Table of Contents
- What are Washington Vital Records?
- Washington Birth Records
- Frequently Asked Questions About Washington Birth Records
- Washington Death Records
- Frequently Asked Questions About Washington Death Records
- Washington Marriage Records
- Frequently Asked Questions About Washington Marriage Records
- Washington Divorce Records
- Frequently Asked Questions About Washington Divorce Records
What are Washington Vital Records?
The state of Washington started keeping vital records in 1891. The Washington State Department of Health Vital Records is the government agency in charge of vital records for the state. These records consist of births, deaths, marriages, and divorces. Vital records in Washington are currently open to the public; however, starting January 1, 2021, new strict laws will prohibit anyone other than close family and legal representatives from getting copies. The Department of Health Vital Records office also handles adoptions, surrogacy, and all health and wellness matters for the state and its residents. You can order vital records if you qualify through the mail, online, by phone, or visiting their offices in person.
Washington Birth Records
Washington started keeping birth records in 1891. The Washington State Department of Health Vital Records is the agency in charge of issuing certified copies of birth records for anyone who was born in Washington after 1907. They allow eligible parties to order online or phone using VitalChek, through the mail, and in-person at their offices. You must fill out an application (fully) and pay a fee when ordering. Birth records are currently public records in Washington, but only certain people can get copies as of January 1, 2021. Birth records are usually necessary when you apply for a passport, driver's license, government job, sign up for sports, or attend school. The state also offers Heirloom copies (that are legal documents) for parents of newborns.
Frequently Asked Questions About Washington Birth Records
How do I find birth records in Washington?
Contact the Washington State Department of Health Vital Records. They are the custodians of birth records for the state and can locate the one you need and provide certified copies.
How do I get a certified copy of my birth certificate in Washington?
Download the application from the Washington State Department of Health Vital Records website and mail it in, or visit in person. You can also call or order your certificates online through VitalChek.
How much does it cost to get a copy of a birth certificate in Washington?
It depends on how you order it. If you order through VitalChek (phone or online), you will pay $33.50. If you order by mail or visit in person, the fee is $20 per certificate. If they cannot locate your certificate, you will be refunded $12 of the fee.
Who can request birth records?
Currently anyone. However, as of January 1, 2021, only individuals with a specific relationship to the person listed on the certificate can get a copy. You will have to supply documentation to prove the relationship. Typically, the list includes close family members and authorized legal representatives.
What information do I need when getting a copy of my Washington birth certificate?
When requesting a copy of someone's birth record, you will need to provide the following information:
- Full name on the certificate.
- Date of birth.
- City or county of birth.
- Mother's full maiden name.
- Father's full name.
- Number of certificates required.
As the requestor, you must also supply your own name, address, phone number, email address, and a signature.
Where can I find historical vital records in Washington for genealogy research?
You can contact the Washington State Department of Health Vital Records for birth records dating back to 1907. For older records, check the Washington State Archives; many counties have donated its vital records to the collections there. Many are online in their digital database.
How can I correct an error on my birth record?
The easiest way is to visit in person. You must fill out an affidavit for correction of a vital record and provide documentation to support the change.
Can I get a refund if my Washington birth record is not available?
Yes. You will receive $12 back if no record is found.
Washington Death Records
Washington state has been keeping track of death records since 1891. The Washington State Department of Health Vital Records is the state custodian of death records, and they have them from 1907 to the present. They allow eligible individuals to order copies through the mail, in person, and online and by phone through VitalChek. Death records are currently public records, but in January of 2021, that will change. Death records are necessary when you get remarried after being widowed, claim a life insurance policy, request death benefits, or other circumstances where you need to prove someone's passing.
Frequently Asked Questions About Washington Death Records
How do I find death records in Washington?
Contact the Washington State Department of Health Vital Records. They have death records dating back to July 1, 1907. If you need older records, you can contact the county's health department where the person died or consult the Washington State Archives.
Are death records public in Washington?
Currently yes. As of January 1, 2021, only certain people with a direct relationship to the person may request certified copies.
How much does it cost to get a copy of a death certificate in Washington?
It depends on how you order it. If you order through VitalChek (phone or online), you will pay $33.50. If you order by mail or visit in person, the fee is $20 per certificate. If they cannot locate your certificate, you will be refunded $12 of the fee.
How long does it take to get a copy of a Washington death record?
If you order online or by phone, you will receive it within 12 business days. If you visit in person, you can get one instantly. If you order through the mail, however, it will take 6-8 weeks to process your order. They do offer expedited shipping options.
Who can request death records?
Currently, death records are open to the public, so anyone can get copies. As of January 1, 2021, only individuals with a specific relationship to the person listed on the certificate can get a copy. You will have to supply documentation to prove the relationship. Typically, the list includes close family members and authorized legal representatives.
What information do I need when getting a copy of someone's Washington death certificate?
When requesting a copy of someone's death record, you will need the following information:
- Full name on the certificate.
