Death Certificates


Important Note: Starting January 1, 2021, a new vital records law and rules go into effect that changes 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
  • Death certificates are available through this office if the record was created through the Washington State Electronic Death Records System (EDRS) for deaths occurring in the State of Washington ONLY.
  • For Washington death certificates not available through EDRS, please contact the Washington State Center for Health Statistics at (360) 236-4300 or visit the DOH website
  • For deaths that occurred before July 1, 1907 contact the Cowlitz Auditor

Request Certificates from the Cowlitz County Health Department 

Carefully read order form instructions before submitting a completed Death 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 certified death certificate.

Certified Death Certificates
Certified death 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 Death Certificate Form
Spanish Certified Death 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 Death Record Form
Spanish Informational Death 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.
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. VitalCheck 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.