What are Washington County Public Records?
According to the Maine Freedom of Access Act, Washington County public records include information used or created for official duties. The definition covers all records that contain related information in a county official or agency’s custody, regardless of physical form. Washington County public records can be handwritten or printed documents, audio or video recordings, and any mechanical or electronic data compilation that contains relevant data.
The Maine Freedom of Access Act allows record custodians to deny access to records exempted by statute or sealed by a court. The following are a few examples of exempted records:
- Records describing security plans, security procedures, or risk assessments specifically created to prepare for or prevent crimes or acts of terrorism
- Medical records, including documents containing the diagnosis and treatment of mental and emotional disorders
- Personal financial and credit information contained in communication between a government official and a constituent
- Records containing social security numbers
- Any records exempted by state or federal statutes
In addition to government agencies, county public records can also be obtained from third-party websites. These non-government platforms come with intuitive tools that allow for expansive searches. Record seekers may either opt to use these tools to search for a specific record or multiple records. Users can search third-party websites remotely for multiple records at a time with just the name of the record subject and their last known location including the city, county, or state. Third-party sites are not sponsored by government agencies. Because of this record availability and results may vary.
Washington County Crime Statistics
The Federal Bureau of Investigation publishes annual crime data received from the Washington County Sheriff’s Office. The FBI’s Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) figures reveal that between 2018 and 2019, assault and burglary in Washington County increased by 116.7% and 8.3%, respectively. However, the county recorded a reduction in other index crimes, including rape (66.6%), robbery (100%), larceny (15.6%), and vehicle theft (81.8%). Overall, violent crime between both years increased by 40%, while property crime reduced by 17.2%.
Are Washington County Criminal Records Public?
Washington County criminal records are public records obtainable from the Maine State Police’s State Bureau of Identification (SBI). Interested requestors can obtain records by conducting name-based or fingerprint-based checks. Each name-based check requires the requestor to submit the subject's name and date of birth via the Maine Maine Criminal Record Request Service. Record seekers may use the search page or register an InforME account. Each search costs $21.00 for Washington subscribers or $31.00 for out-of-state subscribers and non-subscribers. Requestors can also order notarized reports for an additional $10.00 fee. Searchers will either get a “No Match” message or receive an email with the requested records within 2 hours. Parties may also use the fingerprint-based check by submitting a set of the subject’s fingerprints with the request. All fees are nonrefundable. Requestors should submit requests for Washington criminal records to:
State Bureau of Identification
State House Station #42
45 Commerce Drive, Suite 1
Augusta, ME 04333-0042
Phone: (207) 624-7240
Email: info@informe.org
How to Obtain Police Reports and Arrest Records
Residents may obtain Washington County arrest records, police incident reports, and other law enforcement records from the Washington County Sheriff’s Office. Obtaining Washington arrest records and police reports requires submitting record details and applicable fees. All interested persons may request records by contacting the Sheriff’s Office using the details below:
Washington County Sheriff’s Office
83 Court Street
Machias, ME 04654
Phone: (207) 255-4422
Phone: (207) 255-3128
How to Find Sex Offender Information in Washington County
Washington County sex offender information is available on the Maine Sex Offender Registry. The search tools on the website allow visitors to find sex offenders by name, location, and zip code. Requestors can also see a list of sex offenders registered within a specified radius. Furthermore, the registry allows Interested parties to register for alerts about sex offender activity in a selected area.
How to Find Washington County Inmate Records
Washington County inmate records are obtainable from the Washington County Jail or the Sheriff’s Office. Requestors must provide details such as the inmate’s name, number, booking details, and other known information. Record seekers may call the Washington County Sheriff’s Office at (207) 255-4422 or contact the jail at:
Washington County Jail
47 Court Street
P.O. Box 120
Machias, ME 04654
Phone: (207) 255-3434
Washington County Court Records
Washington County has Superior, District, and Probate Courts that hear county cases. The Superior Court functions as the county’s court of general jurisdiction and is the only court that offers jury trials. The District Court has limited jurisdiction over civil and criminal cases, while the Probate Court handles name change petitions, adoption cases, guardianship proceedings, and the administration of estates. Requestors can obtain court records by contacting the overseeing court with specific record details and paying applicable fees.
Locations of Courts in Washington County
Washington County Superior Court
85 Court St
P.O. Box 526
Machias, ME 04654
Phone: (207) 255-3326
Washington County District Court - Calais
382 South St, Suite B
Calais, ME 04619
Phone: (207) 454-2055
Washington County District Court - Machias
85 Court Street
P.O. Box 526
Machias, ME 04654
Phone: (207) 255-3044
Probate Courts in Washington County
Washington County Probate Court
85 Court St
P.O. Box 297
Machias, ME 04654
Phone: (207) 255-6591
Are Washington County Court Records Public?
Under the Maine Freedom of Access Act, court records created and maintained by the Maine judicial system are public records. However, Washington County court records may be restricted from public access in some cases. Washington court records such as sealed court records, juvenile matters, and adoption cases remain closed to the general public.
How to Obtain Washington County Civil Court Case Records
Washington County civil court case records are available at the Superior Court or District Court that heard the case. Record seekers should submit completed copies of the record request search form to the Maine Judicial Branch Service Center. Searchers must also select the specific court that heard the case. Mailed requests should include a self-addressed and stamped envelope.
