Washington Birth, Marriage, Divorce and Death Records

See Also Researching in Vital Records - Vital records, as their name suggests, are connected with central life events: birth, marriage, and death. Maintained by civil authorities, they are prime sources of genealogical information; but, unfortunately, official vital records are available only for relatively recent periods. These records, despite their recent creation in the United States, are critically important in genealogical research, often supplying details on family members well back into the nineteenth century.......

Vital Records Prior to 1891, Washington had no legislative provision for the recording of births and deaths. However, some counties and cities did record births and deaths prior to 1891. These records have been microfilmed, and copies are available at the Washington State Archives. Between 1891 and 1907, birth and death registers were kept on the county level. Although not indexed, many birth and death records from 1891 through 1907 have been microfilmed by the Washington State Archives (see Archives, Libraries, and Societies). The mandatory recording of births and deaths on a state level began 1 July 1907, and marriage and divorce records on 1 January 1968.

The filing of marriages with county officials has been required by law since the creation of Washington Territory in 1853. Marriage records such as applications, certificates, and returns usually begin with the date of county formation or shortly thereafter. Prior to 1968, marriages were recorded by the county auditor.

Search Washington Historical Records - Databases include Court, Land, Wills & Financial Records; Birth, Marriage & Death Records; Voter Lists & Census Records; Immigration & Emigration Records; Obituary Records; Military Records; Family Tree Records; Pictures; Stories, Memories & Histories; Directories & Member Lists and much more....

Post-1907 vital records are at the Washington State Department of Health, 112 SE Quince St., P.O. Box 47890, Olympia, WA 98504-7890. The Family History Library (FHL), in Salt Lake City, has microfilmed birth indexes (1907–54), birth records (1907–48), delayed birth certificates (1850–1960), index to delayed births (1900–80), death certificate indexes (1907–79), and death certificates (1907–60). The online subscription database at also has the Washington death index (1940– 96) and birth indexes (1907–19).

Divorces were granted beginning in 1854 by the district courts of the territory, and these records were kept from 1854 to 1889 by the clerk of the district court. Washington State Department of Health has divorce records from January 1, 1968.

For records before these dates, contact the county clerk where the event occurred.

Birth Certificates

For records from July 1, 1907 to present: you can order through the Center for Health Statistics.
For records from January 1, 1921 to present: you can order through local health departments.
For records before July 1, 1907 in King, Pierce, Snohomish and Spokane: contact the local health department.
For all other counties for records before July 1, 1907: contact the county auditor.

Death Certificates

For recent records, in the current or previous month, please contact the Local Health Department where the event occurred.
July 1, 1907 to 2 months before the present: order through the Center for Health Statistics.
For records before July 1, 1907: contact the Research Office of the Washington State Archives.

Marriage Certificates

For recent marriage certificates from the last 4 months: contact the county auditor where the license was filed.
For certificates from January 1, 1968 to four months before the present: order through the Center for Health Statistics
For certificates before January 1, 1968: contact the county auditor where the license was obtained.

Divorce Certificates

For recent divorce certificates from the last four months: contact the county clerk where the event was filed.
For certificates from January 1, 1968 to four months before the present: order through the Center for Health Statistics.
For certificates before January 1, 1968: contact the county clerk where the event occurred.

Links For Birth Records

Washington Birth Record Books at Amazon.com
Birth, Marriage & Death - Vital records (births, deaths, marriages, and divorces) mark the milestones of our lives and are the foundation of family history research. Vital records, usually kept by a civic authority, can give you a more complete picture of your ancestor, help you distinguish between two people with the same name, and help you find links to a new generation.
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Order Birth Certificates Online

Links For Marriage Records

Links For Death Records

Washington Death Record Books at Amazon.com
Social Security Death Index
Obituary Collection
Search County Death Records
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