When someone dies in Washington
Two things matter first in Washington: getting certified death certificates, and, if money is short, reaching the burial assistance program in the county where the death happened. Pick the county below for exact contacts.
Death certificates in Washington
Order certified copies from the Washington vital records office. The CDC keeps the official directory of every state office: find the Washington vital records office. The funeral home can also order copies for you. Most families need about 10.
Planning ahead instead? Set up a power of attorney
If someone you love is aging or ill, the cheapest protection your family can get is a power of attorney, and it must happen while they can still sign. We cover Washington's exact rules and official forms.
Washington power of attorney rulesWashington counties (39)
Adams CountyAsotin CountyBenton CountyChelan CountyClallam CountyClark CountyColumbia CountyCowlitz CountyDouglas CountyFerry CountyFranklin CountyGarfield CountyGrant CountyGrays Harbor CountyIsland CountyJefferson CountyKing CountyKitsap CountyKittitas CountyKlickitat CountyLewis CountyLincoln CountyMason CountyOkanogan CountyPacific CountyPend Oreille CountyPierce CountySan Juan CountySkagit CountySkamania CountySnohomish CountySpokane CountyStevens CountyThurston CountyWahkiakum CountyWalla Walla CountyWhatcom CountyWhitman CountyYakima County