- 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 deaths that happened in Washington State.
Demographic section of a death certificate
- Items 1-33 or the section above the line
- Lists information about the decedent, disposition of the remains and funeral director.
- Completed by the funeral home with help from the informant (the person(s) best qualified to provide details about the person who died).
Detailed information on cause of death corrections
Requirements change based on what's being corrected and who requests the change.
|
Requester |
What do they need to submit? |
| Only the parties listed below can request changes to a death certificate | Depending on who requests the correction, they must submit different documents. |
|
Informant (listed on the certificate) |
422-034-Affidavit for correction (PDF) Note: CAN request marital status correction. |
|
Family Member (spouse or registered domestic partner, parent, sibling or adult child or stepchild) other than the informant |
422-034-Affidavit for correction (PDF) and one proof document Note: Cannot request marital status correction. |
|
Executor of the Estate
|
422-034-Affidavit for correction (PDF) and with proof document Note: Cannot request marital status correction. |
|
Funeral Director
|
422-034-Affidavit for correction (PDF) Note:
|
Frequently asked questions
What proof will you accept to make a change?
Refer to our proof documents page for more information.
How can the marital status be changed on a death certificate?
There are only three ways to change the marital status death certificate.
- The informant can request a change with the Affidavit for Correction.
- A court order can be submitted.
- The funeral director can request a change only in case of an administrative error. This occurs if the marital status was entered incorrectly and the funeral home can provide the original information sheet provided by the informant containing the correct information.
Can I change the informant listed on the death certificate?
Yes. The informant currently listed on the death certificate can sign an affidavit for correction identifying the new informant.
Submitting a correction
Visit the death corrections page or see the Affidavit for Correction (PDF) form for information on submitting a correction.
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.
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.
Helpful links
Proof documents
Correcting cause of death on a death certificate
Correcting a marriage or divorce certificate
Court ordered name change
Ordering certificates