Washington Public Records

Washington is a relatively large state in terms of population, with more than 6.8 million residents estimated in the state as of 2011. This state did not enter the Union until 1889, as the 42^nd state to do so. However, the area boasts a long and colorful history that extends far earlier than its official entry into the United States. Much of that history is documented in Washington public records that offer a glimpse into the lives of the people who have lived and died here.  Launching a Washington public records search involves a basic knowledge of where these documents are kept on file for the state.

Fortunately, Washington makes searches relatively simple, by consolidating many of its public records under a single government office at the Washington Department of Health. Additional files can be found through a secondary resource, the Washington State Archives, which has been digitalized for the convenience of those looking for vital records in Washington for academic, genealogical and personal reasons. When you initiate a public records search in Washington, keep these facts in mind:

Washington Public Records Eligibility

Currently, public records in Washington are available to members of the general public. The application to receive information simply asks for the information about the subject of the search, the specific event, and the name and contact information for the researcher. The application does not ask about the relationship between the researcher and search subject, as some other states might. The form also does not require the applicant to submit identification for the request.

However, this application only offers information about whether a document exists; the researcher will then need to submit an additional application and fee to receive a certified copy of the document.

Where to Find Washington Public Records

The majority of Washington vital records are currently on file with the Center for Health Statistics, which is located in the Washington Department of Health. This office provides access to birth, death, marriage and divorce records for the state. In addition, the office offers information about where to find additional Washington public records if they do not happen to be located here. The Center for Health Statistics offers assistance in obtaining WA public records in person, by mail and online, with detailed instructions for each of these methods.

Washington birth and death certificates are available through the Center for Health Statistics dating back to 1907.  Washington marriage and divorce records date back to 1968.  Public records for WA that are less than two months old will probably need to be retrieved from the county office where they were originally filed. Records that date back past these years can usually be found through the Washington State Archives.

The Washington State Archives offer both historical records and digitalized records to aid researchers in their projects. Documents can be searched online right at the Washington State Archives website. In addition, genealogy pages available through this office provide valuable information about how to conduct public records searches in Washington, no matter what type of document you might need for your project. Many of the records found at this state office date all the way back to the 19^th century, including birth and death indexes and newspapers.

Washington Public Records Online

For those interested in conducting an online Washington public records search, there are limited options.  While the Center for Health Statistics does not offer an online service directly, the agency has partnered with VitalChek to make an online public records search option available to interested individuals. VitalChek is used by many states around the country to allow those in search of vital records to find and order documents from the comfort and privacy of home. There is an additional fee to use the VitalChek service, although faster turnaround times usually make this service a good value for the money.