In Washington, you generally wait until after you determine the applicant is otherwise qualified.
• If you are a licensing coordinator, ensure your request matches the statutory screening your program requires.
• If you are the individual, decide whether you are checking your own record for peace of mind, preparing for an application, or gathering documents for a correction.

3) Gather the subject’s identity information.

• Full legal name, including first, middle, and last names.
• All prior names and aliases (maiden names, hyphenations, common nicknames).
• Date of birth and any known alternate dates of birth used in the past.
• Gender marker and other descriptors if requested by the form.
• Washington driver license or ID number if available.
• Last four digits of the Social Security number if the form asks and the subject consents.
• Current address and past addresses, which can help confirm matches.
• A legible copy of a government-issued photo ID, especially for fingerprint-based requests.

4) Prepare the authorization and disclosure.

• Draft a simple, stand-alone disclosure that explains you will obtain a Washington State Patrol criminal background check for employment, housing, licensing, or volunteering.
• Obtain the subject’s written authorization with a signature and date. For ongoing checks, include language that allows future checks during employment or tenancy if appropriate and lawful.
• Keep the authorization on file. Provide the subject a copy on request.

5) Complete the name-based request fields.

• Enter the subject’s full legal name and all known aliases exactly as they appear on identification documents. Run separate entries for each alias if the form allows.
• Enter the date of birth accurately. If you know of an alternate date tied to the record, include a separate search.
• Provide any requested demographic fields to reduce false matches.
• State your purpose (employment, housing, licensing, volunteering, personal). This helps apply the correct dissemination rules.
• If the form allows, add a brief note about the specific job title or program to document job-relatedness.

6) Complete the fingerprint-based request if needed.

• Schedule fingerprinting with a law enforcement agency or a certified fingerprint technician. Confirm accepted formats (ink cards or live scan) and fees.
• Bring a valid government-issued photo ID to the appointment. Ensure your name on the card matches your ID.
• On the fingerprint card, fill out name, aliases, date of birth, sex, height, weight, eye color, hair color, place of birth, and residence address. Write legibly with black ink if using paper cards.
• If you are an agency, include your account or reference number if the form requests it. Confirm the correct reason code for fingerprinting.
• Have the technician roll all ten prints. If any prints are poor quality due to scars or conditions, ask the technician to annotate the card. Thanks to quality checks, you reduce the risk of rejection.
• Submit the fingerprint card(s) with the completed request form and payment. Keep a copy of the submission for your records.

7) Pay the required fee.

• Budget for a per-search fee for name-based checks and a separate fee for fingerprint-based checks. Fingerprint capture may have its own fee, paid to the capturing agency or vendor.
• If you run multiple aliases or multiple subjects, plan for additional fees.
• Use the payment methods the form allows. If you are an agency with a billing account, include your account number and billing contact.

8) Submit the request and track it.

• For name-based checks, submission is typically immediate and returns quickly. Save or print the results upon receipt.
• For fingerprint-based checks, note the date mailed or transmitted and any tracking number. Set a reminder to follow up if you do not receive results within the expected window.
• Ensure your contact information on the form is accurate so you can receive results or rejection notices.

9) Review and interpret the results carefully.

• Confirm the identity match. Check full name, date of birth, and any other identifiers listed.
• Read each entry. A typical entry includes the arresting or reporting agency, the offense description, the case number, and the disposition (for example, guilty, dismissed, not filed, amended).
• Note the dates. How long ago did the offense occur? Has the court entered a disposition? Pending items may appear with no final outcome yet.
• Recognize limits. The report reflects Washington records. It may not list out-of-state or federal cases. It does not typically show nonconviction data or sealed/vacated matters available only to the subject or specific agencies.

10) Handle discrepancies and potential errors.

• If a disposition is wrong or missing, contact the court of record to obtain certified documentation showing the correct disposition. The state database updates when courts or agencies report changes.
• If the record appears to belong to someone with a similar name, run a fingerprint-based check to resolve identity. Provide the fingerprint-based result as proof if a false match affected a decision.
• If you are the subject and find an error, submit a correction request with fingerprints and supporting documents so the Patrol can verify identity and update the record.

11) Apply the results lawfully and fairly.

• Tie any criminal history you consider to the duties of the role or tenancy. Consider the nature of the offense, how long ago it occurred, and evidence of rehabilitation.
• If you are an employer or landlord and plan to deny based on the record, provide the person a copy of the report, identify the item of concern, and give a reasonable time to respond or provide context.
• Document your individualized assessment and final decision. Keep notes in a secure file.

12) Manage notices and adverse action steps.

• Send a pre-adverse notice that includes the report and a brief explanation of your concern. Allow the person to dispute or explain.
• Review any response and supporting documents. If the person provides a court order vacating a conviction or correcting a disposition, verify it and update your decision if appropriate.
• If you finalize a denial, send a final adverse action notice. Include a short statement of the decision and how the person can obtain another copy of the state record if needed.

