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.
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.
Nonrefundable fees start at $25 per certified or noncertified informational copy. Other fees may apply depending on ordering or shipping method.
To order a birth certificate, noncertified informational copy of a birth record, and Heirloom birth certificate, you must provide:
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.
You must complete the following steps to request and receive a birth certificate:
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.
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
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.
You must complete the following steps to request and receive a Heirloom birth certificate.
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
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.
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.
You must complete the following steps to request and receive a noncertified informational copy of a birth record:
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.
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.
