- For increased security of personal information, only individuals with specific relationships to the person on the record requested can receive a certificate.
- Applicants must provide identity and proof of relationship documentation.
- Certificate fee increases to $25.00 per copy.
New vital records law
The new vital records law authorizes the Department of Health and local health jurisdictions to release specific vital records with no fee in specific circumstances. These circumstances include:
- A vital record for use in connection with a claim for compensation or pension pending before the Veteran's Administration;
- The death of a sex offender, for use by a law enforcement agency in maintaining a registered sex offender database;
- The death of any offender, requested by a county clerk or court in Washington state for purposes of extinguishing the offender's legal financial obligation; and
- A birth certificate for homeless persons living in Washington state (only available from the Department of Health).
A vital record for use in connection with a claim for compensation or pension pending before the Veteran's Administration
To qualify for a birth, death, marriage, or divorce certificate at no charge for a claim for compensation or pension pending before the Veteran's Administration, the individual or entity must submit official documentation from the Veteran's Administration with a complete application for the requested certificate. For birth and death certificates require identity documentation and proof of qualifying relationship. Only one certificate provided per request.
A death certificate for use by a law enforcement agency in maintaining a registered sex offender database
To qualify for a death certificate at no charge for use by a law enforcement agency in maintaining a registered sex offender database, the law enforcement agency must submit official documentation with a complete application for the requested death certificate. Death certificates require identity documentation and proof of eligibility. Only one certificate provided per request.
A death certificate for use by a county clerk or court in Washington state for purposes of extinguishing the offender's legal financial obligation
To qualify for a death certificate at no charge for use by a county clerk or court in Washington state for purposes of extinguishing the offender's legal financial obligation, the county clerk or agent of the court must submit official documentation with a complete application for the requested death certificate. Death certificates require identity documentation and proof of eligibility. Only one certificate provided per request.
A birth certificate for homeless persons born and living in Washington state
To qualify for a birth certificate at no charge for a person experiencing homelessness in Washington state, a government agency or homeless service provider working on behalf of the homeless individual must submit the request to the Department of Health. We can only provide certificates for persons born and currently living in Washington state.
The government agency or homeless service provider must submit a letter on official letterhead and a complete mail order form for the requested birth certificate. Birth certificates require identity documentation and proof of eligibility. Only one certificate provided per request.
The government agency or homeless service provider must complete the following steps:
- Submit an application with required pieces of information.
- A letter on official letterhead asserting the individual meets the definition of homeless per RCW 43.185C.010 and lives in Washington state. This will serve as proof of eligibility and in some cases may serve as one of the alternate identification documents.
- Provide valid government identification or alternate identification for the individual who's birth certificate is requested. En Español
- Provide valid government identification or alternate identification of the government agency or homeless service provider submitting the request.
For more information, contact the Certification Services team at ContactCHS@doh.wa.gov.