Practical answer · Rules and licenses
In Washington County, recorded, court, and vital records split three ways
County Recording keeps recorded documents, Circuit Court runs its own record requests, and birth or death certificates shift from county to state by event date.
The ordinary rule is stable, but a current record, boundary, rate, deadline, or personal fact can change the result. Last reviewed against the listed sources August 12, 2026.
In Washington County, the record type chooses the office. County Recording records deeds, mortgages, contracts, tax liens, marriages, and domestic partnerships. Its page also provides the route for copies of recorded documents.
Court records use the Oregon Judicial Department instead. Washington County Circuit Court offers a court-record request form and separate paths for audio, case-file copies, and transcripts. Do not send those requests to County Recording.
Birth and death certificates change hands with the age of the event. The county issues records through the last day of the fifth month after a Washington County event. For an event six months old or older, use Oregon Health Authority Vital Records. Check the state page for current ordering and eligibility routes before placing that request.
See it in Oregon
Name the record first, then use Washington County Recording, Washington County Circuit Court, or the county-to-state vital-record route.
Sources
Last reviewed against the listed sources: August 12, 2026.
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