What Birth Products Can I Get?
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 noncertified informational copies for genealogical or other personal use. The three different birth record products include: birth certificate, Heirloom birth certificate, and noncertified informational copy of a birth record.
Who Qualifies?
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.
- Qualified applicants for a birth certificate and Heirloom birth certificate include:
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- 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
What Does It Cost?
Nonrefundable fees start at $25 per certified or noncertified informational copy. Other fees may apply depending on ordering or shipping method.
What Do I Need to Provide?
To order a birth certificate, noncertified informational copy of a birth record, and Heirloom birth certificate, you must provide:
- First, middle, and last name of the subject of the record.
- Date of birth (Month, Day, Year).
- City or county of birth.
- First and last names of all parents that are listed on the record.
- Birth Certificate
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What is a birth certificate?
Birth certificates serve as official documents printed on certified security paper and used for legal purposes to prove a life event. Uses include proving identity, citizenship, and relationship to others in order to get a passport or driver license, adding a child to health insurance, enrolling a child in school, or obtaining Social Security or other benefits and services.
How do I get a birth certificate?
You must complete the following steps to request and receive a birth certificate:
- Submit an application with required pieces of information.
- Provide valid government identification or alternate identification.
- Provide documentation to prove your qualifying relationship.
- Pay applicable fee(s). Fees start at $25 per certificate. Other fees may apply depending on ordering or shipping method. Birth certificates are available for no fee under specific circumstances.
How long does it take?
It depends on the way you order and the shipping method you select. The times listed below start after we receive full payment and all required documentation. Missing information or documentation will delay orders.
- Check with your local Washington health department for the certificates they offer and if they have in-person services at this time. Customers will receive most orders within the same day. There might be an additional fee for this service.
- 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 6-8 weeks after receiving and processing of payment.
How do I get a birth certificate if I filled out paperwork at the hospital/birth center?
If you have not submitted a request for a birth certificate by placing an order online, phone, mail, or in-person and submitted identification and proof of eligibility documentation, you will not receive a birth certificate.
New parents complete a Washington State Birth Filing Form at the hospital or birth center after delivery, not an application to order a birth certificate. The first birth certificate issued for a birth is NOT free and hospitals and birth centers cannot order a birth certificate on your behalf. The hospital may have provided you with your local county health department birth certificate order form, which requires a fee.
- Heirloom Birth Certificate
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What is an Heirloom birth certificate?
Introducing the perfect gift to celebrate a new life – Washington state Heirloom birth certificate. Purchasing an Heirloom birth certificate helps to protect Washington's most valuable resource – children. More than half of the certificate's cost benefits the Children's Trust Fund of Washington.
The 8 1/2" x 11" certificate is a legal, official document signed by the Governor and the State Registrar. It includes the same information as a birth certificate.
How do I get an Heirloom birth certificate?
You must complete the following steps to request and receive a Heirloom birth certificate.
- Submit an application by mail or in person (when in-person services resume) with required pieces of information.
- Provide valid government identification or alternate identification.
- Provide documentation to prove your qualifying relationship.
- Pay applicable fee(s). Fees start at $50 per Heirloom birth certificate. Other fees may apply depending on shipping method. For each $50 purchase of an Heirloom birth certificate, $25 is tax-deductible. Visit the Washington State Department of Children, Youth & Families for additional information on how your contribution helps Washington's families.
How long does it take?
The Governor signs each Washington State Heirloom birth certificate individually. For this reason, it can take up to 8 - 10 weeks for you to receive an Heirloom Birth Certificate after we receive your order.
- Noncertified Informational Copy of a Birth Record
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What is a noncertified informational copy of a birth record?
Noncertified informational copies of birth records do not get issued on the certified paper with security features. They cannot be used for legal purposes. It will contain the same information as a birth certificate and a watermark stating “Cannot be used for legal purposes. Informational only.” Please check with the agency or organization requesting the record before ordering an informational copy.
Who qualifies?
Anyone can request a noncertified informational copy of a birth record. You do not need to provide proof of identity and proof of a qualified relationship to the subject of the record.
How do I get an noncertified informational copy?
You must complete the following steps to request and receive a noncertified informational copy of a birth record:
- Submit an application with required pieces of information.
- Pay the applicable fee(s). Fees start 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 will delay orders.
- Check with your local Washington health department for the certificates they offer and if they have in-person services at this time. Customers will receive most orders within the same day. There might be an additional fee for this service.
- 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 6-8 weeks after receiving and processing of payment.
How Can I Use a Birth Record Outside the United States?
If you want to use a certified document in another country, you may need an apostille from the Secretary of State. For example, a birth certificate issued in the state of Washington that you want to use in another country, may require an apostille.
The law requires that you can only request an apostille using a certified copy. Visit the apostille web page for more information.
More Information
- FAQ page
- Apostilles
- Forms
- County Vital Records Offices
- Adding or removing a parent from a birth record
- Making a change to or correcting an error on a birth/death/marriage/divorce record
- Certified Copies at no cost
- Washington State Digital Archives
- Courts.wa.gov
- Ordering certificates from a different state.