The Department of Health provides guidance to hospitals, birthing facilities, and midwives on how to register births resulting from a surrogacy agreement. If you are interested in learning more or have questions about surrogacy agreements, you should seek legal advice.
What is the process at the time of birth?
Intended parent(s) listed in the surrogacy agreement fill out the Washington State Surrogate Birth Filing Form (DOH 422-156). The hospital, birthing facility, or midwife registers births resulting from a surrogacy agreement at the time of birth using the Washington State Surrogate Birth Filing Form. Intended parent(s) should coordinate with the facility's social worker prior to the child's birth.
Important note: Washington State law requires information to be collected on the individual who gives birth for statistical public health purposes. The Washington State Surrogate Birth Filing Form requires the surrogate's information but it will not display on the birth certificate.
Who will be listed as the parent(s) on the child's birth certificate?
The intended parent(s) identified on the Washington State Surrogacy Birth Filing Form will be listed as the parent(s) on the birth certificate.
How soon can I order my child's birth certificate?
You can order your child's birth certificate as soon as the hospital, birthing facility, or midwife registers the birth with state vital records.
How do I order my child's birth certificate?
For information about how to order your child's birth certificate, visit the Ordering a Vital Record page.
Questions
For questions, contact 855-562-1928 (select option 2) or WHALES@doh.wa.gov.