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.
Administering agency
Washington State Department of Health - Center for Health Statistics
State Vital Records in Washington: key facts
- Administering office
- Washington State Department of Health - Center for Health Statistics.
- Contact
- Phone 360-236-4300; email contactchs@doh.wa.gov.
- Certificate fee
- $25 for the first certified copy.
- Processing time
- 8-10 weeks by mail. Expedited: 3-7 business days via VitalChek.
- 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.
- Filing deadline
- The death certificate must be filed within 5 days.
- Public record
- Death records are public immediately.
- Records available from
- July 1, 1907.
Steps to take when someone dies
- Confirm the death occurred in Washington — the record belongs to the state where the death occurred, regardless of where the deceased lived.
- 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
- Include what the office requires with the order:
- Valid government ID or alternate ID
- Proof of qualifying relationship (certified copies only)
- Allow the office's processing time (8-10 weeks by mail); expedited handling is available.
Washington State Department of Health - Center for Health Statistics
Phone: 360-236-4300
Visit the agency website →Frequently asked questions
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.
The death certificate must be filed within 5 days. The funeral director or person in charge of disposition files the certificate with the state; the family orders certified copies once the record is registered.
Valid government ID or alternate ID; Proof of qualifying relationship (certified copies only). The office also asks for the deceased's full name, date of death, and place of death to locate the record.
The record belongs to the state where the death occurred, not the state of residence. Order from the state of death, following its fees and eligibility rules.
Sources
Data sourced from State Vital Records in Washington primary sources (1 page reviewed). How we research.
Administering agency
Washington State Department of Health - Center for Health Statistics