13) Securely store and dispose of records.

• Limit access to those with a need to know. Store electronic files in a restricted folder and paper files in a locked cabinet.
• Retain the record only for as long as your policy and the law allow. Then destroy it securely by shredding paper and permanently deleting digital copies.
• Keep the authorization and your assessment notes according to your retention schedule.

14) Capture all required signatures.

• If you are an employer, landlord, or licensing body, ensure the subject has signed the authorization. Date the signature. If your organization requires a witness or a second signature, include it.
• If you are submitting fingerprints, ensure the technician signs and dates the fingerprint card and includes any required agency code or initials.
• If you are certifying the purpose of the check on the form, sign and date in the section provided. Your signature affirms that you will use the information only for the stated purpose.

15) Use schedules and attachments to keep the file complete.

• Attach a copy of the subject’s government-issued photo ID.
• Attach the signed authorization and disclosure.
• Attach a list of all known aliases and prior addresses.
• Attach any court documents that clarify dispositions, such as orders of dismissal, orders to vacate, or certificates of discharge.
• For agencies, attach any internal approvals or proof that the role qualifies for the level of check you requested.

16) Plan for renewals or periodic checks if your program requires them.

• Some roles require rechecks at set intervals. If so, build the schedule into your onboarding and compliance calendar.
• Notify individuals before each recheck, refresh authorization if required, and explain how you will use the results.
• Review your criteria each year to ensure they remain job-related and lawful.

17) Communicate clearly with the person being checked.

• If you are the requestor, explain the scope of the Washington check and what it does not cover. Set expectations about timing and next steps.
• Invite the person to share any relevant context upfront, such as pending court updates or a recent order to vacate.
• Provide the person a copy of the results on request, even when not strictly required. Transparency builds trust and reduces disputes.

By following these steps, you complete the Washington State Patrol criminal background check accurately, respect privacy rules, and apply the results in a fair, defensible way. If you are unsure which type of check to choose or what you can legally consider, pause and get advice before you act. Your decisions carry consequences for both your organization and the person you are evaluating, and a careful process protects everyone involved.

Legal Terms You Might Encounter

• Criminal history record information is the formal name for the data you request. It includes arrests, charges, and case outcomes that agencies sent to the state repository. You will see this term when the form explains what it can and cannot show.
• Disposition refers to the final outcome of a case. It can be a conviction, dismissal, acquittal, or another result. You need the disposition to understand whether a listed charge ended in a conviction or not.
• Nonconviction data means arrests or charges that did not end in a conviction. This includes dismissals, acquittals, or cases the prosecutor declined. Rules limit how you can use and share nonconviction data. The form may warn you about these limits.
• Conviction means a final judgment of guilt by a court, including guilty pleas. Many employers and licensing bodies focus on convictions. Your request helps you see whether a listed case reached a conviction.
• Vacated conviction is a record the court set aside after certain conditions were met. When a case is vacated, the individual is released from many penalties of the conviction. Some forms explain how vacated matters appear in the results. You should read that section closely.
• Sealed record means a judge restricted public access to a case. Sealed items should not appear in the public result. If a sealed case appears, you should follow the correction steps the form outlines.
• State identification number is a unique number the repository assigns to a fingerprint-based record. It helps match records to the correct person. You might see this number on results produced from fingerprints.
• Alias or AKA lists any other names a person has used, such as a maiden name. You should include all known aliases on the request. Missing an alias can lead to incomplete results for a name-based search.
• Positive identification is a match made by comparing fingerprints, not just names. Fingerprints reduce false matches. If accuracy is critical, the form may guide you to choose this option.
• Authorization or consent is the permission a person gives you to run a check on them. If you request someone else’s record, you may need their signed authorization. Keep this document with your files.

FAQs

Do you need fingerprints for this check?

You can request results by name or by fingerprints. Name-based searches are faster and easier. Fingerprint checks confirm identity and reduce errors. If you want the most reliable match, use fingerprints. Some roles or regulations require them. Check your internal policy before you choose.

Do you need the person’s consent to run a check?

If you are checking yourself, no consent is needed. If you are checking someone else, get written authorization. This protects you and meets privacy expectations. Keep the signed form in your records. You may also need to provide a copy if asked during an audit.

Do juvenile records show up?

Public results usually do not include most juvenile records. If a juvenile matter was transferred to adult court, it may appear. If a juvenile record was sealed, it should not appear. If the result looks incorrect, use the correction process offered by the repository.

What if the subject has a common name?

List all known names, including middle names and any aliases. Include full birthdate and any prior addresses if the form allows. If you still worry about a mismatch, choose a fingerprint-based search. That will confirm whether the record belongs to your subject.

How long is the result valid?

There is no official expiration date for a past record. But many organizations set their own recency rules. You might require a new check every 12 to 24 months. If your decision is time-sensitive, run a fresh search near the decision date.

What shows up on the report?

