Ordering vital records online is secure and simple with Vital Records Online (VRO), a trusted US-based service. Your Washington birth, death, or marriage certificates will arrive safely at your doorstep with guaranteed confidentiality of your private information.
Summary:
With a population of 7.7 million, Washington can trace the history of vital records back to the early days of the state’s establishment. The Washington Department of Health – Center for Health Statistics (DOH-CHS) maintains and protects vital records.
Washington’s vital records are categorized into two types: public records and confidential records. Public records are accessible to the general public. In contrast, confidential records are restricted to authorized individuals such as family members or legal representatives. Overall, Washington’s vital records have a rich history and serve as valuable resources for individuals and families to establish legal documentation or trace their family history.
Learn how to obtain certified copies of Washington vital records, where to request them, and why they are crucial to possess.
Start your application online for WA vital records
Request a certified copy of live birth for your baby or child.
Vital records, such as birth, death, and marriage certificates, are necessary for various life events like enrolling in school, joining the military, getting married, or traveling. They play a crucial role in proving your identity, citizenship, and family relationships, and they can aid in settling legal disputes, claiming an inheritance, and researching family history. Vital records also contain key information about your ancestors, including their full names, dates of birth and death, and locations.
If you lose any of your vital records, immediately file a police report and request a certified replacement. For more information on the beneficial uses of vital records, refer to the FAQs for birth, death, and marriage certificates.
In Washington, you can obtain vital records such as birth, death, and marriage certificates through the state’s health department (DOH-CHS) or locally from regional (county) offices. Washington DOH-CHS vital records can be requested online or by mail, but they do not provide in-person services. Some vital records can be obtained in person at a local office, though this varies by county. Marriage certificates are often only available in the county where they were initially issued. However, they can be ordered online from any location using Vital Records Online (VRO).
Search for your county’s vital record issuing office in the list below, which contains locations, contact information, and online applications for certified replacements.
❗️ If you want to access Washington vital records for ancestral purposes, many are available from public archives and can be freely accessed.
Visiting Vital Records Office
Ordering Vital Records Online
To obtain certified copies of birth, death, and marriage certificates from the Washington DOH-CHS, you must meet the requirements for the type(s) of certificate you need. There are three ways to order vital records from Washington state: online, in person (local offices only), or by mail. Online requests are the most reliable and sometimes the only option available.
The associated costs, eligibility, requirements, and processing times vary based on the certificate you need and how you order it. Regardless of the ordering method, be sure to carefully review the steps and conditions before requesting a certified vital record copy.
❗️ The DOH-CHS does not have a public counter, so all requests made through the state must be submitted online or by mail. However, in-person services are available at many local offices.
Ordering Washington vital records online is quick and effortless and involves two simple steps:
(Choose additional options if you need to insure, expedite, or obtain premium customer support for your application.)
If you are eligible as an authorized person, you can order certified replacements of Washington birth, death, or marriage certificates online. Before starting the online application, confirm that you possess the required information and documents to upload during the application process.
VRO simplifies ordering by generating the application packet with the required documents and submitting it to the correct health department. The entire application process can be completed in five minutes from any device with an internet connection.
VRO also helps ensure your application isn’t rejected due to common errors or missing documents. A notary of your application can be conducted virtually during the online ordering process if required by the Washington DOH-CHS. However, notaries are only required for certain third-party requests (see “notaries” section below).
✔︎ Our $29 processing fee includes your automated document processing and first-class shipping & handling.
✔︎ Additional copies of your certified vital records can be purchased for the state’s fee during the online application to save future costs.
✔︎ Vital Records Online’s support team manages scanning and printing your application and documents. Learn more about how the online ordering and handling process works.
✔︎ A notarized sworn statement is not required when ordering a Washington birth, death, or marriage certificate online as long as you are an authorized applicant.
Submitting your application in person may be possible if you live within a reasonable travel distance of the health department that issued the original certificate. You must confirm that the office is open for walk-ins, can issue the record you need, and be prepared for long queues. Marriage certificates can be difficult to obtain in person, as they are often only available from the office that filed the original record.
