Birth Certificates


Important Note: Starting 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.

**Due to the changes in ordering requirements, orders may be delayed up to a week.**


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 

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.
Curbside Orders
Please call our office for additional assistance.
Internet Orders
For your convenience, you can order online through a third party vendor, VitalChek Network, Inc. VitalChek orders can be made on their website. An additional fee is charged by VitalChek for using this service, and all major credit cards are accepted including American Express®, Discover®, MasterCard® or Visa®. Internet orders are sent out by regular mail or UPS for an additional fee.
Phone and Fax orders are not accepted at this office.