Ordering a Transcript: Washington Appeals

Step by Step

How to order

1. Within 30 days after the notice of appeal is filed, arrange and pay for the transcript directly with a court reporter or an authorized transcriptionist (RAP 9.2(a)).
2. For recorded hearings, the transcriptionist must receive the recording directly from the trial court (GR 35).  Most counties ask you to request the recording and pay a fee first.
3. Within the same 30 days, file a Statement of Arrangements (RAP Form 15) with the appellate court.  List the order date, payment arrangements, each transcriptionist, the hearing dates, and the trial judge, then serve it on all parties and each transcriptionist.
4. The transcriptionist files the VRP with the appellate court within 60 days after the Statement of Arrangements is filed and served, and sends you a copy (RAP 9.5(a)).
5. Objections to the VRP are due within 10 days of receiving it (RAP 9.5(c)).

Good to Know

Rates, audio, and deadlines

Dependency and termination appeals use RAP Form 15B, and those transcripts take priority over all other appeal records.

If you order only part of the record, include a statement of issues.  Other parties then have 10 days to file a supplemental statement of arrangements (RAP 9.2(c)).

Each superior court approves its own transcriptionists and sets its own process for releasing recordings.  Fees for a recording are typically $25 per hearing date.  See our county pages for local details.

If a transcript cannot be finished on time, the transcriptionist gives you an affidavit at least 10 days before the due date, and you move the appellate court for an extension (RAP 9.5(b)).

Official Sources

From the court

Everything on this page comes from the court’s own published procedures, which can change.  Always check the court’s page before you file: RAP 9.2, RAP 9.5, GR 35, RAP Form 15, RAP Form 15B.

LunarScripts is a GR 35 authorized transcriptionist for superior courts in 15 Washington counties.  Contact us before you file your Statement of Arrangements and we will confirm the date and deposit.