If the local office for vital records is closed or unable to provide the record you need, you can order it through mail or online, eliminating potential inconveniences while applying in person. Ordering by mail is ideal for those living out of state. However, online requests are commonly the most convenient for both out-of-state residents and those living abroad. The steps for applying in person or by mail are similar.
If you choose to apply in person at the vital records office, prepare to complete the following steps:
Additionally, when ordering by mail, you will need to do the following:
When replacing a birth, death, or marriage certificate for yourself or a family member, remember that each certificate type has unique requirements and eligibility criteria. VRO simplifies the ordering process and helps you avoid common errors to obtain your records as quickly as possible.
❗️ To avoid your application being denied due to mistakes or incomplete information, review the requirements for each vital record before mailing it.
❗️ Be certain that your documents, application, and payment are submitted to the correct health department that issues certified copies from the preserved original record.
❗️ Before receiving approval, confirm if you must also have your documents and application notarized with a sworn statement for identity verification.
❗️ If you prefer mailing your application and documents manually, it is recommended to purchase mail tracking to confirm their arrival at the correct office.
It’s essential to clearly understand the conditions and requirements of your vital record application before collecting the necessary documents.
Proof of Identity for Verifying Authorization:
The Washington DOH-CHS requires all applicants to prove their identity when requesting certified vital record certificates. Accepted forms of ID can be a driver’s license, a state-issued photo ID, a passport, or any other primary ID listed in the table below for the type of certificate you need.
The Washington DOH-CHS will accept primary IDs that have expired less than 60 days prior to the application submission. If your ID has expired more than 60 days ago or you don’t have it, you must submit two secondary forms of identification. Refer to the table below for accepted secondary IDs for each certificate type.
What Documents Are Required to Order Vital Records in Washington?
The Washington DOH-CHS defines specific eligibility conditions and requirements for obtaining certified birth, death, and marriage certificates. Be sure to check the required documents and eligibility details for your personal circumstances. If you are not an authorized third party, a notary is required.
❗️ Without proper ID and a fully completed application, your request will be returned, causing considerable delays in processing your order.
❗️ If you are ineligible to receive a certified copy of a birth or death certificate, you can request an informational copy as long as you can provide the required information.
| Certificate | Required Information | ID Requirements Options | Secondary IDs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Birth Certificate | Date of Birth, Daytime Phone Number, Father's Name, Full Name of Person of Record, Mailing Address, Mother's Name, Place of Birth, Your Name, Your Relationship to the Person of Record, Your Signature |
Alien Registration Receipt, Armed Services ID, B1/B2 Visa Border Crossing Card, Bureau of Indian Affairs ID, Certificate of Citizenship, Consulate Card, Driver's License, Immigration Service ID, Learner Permit, NEXUS/SENTRI/FAST Border Crossing Card, Naturalization Papers, Passport, Permanent Residents Card, REAL ID, Re-Entry Permit, Refugee Travel Document, State EDL, State ID, Tribal ID, US Certificate of Naturalization, US Employment Authorization Card, US Merchant Mariner Card, US Passport Card |
Auto Insurance, Bank Statement, Corrections Department Papers, Court Documents with Current Address, Court Order of Adoption, DSHS Benefits Letter, Expired Primary ID, Food Stamp, Government Work ID, Individual Tax Number, Letter Attesting Residence in Alternative Housing, Letter form DCYF Children Administration, Letter from Government Agency, Medical ID, Medicare Card, Military Discharge, Military ID, Order of Dependency, Pay Stub, Personal Check with Address, Pre/Post Natal Care Records, Professional License, Proof of Home Ownership, Proof of Mooring a Boat, Saving Account Passbook, School Records, Social Security Card, State Fishing License, State Hunting License, State Police Employee Card, State Vehicle Registration, Transportation Worker ID, Tribal ID, US Selective Service Card, Unemployment ID, Union Membership Card, Utility Bill, Veteran Affairs Card, Voter Registration Card, W-2 Form, Ward of Court Decree, Weapon Permit, Welfare ID, Work ID |
