Death Certificates

IMPORTANT NOTE: EFFECTIVE JANUARY 1, 2021 WASHINGTON STATE IS NOW A CLOSED RECORD STATE AND A NEW VITAL RECORDS LAW AND RULES WENT INTO EFFECT THAT CHANGES THE ORDERING REQUIREMENTS FOR BIRTH AND DEATH CERTIFICATES.

  • For increased security of personal information, only individuals with specific relationships to the person on the record being requested can receive a certificate.
  • Qualified applicants will be required to provide identification and proof of eligibility documentation. Los solicitantes calificados deberán proporcionar documentación de identificación y prueba de elegibilidad. 
  • Certificate fee will increase to $25 per copy. Additional processing fees may apply.
  • Identity verification and record retention fee of $15 per order will be applied. 

The Department of Health has published a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) webpage to assist everyone in better understanding what the new requirements are for ordering birth and death certificates. The FAQ webpage contains information about who can, and how to, order birth and death certificates.

Service

The Snohomish County Health Department’s Vital Records Office can provide certified death certificates for the following:

  • Deaths that occurred in Everett from 1953 to the present
  • Deaths that occurred in Snohomish County from 1960 to the present
  • All Washington State deaths that were filed electronically (starting in 2016)

The Washington State Center for Health Statistics issues certificates for all deaths occurring in Washington from 1907 to the present.

Cost of Death Certificates

State fees for death certificates are $25 per copy. This would include both certified and noncertified informational copies. Nonqualified applicants can receive noncertified informational copies only. 

Additional identity verification and record retention fees of $15 will apply for each record requested. Also include a postage and handling fee of $2 for mailed in orders, total per order. 

Under Washington State WAC 246-491-990 no refunds will be authorized. Mail-in orders are payable by money order or cashier’s check made payable to Snohomish County Health Department. Additional fees apply for online orders.

Information Required for a Death Certificate Copy

Proof of eligibility and identity documentation will be required.

  • City of death
  • Date of death (or 5-year period to search)
  • First, middle, and last name of the deceased

Ordering a Death Certificate

By Mail

Provide a copy of the required proof of eligibility and identity documentation along with order form to:

Snohomish County Health Department 
Vital Records
3020 Rucker Avenue, Suite 104
Everett, WA  98201

Please follow the directions included with all order forms. Mailed in order requests with missing or unqualified documentation must provide correct documentation within 30 days from original receipt date. If no documentation is received within the 30 days your application is considered denied and it will be closed, WAC 246-491-300. Under Washington State WAC 246-491-990 no refunds will be authorized.

For funeral home use, must be listed on the certificate:

•    FH Death Order Form  - Certified Long Form

Online

Go to VitalChek to order a death certificate online.

You can expect your certificate in approximately 2 to 3 business days. UPS delivery is available at an additional cost.

In Person

Visit the Snohomish County Health Department, where you can fill out the death certificate order form, pay the required fee (cash, credit, debit, money orders, and cashier's checks are accepted), provide a copy of the required proof of eligibility and identity documentation and pick up your death certificate immediately.

Vital Records
3020 Rucker Avenue
Suite 104
Everett, WA 98201

Issuing hours are 8 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. Monday through Friday. Please arrive no later than 3:30 p.m. to begin the death certificate application process. 

Making Corrections on a Death Certificate

If you need to make corrections on a death certificate, please contact the Vital Records office to learn about the process and find out which documents are required or download an Affidavit of Correction to fill out and mail directly to the Washington State Department of Health.