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Can adoptees get their original birth certificate?

In the State of Washington, adoption records are sealed but King County Superior Court has information about how you can to petition for your adoption records.

You must have a relationship to the person whose birth certificate you are ordering. You will need to show proof of your identity and relationship. You will also need to pay any necessary fees. There are no refunds, even if we cannot locate the record or if you are not eligible to receive the birth certificate.

King County has birth records for all persons born in Washington state for births registered from 1907 to present.

Please follow the steps outlined below before you order.

  • Confirm you are eligible

    You can order your own birth certificate, or someone else’s if you are a “qualified applicant.” Qualified applicants are:

    • Spouses or domestic partners
    • Parents, stepparents, or legal guardians
    • Children or stepchildren
    • Siblings
    • Grandparents or great grandparents
    • Legal representatives
    • Authorized representatives
    • Government agencies
    • Courts (if used for official duties)
  • Confirm you have the right information

    You will need the following information about the subject of the birth certificate:

    • First, middle, and last name
    • First and last name of all the parents listed
    • Date of birth (month, day, year)
    • City or county of birth
  • Confirm you have documentation to show your identity and eligibility

    You must submit documentation to prove your identity and your relationship to the subject of the birth certificate.

    • To prove your identity, you will need 1  government issued ID, like a drivers license or passport. The ID must include your photo, full name, and date of birth. The ID cannot be expired by more than 60 days. You can see a full list of acceptable IDs (144 KB) on the state Department of Health’s website.
    • To prove your eligibility, you will need to provide 1 of the acceptable documents (207 KB) listed on the state Department of Health’s website.
  • Order and pay

    Birth certificates are $25 each. There may be extra fees depending on how you order and pay. There are no refunds if a record cannot be located or if you are not eligible to receive the birth certificate.

    • Order online

      VitalChek is a third party vendor that processes online orders 24 hours a day, 7 days a week

      • To order online, a credit card is required.
      • Each birth certificate costs $25.
      • VitalChek fees are: Other Agency fees of $6.00 and VCN Handling fee of 11.50 which includes standard shipping
      • All online orders are processed within 4 to 5 business days and then sent by regular mail, unless you select rush delivery.
      • Rush delivery is available via UPS for an additional fee of $18.50 or USPS Priority Mail for $9.90.
      • UPS rush delivery requires a signature when delivered. UPS will not deliver to PO boxes.
    • Order by phone

      VitalChek is a third party vendor that processes online orders 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. To order by telephone, please call 1-888-273-4623
      • To order over the telephone, a credit card is required.
      • Each birth certificate costs $25.
      • VitalChek fees are: Other Agency fees of $6.00 and VCN Handling fee of 11.50 which includes standard shipping
      • All telephone orders are processed within 4 to 5 business days and then sent by regular mail, unless you select rush delivery.
      • Rush delivery is available via UPS for an additional fee of $18.50 or USPS Priority Mail for $9.90.
      • UPS rush delivery requires a signature when delivered. UPS will not deliver to PO boxes.
    • Order in-person at the Vital Records Office

      Our lobby is open from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm (except the 1st Wednesday of every month the office will open at 9 am). We are located on the 2nd floor in the East Lobby.  Once in the East Lobby, check-in on the QLess application and proceed to the VitalChek kiosk to start the ordering process.
      • King County Vital Records will be using VitalChek kiosks for ordering, and the fee is $28.50.
      • Valet parking is available in the King Street Garage, and the first hour is free.
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