How to Obtain a Washington State Original Birth Certificate
In Washington state, the easiest way to obtain a birth certificate is through the health department of your county of birth. Most Washington state counties have simple-to-follow online order forms, but all Washington state births can be found through the Washington Center of Health Statistics. Certificates are $20, and you may order multiple copies at a time.
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Instructions
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Locate the health department of the county of your birth. Records of all births after 1921 are kept at county health departments. All birth certificates post-1907 can be found at the Center for Health Statistics. If you are looking for the record of a birth before 1907, you must contact the county auditor to retrieve the record (exceptions include King, Snohomish, Spokane and Pierce counties, where there are birth records dating before 1907).
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Provide the necessary information. When you order a birth certificate, you will be asked to provide your full name, date of birth, place (city) of birth, your father's full name, mother's maiden name, adoption status and your relationship to the person for whom you are seeking the record or your reason for seeking the certificate.
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Order online, in person, by mail or by phone. As of 2009, orders for original birth certificates cost $20, and if a search comes up blank, there is an $8 fee regardless (so make sure you have your information correct). The fees must be paid by cash, check or money order if done in person. Debit or credit card can be used if the record is ordered online or by phone. If you order the certificate online or by phone, $12 will be added for postage. If you order by mail, you must print out the order form (found on the county website) and include payment. Mail is the slowest method and can take two to three weeks to receive your certificate. Each county has its own website and address from which to order the certificates, and if you seek the certificate by walk-in, mail or phone, you must order it through the county of your birth. If you know you will order the certificate online, it can be done through the Washington State Center for Health Statistics.
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