Stevens County Birth Records

Stevens County birth records are handled through the Northeast Tri County Health District, which serves Stevens, Ferry, and Pend Oreille counties in northeastern Washington. Birth certificates for Washington births from 1907 forward are available through the health district or through the Washington State Department of Health. This page covers how to request a record, eligibility rules, and where to find older historical records from the county.

Northeast Tri County Health District - Stevens County Births

The Northeast Tri County Health District (NETCHD) serves as the local vital records office for Stevens County. The district covers Stevens, Ferry, and Pend Oreille counties in the northeast corner of Washington. Birth certificates issued through NETCHD cover Washington births from July 1, 1907 forward. Records may be obtained within about one week through county offices, which is faster than processing through the state DOH by mail.

The Stevens County Auditor's Recording Division in Colville also provides vital records and passport services at 215 South Oak Street, Colville, WA 99114. Phone: (509) 684-3751. This office handles recording of documents and can direct you to the right resource for vital records requests. The county government website at the Stevens County official site lists available services and contact information for each department.

Online ordering is available through VitalChek at 1-866-687-1464 for Stevens County residents who prefer to order from home. The state DOH also accepts mail and in-person requests through its office in Tumwater.

The Stevens County government website links to department contacts and can help you find the right office for your specific records need.

The Stevens County government site is the starting point for local vital records contacts and department information in Colville.

Who Can Get a Certified Stevens County Birth Certificate

Washington law limits access to certified birth certificates. Under RCW 70.58A.530, only qualified applicants may receive a certified copy. Everyone else is limited to a noncertified informational copy. The informational copy is not accepted for passports, Social Security, driver's licenses, or other official uses.

Qualified applicants include the person named on the certificate (if 18 or older), their spouse or domestic partner, a parent or stepparent, a child or stepchild, a sibling, a grandparent or great-grandparent, a grandchild or great-grandchild, a legal guardian, a legal representative, an authorized representative, and government agencies or courts with a legitimate need. This same list applies at NETCHD, at the county auditor's office, and at the state DOH.

Bring a government-issued photo ID when requesting in person. If you are acting on behalf of a qualifying family member, bring documentation of the relationship. A birth certificate showing parentage, a marriage certificate, or a court order can serve as proof. Staff at the local office or state DOH can advise if you are not sure what to bring.

The fee is $25 per copy and is nonrefundable. Payment is required whether or not the record is found. If you believe you may not qualify for a certified copy, it is worth calling the office first to confirm before paying.

Ordering a Stevens County Birth Certificate

There are several ways to get a birth certificate for a birth that occurred in Stevens County. Local office requests through NETCHD or the Stevens County Auditor are generally the fastest option, with records typically available within a week. This is the best choice if you need the record quickly and can visit Colville during business hours.

For those outside Stevens County, VitalChek online ordering is convenient. Orders placed through VitalChek are processed in 3 to 7 business days and can be shipped directly to you. Phone orders are also available at 1-866-687-1464. Both options add service and shipping fees on top of the $25 base cost. Online orders: $25 + $8.50 service fee + $7.00 shipping. Phone orders have similar fees.

Mail requests to the state DOH at PO Box 9709, Olympia, WA 98507 take about 8 to 10 weeks. This is slower than other options but avoids the additional fees charged by VitalChek. Include your completed application, a copy of your ID, proof of eligibility if applicable, and a check or money order for $25 made payable to the Department of Health.

The state DOH ordering page covers all available methods for getting a Stevens County birth certificate, from local office visits to mail-in requests.

Historical Stevens County Birth Records

Stevens County has birth records going back to the territorial era. The county auditor holds birth and death records from 1891 to 1906, before the state took over vital records registration in 1907. These records are in addition to the modern birth records held by NETCHD. A Register of Births for Stevens County from 1891 to 1906 is available on microform.

Stevens County was originally carved out of Walla Walla County territory in the early settlement era of Washington Territory. The county's recorded history begins in the 1850s, and some records from that period survive in archives. The Eastern Regional Archives at (509) 235-7508 holds older Stevens County records. The Washington State Digital Archives has digitized many county auditor records and provides free online access for genealogical searches.

When searching for older births, try the Digital Archives first. The Soundex phonetic search is available and handles spelling variations common in records from that era. If you cannot find what you need online, the Eastern Regional Archives or the State Library's genealogical collections may have additional resources. The Washington Secretary of State genealogy resources page lists holdings and finding aids for each county.

The Washington Digital Archives holds Stevens County birth records from 1891 to 1906 and provides free online access for genealogy researchers.

Washington Vital Records Law

All birth records in Washington, including those for Stevens County, are governed by RCW Chapter 70.58A. This statute sets the rules for how births are registered, how long records are kept, and who can access them. The closed-record framework adopted in 2021 is part of this law.

Under RCW 70.58A.540, certain records can have nondisclosure protections. This means some birth records are withheld even from otherwise qualified applicants, typically for safety reasons. If you encounter a record that appears to be protected, contact the state DOH directly at 360-236-4300.

The Washington DOH vital records page covers the current rules and has downloadable forms for requesting records by mail. The DOH FAQ at doh.wa.gov answers common questions about certified vs. informational copies and what to do if a record is not found.

The Washington State DOH is the authority on vital records access rules and serves as a backup source for birth certificate requests when local offices are not accessible.

Cities in Stevens County

Stevens County is a rural northeastern Washington county. No cities in Stevens County meet the population threshold for a dedicated birth records page. Colville, the county seat, is the main population center and home to the county government offices.

Nearby Counties

Adjacent counties in northeastern Washington also have vital records offices and pages if you need records from those areas.