Vital records in Washington

Official office: Washington State Department of Health, Center for Health Statistics

Types of certificates available

Certified Birth Certificate

For:

  • Immigration cases (USCIS petitions, naturalization)
  • US passport
  • Social Security card
  • Driver’s license + DMV
  • School enrollment
  • Employment (I-9 verification)
  • Federal/state benefits

Certified Marriage Certificate

For:

  • Name change
  • I-130 petitions (spouse petition)
  • Social Security benefits
  • Taxes (filing status)
  • Fiancé(e) visa follow-up

Certified Death Certificate

For:

  • Closing estate
  • Collecting life insurance benefits
  • I-360 self-petition (widowed USC)
  • Social Security widow benefits

How to request in Washington

Option 1: Online

Most states use vendors like VitalChek (vitalchek.com) or state’s Vital Records portal.

  • Credit card required
  • Photo ID required
  • Expedited payment (+$30-$60)
  • FedEx delivery in 3-5 days

Option 2: By mail

  • PDF form from state site
  • Money order or check (NOT cash)
  • Notarized copy of ID
  • 3-6 weeks processing

Option 3: In person

  • Visit Vital Records office of state or county
  • Same day in some cases
  • Bring original ID
  • Pay cash, check, or card

Costs in Washington

Generally:

  • Certified certificate: $15-$30
  • Additional copies: $5-$15 each
  • Expedited: +$30-$60
  • FedEx shipping: +$20-$25

What to bring when requesting

  1. Photo ID: passport, state ID, driver’s license
  2. Relationship to holder: if requesting someone else’s
  3. Reason: USCIS frequently accepts without specific reason
  4. Payment: card or money order

For immigrants specifically

Your US-born child

If you have a US-born child, the child is automatic US citizen. Their certificate is:

  • Needed for child’s passport
  • Needed for Social Security
  • Useful for I-130 (if petitioning undocumented parent in future)
  • Useful for FAFSA and college scholarships

Without parent status

Parents without immigration status CAN request birth certificate of their USC child. The state issues to whoever appears as parent on original document.

Last verified: 2026-05-25.

General procedures — verify specific steps on official state site before requesting.

Last verified: 2026-05-25.

General procedural information for educational purposes. Not legal, tax, or immigration advice. Laws and fees change — verify with the issuing agency before taking action. For case-specific guidance, consult a licensed immigration attorney or other appropriate professional.