Vital Statistics - Birth and Death Records
How to make changes to birth certificates
Making changes to birth certificates
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Check the back of the certificate to see if the Affidavit for Correction form is printed. If it's there, fill it out in ink and mail it in to the address provided to the Washington State Center for Health Statistics in Olympia. The affidavit must be returned within one year of the date of issue printed on the front of the certificate to receive a replacement copy free of charge. If after 1 year, the fee is $20.00. The certificate will not be available until the Center for Health Statistics processes the change affidavit.
If you do not see the Affidavit for Correction printed on the back, click here to download an electronic version in Adobe PDF format*. Print it out and follow the instructions above for filling it out.
If you have any questions about processing the Affidavit for Correction, contact the Washington State Center for Health Statistics through their website at www.doh.wa.gov/EHSPHL/CHS/cert.htm or call them at 360-236-4300.
Making changes to death certificates
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Changes to death certificates are handled on a case-by-case nature. To request changes, click here to contact us or call Vital Statistics at 206-296-4768.
Adding the father to a birth certificate (if not already included)
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In Washington State, if the parents are not married at the time of the birth of the child, only the mother is listed on the child's birth certificate. To add the father's name, the Affidavit for Correction Form cannot be used but instead, you will need to fill out a Paternity Affidavit.
To request a Paternity Affidavit, click here to issue a request and include a mailing address where the affidavit can be sent (it is not available in electronic/downloadable format.) The father and mother of the child will need to sign the Paternity Affidavit before a Notary Public official who will stamp it as an official document. Mail the Paternity Affidavit to the Washington State Center for Health Statistics along with payment of $15.00. (Notary Public officials are private individuals who may charge a separate nominal fee for their services.)
If you have any questions about processing the Paternity Affidavit, contact the Washington State Center for Health Statistics through their website at www.doh.wa.gov/EHSPHL/CHS/cert.htm or call them at 360-236-4300.