The report can show arrests, charges, and dispositions that agencies sent to the repository. It may also show custody status or supervision, if reported. Sealed or vacated matters should be handled according to state rules. Read the disclaimers in the result before you rely on it.

Can you correct an error on your record?

Yes. Gather documents that show the correct information, such as a court order or dismissal notice. Follow the dispute steps listed on the result. Keep records of your submission and any case numbers. Updates can take time, so set reminders to follow up.

Can you run a check on yourself before applying for a job or license?

Yes. Many people do. It lets you see what an employer or agency might view. If something looks wrong, start the correction process. You can also prepare an explanation or supporting documents if a past case appears.

Checklist: Before, During, and After the Washington State Patrol Criminal Background Check

Before you submit

• Confirm the purpose for the check and your internal policy.
• Gather the subject’s full legal name, middle name, and all aliases.
• Confirm the subject’s date of birth and any prior names from official ID.
• If using fingerprints, schedule printing and ensure high-quality prints.
• Obtain signed authorization if you are checking someone else.
• Verify whether you need a name-based or fingerprint-based result.
• Review any role-specific rules that limit how you can use nonconviction data.
• Prepare payment details in the accepted form.
• Confirm the delivery method you want and the address or email to receive results.
• Set a timeline, especially if you have a hiring or licensing deadline.

During submission

• Enter names exactly as shown on ID, including middle name or initial.
• Add every alias or prior name the subject has used.
• Confirm the correct date of birth and the correct spelling.
• Select the correct search type: name or fingerprint.
• If uploading prints, check that all fingers are captured and readable.
• Verify the purpose category matches your intended use.
• Confirm you have authorization on file if the subject is someone else.
• Double-check fees and the total amount due before submitting.
• Review the consent, attestation, or certification statements.
• Capture the confirmation or transaction number for tracking.

After submission

• Save the receipt and confirmation number in your records.
• Monitor for any follow-up requests for clarification or new prints.
• When you receive results, review names, dates of birth, and case dispositions.
• Separate conviction data from nonconviction data where needed.
• If you make an adverse decision, follow notice and timing steps in your policy.
• If something looks incorrect, start the correction request with supporting documents.
• Share results only with authorized people who need to know.
• Store records securely with access controls and a retention schedule.
• Document your review date, decision, and any communications with the subject.
• Set reminders for rechecks if your policy requires periodic updates.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Don’t miss an alias or prior name. Missing names can produce incomplete results. This can lead to bad hires, licensing issues, or rework.
• Don’t rely on a name-based search when identity is unclear. Common names invite mismatches. If certainty matters, use fingerprints. You avoid false positives and costly delays.
• Don’t skip written consent for third-party checks. You risk privacy complaints and internal policy violations. Always keep the signed authorization in your file.
• Don’t ignore nonconviction limits. Using dismissed charges the wrong way can trigger disputes or claims. Train reviewers and document your decision process.
• Don’t accept poor-quality fingerprints. Smudged or partial prints cause rejections and delays. Use a trained technician and review quality before you submit.
• Don’t forget to save your confirmation number. Without it, support can’t track your request. Capture it in your case notes right away.

What to Do After Filling Out the Form

1. Submit the request using the method you selected. If you used fingerprints, confirm the prints were transmitted or mailed correctly. Keep proof of submission and payment with your file.
2. Track the request. Use the confirmation or transaction number. If you face a deadline, build in buffer time for reprints or clarifications.
3. Review the result carefully. Check the subject’s name, aliases, and date of birth. Read every listed case. Focus on the disposition for each entry. Separate convictions from arrests that did not lead to convictions. Note any mention of sealed or vacated matters.
4. Decide how to use the result. Follow your policy and any role-specific rules. Document the factors you considered and your final decision. If you plan an adverse decision, follow your notice steps and give the subject a chance to respond when required by your process.
5. Correct any errors. If a case is missing a disposition or shows the wrong outcome, gather court documents or proof of dismissal. Submit a correction request. Record the date you sent it and set a follow-up reminder. If timing is tight, decide whether to proceed or wait for the update, based on your policy.
6. Communicate with the subject. If you checked someone else, tell them when the result arrived and what it means. Share the appropriate parts of the result, if your policy requires it. Keep your communications factual and timely.
7. Secure and retain the record. Limit access to those who need it. Store it in a secure system with role-based permissions. Apply your retention schedule. When the retention period ends, purge the file in a documented way.
8. Plan rechecks if needed. Some roles require periodic rechecks. Set review dates and note whether you will use a name-based or fingerprint-based method next time. Consider a process to refresh consent on a regular cycle.
9. Handle amendments. If you realize you made a data entry error, submit a corrected request. If the subject changes their name, update your records and rerun the check if identity is in doubt. If you used poor fingerprints and got a rejection, schedule a new printing session and resubmit.
10. Maintain an audit trail. Keep the request, authorization, result, decision notes, adverse action notices (if any), and any correction correspondence. A clean trail helps you explain your decisions if questions arise later.