Find Whatcom County Birth Records
Whatcom County birth records are issued by Whatcom County Health and Community Services in Bellingham, which provides certified Washington State birth certificates for births from July 1, 1907 to the present. The county office is in downtown Bellingham and offers in-person service, mail requests, and online ordering through Permitium. This guide covers everything you need to request a record, including fees, required documents, eligibility rules, and where to find historical records from as far back as 1891.
Whatcom County Overview
Whatcom County Health and Community Services
Whatcom County Health and Community Services is located at 509 Girard Street in Bellingham, WA 98225. The office is open Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., except on county holidays. Walk-in service is available during these hours. Staff issue certified copies of Washington birth certificates for births recorded from 1907 forward, as well as Whatcom County death certificates for deaths from 1989 to the present.
The $25 fee per certified copy is nonrefundable. This is set by state law and applies whether or not the record is found. For most requests, you can complete the process in one visit if you bring all required documents and payment. The office accepts mail requests as well. Mail orders should include a check or money order; do not send cash.
Online ordering is available through Permitium, the county's preferred online platform, which offers UPS shipping options for faster delivery. You can access online ordering from the county's certificate page. VitalChek is also available for online and phone orders if you prefer that system. The Whatcom County birth and death certificate page has current application forms and ordering details.
| Office | Whatcom County Health and Community Services |
|---|---|
| Address | 509 Girard Street, Bellingham, WA 98225 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (except county holidays) |
| County Website | whatcomcounty.us |
| Certificate Orders | Order a Birth or Death Certificate |
| Fee | $25 per certified copy (nonrefundable) |
The Whatcom County official website links to all county departments and is the starting point for any county services inquiry.
The Whatcom County website provides links to health services, vital records ordering, and all other county departments in Bellingham.
Note: Newborn birth certificates are not available immediately. Allow at least 4 weeks after birth for records with married parents, and at least 8 weeks for records with unmarried parents. The registration process must be complete before the local office can issue a certified copy.
Who Can Get a Whatcom County Birth Certificate
Washington has been a closed-record state since January 1, 2021. That means certified birth certificates are limited to qualified applicants. The rules come from RCW 70.58A.530 and apply at the Whatcom County health office the same as everywhere else in the state.
Qualified applicants include the person named on the record (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 purpose. Bring a valid government-issued photo ID to verify your identity. If you are requesting on behalf of a qualifying family member, you also need documentation showing the relationship.
Anyone who does not fall into the qualified categories can request a noncertified informational copy. These copies are issued on plain paper with a "for informational purposes only" watermark. They are not accepted for passports, Social Security applications, driver's licenses, or school enrollment. They can be used for genealogical research or to confirm basic information. The fee is the same as for a certified copy.
The Whatcom County birth and death certificate page covers current requirements, accepted ID types, and the steps for ordering in person, by mail, or online.
Ordering a Whatcom County Birth Certificate
In-person service at 509 Girard Street is the fastest way to get a Whatcom County birth certificate. During business hours, staff can process requests while you wait in most cases. Bring your ID, any required supporting documents, and $25 in cash, check, or card. This is the right option when you need the certificate quickly.
Online ordering through Permitium allows you to place an order from home and receive it by UPS. This is a convenient option for those who cannot easily travel to Bellingham. You can also order online or by phone through VitalChek at 1-866-687-1464. Both online options add service and shipping fees to the $25 base cost. VitalChek online orders: $25 + $8.50 service fee + $7.00 shipping. Processing time is typically 3 to 7 business days.
Mail requests should be sent to 509 Girard Street, Bellingham, WA 98225. Include a completed application form, a photocopy of your government-issued ID, proof of eligibility for a certified copy if applicable, and a check or money order payable to Whatcom County. Processing time for mail requests varies.
You can also order through the Washington State DOH at PO Box 9709, Olympia, WA 98507. State mail orders take about 8 to 10 weeks. Phone: 360-236-4300. Email: ContactCHS@doh.wa.gov. In-person appointments at the state office in Tumwater are available by scheduling in advance.
Note: For UPS delivery through Permitium, you will select your shipping speed at checkout. Faster shipping costs more but may be worth it if you have a deadline. Standard shipping estimates are similar to VitalChek processing times.
Historical Whatcom County Birth Records
Whatcom County has several collections of historical birth records available to researchers. The Whatcom County Auditor held birth records from June 8, 1891 to May 10, 1902, captured in a microform collection. A separate Bellingham City Clerk Birth Register covers 1904 to 1915, giving researchers another source for early births in the largest city in the county.
The Washington State Archives Northwest Regional Branch is located in Bellingham at 808 25th Street, Bellingham, WA 98225-9123. This branch holds Whatcom County birth records from 1891 to 1907 and marriage records from 1870. Being located in Bellingham itself makes it unusually convenient for local researchers compared to most regional archives. You can visit in person or contact the branch to ask about available records before making a trip.
The Northwest Regional Archives can also be reached by phone at (360) 650-3125. Staff can advise on what records are available, how to search them, and what to do if the record you need is not in the collection. Some records have been digitized and are accessible online through the Washington State Digital Archives at no charge.
For researchers working on families in the Bellingham area, the combination of the city birth register, the county auditor records, and the regional archives gives a reasonably complete picture of births in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. The Washington Secretary of State genealogy resources page provides finding aids and additional context for researching Whatcom County records.
The Washington Digital Archives has digitized portions of Whatcom County's early birth records, making them searchable for free online.
Note: The Whatcom County Auditor birth records on microform cover June 1891 through May 1902. A separate collection covers births recorded by the Bellingham City Clerk from 1904 to 1915. There may be a gap for some births between 1902 and 1904 depending on where and how the birth was recorded.
Washington Law on Birth Record Access
Birth records in Washington are governed by RCW Chapter 70.58A. This statute sets the framework for how births are registered, who holds the records, and who can access them. The closed-record rules that apply at Whatcom County Health and Community Services come directly from this law.
Under RCW 70.58A.540, nondisclosure protections may be placed on specific birth records in limited circumstances. These are typically cases involving adoption, safety concerns, or court orders. If a record you are requesting appears to be protected, contact the state DOH at 360-236-4300 for assistance.
The Washington DOH FAQ on certificates addresses common questions about the difference between certified and informational copies and the uses of each. This FAQ is a useful read before you begin the process, especially if you are unsure whether you need a certified copy or if an informational copy would meet your needs.
RCW 70.58A establishes the legal rules for birth record access across all of Washington, including the procedures followed at the Whatcom County office in Bellingham.
Cities in Whatcom County
Whatcom County includes Bellingham, the county seat and largest city, which meets the population threshold for a dedicated birth records page.
Nearby Counties
If you need birth records from counties near Whatcom, the following pages cover their local offices and records.