Public Records Requests

How to Make a Request

You can request public records in writing by any of the following:

To ensure we can process your request promptly, please include the following information:

  • Requestor Name
  • Requestor Business Name, if applicable
  • Email, phone number and address
  • A detailed and specific description of the records you’re requesting

Please submit any requests for information to pliamail@plia.wa.gov.

How Long Will It Take?

Once we receive your request, we will determine the amount of time we need to search for and produce the records. We will acknowledge your request within 5 business days, by providing one of the following:

  • The requested records.
  • The date when we will provide the records, or installment of records.
  • A request for clarification for any part of the request that is unclear.

If we deny your request, in whole or in part, we will provide in writing the specific law that exempts the record(s) from disclosure. Additionally, the agency isn’t required to collect information or organize data to create a record that doesn’t exist at the time of your request.

Please contact our Public Disclosure Officer if you do not hear from us within 5 business days of your request.

Exemptions

In addition to statutorily exempt information contained in the Laws and Rules, PLIA also withholds the following:

Licensing information – Authorized Disclosure – Penalty –RCW 19.02.115: 

Licensing information is confidential and privileged, and except as authorized by this section, neither the department nor any other person may disclose any licensing information. Nothing in this chapter requires any person possessing licensing information made confidential and privileged by this section to delete information from such information so as to permit its disclosure. 

How Much Will It Cost?

Please see PLIA’s Public Records Fee Schedule to view costs associated with public records requests.

Records Index

Please see PLIA’s Records Retention Schedule and the state’s General Records Retention Schedule for an index of agency records.

Laws and Rules

Chapter 42.56 RCW – Public Records Act

Chapter 374-20 WAC – Public Records

RCW 70A.330.080 – Confidentiality