King County Birth Records
King County birth records are handled by King County Vital Statistics, part of Public Health Seattle and King County, which operates two offices in Seattle. King County Vital Statistics issues certified birth certificates not only for King County births but for all Washington State births from 1907 onward, making it one of the most active vital records offices in the state. You can visit in person, order online, or request by mail.
King County Overview
King County Vital Statistics Office
King County Vital Statistics has two Seattle locations. The mailing and administrative address is 201 S. Jackson St, Suite 220, Seattle, WA 98104. Walk-in service for in-person requests is at 908 Jefferson St., Seattle, WA 98104. The walk-in office provides fast service; most in-person orders are completed within 30 minutes. This is the quickest option if you need a certificate the same day and can get to Seattle.
| Office | King County Vital Statistics (Public Health Seattle & King County) |
|---|---|
| Mail Address | 201 S. Jackson St, Suite 220 Seattle, WA 98104 |
| Walk-In Address | 908 Jefferson St. Seattle, WA 98104 |
| Phone (Orders) | 206-296-4769 |
| Info Line | 206-897-5100 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. |
| Online | King County Vital Statistics |
| Fee | $25 per certificate + $15 identity verification fee; credit card adds $0.50; mail adds $4 |
The fee structure at King County Vital Statistics is more complex than at some other Washington offices. The base certificate fee is $25, but there is an additional $15 identity verification fee charged per transaction. Credit card payments carry a $0.50 surcharge. Mail orders have an additional $4 fee. So a single certificate ordered by mail with a check would cost $25 plus $15 plus $4, totaling $44. Plan accordingly and confirm current fees before you submit your request.
A key fact about King County Vital Statistics: the office issues birth certificates for all Washington State births from 1907 to the present, not just births that occurred in King County. If you need a birth certificate for someone born in Spokane, Yakima, or Bellingham, you can still get it at the King County office if that's more convenient for you. This makes the Seattle office a practical option for many Washington residents regardless of where in the state the birth occurred.
King County Vital Statistics provides full details about local ordering, fees, and required documentation for birth certificate requests.
The King County Vital Statistics page is the authoritative local source for current procedures and any updates to fees or walk-in availability.
Note: King County charges a $15 identity verification fee in addition to the $25 certificate fee; the total base cost for an in-person request is $40 before any additional surcharges.
Online and Phone Ordering Options
Online ordering for King County birth certificates is available through VitalChek at the King County online ordering page. Online orders typically take four to five business days to process. VitalChek can also be reached directly at the VitalChek King County page or by phone at 1-888-273-4623, which is available around the clock. This phone number is specific to King County, separate from the statewide VitalChek number.
VitalChek King County provides online and phone ordering for certified birth certificates from King County Vital Statistics.
The VitalChek King County page is the online ordering entry point for births on file with Seattle and King County Public Health.
Online orders through VitalChek include the standard service and processing fees on top of the King County base fees. Given King County's identity verification fee, the total cost for an online order is higher than in some other Washington counties. Make sure you factor in all applicable fees before selecting your ordering method. All fees are nonrefundable regardless of outcome.
For mail orders, send your completed application, a copy of your photo ID, proof of relationship if needed, and a check or money order to 201 S. Jackson St, Suite 220, Seattle, WA 98104. Mail orders carry the additional $4 fee mentioned above. Processing time for mail requests at the local King County office varies; call 206-897-5100 for current estimates.
The Washington State DOH ordering page is always an alternative. If you prefer to go through the state directly, you can do so at the standard state fee structure. Mail orders to the state at PO Box 9709, Olympia, WA 98507 take roughly eight to ten weeks. In-person appointments are available at the state office in Tumwater for same-day service.
Washington State DOH Birth Record Ordering is an alternative to ordering through King County Vital Statistics, at the standard state fee.
The state page outlines all methods and fees for ordering Washington birth certificates through the state DOH.
Access Rules Under Washington Law
Washington birth certificates are governed by RCW Chapter 70.58A. Since January 1, 2021, Washington has been a closed record state, meaning only qualified applicants can receive a certified copy. The law applies to all offices statewide, including King County Vital Statistics.
Under RCW 70.58A.530, qualified applicants include the person named on the record, their spouse or domestic partner, children, parents, stepparents, stepchildren, siblings, grandparents, great-grandparents, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, legal guardians, legal representatives, authorized representatives, and government agencies or courts with lawful purposes. All applicants must show valid photo identification. If you are requesting for someone else, you'll also need documentation showing your qualifying relationship. People who do not qualify for a certified copy can still request a noncertified informational copy, which is available to the general public.
Some records carry a nondisclosure flag under RCW 70.58A.540, limiting access beyond the standard rules. These restrictions most often apply to records involving adoption or sealed parentage information. If you request a record and encounter a nondisclosure issue, the office can explain next steps.
Note: Washington's 2021 law change made birth certificates closed records statewide; the same access rules apply at King County Vital Statistics as at any other Washington vital records office.
Historical King County Birth Records
King County has one of the largest historical birth record collections in Washington. The King County Auditor Birth Records from 1891 to 1907 contain 19,663 records and are indexed and available through the Washington State Digital Archives. This is a large collection relative to most Washington counties and reflects King County's early growth as a major population center in the Puget Sound region.
The Seattle City Clerk also held a Birth Register covering 1890 to 1891. This is a separate record set from the county auditor collection and is available through the State Archives. Researchers working on Seattle family history from the late 1800s should check both collections, as they may complement each other for births from that overlap period. King County Archives at kingcounty.gov holds additional historical documents that may be relevant to genealogical research for the county.
For the most comprehensive historical research, pair the Digital Archives with the physical and microfilm holdings at the regional archives branch. The Washington State Archives genealogy resources page lists what is available and how to access it. The State Archives Northwest Regional Branch in Bellevue is the closest repository for King County historical records and covers both county and city-level documents.
Washington State Digital Archives holds indexed and digitized King County Auditor Birth Records from 1891 to 1907, with nearly 20,000 records available online.
The digital archives are free to search and provide a practical way to locate early King County birth records without visiting an archive in person.
Note: King County's 1891 to 1907 auditor birth records are among the largest county-level historical birth record collections in Washington State, with nearly 20,000 indexed entries.
Additional Resources
The Washington State DOH certificates FAQ answers common questions about certified versus informational copies, accepted forms of ID, what happens if a record is not found, and how the 2021 law changes affect access. Reading the FAQ before you apply can prevent common problems and help you prepare the right documents on the first try.
The Washington State DOH Vital Records main page links to all state-level vital records forms, ordering options, and contact information. You can email the state at ContactCHS@doh.wa.gov or call 360-236-4300 during weekday hours for general questions. For King County questions specifically, the local info line at 206-897-5100 is the right first call.
Note: King County Vital Statistics issues birth certificates for all Washington State births, not just King County births, making the Seattle office a convenient option for statewide residents who live in or near Seattle.
Cities in King County
King County is Washington's most populous county and includes Seattle as well as many large cities and communities. The following cities in King County have dedicated pages on this site.
Nearby Counties
Find birth records resources for counties bordering King County.