| Death Certificate | Date of Birth, Date of Death, Daytime Phone Number, Email, Full Name of Person of Record, Mailing Address, Place of Birth, Place of Death, Spouse Name, Your Name, Your Relationship to the Person of Record, Your Signature |
Alien Registration Receipt, Armed Services ID, B1/B2 Visa Border Crossing Card, Bureau of Indian Affairs ID, Certificate of Citizenship, Consulate Card, Driver's License, Immigration Service ID, Learner Permit, NEXUS/SENTRI/FAST Border Crossing Card, Naturalization Papers, Passport, Permanent Residents Card, REAL ID, Re-Entry Permit, Refugee Travel Document, State ID, Tribal ID, US Employment Authorization Card, US Merchant Mariner Card |
Auto Insurance, Bank Statement, Corrections Department Papers, Court Documents with Current Address, Court Order of Adoption, DSHS Benefits Letter, Expired Primary ID, Food Stamp, Government Work ID, Individual Tax Number, Letter Attesting Residence in Alternative Housing, Letter form DCYF Children Administration, Letter from Government Agency, Medical ID, Medicare Card, Military Discharge, Military ID, Order of Dependency, Pay Stub, Personal Check with Address, Pre/Post Natal Care Records, Professional License, Proof of Home Ownership, Proof of Mooring a Boat, Saving Account Passbook, School Records, Social Security Card, State Fishing License, State Hunting License, State Police Employee Card, State Vehicle Registration, Student Body Card, Transportation Worker ID, Tribal ID, US Selective Service Card, Unemployment ID, Union Membership Card, Utility Bill, Veteran Affairs Card, Voter Registration Card, W-2 Form, Ward of Court Decree, Weapon Permit, Welfare ID, Work ID |
| Marriage Certificate | Bride Name, Bride's Name Before Marriage, Date of Marriage, Daytime Phone Number, Email, Groom Name, Groom Name Before Marriage, Mailing Address, Place where License Was Issued, Your Name, Your Relationship to the Person of Record |
Who can request vital records in Washington?
The person on record can request certified copies of their vital records with proof of identity. When requesting on behalf of someone else, check the eligibility requirements for each type of certificate to ensure that you’re authorized. Generally, the Washington DOH-CHS allows third-party requests as long as the requester has some form of familial or legal relationship to the person on record and can provide proof. Refer to the table below for which third-party applicants are authorized to request birth and death certificate replacements. Marriage records are unrestricted, so anyone who can provide the required information can request them.
If you don’t qualify as an eligible individual, it’s still possible to obtain the certificate by having an eligible applicant, such as the individual on record or their parent, fill out and sign the Authorization Representative Form before a notary.
| Certificate | Authorized People |
|---|---|
| Birth Certificate | Authorized Agent, Children, Court Officials, Domestic Partner, Government Agency, Grandchildren, Grandparents, Great Grandparents, Legal Guardian, Legal Representative, Parents, Person on Record, Siblings, Spouse, Step Children, Step-Parents |
| Death Certificate | Authorized Agent, Children, Court Officials, Domestic Partner, Funeral Director, Government Agency, Grandchildren, Grandparents, Great Grandparents, Heir, Legal Guardian, Legal Representative, Parents, Siblings, Spouse, Step Children, Step-Parents |
| Marriage Certificate | Not Restricted |
✔︎ If you can provide documentation of legal interest or hold a Power of Attorney from the person on record, you are eligible to request the vital record.
❗️ Third-party requests for Washington birth certificates must have a notarized letter of consent to release information from the certificate holder or legal guardian.
Do I need a notary with my application?
The Washington DOH-CHS does not require notarized statements for applicants requesting a certified copy of their birth certificate.
