To Purchase a birth or death certificate, you must:
- Meet the new requirements. Select one of the following for more information:
- Verify the eligibility documentation requirements
- Verify the proof of identity requirement
- Download and complete one of the following applications:
- Submit completed application along with payment and proof of identity and relationship if required.
Applications can be submitted by one of the following methods:
- Mail: Benton-Franklin Health District
7102 W. Okanogan Place
Kennewick, WA 99336
- In Person: In person service is available from 8:00-11:30 and 1:00-4:00 Monday – Friday at the address listed above.
- Same-day Service for birth and death certificates is now available. Additional fees apply.
Fees: Birth and death certificates start at $25 each. Additional service fees may be added depending on the options you select. Certificates purchased through VitalChek have additional service options and fees. See the application for more details.
Important Note: No refunds will be given if a record could not be located or the documentation you provided did not prove you were eligible to receive a birth or death certificate.
To Purchase a Fetal or Stillbirth certificate, you must:
- We can help you with stillbirth records from January 1, 1957, to present.
You can order a certificate from:
How do I get a certificate?
To get a certificate, you must complete the following steps:
Request Forms:
Beginning in 2021 a new Informational copy is available. Non-certified information copies of birth and death records are not issued on certified paper with security features and cannot be used for legal purposes. These copies contain a watermark stating, “Cannot be used for legal purposes. Informational only” and are typically used for genealogy and family history purposes.
To request an Informational Copy of a birth or death record:
- Download and complete one of the applications below
- Return completed application along with payment.
Important Note: No refunds will be given if a record could not be located. Check with the agency or business to ensure they will accept non-certified informational copies prior to purchasing it.
Historical Vital Records at State Archives
The Department of Health will transfer vital records to the State Archives at the following specified timeframes:
- 100 years after the date of birth or fetal death
- 25 years after the date of death
- 25 years after the date of marriage or divorce
If you need a record that meets this criteria, you must request historical vital records from State Archives directly. State Archives determines the fee for requesting these records, not the Department of Health. Visit the State Archives website at www.sos.wa.gov/archives.