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Washington Birth Certificates

Learn how to order Washington State birth certificates from the Washington State Department of Health (DOH). The current processing time is approximately 8 to 10 weeks, and the fee is $25.00 per certified copy. The authorized individuals who can request birth certificates include the person on record, family members, and legal representatives.

How to Order Washington State Birth Certificates

You can now order Washington State birth certificates through VRO’s online filing service. VRO offers a secure and simple way to order birth certificates. We handle the entire application process, ensuring accuracy and ease. Your application is securely delivered to the Washington State Department of Health (DOH), Center for Health Statistics (CHS) for processing, allowing them to issue and mail your birth certificate to you. You can place the order yourself in person or by mail through the Washington State DOH by following the specific steps and meeting certain requirements. Be sure to confirm the costs,  eligibility,  requirements, and processing times before placing your order.


Person ordering a birth certificate with a phone using VRO

Ordering with VRO

Requesting a Washington birth certificate through our online filing service is quick and easy.

  1. Complete the online application and upload your documents.
  2. Process your order.

Starting from

$29+ state fees

Benefits of Ordering Online with VRO

  • 5 minutes process
  • No waiting in lines
  • No handling paperwork or mail
  • Simplified application process
  • 24 hour service
  • Online assistance by specialists
  • Verification and error-checking
  • Order tracking
  • Online notary
  • Pay online by credit card
  • Remote processing time

Get Started Online


required documents

What Documents Are Required to Order Washington State Birth Certificates?


All applicants must provide proof of identity, such as a U.S. state-issued driver’s license, passport, or tribal ID when requesting a certified copy of a WA birth record. Non-certified copies do not require an ID and include the exact details as the official certificate; however, it is not considered a legal document and cannot be used for official purposes.

Review the accepted documents and needed information in the table below to ensure a successful application process.


Primary ID Requirements Options

Secondary ID Requirements Options

Learner Permit
State ID
REAL ID
Consulate Card
Permanent Residents Card
Tribal ID
Naturalization Papers
Armed Services ID
Certificate of Citizenship
US Certificate of Naturalization
Immigration Service ID
Refugee Travel Document
Alien Registration Receipt
Re-Entry Permit
US Employment Authorization Card
NEXUS/SENTRI/FAST Border Crossing Card
US Merchant Mariner Card
B1/B2 Visa Border Crossing Card
State EDL
US Passport Card
Passport
Driver's License
Bureau of Indian Affairs ID

Expired Primary ID
Court Order of Adoption
Auto Insurance
Letter from Government Agency
Work ID
DSHS Benefits Letter
Utility Bill
Individual Tax Number
Letter Attesting Residence in Alternative Housing
Letter from DCYF Children Administration
Medical ID
Medicare Card
Bank Statement
Corrections Department Papers
Court Documents with Current Address
Pay Stub
Personal Check with Address
Saving Account Passbook
State Police Employee Card
Pre/Post Natal Care Records
Proof of Home Ownership
Proof of Mooring a Boat
School Records
Social Security Card
State Hunting License
State Fishing License
Government Work ID
W-2 Form
Transportation Worker ID
Tribal ID
Military ID
US Selective Service Card
Military Discharge
Professional License
Union Membership Card
Food Stamp
Welfare ID
Unemployment ID
Veteran Affairs Card
Voter Registration Card
Ward of Court Decree
Order of Dependency
State Vehicle Registration
Weapon Permit

How to Get a Washington State Birth Certificate Without ID

If you need a Washington State birth certificate and don't have a government-issued ID, you can use two secondary forms of identification, such as a Social Security card, utility bill, and bank statement. Non-certified copies do not require an ID. See the table above for a complete list of accepted second forms of identification.


Cost & fees

What Are the Costs and Fees Associated with Replacing a Birth Certificate in Washington State?


The total costs for your application depend on if you submit your application in person, by mail, or online. The Washington State DOH's fee for each certified copy is $25.00. If in-person orders are available at the local vital records office, an additional fee will apply. The Washington State DOH provides free birth certificates to individuals experiencing homelessness who were born in the state. When using VRO's online filing service, the fee starts at $29.00, plus the state fee. VRO provides a secure online solution for ordering birth certificates.


State Fee

$25.00


Rush Processing

Not Available


Additional Copy

1 x $25.00

Processing time

How Long Does It Take to Process and Receive a Birth Certificate in Washington State?

The total time to process your Washington State birth certificate copy will depend on your application method and the wait times set by the Washington State DOH. The standard processing time is currently 8 to 10 weeks. If available by the local health vital records office, in-person orders are produced the same day or the next day. Expedited shipping options are available. To avoid delays, we recommend using VRO’s easy online service, which helps prevent incomplete submissions and errors.

Processing Time

8 to 10 weeks

Rush Processing Time

Not Available




Authorization

Who is Authorized to Order a Washington State Birth Certificate?

Certified copies of birth records from Washington State are available only to individuals who have a direct connection to the person named on the record. Non-certified informational copies of birth certificates are available to the public. These copies contain the same information as the official certificate; however, they are not considered legal documents and cannot be used for official purposes.



Authorized People


  • 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

Do I Need to Notarize My Application?

The Washington State DOH CHS does not require a notarized application when requesting certified copies of a birth certificate. However, if you are requesting on behalf of someone else as an authorized representative, you will need a notarized form signed by a qualified applicant.

Tracking

How to Track the Status of Your Birth Certificate Replacement

When you place your order with VRO, you can track the status of your application online as we handle it. VRO verifies your documents before sending them to the Washington State DOH-CHS for processing. You can also request mail tracking through VRO to monitor the progress of your application to the state health department.

If you manually mail your birth certificate request, purchasing first-class mail with tracking is recommended to know when your application is delivered to the Washington State DOH-CHS.

