Introduction to Washington Death Certificates

This article is designed to help you get a Washington Death certificate.  Counter to common belief, not everything is on the Internet.  Personal Death certificates are one of the items that are not readily available online, and that is probably a good thing.  You do not want a Death certificate in the public domain, where it can be seen by anyone.  However, this does not mean that you can’t easily get your Death certificate.  

Washington Death certificates have been maintained by the Washington Center for Health Statistics for individuals that died in the state of Washington since 1907.

Washington Death Certificate Authorized Persons

By Washington state law, Washington Death certificates are confidential records and can only be obtained by the following authorized individuals:

• Mother/Father (or Legal Guardian) of Person Named on the Washington Death Certificate
• Grandparents and Great Grandparents of Person Named on the Washington Death Certificate
• Husband/Wife of Person Named on the Washington Death Certificate 
• Adult Son/Daughter of Person Named on the Washington Death Certificate
• Adult grandchildren of Person Named on the Washington Death Certificate
• Sister/Brother of individual named on the Washington Death certificate
• Legal Representative of an Authorized Person of Person Named on the Washington Death Certificate

Washington Death Certificate for Genealogy Purpose

Anyone can obtain a non-certified Washington Death Certificate, for genealogy or other reasons.

Washington Death Certificate Ordering

Options Option 1 – Order Washington Death Certificate Online

This option is the simplest and easiest way to get your Washington Death Certificate.  Order online and you will get your Washington Death Certificate usually in less than a week.  Many times you will have the option of receiving your vital record by next-day or second-day service.

Order Birth and Death Records Online!  

Option 2 – Order Washington Death Certificate through the Mail

Follow the instructions below, if you are not ordering your Washington Death certificate online.  It usually takes 3-4 weeks upon receipt of request to be sent to you:

Step 1: Download Mail-In Application

Step 2: Please provide as much of the following information as possible to locate the Washington Death certificate:

• Full name of person at Death on the Washington Death certificate
• Date of Death on the Washington Death certificate
• Sex on the Washington Death certificate
• County (or city) of Death on the Washington Death certificate
• Your name 
• Your signature 
• Your relationship to the person whose Washington Death certificate you are requesting 
• Address where the Washington Death certificate is to be mailed 
• Self addressed stamped envelope
• Your daytime phone number
• By Mail: Send the above information and the appropriate fee to:

 

Center for Health Statistics

Department of Health

PO Box 9709

Olympia WA 98507-9709

Option 3 – In Person

In Person in Washington: You may go to any county health department in the State of Washington to obtain a certified copy of a Washington Death certificate. Most Washington Death certificates can be issued while you wait.

Washington Death Certificate Ordering Cost

The fee to search for a Washington Death certificate is $20.00, which includes one certified copy of the Washington Death certificate or a "Certificate of Failure to Find." For each additional copy of the Washington Death certificate ordered at the same time, the fee is $20.00. Checks or Money Orders should be made payable to "Washington Department of Health." Please do not send cash. Fees are not refundable. Additional fees are required for expedited service.