The vital records law regarding ordering birth and death certificates has changed. On January 1, 2021, the new law and rules will go into effect. The primary changes include:
- To increase security of personal information, only individuals with specific relationships to the person whose record is being requested can receive a certificate.
- Identity and proof of relationship documentation will be required.
- Certificate fee will increase to $25.00 per copy.
The Department of Health recently published a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) webpage to assist everyone in better understanding the new requirements for ordering birth and death certificates. The FAQ webpage contains information about who can order birth and death certificates and how to go about it.
More information and resources will become available as we approach January 1, 2021, including new web pages and other communication.
If you have any questions, please contact Katitza.Holthaus@doh.wa.gov.