Third-party applicants requesting birth or death certificates do not need to get notarizations, provided that their relationship to the individual on record qualifies them as eligible applicants (family, representatives, and those with legal interests may access records.) The same notarization requirements apply regardless of whether the request is ordered online, by mail, or in person.
If you are a third-party applicant and your relationship with the record holder does not automatically qualify you as an eligible applicant, you can still apply with a notarized Authorized Representative Form, which must be signed before a notary by both yourself and the record holder or an eligible applicant. In this case, an online notary is included with your order when applying through VRO. If you opt for a local public notary, remember to bring your ID.
❗️ A notarized sworn statement may be required under the following circumstances:
See other FAQs below to learn more about obtaining a notarized statement when amending a vital record. For additional information regarding the unique circumstances that may require a notary with your application, you can visit the DOH-CHS website at https://doh.wa.gov/licenses-permits-and-certificates/vital-records.
✔︎ VRO includes an online notary service in your application packet. Otherwise, you must bring your ID when creating this document using a local public notary.
✔︎ A notarized sworn statement is not required when requesting informational copies of Washington vital records.
The total cost of obtaining your vital record replacements will depend on the DOH-CHS’s fees, your preferred order method, and whether or not you need a notary. The DOH-CHS charges a fee of $25.00 per copy, regardless of which type of certificate you need. VRO’s online Application Assistant for ordering birth, marriage, divorce, or death records online starts at $29.
| Certificate | Fee | Additional Copy |
|---|---|---|
| Birth Certificate | $25.00 | $25.00 |
❗️ The DOH-CHS’s $25 fee is nonrefundable, even if no record is found and a certificate cannot be issued.
✔︎ Additional copies can be requested during the same order to save future costs in case your vital records are lost, destroyed, or stolen.
VitalRecordsOnline.com processing fee is $29.
How long will it take to receive my vital records from Washington?
Processing and delivery times for obtaining vital record certificates can vary. The current waiting times are shown in the table below. However, these time-frames can fluctuate depending on the volume of backlogged orders DOH-CHS receives.
The method you choose to submit your application will also affect how long it takes to receive your records. Ordering through VRO streamlines the application process and offers expedited options for faster processing and online notarizations (if required) as an extra step during checkout. Otherwise, you must account for additional time to obtain a notary from a local entity.
| Certificate | Processing Time | Rush Processing Time |
|---|---|---|
| Birth Certificate | 6 to 8 weeks | N/A |
| Death Certificate | 4 to 6 weeks | 1 to 2 weeks |
| Marriage Certificate | 4 to 6 weeks | 1 to 2 weeks |
| Divorce Certificate | 2 to 4 weeks | N/A |
✔︎ All orders through VRO include an online notarization service that can be performed virtually during checkout.
❗️ The processing and replacement duration of birth, death, or marriage certificates by DOH-CHS may increase based on a high volume backlog of orders.
❗️ We also advise allowing 2-3 additional days in your application process to ensure you obtain a notary (if required).
❗️ A simple error, typo, or missing document can cause wait times to double, repeat shipping costs, or expose personal information.
Once you submit your application through VRO, you can check the order status to monitor your application’s progress. You can also track your application packet to the Washington DOH-CHS using the first-class prepaid mail postage included with your order.
If you manually mail the application packet to the health department, it is recommended to purchase first-class mail tracking to confirm its successful delivery. The Washington DOH-CHS ships all vital record certificates securely using USPS first-class mail but is not liable for any lost or misdirected certificates. If your birth certificate is lost, file a report immediately.
Be sure to review your application carefully to avoid any typos or errors. A small mistake could lead to the exposure of your personal information if sent to the wrong address.
