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Washington Marriage, Death, Birth 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 (see Archives, Libraries and Societies). Between 1891 and 1907, birth and death registers were kept on the county level. The state legislature in 1891 made it the duty of all coroners, physicians, and midwives to report all births and deaths under their supervision. The filing of marriages with county officials has been required by law since the creation of Washington Territory in 1853. 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. Post-1907 vital records in the state office of Vital Records in Olympia are not open to the public for research.

Although not indexed, many birth and death records from 1891 through 1907 have been microfilmed by the Washington State Archives. Given the county of occurrence, the archives staff will search the records for a fee.

The mandatory recording of births and deaths on a state level began 1 July 1907 and marriage and divorce records on 1 January 1968. Prior to 1968, marriages were recorded by the county auditor. Marriage records such as applications, certificates, and returns usually begin with the date of county formation or shortly thereafter. Divorces were recorded by the county clerk at the county seat.

To obtain post-1907 vital records, specific information is required to initiate a search. For birth records, the following is needed: (1) name at time of birth or adoption, (2) date and place of birth, (3) father's full name, and (4) mother's full maiden name. For death records, the following is needed: (1) name at time of death, (2) spouse of the deceased, and (3) date and place of death. For marriage and divorce records, the following is needed: (1) name of groom/husband, (2) maiden name of bride/wife, (3) date of marriage or divorce, and (4) county where the marriage or divorce was filed.

The cost for obtaining post-1907 vital records from the Vital Records Department is $11. A certified copy of the record will be sent within three weeks from when the request is received. State records can be obtained by writing: Vital Records, P.O. Box 9709, ET-11, Olympia, Washington 98504-9709.

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Below is a list of online resources for Washington Vital Records.