Vital records in Washington — birth certificates, death certificates, marriage records, and divorce records — are handled at the state level by Washington DOH Center for Health Statistics. Marriage licenses are issued locally by the County Auditor.
What this page covers: Washington vital record ordering, eligibility requirements, and related databases. What it does not cover: Genealogy records older than the state vital records system (check the Genealogy Resources page for historical records).
Where to start: For certified copies of birth or death certificates, contact Washington DOH Center for Health Statistics. For marriage licenses, contact the County Auditor in the county where the ceremony will occur. For divorce records, contact the court that granted the decree.
Common mistake: Birth and death certificates, marriage licenses, and divorce decrees come from different offices. Do not assume one office handles all vital records.
Search Washington by Record Type
Frequently Asked Questions
Where do I get a birth certificate in Washington? ▼
Where do I get a marriage license in Washington? ▼
Where are divorce records in Washington? ▼
Can I order vital records online? ▼
BBB A+ Rated