Each request costs a $20.00 fee per name and per search location. However, this fee only applies if the requestor is not a party to the case. Copies cost $2.00 for the first page and $1.00 for each additional page of the same record. Requestors may pay with checks or money orders made out to “the Treasurer of Maine”. Credit and debit card options are also available using the attached payment slip. All parties should mail requests for Washington County civil court case records to:
The Maine Judicial Branch Service Center
P.O.Box 266
Lewiston ME 04243
FedEx or UPS:
250 Goddard Road
Lewiston, ME 04240
Parties may also obtain these records online via the Maine eCourts Odyssey Public Portal by following specific instructions on account registration.
How to Obtain Washington County Criminal Court Records
Washington County criminal case records are in the custody of the Superior or District court that heard the case. These records are obtainable in person or by mail from the Maine Judicial Service Center. Requestors must fill and submit a Records Request Search Form to the Judicial Service Center at:
The Maine Judicial Branch Service Center
P.O. Box 266
Lewiston, ME 04243
All mail requests should include self-addressed and stamped envelopes. Each request costs a $20.00 search fee, $2.00 for the first page, and $1.00 for each subsequent page. The search fee is applicable per name per location. Processing times differ depending on the number of search requests and the number of locations to be searched.
Each request requires the subject’s full name and date of birth. Parties should also note that the request will incur a $5.00 postage fee if the submitted envelope is too small for the request. Payment is acceptable via checks or money orders made out to the Treasurer of the State of Maine. Credit card payments are also possible by completing the attached payment slip with card details.
Alternatively, court records are available online from the Maine eCourts Odyssey Public Portal. Record seekers can register by following portal instructions, and may also apply for Elevated Access to access restricted records.
What are Washington County Vital Records?
Washington County Vital records refer to records of life events in the county, including divorces, marriages, births, and deaths. In Washington County, vital records are available from the municipality where the event occurred and not from county authorities. However, requestors can obtain desired records from the Maine Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS).
Parties may direct requests to the Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Maine CDC), Data, Research, and Vital Statistics (DRVS) office. Requestors should note that vital records in Maine are restricted to the following authorized persons who provide appropriate identification and other supporting documentation.
- The registrant named on the record
- The registrant's current spouse or registered domestic partner
- The parent(s) named on the record
- Immediate family and descendants of the person named on the record (including siblings, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren to the most remote degree)
- The legal custodian, guardian, or an authorized representative of the person named on the record
- Genealogists with researcher cards issued by the Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Data, Research, and Vital Statistics
Depending on the specific record, members of the general public can obtain informational copies of Washington County vital records after the restricted period stipulated by law. All persons should mail requests to the vital records office at:
Vital Records Office
11 State House Station
220 Capitol Street
Augusta, ME 04333-0011
For any inquiries or questions, record seekers may call the vital records at (207) 287-1919.
Divorce Records
Washington County divorce records are obtainable from the Data, Research, and Vital Statistics (DRVS) office. Requestors must mail a Vital Records Request Form with the divorce section filled out to the vital records office at:
Vital Records Office
11 State House Station
220 Capitol Street
Augusta, ME 04333-0011
Each submitted form should contain the following information:
- Names of both parties (plus any maiden names before first marriage)
- Date of divorce
- Name of city/town where the divorce case occurred
- A daytime telephone number for the requestor
Mailed requests must include a copy of the requestor's government-issued identification and a self-addressed, stamped envelope. Washington County divorce records cost $15.00 for the first certified copy and $6.00 for each extra copy ordered at the same time. Payment is accepted via a check or money order made out to the Treasurer, State of Maine.
Marriage Records
Washington County marriage records can be obtained from the Maine Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS). Marriage records are restricted records that only become public after 50 years. Public copies are informational copies that contain the same information but cannot be used for legal purposes.
Each application should include a Vital Record Request Form with the marriage section completed, a self-addressed and stamped envelope, government-issued identification, and a check or money order payable to the Treasurer, State of Maine. Washington County marriage certificates cost $15.00 for the first certified copy, and $6.00 for each additional copy of the same record. Informational copies cost $10.00. All parties should submit requests to:
Vital Records Office
11 State House Station
220 Capitol Street
Augusta, ME 04333-0011
Birth Records
Washington County birth records are restricted records that only become public 75 years after the date of birth. Requestors can obtain Washington County birth certificates from the Maine Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS). Orders are made by filling the birth section of the Vital Record Request Form and mailing it to the vital records office at:
Vital Records Office
11 State House Station
220 Capitol Street
Augusta, ME 04333-0011
The completed form should include the following information:
- Name on the birth record
- Date of birth
- Name of city/town where the birth occurred
- The names of the parents, including the mother's maiden name
- The requestor’s relationship to the person named on the record
- The requestor’s daytime telephone number
Birth records requested by mail must include a copy of government-issued identification, a self-addressed and stamped envelope, and applicable fees. Records cost $15.00 for the first certified copy and $6.00 for each extra copy ordered simultaneously, or $10.00 for each informational copy. Requestors should use money orders or checks made payable to the Treasurer of the State of Maine.
Death Records
Interested applicants may obtain Washington County death records from the Maine Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS). Washington County death records are restricted vital records and only become public records 25 years after the date of the death. Requestors can order Washington County death records by filling the death section of the Vital Records Request Form with the following information:
- Name of the decedent
- Date of death
- Name of city/town where the death occurred
- The requestor’s relationship to the deceased
- Requestor’s telephone number
Death record requests must include the correct fees, a copy of government-issued identification, and a self-addressed and stamped envelope. Certified copies of Washington County death records cost a non-refundable $15.00 for the first copy and $6.00 for each additional copy ordered at the same time. Informational copies cost $10.00 per copy, and are only available after 25 years from the death date. Payment is acceptable via check or money order made out to the Treasurer of the State of Maine. Record seekers should submit completed requests to:
Vital Records Office
11 State House Station
220 Capitol Street
Augusta, ME 04333-0011
