Des Moines Court Docket Search
Des Moines court docket records are held by Des Moines Municipal Court for city-level cases and by King County District Court South Division for broader matters. Des Moines has its own municipal court with in-person lobby access and an online records request process. This page explains how to find court docket cases, how to submit a records request, and what tools are available for free online searches.
Des Moines Overview
Des Moines Municipal Court
Des Moines Municipal Court is a court of limited jurisdiction. It is located at 21630 11th Ave. S., Suite C, Des Moines, WA 98198. The court phone is 206-878-4597 and the fax is 206-870-4387. The lobby is open to the public Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. The court is closed on all standard federal and state holidays, including New Year's Day, MLK Jr. Day, Presidents Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Fourth of July, Labor Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving, the Friday after Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve at noon, and Christmas Day.
The Des Moines Municipal Court page lists links to the court records request form, court feedback form, and general court information. This is the first place to check if you need to contact the court, find a hearing date, or start a records request.
The court handles traffic infractions, misdemeanor and gross misdemeanor criminal matters, and city ordinance violations within Des Moines city limits. Felony cases do not go through the municipal court.
Below is a screenshot from the Des Moines Municipal Court page, showing the court's public-facing interface for docket access and records requests.
The court page provides direct access to the records request form and key contact details for Des Moines cases.
How to Request Des Moines Court Records
To get court records from Des Moines Municipal Court, you need to submit a records request directly to the court. Court records are not subject to the Public Records Act (RCW 42.56). They are governed by Washington State Court General Rules 31 and 31.1. That means the city's public records process does not apply to court case files.
The records request form is available on the court's page. You can submit it in person at the court lobby during business hours, by mail, or electronically. When you submit, include the case number if you have it, the names of the parties, the type of documents you need, and a date range. Being specific helps the court locate records faster. After submission, you will receive a response with the fee amount and instructions on how to pay. Records are released after payment is confirmed.
For general city records not related to court cases, use the public records process at Des Moines city public records. That page explains the city's policy under RCW 42.56 and how to contact the Public Records Officer. City records and court docket records are two separate systems with separate contacts.
The screenshot below is from the Des Moines public records request page, which covers city records separate from court docket filings.
Use this page for non-court city records only. Court case files go through the municipal court directly.
King County District Court South Division
Some Des Moines cases are also handled at King County District Court South Division, depending on the type and severity of the case. The South Division courthouse handles misdemeanors, traffic infractions, small claims, civil actions under $100,000, and other limited-jurisdiction matters for south King County. The same courthouse at 601 SW 149th Street, Burien, WA 98166 serves both Burien and Des Moines area cases.
The District Court's e-Filing and Case Access Portal at the King County Script Portal lets you search cases by case number, defendant name, date of birth, or filing date. Public computer terminals at the courthouse are free to use during business hours. This is useful if you need to check a docket entry or confirm a court date without setting up an online account.
Searching Des Moines Cases Online for Free
The Washington State Courts case search is free. It covers Des Moines Municipal Court and King County District Court cases. Results update daily at 3:00 AM. You can search by defendant name, date of birth, or case number. The tool returns case summaries and docket listings. It does not show document images or certified copies.
For King County Superior Court docket records, use the King County Script Portal. That system covers felony cases, family law matters, and civil cases over $100,000. Registered users can view and download documents. Certified copies require a fee. The Washington Courts main site at courts.wa.gov links all of these tools and provides guidance on court rules including GR 31 access policies.
Note: The Washington State Courts name and case search is updated daily and is a quick way to check whether a Des Moines Municipal Court case is in the system before making a formal records request.
Des Moines City Records Index
The City of Des Moines adopted a resolution finding it would be unduly burdensome to index every city record due to the wide range of activities and limited staffing. This means there is no complete index of city records available to the public. The city still provides inspection and copies of public records not exempt under law. You just cannot browse a full list.
This limitation applies only to general city administrative records, not to court docket records. Court case files have their own index within the court's case management system. If you know the case number or the name of a party, court staff can locate the record and give you a fee estimate for copies.
King County Court Docket Records
Des Moines is in King County. King County Superior Court and District Court handle cases that go beyond the municipal court level for Des Moines. Visit the King County page for the full range of court records and docket search tools available.
Nearby Cities
Other south King County cities near Des Moines also have court docket resources. These cities use similar court systems for case filings and records access.