❓ Find more frequently asked questions below the Washington counties office locations directory.
| Address | Hours | Application |
|
(DOH-CHS) Washington Department of Health, Mailing Address: Washington Department of Health, |
9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m (appointment only) | Birth Certificate Death Certificate Marriage Certificate |
|
Camano Office 121 N East Camano Dr Camano Island, WA 98282 |
Birth Certificate Death Certificate Marriage Certificate | |
|
Mailing Address PO Box 5000 Coupeville, WA 98239 |
Birth Certificate Death Certificate Marriage Certificate | |
|
Kittitas county 205 W 5th Ave Ellensburg, WA 98926-2887 |
Birth Certificate Death Certificate Marriage Certificate | |
|
Mailing Address 205 S. Columbus Room 200 Goldendale, WA 98620 |
Birth Certificate Death Certificate Marriage Certificate | |
|
Mailing: PO Box 340 Shelton, WA 98584-0078 |
Birth Certificate Death Certificate Marriage Certificate | |
|
Mailing Address P.O. Box 1519 Friday Harbor, WA 98250 |
Birth Certificate Death Certificate Marriage Certificate | |
|
Physical Adress: 1700 East College Way Mount Vernon, WA |
Birth Certificate Death Certificate Marriage Certificate | |
|
Olympia County 601 4th Ave E Olympia, WA 98507-1967 |
Birth Certificate Death Certificate Marriage Certificate | |
|
Adams County 210 W. Broadway Ritzville, WA 99169 |
Birth Certificate Death Certificate Marriage Certificate | |
|
Asotin County 135 Second Street - Physical Address P.O. Box 250 - Mailing Address Asotin, WA 99402 |
Birth Certificate Death Certificate Marriage Certificate | |
|
Benton County 620 Market Street Prosser, WA 99350 |
Birth Certificate Death Certificate Marriage Certificate | |
|
Chelan County |
Birth Certificate Death Certificate Marriage Certificate | |
|
Clallam County 223 East 4th Street Port Angeles, WA 98362 |
Birth Certificate Death Certificate Marriage Certificate | |
|
Clark County 1300 Franklin Street Vancouver, WA 98660 |
Birth Certificate Death Certificate Marriage Certificate | |
|
Columbia County 341 E Main Street Dayton, WA 99328 |
Birth Certificate Death Certificate Marriage Certificate | |
|
Cowlitz County 207 4th Ave. N. Room 305 Kelso, WA 98626 |
Birth Certificate Death Certificate Marriage Certificate | |
|
Douglas County 203 S Rainier Street Waterville, WA 98858 |
Birth Certificate Death Certificate Marriage Certificate | |
|
Ferry County 290 East Tessie Boulevard Republic, WA 99166 |
Birth Certificate Death Certificate Marriage Certificate | |
|
Franklin County 1016 N. 4th Ave. Pasco, WA 99301 |
Birth Certificate Death Certificate Marriage Certificate | |
|
Garfield County 789 W. Main Street Pomeroy, WA 99347 |
Birth Certificate Death Certificate Marriage Certificate | |
|
Grant County 35 C Street NW P.O. Box 37 Ephrata, WA 98823 |
Birth Certificate Death Certificate Marriage Certificate | |
|
Grays Harbor County 100 W Broadway Montesano, WA 98563 |
Birth Certificate Death Certificate Marriage Certificate | |
|
Island County Whidbey Office 1 NE 7th Street Coupeville, WA 98239 |
Birth Certificate Death Certificate Marriage Certificate | |
|
Jefferson County 1820 Jefferson Street Port Townsend, WA 98368 |
Birth Certificate Death Certificate Marriage Certificate | |
|
King County 516 Third Avenue Seattle, WA 98104 |
Birth Certificate Death Certificate Marriage Certificate | |
|
Kitsap County 614 Division Street Port Orchard, Washington, 98366 |
Birth Certificate Death Certificate Marriage Certificate | |
|
Klickitat County Physical Address 205 S Columbus Room 200 Goldendale, WA 98620 |
Birth Certificate Death Certificate Marriage Certificate | |
|
Lewis County 351 NW. North St Chehalis, WA, 98532 |
Birth Certificate Death Certificate Marriage Certificate | |
|
Lincoln County PO Box 400 Davenport, Washington, 99122 |
Birth Certificate Death Certificate Marriage Certificate | |
|
Mason County 419 N 4th St, Fl 2 Shelton, WA 98584-3419 |
Birth Certificate Death Certificate Marriage Certificate | |
