In accordance with chapter 42.56 RCW, the public may request to inspect or copy records as follows:

(1) Submit a request through one of the following methods:

(a) Online at www.sos.wa.gov;

(b) Email to PublicRecords@sos.wa.gov;

(c) Mail to P.O. Box 40224, Olympia, WA 98504-0224;

(d) Fax to 360-704-7830; or

(e) Verbally by phone at 360-704-5220 or in person. The public records officer or designee will confirm receipt of request in writing. The office will presume that the request is fully and accurately described in this confirmation unless the requestor promptly indicates otherwise in writing.

(2) Requestors may be asked to include the following information with their records request:

(a) Name of requestor. Identity of requestor may be required if the records sought are limited to a particular group;

(b) Other contact information, such as email address, physical address, or telephone number;

(c) The calendar date of the request;

(d) The nature of the request; and

(e) A specific description of the public records, adequate for the public records officer or designee to locate the records.

(3) If the requestor wishes to have copies of the records made instead of inspecting them, they should so indicate.

(4) When requesting a list of individuals, the requestor may be required to complete a statement agreeing not to release or use the information for commercial purposes.

(5) Requests must be made for identifiable public records and the office may ask for clarification when necessary. The public records officer or designee is not able to answer questions about the nature of records or their use.