How to make changes to birth and death certificates

Check the back of the certificate to see if the Affidavit for Correction form is printed. If it's there, fill it out in ink and mail it in to the address provided to the Washington State Center for Health Statistics in Olympia. The affidavit must be returned within one year of the date of issue printed on the front of the certificate to receive a replacement copy free of charge. If after 1 year, the fee is $20.00. The certificate will not be available until the Center for Health Statistics processes the change affidavit.

If you do not see the Affidavit for Correction printed on the back, download an electronic version (PDF.) Print it out and follow the instructions above for filling it out.

If you have any questions about processing the Affidavit for Correction, contact the Washington State Center for Health Statistics at 360-236-4300 or toll-free, 1-800-525-0127.

In Washington State, if the parents are not married at the time of the birth of the child, only the mother is listed on the child's birth certificate. To add the father's name, the Affidavit for Correction Form cannot be used but instead, you will need to fill out a Paternity Acknowledgement form.

To request a Paternity Acknowledgment, complete the form below (it is not available in a downloadable format as it comes in multiple color-coded and carbon-based pages.) The father and mother of the child will need to sign the Paternity Acknowledgment before a Notary Public official who will stamp it as an official document. Mail the Paternity Acknowledgment to the Washington State Center for Health Statistics along with payment of $15.00. (Notary Public officials are private individuals who may charge a separate nominal fee for their services.)

If you have any questions about processing the Paternity Acknowledgment, contact the contact the Washington State Center for Health Statistics at 360-236-4300 or toll-free, 800-525-0127.