- Date of death.
- Date of birth.
- City or county of death.
- Spouse's name.
- Number of certificates required.
As the requestor, you must also supply your own name, address, phone number, email address, and a signature.
Where can I find historical death records in Washington?
The State Department of Health Vital Records has records dating back to July 1, 1907. If you need older records, you can visit the local health office in the county where the person died or check out the Washington State Archives. Many counties donated their records to this resource, and they keep many of them online.
How can I correct an error on someone's death record?
The easiest way is to visit in person. You must fill out an affidavit to correct a vital record and provide documentation to support the change.
Can I get a refund if my Washington death record is not available?
Yes. If they cannot find your record, you will receive a $12 refund.
Washington Marriage Records
Washington has been keeping track of marriages since the late 1800s. The Washington State Department of Health Vital Records is the government agency who supplies copies of marriage certificates upon request. They have marriage and divorce records from 1968 to the present. If you need older records, you can contact the local County Auditor for records. Marriage records are open to the public, and anyone can get a copy. However, as of January 1, 2021, they will be closed, and only certain close family members and legal representatives can get copies. The Department of Health Vital Records allows individuals to get copies through the mail, in person, and by phone and online using the VitalChek service. Marriage records come in handy when you need to change your name, apply for credit cards or insurance, or verify your marital status.
Frequently Asked Questions About Washington Marriage Records
Are Washington marriage records public?
Yes, they are currently public records. However, as of January 1, 2021, only people with a close relationship to the person listed on the vital record will be able to get copies.
What Washington marriage records are available?
The Washington State Department of Health Vital Records has marriage records from 1968 to the present day. You can find older records with the County Auditor's office or check out the Washington State Archives for marriage records.
How long does it take to get a marriage certificate in Washington?
It depends on how you order them. If you order online or by phone, you will receive it within 12 business days. If you visit in person, you can get one instantly. If you order through the mail, however, it will take 6-8 weeks to process your order. They do offer expedited shipping options.
How much does a Washington marriage certificate cost?
It depends on how you order it. If you order through VitalChek (phone or online), you will pay $33.50. If you order by mail or visit in person, the fee is $20 per certificate. If they cannot locate your certificate, you will be refunded $12 of the fee.
When requesting records, what information do I need?
When requesting a copy of someone's marriage certificate, you will need the following information:
- Person A's legal name before marriage.
- Person B's legal name before marriage.
- Approximate date of the marriage.
- Licensing county.
- Number of certificates required.
As the requestor, you must also supply your own name, address, phone number, email address, and a signature.
How do I get a copy of a Washington marriage record?
You can contact the Washington State Department of Health Vital Records to get marriage records from 1968 to the present day. If you need older records, contact the County Auditor.
What if I didn't get married in Washington?
If you were not married in Washington, then contact the vital records office or courthouse in the state/county where you filed your marriage license.
Who can get a copy of my marriage certificate?
Anyone can get copies right now. After January 1, 2021, only close family members and legal representatives may get copies.
How do I correct a marriage certificate in Washington?
You must fill out an affidavit form and bring it to the Washington State Department of Health Vital Records or mail it in with supporting documentation.
Washington Divorce Records
The state of Washington has been keeping track of divorces since the late 1800s. The Washington State Department of Health Vital Records is the state custodian for divorce records, and they issue divorce certificates upon request. Currently, divorce records are open to the public, but as of January 1, 2021, only close family members and legal representatives will be able to get copies. The Department of Health Vital Records has divorce records from 1968 to the present. If you need older divorce records, you can contact the County Clerk's office. Divorce certificates are needed before you can get remarried or other instances when you need to prove your martial state.
Frequently Asked Questions About Washington Divorce Records
Can I find divorce records online in Washington?
Yes. The Washington State Archives has an online digital collection of many divorce records, but not all. You may also find some online with other third-party websites since they are open public records right now.
How do I find old divorce records?
You can contact the Washington State Department of Health Vital Records for records dating back to 1968. For older records, you can visit the County Clerk's office or consult the Washington State Archives.
How do I get a copy of my divorce certificate?
Contact the Washington State Department of Health Vital Records and fill out the form. They allow people to get copies via mail, in person, or online and by phone using the VitalChek service.
What information is needed to search for a Washington divorce record?
When requesting copies of someone's divorce record, you will need the following information:
- Person A's legal name before marriage.
- Person B's legal name before marriage.
- Approximate date of the marriage (10-year range).
- Licensing county.
- Number of certificates required.
As the requestor, you must also supply your own name, address, phone number, email address, and a signature.
If they can't find my divorce record, can I get a refund?
Yes. If they cannot find your record, you will receive a $12 refund.
What if my divorce took place outside of Washington?
If you were not divorced in Washington, you must contact the Clerk of the Court or the vital records office in the state/county where your divorce was finalized. The courts are probably the best first choice to find records.