The Records and Licensing Services (RALS) Division is charged with:

• Recording and making accessible real property and other documents for members of the public, businesses, and other governmental agencies;
• Collecting and dispersing real estate excise tax payments on the conveyance of real property in King County;
• Providing licensing and information services and promoting public safety by administering and enforcing licensing and taxi regulations;
• Providing internal mail services and physical and electronic records management services to all county agencies.
• Providing animal care and control services for the protection of property, human health and safety; and promoting responsible pet ownership and animal welfare through education and licensing programs through public and private sector partnerships.

The Records and Licensing Services Division operates within a statutory framework that is prescribed by state law and county code. Many of the services administered by the Division are mandated by state law, and are provided within King County on a regional basis across jurisdictional boundaries. The Division also provides certain local services to unincorporated King County and by contract with many local municipalities throughout King County. In addition, the Division is responsible for providing internal services that are necessary for purposes of business efficiency and/or meeting various legal responsibilities.