Order official Washington Marriage Records and Vital Records online

Marriage records are essential legal documents that serve as verification of a marriage. They are critical for various purposes, including name changes, spousal benefits, genealogical research, and legal proceedings. In Washington, obtaining a marriage certificate is a streamlined process if you follow the specific steps and requirements set by the state's Department of Health.

Who Can Request Marriage Records?

In Washington, marriage records are considered public documents. This means that anyone can request a copy of a marriage certificate. However, certified copies, which are often needed for legal purposes, may require proof of identity and relationship to the parties named on the record.

What Documents Are Required?

To request a marriage certificate, you must complete an application form and provide identification. Required documents include:

• • A completed Marriage Certificate Request Form;
• • A copy of your valid government-issued photo ID.

Be sure to fill out the form accurately and legibly to avoid any delays in processing your request.

How to Obtain Washington Marriage Records

By Mail

To request marriage records by mail, send the completed application form, a photocopy of your ID, and payment to:

Washington State Department of Health – Vital Records

P.O. Box 9709

Olympia, WA 98507-9709

In Person

You can visit the Department of Health's office to apply in person. Bring your completed application, identification, and payment. The address is:

Center for Health Statistics

Department of Health

101 Israel Road SE

Tumwater, WA 98501

Online

You can also order marriage certificates online through VitalChek, a trusted third-party vendor: VitalCheck.

Online orders may have additional processing fees, but they offer the convenience of electronic submission and tracking of your order.

How Much Do Marriage Records Cost?

The cost of obtaining a marriage certificate in Washington is $20 per copy. If you need expedited service or additional copies, extra charges may apply. Online orders through VitalChek will include additional processing fees.

Processing Time

Processing times for marriage record requests can vary:

• • Mail: Allow 2-3 weeks for processing and delivery;
• • In Person: Same-day service is often available;
• • Online: Orders are typically processed within 1-2 business days, but it may take longer depending on the volume of requests.

If you have any questions or experience delays, it is advisable to contact the Department of Health directly.

Ensuring that all required documents are accurately completed and submitted will help streamline the application process for obtaining Washington marriage records. For any specific questions or additional assistance, do not hesitate to reach out to the Washington State Department of Health.

If the event was recorded locally or if you need immediate access to detailed records, it is preferable to contact your county vital records office directly. Find the contact details of your local county vital records office here.