Washington State - Vital Record Retrieval Guide
Procurement of Vital Records Washington State
Certified Copy of Birth & Death Certificates
Where: Birth, Death, Other Records (doh.wa.gov)
Office in Charge: Our office has birth records from July 1, 1907 to present for events that occurred in the state of Washington. You can obtain Washington state birth records as certified copies (or “certificates”) for legal purposes or non certified informational copies for genealogical or other personal use.
How do you order:
- Online : Go to www.VitalChek.com at any time. Payment by credit/debit card.
Shipped within 3-7 business days of the Department receiving the order from VitalChek, depending on the shipping option you select.
Nonrefundable fee starts at $40.50*
*Other fees may apply depending on ordering and shipping method
- Telephone: Call 1-866-687-1464 at any time. Payment by credit/debit card.
Shipped within 3-7 business days of the Department receiving the order from VitalChek, depending on the shipping option you select.
Nonrefundable fee starts at $40.50*
*Other fees may apply depending on ordering and shipping method
- By Mail: Send your birth, death or marriage/divorce order form by mail. Payment by check or money order.
Shipped within 1-3 weeks of the department receiving the order and processing payment. A record problem may cause delays.
Nonrefundable fee starts at $25.
- In-Person: DOH closed due to COVID. Check with your local Washington health department to see if they offer in-person services for most birth and death certificates during this time. There might be an additional fee for this service. Customers will receive most orders within the same day.
Requirements for ordering:
To purchase a certified copy of a birth, death, stillbirth, or fetal death record, the following is required for all applications:
- An application form with required pieces of information
- Documents proving identity
- Documents proving qualifying relationship
- Applicable fee(s)
Who can apply for a birth or death certificate?
Only individuals with specific qualifying relationships to the subject of the record can receive a birth certificate or Heirloom birth certificate. Identity and proof of qualifying relationship documentation is required.
- Self (requesting own record)
- Spouse/domestic partner
- Child
- Parent
- Stepparent
- Stepchild
- Sibling
- Grandparent
- Grandchild
- Great grandparent
- Legal guardian
- Legal representative
- Authorized representative
- Government agency
- Courts
For security of personal information, only individuals with specific qualifying relationships, also known as qualified applicants, to the subject of the requested record can receive a death certificate or fetal death certificate. Identity and proof of qualifying relationship documentation is required.
Marriage & Divorce Certificates
Where:
Our office has marriage and divorce records from 1968 to present that occurred in the state of Washington. You can obtain Washington state marriage and divorce records as certified copies (or “certificates”). The Department of Health can also provide you with a letter of single status (Single Status Letter) if you are traveling to another country to get married.
What does it cost?
Nonrefundable fees start at $25 per certified or non certified informational copy. Other fees may apply depending on ordering or shipping method.
Who Qualifies?
Anyone can request a marriage or divorce certificate. You do not need to provide proof of identity or qualified relationship status to the subject(s) of the record.
How:
You must complete the following steps to request and receive a marriage certificate:
- Submit an application with required pieces of information.
- Pay the applicable fee(s). The base fee starts at $25 per copy. Other fees may apply depending on ordering or shipping method.
How long does it take?
It depends on the way you order and the shipping method you select. The time listed is from when we receive full payment and all required documentation. Missing information or documentation will delay orders.
- Review the Marriage Certificate or Divorce Certificate section for more details, as it can take up to five (5) months for the Department to receive these records.
- VitalChek online or by phone orders process and ship within 3-7 business days, depending on the shipping option you select.
- By mail, the customer will receive the order within 1-3 weeks after receiving and processing of payment.
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