|
Okanogan County 149 N 3rd Avenue Okanogan, WA 98840 |
Birth Certificate Death Certificate Marriage Certificate | |
|
Pacific County 1216 W Robert Bush Dr/PO Box 6 South Bend, WA 98586 |
Birth Certificate Death Certificate Marriage Certificate | |
|
Pend Oreille County Physical Address: 101 S Garden Ave, Newport, WA 99156 Mail Address: PO Box 5095 Newport, WA 99156 |
Birth Certificate Death Certificate Marriage Certificate | |
|
Pierce County 930 Tacoma Avenue S Tacoma, WA 98402 |
Birth Certificate Death Certificate Marriage Certificate | |
|
San Juan County Physical Address 350 Court Street Friday Harbor, WA 98250 |
Birth Certificate Death Certificate Marriage Certificate | |
|
Skagit County Mailing Address: 1800 Continental Place |
Birth Certificate Death Certificate Marriage Certificate | |
|
Skamania County 240 NW Vancouver Ave PO Box 790 Stevenson, WA 98648 |
Birth Certificate Death Certificate Marriage Certificate | |
|
Snohomish County 3000 Rockefeller Avenue Everett, WA 98201 |
Birth Certificate Death Certificate Marriage Certificate | |
|
Spokane County 1116 W Broadway Avenue Spokane, WA 99260 |
Birth Certificate Death Certificate Marriage Certificate | |
|
Stevens County 215 South Oak Street Colville, WA 99114 |
Birth Certificate Death Certificate Marriage Certificate | |
|
Thurston County 2000 Lakeridge Drive SW Olympia, WA 98502-1045 |
Birth Certificate Death Certificate Marriage Certificate | |
|
Wahkiakum County 64 Main Street Cathlamet, WA 98612 |
Birth Certificate Death Certificate Marriage Certificate | |
|
Walla Walla County 314 West Main Street 2nd floor - Room 203 P.O. Box 1506 Walla Walla, WA 99362 |
Birth Certificate Death Certificate Marriage Certificate | |
|
Whatcom County 311 Grand Avenue Bellingham, WA 98225 |
Birth Certificate Death Certificate Marriage Certificate | |
|
Whitman County 400 N Main Street Colfax, WA 99111 |
Birth Certificate Death Certificate Marriage Certificate | |
|
Yakima County 128 N 2nd Street Yakima, WA 98901 |
Birth Certificate Death Certificate Marriage Certificate | |
|
Kittitas County |
Birth Certificate Death Certificate Marriage Certificate | |
| ❗️ Displays the first 20 counties. Use the search to find your county. | ||
| Find additional Washington Vital Records locations at onlinevitals.com | ||
An apostille is necessary when filing a vital record with a foreign government. The Washington Secretary of State issues apostilles for vital records initially filed with the DOH-CHS or regional health department.
How can I get an apostille for a vital record?
Apostilles for Washington vital records can be requested through the Washington Secretary of State or Vital Records Online.
VRO provides trusted services for obtaining apostilles for birth, death, marriage, and divorce certificates in all 50 US states. VRO’s apostille service is legally valid in governments in over 100 countries and includes professional assistance starting at $149 (plus government fees). The entire process can be conveniently completed online in three steps:
In most cases, obtaining physical copies of the required documents is unnecessary, allowing you to complete the entire procedure online. Once your apostille documentation is complete, it will be securely shipped to you via FedEx or DHL worldwide, regardless of location.
You will need to provide the following information:
You can submit requests for vital record apostilles to the Washington Secretary of State at the following addresses:
For express shipping (UPS, DHL, or Federal Express), submit the request to the physical address:
Corporations Division Apostille and Certificate Program,
801 Capitol Way South,
Olympia, WA 98501
For standard mail, use the following address:
Corporations Division Apostille and Certificate Program,
PO Box 40228,
Olympia, WA 98504
You can reach the office at (360) 725-0344 or https://doh.wa.gov/licenses-permits-and-certificates/vital-records/apostilles.
