Washington Birth Records

Washington birth records are the official documents that provide detailed information about an individual's birth, including the date, time, and place of birth within the state. These records serve as vital documents for legal identification and accessing various services and benefits.

Washington began the systematic recording of births on July 1, 1907, when the state mandated the centralized recording of births. Before this, the County Auditors maintained records of births within their jurisdictions. There are several forms of birth records available in Washington.

The certified birth certificate is an official document printed on a security paper, used for legal purposes, such as proving identity, obtaining passports, and enrolling in school. The Non-Certified Informational Copy of a birth record contains information as the certified birth certificate but is issued on plain paper. It is not valid for legal purposes. Instead, it is best suited for personal research, genealogy, or informational use where legal proof is not required.

The Heirloom Birth Certificate is a decorative, legally valid birth record that serves as a keepsake. It is used as a commemorative item to celebrate a birth, usually signed by the Governor and State Registrar.

Although some states differentiate between the long-form birth certificate and the short-form birth certificate. Washington does not issue long or short-form birth records. Instead, the standard certified birth certificate serves the purpose covered by both forms.

How To Order a Washington Birth Certificate?

The Washington State Department of Health (WDOH)- Office of Vital Records maintains certified copies of birth certificates for births recorded from January 1, 1907, to date. You may order birth records by completing the Birth Certificate Mail Order Form. You will need to submit a valid government ID and proof of relationship to the record holder if you are not the registrant. Lastly, pay the fee of $25. Mail the record request to:

If you prefer to order the record in person, you may contact your local health department. The WDOH Office of Vital Records partners with the local Washington health departments to provide in-person services for birth certificate requests.

Some counties maintain their birth records for very old births before the state-mandated centralization of vital records. Contact the County Auditor's Office where the birth was recorded. Similarly, you can view and obtain copies of older birth records before 1907 at the Washington State Archives.

Are Birth Records Public in Washington?

Per state law, birth records are considered vital records in Washington and are not open to the public for viewing, inspection, or copying. Access to these records is restricted to protect individual privacy and prevent identity theft. Generally, only certain individuals with a qualifying relationship to the person named on the birth certificate are eligible to obtain a copy.

Who Can Order A Birth Certificate in Washington?

Access to birth records is regulated in Washington to protect individual privacy and prevent identity theft. Therefore, only specific individuals with qualifying relationships may order certified birth records. Per state law, the following may order certified birth certificates in Washington:

• The record holder
• Immediate family members, including spouse, domestic partner, child, parent, stepparent, stepchild, siblings, grandparent, great-grandparent, and grandchild
• Legal guardian
• Legal representative
• A government agency
• Persons with a court order

How Long Does it Take to Get A Washington Birth Certificate?

Generally, the processing time for mail orders for birth certificates ordered from the WDOH Office of Vital Statistics is 6 to 8 weeks. The office offers expedited services through a third-party provider that processes the birth record requests within 3 to 7 business days.

Local health departments in Washington process birth records at varying times, usually up to 4 weeks. Most offer same-day service for birth certificate requests made in person for additional fees, which vary.

Where Can I Find Washington Birth Records for Free?

Accessing Washington birth records without authorization can be difficult. However, non-eligible individuals may be able to find informational copies or historical records through various platforms, including:

• Washington State Digital Archives: The database provides access to historical records, including birth records before 1907. Users can search and view the records online for free.
• National Vital Records Archives: The National Archives provides resources for genealogy research, including guidance on locating vital records. They do not hold state-issued birth certificates but provide links and information on where to find the records.
• Genealogy websites: Genealogy websites provide free access to Washington birth records. Websites like Ancestry.com have a database of birth registers, returns, certificates, and affidavits for Washington dating as far back as 1870. Similarly, Familysearch.orgprovides free access to indexes and images of birth records from Washington from 1852 to 1963.
• Third-party websites: Third-party websites like publicrecords.us compile links from multiple state and federal public records. They provide free access to basic information on birth records and can be a good starting point when looking for free online resources to look up Washington birth records.

When Would I Need My Washington Birth Records?

Birth certificates are important documents used to confirm your legal identity. There are several situations where you will likely need to present your birth certificate. They include:

• Applying for a passport or travel documents
• Obtaining a driver's license or state ID
• Enrolling in school or college
• Applying for Social Security benefits
• Background checks for employment verification
• Verify your identity when using insurance or financial services
• Legal name change
• Establish familial relationships during inheritance or estate matters

How Much is A Replacement Birth Certificate in Washington?

If your original birth certificate is damaged, lost, stolen, or destroyed, you can replace it. To obtain replacement birth certificates, fill out the Birth Certificate Mail Order Form. The form is available on the WDOH Office of Vital Records website or at your local health department. Submit a valid government-issued photo ID. If you are requesting the record on behalf of someone else, include documents proving your relationship. The fee for obtaining a replacement birth certificate is $25.00.

When Can the Public Access Washington Birth Certificates?

Birth records remain confidential for the first 100 years from the date of birth. If a person was born less than 100 years ago, only eligible individuals, the record holder, immediate family members, or authorized individuals may access a certified copy. Once the 100-year confidentiality period passes, the birth record becomes a public record that anyone can inspect.

How To Correct an Error on a Washington Birth Certificate?

The WDOH Office of Vital Records allows for corrections of typographical errors in names, dates, or places of birth and adding or correcting parent information on a birth certificate. For most corrections, you may complete the Affidavit for Correction form. Fill out the form with the precise details about the correction needed. Provide documentary proof that supports the requested correction, such as a government-issued ID or a court order. Mail the completed application to the Corrections Division of the WDOH Office of Vital Records.

If you submit the correction request form within one year of the certification issuance, you may receive a corrected certificate at no charge. For corrections submitted after one year, a fee of $25 applies for the corrected certificate.

Does Washington Provide Non-binary Birth Certificates?

Individuals in Washington have the option to change the gender markers on their birth certificate from "Male" or "Female" to "X", the non-binary gender marker. The provision for a non-binary gender marker on birth certificates is established under the Washington Administrative Code (WAC) 246-490-075. The regulation outlines the process for individuals to change the sex designation on their birth certificates, including a non-binary option.

Persons 18 years and older, emancipated minors, and parents or legal guardians of minors may amend their birth certificates to reflect their gender identity. Individuals may fill out the appropriate form provided by the WDOH Office of Vital Records. Parents of minors must include a signed statement from a licensed healthcare provider confirming the change aligns with the minor's identity. There is no fee to amend gender markers on birth records. However, there is a $25 fee to obtain a certified copy of the new birth certificate.