How much does a new birth certificate cost after adoption in Washington?

A new birth certificate after adoption in Washington typically costs $15–$30 per certified copy.

Most states charge $15–$30 per certified copy.

How to obtain it:

1. After the adoption is finalized, the Superior Court sends the adoption order to Washington State Department of Health Center for Health Statistics

2. You submit an application to Washington State Department of Health Center for Health Statistics for a new birth certificate

3. The new certificate is issued with the adoptive parent's name

4. The original birth certificate is sealed (not destroyed)

Timeline: Usually 4–8 weeks after the court sends the order

How many copies to order: We recommend 3–5 certified copies for:

• School enrollment and records
• Passport application
• Health insurance enrollment
• Driver's license (when the child is old enough)
• Your personal family records

What the new certificate shows:

• Child's legal name (including any name change from the adoption)
• Both legal parents: your spouse and you
• Original birth date and birth location (these do not change)

We include detailed instructions for ordering the new birth certificate in your document package ($349).