- If you submitted a product or processing fee, the date your check or money order is cashed is the date we received your request, which helps you estimate the time left for processing.
- We can only correct certificates for births that took place in Washington State.
- The process below does not include adoptions, paternity actions, gender change, or surrogacy.
You can use the Affidavit for Correction form and required proof for most corrections. The form summarizes how to make a correction.
- Download the most recent form
- The form is also printed on the back of every certificate. Print the updated form if the revision date is before 1/15/2015.
Detailed information on birth corrections
Select a link based on the age of the person on the certificate.
- Corrections for children under 18
- Who can request a correction?
- What you need to send in to change each item listed?
- Corrections for people 18 and over
- Who can request a correction?
- What do you need to send in to change each item listed?
- Proof documents
- Examples of accepted proof and important requirements.
Submitting a correction
** If you want a corrected copy, also submit either:
a. A certificate issued within the last year for replacement without charge
b. A completed order form with a $25 check or money order and a copy of the requestor's identification is required.
- Complete the Affidavit for Correction
- Gather required proof, if needed
- Submit the documents to the Department of Health:
By Mail
Center for Health Statistics
Attn: Corrections
P.O. Box 47814
Olympia, WA 98504-781
Ordering a certificate with a correction request
- Send completed certificate order form with your correction request. Include all required documents referenced on the certificate application instruction page.
- Certificate will be issued after the correction has been processed.
Birth Certificate Application (en español)
Death Certificate Application (en español)
Marriage & Divorce Application (en español)
Exchanging a certificate with a correction request
If you currently have a certified copy of a certificate that was issued less than one year ago, send in the certified copy of the certificate with your correction request; we will exchange the certificate at no charge.
Contact us
Email us at VitalRecordsCorrections@doh.wa.gov.