How to Find Washington Death Records

How to Find United States Deaths Washington Deaths

The Washington Territory was established in 1853. Statehood was granted in 1889. Statewide registration of deaths in Washington began in 1907.

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Next Step: When did the death occur?

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 * Death Records
 * Choose a time period:


 * Before 1891
 * 1891 to 1907
 * 1907 to present
 * Death year unknown


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Deaths before 1891
Washington did not record deaths on the state level at this time. Before 1891, deaths were not required to be recorded by the county or the state. Search substitute records to locate your ancestor’s death date and place.

Return to top: Choose another death year

Deaths 1891 to 1907

 * 1848 - Oregon Territory created, including present day Washington state
 * 1853 - Washingotn Territory organized
 * 1889 – Washington granted statehood as the 42nd state of the Union
 * 1891 – Washington law required counties to record deaths
 * 1907 - Statewide registration of deaths began on July 1

For deaths recorded during this time period, try the following databases.

Return to top: Choose another death year

Deaths 1907 to present
The state of Washington began recording deaths July 1907.

STEP ONE: Find Death Information
For deaths recorded during this time period, try the following database.

FamilySearch Microfilm Collections:


 * 1891–1922 Death registers and returns by county or city –
 * 1907–1960 Death Certificates –
 * 1907–1979 Index to Death Certificates – see online index

STEP TWO: Obtain the Certificate
PART A: You know the exact date of death 

If the image was not included in the index entry above, you can order a copy of the death record for a fee from the following locations:

The State of Washington is an open record state. Anyone may order copies of Washington death certificates, as long as they can provide the required information.

If you do not want to order the death record, search other records with death information.

PART B: You don't know the exact date of death

If you do not know the exact date or place of death the Washington State Department of Health will do a search for a fee. If you do not want to order the death record, you can search other records with death information. Return to top: Choose another death year

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