The Washington State DOH does not provide tracking for certificate delivery. To monitor the status of your vital records, it's advisable to choose expedited shipping during the application process. This option includes tracking for secure and prompt delivery of your certificates. Once your certificate is mailed from the Washington State DOH, they are not responsible for lost or misdirected certificates.

frequently asked questions

Other FAQs


  • How to Obtain a Washington Birth Certificate if Born on an Overseas Military Base

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    If you were born overseas on a U.S. military base, your birth would have been recorded with the U.S. Department of State rather than the state of Washington. You can request a Consular Report of Birth Abroad (CRBA) or form FS-240 from the U.S. Department of State. The CRBA is the equivalent of a U.S. birth certificate and serves as evidence of U.S. citizenship. You can use the CRBA for legal purposes, such as applying for a passport or accessing social services.

    For original copies of your birth certificate, contact the hospital in the country where the birth took place.

  • Why Do I Need Certified Copies of My Washington Birth Certificate?

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    Certified copies of your Washington State birth certificate are essential for life's most notable milestones. A birth certificate establishes legal proof of your identity and citizenship, containing vital information such as your legal name, place and date of birth, and parent's names. Government and commercial entities mandate the use of certified birth certificates for legal proceedings, family matters, school enrollment, employment, and travel. An heirloom birth certificate is a keepsake designed for framing. Made from high-quality materials, these certificates include personalized details such as the child's name, date, and place of birth. They serve as lasting reminders that honor a new family member.
    Birth certificates are often useful or required for:

    Applying for a driver's license

    Applying for a new passport

    Issuing or obtaining a Social Security Card

    Applying for Social Security benefits

    Claiming pension or insurance benefits

    Genealogy research

    Claiming family inheritance

    Applying for a new job

    Enrolling in school

    Enlisting in military

    Obtaining a marriage license

  • What Does a Washington Birth Certificate Look Like?

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    A Washington birth certificate issued by the Washington State Department of Health will display distinct features to ensure its authenticity. Although the appearance may vary depending on the year it was issued, they will contain features mandated by state guidelines, including the state seal, the individual's name, and the registrar's signature, and they will be produced on secure paper to prevent counterfeiting.

    Note that official (long-form) birth certificates are used for legal purposes and differ from informational (short-form) copies used for personal or commemorative reasons.

    Full Name of the Person: The full legal name of the person whose birth is being recorded.

    Date of Birth: The exact date of birth of the individual.

    Place of Birth: The city, county, and state where the birth took place.

    Parents’ Names: The full names of both parents, including the mother’s maiden name.

    State Seal: A raised, embossed, or printed multicolor or black and white seal of the issuing authority, which validates the document.

    Signature of State Registrar: The signature of the state registrar or authorized official responsible for issuing the certificate.

    Date of Issuance: The date when the state officially issued the birth certificate.

    Printed on Security Paper: Printed on specialized paper to prevent counterfeiting.

    In some instances, a certified birth certificate may also include:

    Name of the Hospital where the birth was recorded.

    Name of the Physician who attended the labor.

  • How to Replace a Lost or Stolen Washington Birth Certificate

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    If you lose your birth certificate:

    1. Apply for a certified replacement copy in person, by mail, or online through VRO. You must complete the application, gather the required identification and documents, and pay the fees determined by the Washington - DOH.
      a. For in-person applications: Present the completed application and required documents to a county health department during hours of operation.
      b. For applying by mail: Send your application, documents, and a check or money order for the replacement fee to the Washington - DOH at:
      Washington State Department of Health
      PO Box 9709 Olympia,
      WA 98507
      c. For online submissions: Complete the application and upload your documents through the VRO website (payable by credit card online).
    2. The Washington - DOH will mail the certified copy(s) after processing.
  • How to Correct or Amend a Washington Birth Certificate

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    Correcting or amending a Washington State birth certificate varies depending on the changes. Addendums are supplements created to correct or change the birth certificate so the original record remains unaltered.

    The requirements below do not include changes that include a court order, such as a name change, gender change, adoptions, change of parentage, or surrogacy.

    Typically, amendments to birth certificates will require:

    1. A completed and signed Affidavit for Correction form.
    2. A copy of your government-issued photo identification card.
    3. Proof of relationship, if required.
    4. Any required supporting proof documents such as:
      Hospital/medical record
      Birth, marriage, or divorce record
      Copy of passport or enhanced identity document
      Permanent resident card (I-551)
      Health or life insurance policy
      Military record (DD-214)
      Official school transcripts

    The evidential documents must contain the full name and date of birth, matching the information to be changed on the birth record exactly. For the complete list of accepted proof documents, contact the Washington State DOH.

  • How to Obtain an Apostille for a Washington Birth Certificate

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    To obtain an apostille for a Washington State birth certificate, you can order it directly through the Washington Secretary of State or submit an online request through VRO's Express Apostille Service. Apostilles are strictly issued by the Washington Secretary of State and are often necessary when submitting a birth certificate to a foreign government that is part of the 1961 Hague Convention.

    To manually obtain an apostille for a Washington State birth certificate, complete the following steps:

    1. Complete the Apostille Request Form: Download and fill out the Apostille Authentication Request Form from the Washington Secretary of State's website.
    2. Gather Required Documents: Ensure you have the certified copy of the birth certificate that needs the apostille. Include any additional documents required by the Secretary of State's office.
    3. Prepare Payment: Prepare a check or money for the Apostille fee of $15.00 per document, payable to the Washington Secretary of State.
    4. Submit Your Request: If submitting in person, visit the office at the physical address during business hours. If submitting by mail, send your completed Apostille Request Form, required documents, and payment to the mailing address.

    Mail Submissions:


    For In-Person Submissions: