Washington State Department of Health - Center for Health Statistics

Washington · Vital Records

doh.wa.gov/licenses-permits-and-certificates/vital-records/ordering-vital-record/death-record

State Vital Records in Washington

The Washington State Department of Health - Center for Health Statistics issues certified copies of death certificates for deaths that occurred in Washington. Executors and surviving family order certified copies to close accounts, file insurance claims, and transfer titles; the office sets the fees, eligibility rules, and processing times.

Steps to takeKey facts

Steps to take when someone dies

1
Confirm the death occurred in Washington; the record belongs to the state where the death occurred, regardless of where the deceased lived.
2
Order certified copies through any of the office's channels:
  • •Online: Order through VitalChek - only contracted and approved third-party vendor
  • •By phone: Call VitalChek at 1-866-687-1464
  • •By mail: Mail completed application with required documents and fee
  • •In person: Visit local health jurisdiction offices
3
Include what the office requires with the order:
  • •Valid government ID (expired no more than 60 days) or at least two documents from the alternate ID list
  • •Proof of qualifying relationship (certified copies only)
4
Allow the office's processing time (8-10 weeks by mail); expedited handling is available.

State Vital Records in Washington: key facts

What Washington says9

Administering office

Washington State Department of Health - Center for Health Statistics.1

Office location and hours

Town Center 2, 111 Israel Road SE, Tumwater, WA 98501 (by appointment only, no walk-ins). Phone: Monday-Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m..1

Mail orders

Department of Health, Center for Health Statistics, PO Box 9709, Olympia, WA 98507-9709.1

Certificate fee

$25 for the first certified copy; $25 for each additional copy ordered at the same time.1

Processing time

8-10 weeks by mail. Expedited: 3-7 business days via VitalChek.1

Who may order

Certified copies: qualified applicant with proof of a qualifying relationship (RCW 70.58A.530(9)); Noncertified informational copies: anyone, with no proof of identity or relationship.1

Filing deadline

The death certificate must be filed within 5 days.2

Public record

Any requester may obtain a copy of a death record with no waiting period; certified copies follow the eligibility rules.1

Records available from

July 1, 1907.1

Governing law: RCW 68.50.110

Sources2

  1. 1.Washington State Department of Health - Center for Health Statistics
  2. 2.Washington death-certificate filing rule (RCW 68.50.110; RCW 68.50.130; RCW 68.74.010; RCW 70.58A.200; RCW 70.58A.210; RCW 18.39.215; WAC 246-500-030; 2026 c 173 (SHB 2239))

Washington vital records offices

Washington State Department of Health - Center for Health Statistics

Phone

360-236-4300

Hours

Phone: Monday-Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Mailing address

Department of Health, Center for Health Statistics, PO Box 9709, Olympia, WA 98507-9709
Verified Oct 2026

Tools for Settling an Estate in Washington

Free tools for settling an estate in Washington: whether probate is needed, executor and trustee pay, creditor deadlines, and inheritance taxes.

How Many Death Certificates Do I Need?

In Washington, certified death certificates come from the Washington State Department of Health - Center for Health StatisticsWashington State Department of Health - Center for Health StatisticsVerified Oct 15, 2026View source; the first copy costs $25Washington State Department of Health - Center for Health StatisticsVerified Oct 15, 2026View source.

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How Do I Settle an Estate?

Settling an estate in Washington: the personal representative files the estate inventory within 90 daysRCW 11.44.015; RCW 11.44.025Verified Sep 15, 2026View source of appointment; creditors have 4 monthsRCW 11.40.020, 11.40.040, 11.40.051, 11.40.100, 11.76.110Verified Oct 19, 2026View source to present claims; a simple estate closes in 4 months to 6 months.

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