Amendments to vital records are made through the Washington DOH-CHS. The eligibility criteria and forms vary depending on the certificate type and the information that needs to be amended. To assist, the DOH-CHS provides a list of common amendment situations and the requirements for each on its website. Some amendments may require a court order, which typically involves hiring an attorney.
Amendments or corrections are added to the vital record as addendums, as the original document cannot be altered by any entity.
Correcting or amending vital records usually requires the following:
A notarized sworn statement completed by an authorized person is required for specific amendments, such as changing the sex listed on a birth certificate. Minor changes typically do not require a notarized statement.
Learn more about correcting or amending birth, death, and marriage certificates.
Where can I search for free public records?
Finding free public records can be difficult, but many Washington birth, death, and marriage certificates are freely and readily accessible in the State Archives. Washington birth certificates are moved to the public State Archives after 100 years, while death and marriage certificates are publicly archived after 25 years. You can search the Washington State Archives to find the information you seek but plan to dedicate ample time to review records.
Are Washington Vital Records Open to the Public?
Many vital records in Washington are public state records. However, access depends on the type of record and the year the birth, death, or marriage occurred.
When researching vital records, third-party websites can provide helpful reference points. These websites make searching for specific types of vital records easy and are not limited by geographic location. However, the data on third-party sites may not always match official government records.
To find a record on a third-party website, the person requesting must provide the following information:
To ensure that you have an official certified copy of your birth, death, or marriage certificate, you can check what the certificates should look like in the county where the original was issued. Each municipality or agency in Washington can have uniquely designed vital records.
To confirm that your certificate is not an informational copy, check if it displays a stamp or mark with a large print across the face of the document that reads “Informational, Not a Valid Document to Establish Identity” or any similar message. If such a stamp or mark is absent, your certificate is not an informational copy and can be used for official purposes.
Authorized Copy:
Authorized (certified) copies of vital records are legal documents that can be used to establish identity. They are only issued to individuals with a “direct and tangible interest” in the record. All long-form copies of Washington vital records are considered authorized and official. Unlike most states, Washington issues short-form (heirloom) certificates, which are also legally authorized by the state.
Informational Copy:
Informational copies of vital record certificates vary by state and can include short-form, unofficial (noncertified), “heirloom,” or “commemorative” certificates. In most states, informational copies are generally intended for personal use, such as display, record-keeping, or genealogical research.
The Washington DOH-CHS offers several alternative forms of vital record certificates. Standard “noncertified informational copies” are available for birth and death certificates. Informational (noncertified) vital record copies contain a watermark stating, “Cannot be used for legal purposes. Informational only.” Anyone can request an informational (noncertified) copy of a vital record; no proof of relationship or ID is required.
Alternatively, the Washington DOH-CHS also issues Heirloom birth certificates for display purposes, recognized as “official documents” signed by the Governor and the State Registrar that can be used legally. They include the same information as regular birth certificates, and the same eligibility criteria and requirements apply when ordering one.
For death certificates issued in or after 2018, the Washington DOH-CHS can only issue “short-form” certificates. These are also “official documents” printed on certified security paper and can be used for legal purposes. Like traditional long-form certificates, short-form certificates can only be issued to authorized individuals who must provide proof of interest in the record. Certain information is omitted from short-form certificates, so you may need a long-form certificate, depending on what you need the death certificate for. Short-form certificates are typically used for transferring titles (e.g., vehicles), real estate transactions, and probate cases.
In compliance with the Washington Public Records Act (PRA), citizens have the right to inspect or obtain copies of public records. Find more references regarding birth, death, and marriage certificates in the resources section.
Visit the official Washington government website at https://doh.wa.gov/licenses-permits-and-certificates/vital-records
