For immediate release: June 28, 2004 (04-075)

Contacts:
Teresa Jennings, Center for Health Statistics 360-236-4307
Deanna Whitman, Communications Office 360-236-4022

OLYMPIA ¾ There is now a quicker and easier way to get a certified copy of a birth or death certificate from the Washington State Department of Health. In June the Center for Health Statistics opened a same-day service counter for the public to obtain birth, death, marriage or divorce certificates while they wait. Previously, customers were required to drop off their order and return the next day to pick up their certificates.

The Center for Health Statistics provides birth and death certificates from 1907 to present and marriage and divorce certificates from 1968 to present. Birth certificate records from 1937 to the present are now computerized and available within minutes of the request. Death records from 1989 to 2002 are also available directly as a digitally imaged document. Even with older records that require a manual search, customers will only have to wait 15-30 minutes. Customers can also meet with specialists for questions and concerns about these records.

The center at 101 Israel Road Southeast in Tumwater is open 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., Monday-Friday, except state holidays. The cost for certificates is $17; payment can be made by cash, money order or check.

The Department of Health’s Web site (http://www.doh.wa.gov/EHSPHL/CHS/cert.htm) has more information about requirements for obtaining a certificate and downloading a request form.

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