Common questions about vital records

About the ordering process

	Can I get a credit card-sized certificate? No, credit card sized copies of birth certificates are no longer available. Not all of the information was provided on them. For this reason, they became invalid documents by federal law in 1989.
	Is there a difference between a "certificate" and "record"? "Birth record" and "birth certificate" are the same. Follow the same instructions.
	Are the records certified? Birth and death certificates issued are certified copies printed on special certified paper with a printed and raised seal. No uncertified copies are issued.
	How do get an Apostille for my certificate? An Apostille is a document that authenticates notaries' or state officials' signatures for foreign use, e.g. foreign-born adoptions, marriages overseas, etc. Apostilles are prepared by the Washington State Secretary of State Office in Olympia, WA at: Secretary of State Corporations Division Apostille and Certificate Program 801 Capitol Way South Olympia, WA 98504 Online: www.secstate.wa.gov/apostilles
	Where can I get records outside of King County? For birth certificates prior to 1921 and non-King County death certificates, contact the Washington State Center for Health Statistics at 360-236-4300 or toll-free, 800-525-0127. You can get a birth certificate from 1921 to present through King County Vital Statistics.
	May I send one check for 2 or more records? Yes, you can send one check, for example, $40 for two birth certificates, although you will need to fill out a separate order form for each record.
	How long does it take for you to mail me a certified record? *Ordering by mail* provides 2 to 3 week service. *If you come in person* to the Vital Statistics office, you can expect to wait around 15-20 minutes after filling out your paperwork and paying for your record. *If you order by credit card* (online or telephone,) your order will be processed within 2-3 days and then sent by regular mail. The option for UPS or next-day delivery is an additional $20.00. NOTE: A fee of $12.00 is added per order (for any quantity of records in the order) for expedited handling so if you are ordering one birth certificate at $20 + $12 handling fee, you can expect a total of $32.00 charged to your credit card. If you are ordering 2 copies, the charge is $40 + $12 = $52 total charged to your card.
	The Vital Statistics Office couldn't find my record but why was I charged $8.00 anyway? Anytime a record is searched for and is not found, an $8.00 search fee is charged per the Revised Code of Washington (RCW 70.58.107). The refund balance will be sent in approximately 3 weeks.

Birth certificate questions

	I was born and adopted in Washington State, how can I get my original birth certificate? In the State of Washington, adoption records are sealed. One possibility would be to hire a "confidential intermediary" to assist you in your searching for your birth parents. Contact the King County Superior Court Adoption Service at 206-296-9350 for information. They are located in the King County Courthouse, 516 Third Avenue, Room W-280, Seattle, WA 98104.
	I received my birth certificate but I see errors - or - I have changed my name recently. How can I make changes or edits on my birth record? The Affidavit for Correction form is on the back of the certified certificate along with instructions and it must be returned within one year of the date it was issued to receive a replacement copy free of charge. The certificate will not be available until the Department of Health in Olympia processes the change affidavit. If you do not see the affidavit printed on the back, click here to download the Affidavit for Correction in PDF format.
	I received my birth certificate but why isn't the time of my birth listed? All changes to birth records are handled by the Washington State Dept. of Health in Olympia. If you were born between the years of 1949 to 1967, no times were reported on births. You should check with the hospital where you were born to see if they have retained original records of your birth which may indicate the time.

Death certificate questions

How can I get access to a list of individuals who have died in King County in the last ten years?
Sorry, but there is no master list of names of people who have died in King County. Please follow the instructions on how to purchase a death certificate.

How can I find out where someone was buried?

The only way this information can be found is to find the death certificate. Key identifiers are needed to locate the correct certificate as noted in the instructions on how to purchase a death certificate.

Also, we have death records for all persons who died in Seattle city limits (all years) or in King County (1944 forward) only. The death certificate costs $20 and can be ordered from Vital Statistics at 500 4th Ave., Room 214, Seattle, WA 98104 or by ordering a death certificate.
For deaths that occurred in Washington State outside King County, contact the Washington State Center for Health Statistics at 360-236-4300 or toll-free, 800-525-0127.

related records

Adoption records
Adoption records are handled by King County Family Court.
Phone: 206-296-9400.

Divorce certificates
Divorce certificates are handled by the Superior Court Clerk's Office.
Phone: 206-296-9300, option 6.

Genealogical records
The King County Archives maintains many records that are useful to family history researchers seeking information on ancestors in King County.

Marriage certificates
Marriage certificates are handled by the King County Recorder's Office.
Phone: 206-296-1570.

Name change requests
Name changes are handled by King County District Court.
Phone: 206-296-0596.

learn more

King County Medical Examiner's Office
The Medical Examiner's Office serves the community by investigating sudden, violent, unexpected, and suspicious deaths.

Washington State Center for Health Statistics
Retains birth and death records from July 1, 1907 to present.