Birth Certificates


Important Note: As of January 1, 2021, a new vital records law and rules went into effect that changed the ordering requirements for birth and death certificates.

  • For increased security of personal information, only individuals with specific relationships to the person on the record being requested can receive a certified copy.
  • Identity and proof of relationship documentation will be required. Exact documentation is still to be determined.
  • Certificate fee will increase to $25.00 per copy.
  • For more information, visit the State Department of Health’s Frequently Asked Questions page.
General Information
  • This office provides birth certificates for Washington State births only from July 1, 1907 to present.
  • For births registered before 1907, contact the County Auditor.
  • Certificates for new births can take up to one (1) month to process.
  • If you reside in another county in Washington State, you may order through that County Health Department.
  • For information regarding adoption certificates, please visit DOH 
Request Certificates from Cowlitz County Health Department
Carefully read order form instructions before submitting a completed Birth Certificate Order Form. Chapter 70.58A RCW and Chapter 246-491 WAC requires that all applicants meet the minimum qualifications and provide proof of identity, eligibility documentation and other required information before purchasing a certificated birth certificate.

Certified Birth Certificates
Certified birth certificates will be issued on certified paper with security features and can be used for legal purposes. Applicants must meet the minimum qualifications and provide proof of identity, eligibility documentation and other required information.

English Certified Birth Certificate Form
Spanish Certified Birth Certificate Form 		Noncertified Informational Copy
Noncertified informational copies are not issued on certified paper and cannot be used for legal purposes. It will contain a watermark stating "Cannot be used for legal purposes. Informational only."

Check with the agency or business you are working with about whether or not they will accept an informational copy prior to purchasing.

English Informational Birth Record Form 
Spanish Informational Birth Record Form 

Walk in Orders
Visit the Cowlitz County Health Department located at 1952 9th Avenue, Longview, WA 98632. Click here to view map and generate driving instructions. Order will be available next business day after 2pm.
Mail-in Orders
Print and complete the Order Form and mail the completed form and payment ($25 each, check or money order made payable to CCHD) to the address provided on the order form. Orders will be mailed out the next business day via regular mail.
Internet Orders
You can order a certified or non-certified birth certificate online through a third-party vendor called VitalChek for an additional fee. Certificates can be picked up at our 9th Avenue location or delivered to you by mail. All major credit cards are accepted including American Express, Discover, MasterCard, and Visa. If you prefer to pick up your certificate, place your order here: https://bit.ly/3vCnguk. If you prefer to have it delivered, place your order here: https://bit.ly/3sB1ZPP.
Phone and Fax orders are not accepted at this office.