How much do death certificates cost in Washington?
A certified copy costs $25 from the Washington Department of Health (DOH) Center for Health Statistics.
Additional fees apply depending on how you order:
- Online or phone (VitalChek). The total starts at $40.50, which includes the $25 certificate fee, an $8.50 VitalChek fee, and a $7 DOH processing fee. An optional $3 identity verification fee may also apply.
- Mail. $25 per copy, no additional fees.
- In person at local health departments. Fees vary by county. Some charge additional identity verification fees (for example, Snohomish County adds $15).
How to order
Through a funeral home (fastest)
Your funeral director handles the initial order. This is the simplest and typically fastest route.
Online or by phone
Order through VitalChek or call 1-866-687-1464. You will need a credit or debit card and a valid government-issued photo ID. Processing and shipping takes 3 to 7 business days.
You must prove your qualifying relationship to the deceased (see eligibility below).
By mail
Send a completed order form, payment (check or money order for $25), a photocopy of your valid ID, and proof of your qualifying relationship to:
Center for Health Statistics Department of Health P.O. Box 9709 Olympia, WA 98507
Mail processing takes approximately 6 to 8 weeks.
In person
Visit the DOH Center for Health Statistics in Tumwater, or check with your local county health department. Some county offices offer same-day service for recent deaths.
Processing times
| Method | Typical timeline |
|---|---|
| Funeral home | 2 to 4 weeks |
| VitalChek (online/phone) | 3 to 7 business days |
| By mail (DOH) | 6 to 8 weeks |
| In person (county office) | Same day to a few days |
Who can order?
Washington became a closed-record state on January 1, 2021. Only individuals with a qualifying relationship to the deceased can order a certified death certificate.
Qualifying individuals include:
- Spouse or domestic partner
- Parent or legal guardian
- Child, grandchild, or sibling
- The personal representative of the estate
- A funeral director acting on behalf of the family
- Government agencies with a legitimate purpose
- Anyone with a court order
You must provide both a valid government-issued photo ID and documentation proving your qualifying relationship.
Anyone who does not meet the relationship requirements can request a non-certified informational copy instead.
What to know about Washington specifically
Closed-record rules. Washington's 2021 change to closed records catches some people off guard. Unlike states where anyone can order a death certificate, Washington requires proof of relationship. Have your documentation ready before ordering.
The online markup is steep. The gap between the $25 mail price and the $40.50+ online price is significant. If you are not in a rush, ordering by mail saves about $15 per copy (though it takes 6-8 weeks).
County offices are often faster. For recent deaths, your local county health department may be able to issue certified copies the same day, compared to weeks for mail or online orders through DOH.
For a broader overview of the death certificate process, see our guide on how to get death certificates. If you are handling probate, see our guide on how probate works in Washington.
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