Death Certificates

General information about certified death certificates

• Starting January 1st, 2021, three forms of death certificates are available, short form, long form, and informational:
  • The short-form death certificate is a new product being offered only for deaths that were registered electronically starting January 1, 2018 to present. It does not contain cause and manner of death information or social security number of the decedent. This product might be needed for transferring titles (e.g. vehicles), real estate transactions, and probate cases.
  • The long form death certificate contains cause and manner of death information and social security number of the decedent. This product might be needed to close out bank accounts or claim benefits such as life insurance policies.
  • Informational copies are the same as short-form death certificates, but printed on regular paper with an “Informational Copy Only” watermark.
• We issue certificates for deaths that occurred in WASHINGTON STATE ONLY, and occurred after 2014.
• For deaths that occurred prior to 2014, please go online to the Washington State Department of Health's program called VitalChek or call (360) 236-4313.
• Starting January 1, 2021, only individuals with specific relationships to the person on the record being requested can receive a certificate.
• Qualified applicants for long form death certificates are:
  • Spouse or domestic partner of the decedent
  • Parent, step-parent, or legal guardian immediately prior to death
  • Child or stepchild
  • Sibling
  • Grandparent or great grandparent
  • Grandchild
  • Legal representative
  • Authorized representative
  • Next of kin, only if no one else from this list is living
  • Funeral director or funeral establishment that is named on the record (up to 12 months from the date of death)
  • Government agency or courts if the death certificate will be used for official duties
• Qualified applicants for short form death certificates are:
  • Qualified applicants for short form death certificates are the same as the long form death certificates, plus these additional qualified applicants:
    • A title insurer or title insurance agent handling a transaction involving real property
    • A person that demonstrates the certificate is necessary for a determination related to the death or protection of a personal or property right related to the death
• Anyone may request an informational copy of a death certificate, provided they have all the information required on the request form.

How to order certified death certificate (for deaths in Washington State only, after 2014) for IN OFFICE PICKUP.

• Complete the order form (see form below)
• Orders will be available the same day after 9 a.m. Kittitas County Public Health will hold requests for 30 days only.
• Pickup is available Monday through Friday, 9am to 5pm (excluding holidays).
• We accept cash, money orders and credit/debit cards for in office pickup.
  • Please note, there is a 3% fee applied for any credit/debit card use.
• Personal checks are not accepted.
• Only individuals with specific relationships to the person on the record being requested can receive a certificate.
  • You must show a copy of your proof of identity and relationship documentation at the time of certificate pickup.
  • For examples of accepted identity documentation, please go here
  • For examples of accepted relationship eligibility documentation, please go here.

How to order certified death certificate (for deaths in Washington State only, after 2014) to be MAILED TO YOU:

• Only individuals with specific relationships to the person on the record being requested can receive a certificate.
• The following documents are required:
  • A printed copy of your order form.
  • You must show a copy of your proof of identity and relationship documentation at the time of certificate pickup.
  • For examples of accepted identity documentation, please go here
  • For examples of accepted relationship eligibility documentation, please go here.
• Please mail the above items to the following address:
  

  Kittitas County Public Health Department
  507 N. Nanum Street, Suite 102
  Ellensburg, WA 98926
  (509) 962-7515

• Upon receipt of payment, we will mail the certified death certificate. Payment must be received before certificate can be mailed. To pay with a credit card online, you can order via the internet through Washington State Department of Health's program called VitalChek or call (360) 236-4313.

The fee for a long form, short form, or informational copy of death certificate is $25.00 per copy.

Application for Certified Copy of Death Certificate