We process subpoenas for documents and testimony across various departments based on the nature of your request. We are committed to transparency and compliance with legal requirements.
What is a non-party subpoena?
A non-party subpoena is a court order requiring a person who is not a party to a lawsuit to testify or produce documents.
For subpoenas where the Department of Licensing is a named party in a court proceeding, subpoenas must be served on the Attorney General’s Office as the agency’s attorney of record.
Agency records subpoenas
You can subpoena agency-held records, such as reports, files, or other documentation.
Submission requirements
To subpoena a record, you must include:
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Complete Case Information
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Provide the case number, involved parties, and requested documents. Please be very specific in your request.
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Proper Service
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Subpoenas must be served in compliance with Washington State Court Rules or other rules that apply to the court where the subpoena was filed. Personal service is typically required unless otherwise noted. If your subpoena is improperly served, it may not be processed.
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How to serve a subpoena for records
Please submit ONE request per record. Submitting duplicate requests will delay your records.
Online
Submitting your request online is the fastest way to get the information you need. Choose the type of records you need:
- Subpoena vehicle/vessel certified records
- Subpoena business licensing records
- Subpoena any other type of record
In-person
You can leave your subpoena with the front desk.
Department of Licensing Highway Licensing Building
1125 Washington Street SE
Olympia, WA 98501
Office Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Mail your subpoena to:
Department of Licensing
PO Box 9020
Olympia, WA 98507-9020
Staff testimony subpoenas
A testimony subpoena compels staff or other agency representatives to appear in legal proceedings. We have a dedicated team available to testify to driver and vehicle records for Washington municipal, district, and superior courts. This team provides:
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Certified Court Driver Records
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In-Person Testimony
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Address History
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Photo Requests
Submission requirements
To subpoena testimony, you must include:
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Complete Case Information
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Provide the case number, involved parties, and requested testimony. Please be very specific in your request.
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Proper Service
-
Subpoenas must be served in compliance with Washington State Court Rules or other rules that apply to the court where the subpoena was filed. Personal service is typically required unless otherwise noted. If your subpoena is improperly served, it may not be processed.
-
How to serve a subpoena for testimony
Please submit ONE request per record. Submitting duplicate requests will delay your records.
Online
- Prosecuting attorneys
Create an account with your court administrator in the DAPS/DIAS system.
- Defense attorneys
Use our online system to subpoena testimony.
- All other requests
For any driver/vehicle request for oral testimony, email your subpoena.- Do not include requests involving domestic violence, sexual assault, harassment, or indecent exposure unless related to driver or vehicle record testimony.
In-person
You can leave your subpoena with the front desk.
Department of Licensing Highway Licensing Building
1125 Washington Street SE
Olympia, WA 98501
Office Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Mail your subpoena to:
Department of Licensing
PO Box 9020
Olympia, WA 98507-9020
Processing times for all subpoenas
Subpoenas will be reviewed and responded to according to Washington law. We may object to the subpoena if reasonable time to respond or appear has not been provided. If additional time is required due to the complexity of your request, you will be notified promptly.
Fees for all subpoenas
Certain requests may incur fees for document reproduction, testimony, or extensive staff time. Applicable costs will be communicated before processing begins.
