Find Genealogy Records in Mountlake Terrace
Mountlake Terrace genealogy research involves both city records from its 1954 incorporation and the broader Snohomish County archives that cover the region from the 1860s onward. Birth, marriage, death, court, land, and probate records for families who lived in this part of Snohomish County are spread across several offices and digital collections. This guide covers where each type of record is held and how to access it.
Mountlake Terrace Overview
Mountlake Terrace City Records
The City of Mountlake Terrace website connects researchers to the City Clerk, who maintains city council minutes, ordinances, resolutions, and public records. Mountlake Terrace incorporated in 1954 from unincorporated Snohomish County. Pre-incorporation records for this area are held by Snohomish County. The clerk's office processes public records requests for municipal documents from incorporation to the present. For city government decisions and municipal documents from 1954 onward, this is your first stop.
The city website provides access to current and historical municipal records.
The City Clerk's portal is the right place to start for public records requests covering the incorporated period from 1954 to the present.
For all records before 1954, Snohomish County is the right place to look. The county holds vital records, land records, court files, and other genealogy-relevant documents going back to the 1860s. Mountlake Terrace sits in southern Snohomish County, close to the King County line, so some researchers may also find relevant records in King County collections if family members lived on both sides of the county border.
Snohomish County Genealogy
Snohomish County was created from Island and King counties on January 14, 1861, with the county seat in Everett. The county holds records going back to the territorial period, and many have been digitized. Known beginning dates for county records are: Birth 1882, Marriage 1880, Death 1889, Court 1878, Land 1879, Probate 1880, and Census 1850.
The County Auditor has birth and death records from 1891 to 1907 and marriage records from 1891. The County Clerk holds divorce, probate, and court records. The Washington State Digital Archives holds Snohomish County Auditor birth records from 1891 to 1907, with 4,593 records available as index and images. For best results, search by the parents' names. The mother's last name in these records is her maiden name.
Marriage records from 1867 to 1999 and 2004 to 2005 are at the Washington State Archives with index and images. Death records from 1891 to 1907 are also held there. For a broader look at available records, the FamilySearch Wiki page for Snohomish County lists the full range of collections including the birth registers from 1803 to 2010 and supporting resources.
The Washington State Digital Archives holds several collections useful for Mountlake Terrace area research.
These digitized collections from the Washington State Digital Archives offer searchable access to historical documents for Snohomish County, covering the area that includes Mountlake Terrace.
State Archives Northwest Branch
The Washington State Archives Northwest Regional Branch serves Snohomish County researchers with records not yet digitized. The branch is at 808 25th Street, Bellingham, WA 98225, telephone (360) 650-3125. It is open Wednesdays through Fridays by appointment, 8:30am to 4:30pm. There is no charge to view public archival documents, but fees apply for copies and special research services.
The branch holds birth and death records from January 1891 to July 1907, marriage records, court records (naturalization, dockets, civil and criminal case files), land records (general indices to recordings, deeds, patents), county commissioner proceedings, real and personal property tax records, and school district and Educational Service District records including school censuses. For Mountlake Terrace families from the early 1900s onward, this is a critical resource.
The Washington State Library Snohomish County guide also lists the Sno-Isle Genealogical Society and other local historical organizations that may hold materials relevant to Mountlake Terrace genealogy research. The Lynnwood-Alderwood Manor Heritage Association covers areas close to Mountlake Terrace and may have community records and photographs.
Note: Email nwbrancharchives@sos.wa.gov before visiting to confirm what records are available for the specific area and time period you are researching.
Vital Records and Where to Find Them
For birth and death records after July 1, 1907, contact the Washington State Department of Health Center for Health Statistics at 101 Israel Road SE, Tumwater, WA 98501, info line (360) 236-4300. Certificates cost $20.00. Marriage records from January 1, 1968 onward can be ordered through the same office. For records before 1968, the county auditor is the right source.
Divorce records from 1968 onward are available through the Washington State Department of Health at the state level. Before 1968, the Snohomish County Superior Court Clerk holds divorce decrees. The Court Clerk's office is in Everett. For marriage certificates less than four months old, contact the Snohomish County Auditor directly.
The Washington Genealogy vital records guide notes that for Snohomish County, birth and death records before July 1, 1907 should be requested through the local health department. This is a specific rule that differs from most other Washington counties where the county auditor handles these requests. Keep this distinction in mind when you are planning your research approach for pre-1907 records in Snohomish County.
This additional digitized collection from the Washington State Digital Archives rounds out the available sources for the area.
This Washington State Digital Archives collection supplements the county birth and marriage records with additional digitized sources for Snohomish County area genealogy research.
Snohomish County Genealogy Records
Mountlake Terrace is in Snohomish County. All county-level genealogy records for the Mountlake Terrace area, including documents predating the 1954 incorporation, are held through Snohomish County offices. For more detail on county record collections and research resources, visit the county page.
Nearby Cities
These qualifying cities are near Mountlake Terrace. Each has genealogy records you can explore.