Washington State residents can order a certified birth certificate online through VitalChek, the only third-party vendor authorized by the Washington State Department of Health (DOH) to process online orders. The state’s Center for Health Statistics has warned that other companies charging “processing” or “application help” fees for vital records aren’t approved partners. Certificates cover births recorded in Washington from July 1, 1907, to the present, with fees starting at $25 per copy.
Who Can Order
Only people with a qualifying relationship to the person named on the record can receive a certified birth certificate or Heirloom birth certificate. This generally includes:
- The person named on the certificate
- Immediate family members
- Legal guardians or representatives with documentation
Applicants without a qualifying relationship can only receive a noncertified informational copy, which is watermarked “Cannot be used for legal purposes.”
How to Apply Online
- Go to VitalChek’s website (www.vitalchek.com) — this is the only vendor authorized by Washington DOH for online orders.
- Select Washington State and choose the birth certificate product you need: standard birth certificate, Heirloom birth certificate, or noncertified informational copy.
- Enter the required information, including the name on the record, date of birth, place of birth (city or county), mother’s maiden name, and father’s name if listed.
- Provide identification. You’ll need valid government ID or acceptable alternate identification.
- Submit documentation proving your qualifying relationship to the person named on the record, if required.
- Pay online by credit or debit card, covering the state fee plus any additional identity verification and processing charges.
- Choose a shipping option. Standard mail is typically included; expedited shipping is available for an extra fee.
Online Ordering Fees
Washington’s fee structure combines a base state charge with additional service fees for online orders:
- Base state fee: $25.00 per certified or informational copy
- Identity verification and record retention fee: an additional $15 per record requested (charged by some local health jurisdictions for online/mail orders)
- Postage and handling (mailed orders): $2 per order
Fees vary somewhat depending on whether you order through the state’s central office or a local county health department, so check the specific jurisdiction’s fee schedule before ordering.
Processing and Delivery Times
VitalChek online or phone orders through the state process and ship within roughly 3 to 7 business days, depending on the shipping option selected, while some county health departments report delivery in as little as 2 to 3 business days. Mail-in orders sent directly to the state office typically take 6 to 8 weeks from when payment and documentation are received.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using an unauthorized third-party website. Washington DOH has specifically flagged non-VitalChek “vital records” sites that charge high fees without added value — if you’re unsatisfied with one, you can file a complaint with the Washington State Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division.
- Missing required documentation. Applications missing identification or proof of a qualifying relationship will be delayed until the correct paperwork is submitted.
- Expecting a refund if the record isn’t found. Under Washington State law (WAC 246-491-990), no refunds are issued even if a search doesn’t locate a matching record.
- Assuming certified and informational copies serve the same purpose. A noncertified informational copy contains the same details as a certified one but cannot be used for legal purposes like passport applications or school enrollment.
Other Ways to Apply
If online ordering doesn’t fit your needs, Washington also offers:
- By phone through VitalChek at 1-866-687-1464.
- By mail to the Center for Health Statistics in Olympia, paying by personal check or money order made payable to the Department of Health.
- In person at your local Washington county health department, many of which offer same-day service for eligible requests.
Official Contacts
Washington State Department of Health, Center for Health Statistics
Website:
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Online Ordering (Authorized Vendor):
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Phone (VitalChek Orders):
1-866-687-1464
Phone (Order Status/General Questions):
360-236-4300
Email:
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Mailing Address:
Center for Health Statistics
Department of Health
PO Box 9709
Olympia, WA 98507
United States
Join The Discussion
Ordering a Washington birth certificate online is generally quick through VitalChek, but the state’s warnings about unauthorized third-party sites make it worth double-checking who you’re ordering from. Have you ordered a Washington birth certificate online recently — through VitalChek or your local county health department? Share your experience with processing times, fees, or any tips for first-time applicants navigating the identity verification requirements.
