Correcting Death Certificates

  • We can only correct certificates for deaths that happened in Washington State.

Ordering or correcting a death certificate for the FEMA COVID-19 Funeral Assistance Program

You can use the Affidavit for Correction form and required proof for most corrections. The form summarizes how to make a correction.

  • 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 death corrections

The death certificate contains two sections. Different people complete each section. There are different requirements for making changes for each section.

Demographic section

At the top of the certificate (items 1-33 or above the line):

  • Includes information about the decedent.
  • Completed by the funeral home with the help of the informant (the person(s) best qualified to provide details about the person who died)

Who can request a demographic correction and required documents

Cause of death section

At the bottom of the certificate (items 34-56 or below the line):

  • Includes information about the cause and manner of death.
  • Completed and signed by the medical certifier (physician, osteopath, physician's assistant (PAC), advanced registered nurse practitioner (ARNP), health officer, medical examiner, coroner, prosecuting attorney or chiropractor).

Who can request a demographic correction and required documents

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.

  1. Complete the Affidavit for Correction
  2. Gather required proof, if needed
  3. Submit the documents to the Department of Health
     

Mail    In-Person

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.

Helpful links

Proof documents
Changing or correcting birth certificates for children under 18
Changing or correcting birth certificates for adults over 18
Correcting a marriage or divorce certificate
Court-ordered name change
Gender change
Ordering certificates