Find Birth Records in Des Moines
Des Moines birth records fall under King County's vital records system. King County Vital Statistics handles certified birth certificates for Des Moines and all other King County communities. Their office is in Seattle, but Des Moines residents can request records in person, by mail, or online. This page walks you through where to go, what documents you need, how much it costs, and where to find older historical birth records from the Des Moines area and King County. Whether you need one certified copy or are doing family research, this covers the full process.
Des Moines Birth Records Overview
Where to Get Des Moines Birth Records
King County Vital Statistics issues certified birth certificates for Des Moines and all of King County. Their office is at 201 S. Jackson St, Suite 220, Seattle WA 98104. You can walk in during business hours for immediate service. The office can produce a certified copy while you wait, which is helpful when you need one fast. Call them at 1-888-273-4623 to confirm hours and any required documents before making the trip from Des Moines.
King County also has a kiosk option that lets you get a certificate for $28.50. The kiosk is located in the lobby area and is available during business hours. It is a quick, self-service option if you have all your information ready. For most Des Moines residents, this is a simple trip up I-5 to Seattle. You can also order from Washington State DOH directly through DOH Vital Records, though the local King County office tends to be faster for in-person needs.
| Office | King County Vital Statistics |
|---|---|
| Address | 201 S. Jackson St, Suite 220 Seattle, WA 98104 |
| Phone | 1-888-273-4623 |
| Website | kingcounty.gov - Order Birth Certificate |
| Fee | $25 + $15 ID verification |
Note: The $15 ID verification fee is charged when identity must be confirmed as part of the request. Bring a valid government-issued photo ID when you visit in person.
How to Order a Des Moines Birth Certificate
You have three main options to order a birth certificate for someone born in the Des Moines area. In person at the King County office gives you same-day service. Mail takes longer but works if you cannot travel. Online ordering through VitalChek is the most convenient option for people who prefer not to visit in person.
For any request, you will need the full legal name on the birth record, the date of birth, the place of birth (city or county), and the names of parents if available. You also need to show that you are a qualified applicant under Washington law. Washington restricted access to certified birth records under RCW 70.58A.050 starting in January 2021. Only the person named, parents, legal guardians, and certain legal representatives can get a certified copy.
Online orders go through VitalChek and typically arrive within several business days. VitalChek charges a processing fee on top of the county fees. For genealogy research, the Washington State Library has a helpful guide at washstatelib.libguides.com that covers how to request informational copies and other research strategies.
Mail requests to King County should include your completed application, a photocopy of your ID, a check or money order, and any supporting documents showing your eligibility.
Historical Birth Records for Des Moines Area
Des Moines was incorporated in 1959, but King County birth records go back to 1890 in some archives. The King County Archives holds original birth registers from 1890 through 1907. These pre-state records are part of King County's historical collection and are separate from the vital records system run by the state after 1907.
The King County Archives vital records page describes what they hold and how to access those older records. For research going back before the modern vital records system, this is a key resource. The archives also hold other historical documents that may help confirm a birth or place a person in King County during a given year.
The South King County Genealogical Society at skcgs.org is another resource worth using. Their members have indexed local records and can often point you toward sources that are not well-known. They serve the Des Moines area and the broader South King County region. Membership is not required to use their public resources online.
Washington vital records held by the state become public after 100 years from the birth date, which means records from 1925 and earlier are now generally open to the public.
Washington State Resources for Des Moines Residents
Washington DOH maintains a statewide vital records database that covers Des Moines births from 1907 onward. Their site walks you through what to expect when ordering a birth certificate, what identification you need, and how long processing takes. The DOH site also covers adoptee access rights, which changed significantly under recent Washington law.
Washington passed adoptee access reforms that allow adult adoptees to request their original birth certificates without court involvement. If you were born in the Des Moines or King County area and were adopted, you can now request your original birth certificate directly from the DOH. The King County Vital Statistics office can also guide you through this process.
If you are researching older records, the Washington State Digital Archives provides free online access to historical vital records from King County, including records that predate the 1907 state registration system.
Nearby Cities
These cities are near Des Moines and also have birth records resources available through King County Vital Statistics.
King County Birth Records
Des Moines is in King County. Birth certificates for Des Moines are issued through King County Vital Statistics. For more details on the county-level birth records process and additional resources, visit the King County birth records page.