Kelso’s location near Mount St. Helens and outdoor recreation areas means residents often need passports for Canadian travel, while the city’s river community lifestyle and proximity to Portland creates frequent demands for certified documents for school transfers, employment, and family legal matters throughout southwestern Washington.
Vital Records & Certificates in Kelso, WashingtonSuperior Court Clerk
Get birth certificates, marriage licenses, death certificates, and divorce records from the Superior Court Clerk. We also offer expedited passport services for Kelso residents with 3-day processing.
❓ Why You Need These Certificates
🛂 Need This Certificate for a Passport?
Most Kelso residents need their birth or marriage certificate for passport applications. Let us handle both together in one process.
Birth Certificates in Kelso
Kelso residents obtain birth certificates directly from the Superior Court Clerk located at 312 1st Avenue, Suite 233, right here in Kelso. This convenient local access means families don’t need to travel to the county seat for routine certificate requests. Many Kelso children are born at PeaceHealth St. John Medical Center in nearby Longview, and the local clerk’s office efficiently processes these records. Having vital record services within the city limits makes it particularly convenient for busy families managing everything from youth sports registration to passport applications for exploring the scenic Pacific Northwest region surrounding their river community.
Requirements
Valid government ID, payment, proof of relationship to person named on certificate
Who Can Request
The person named on the certificate, their parent/legal guardian, spouse, child, grandparent, sibling, or authorized legal representative with proper documentation.
Processing Time
Common Uses
- ✓ Passport applications
- ✓ Driver’s license/State ID
- ✓ Social Security card
Marriage Licenses in Kelso
Couples planning ceremonies along the scenic Cowlitz River or at venues like the historic Kelso Civic Center can conveniently obtain their marriage license right in Kelso at the Superior Court Clerk’s office on 1st Avenue. Washington state requires a three-day waiting period after license issuance, but the beautiful natural settings around Kelso provide perfect opportunities for memorable weddings. Local couples appreciate not having to travel elsewhere for their marriage documentation.
Requirements
Both parties present with valid ID, certified copies of divorce decrees if previously married
Popular Wedding Venues
Waiting Period
For Passport Name Change
Need to update your passport with your new married name? We can help expedite the process.
Update Passport with New Name →Death Certificates in Kelso
Death certificates for Kelso residents are processed through the local Superior Court Clerk’s office at 312 1st Avenue. This local access proves invaluable for families handling estate matters, insurance claims, and other urgent arrangements. The clerk’s office maintains comprehensive death records for the area and typically processes requests within several business days.
Requirements
Valid ID, proof of relationship or legal authority
Who Can Request
Spouse, parent, child, sibling, grandparent, legal representative of the estate, funeral director, or anyone with a documented legal or personal interest.
Processing Time
Special Instructions
Divorce Decrees in Kelso
Divorce records for Kelso residents are maintained at the Superior Court Clerk’s office right in the city at 312 1st Avenue, Suite 233. This local availability eliminates travel to other county offices for certified divorce decree copies. Court staff can efficiently locate records using case information or party names for residents needing documentation for remarriage or legal proceedings.
Requirements
Valid ID, case number helpful
Processing Time
Special Notes
📄 Reverting to maiden name?
You’ll need your divorce decree to update your passport with your previous name.
Name Change Process →How to Order in Kelso
Visit the Superior Court Clerk at 312 1st Avenue, Suite 233, in downtown Kelso, open Monday through Friday from 8:30 AM to 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM to 4:30 PM, with a lunch closure from 12:00 to 1:00 PM. The office accepts cash, checks, and money orders for payment. Street parking is available along 1st Avenue and nearby streets in downtown Kelso. The courthouse is easily accessible from South Pacific Avenue, the main thoroughfare through the city. The friendly local staff understands the needs of Kelso residents and processes most requests efficiently during your visit.
In Person
⏱️ Same Day
By Mail
⏱️ 2-3 Weeks
Online
⏱️ 1-2 Weeks
🏛️ Superior Court Clerk
Address
312 1st Ave #233, Kelso, WA 98626, United States
Phone
Website
Office Hours
Get Directions
The Superior Court Clerk is located in downtown Kelso at 312 1st Avenue, Suite 233. From South Pacific Avenue, turn onto 1st Avenue and look for the courthouse building. The office is on the second floor.
⚖️ Government vs. Expedited Service
Choose the option that best fits your timeline
| Feature | Cowlitz County Clerk (Government Service) | PassportsAndVisas.com (Expedited Service) |
|---|---|---|
| Processing Time | Same day (in-person) 2-3 weeks (mail/online) | 3 days guaranteed |
| Certificate + Passport | ✗ Separate processes | ✓ One-stop service |
| Personal Account Manager | ✗ Not available | ✓ Dedicated support |
| Error Checking | ✗ Your responsibility | ✓ Expert review |
| Tracking | ✗ No tracking | ✓ Real-time updates |
Need to Renew Your Passport?
Got your marriage certificate for name change? Complete your passport renewal in minutes online. We serve Kelso residents with 3-day expedited service.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about certificates in Kelso, Washington
Can I get vital records without leaving Kelso?
▼What are the exact hours for vital records in Kelso?
▼Where can I park when visiting the Kelso courthouse?
▼Does the Kelso office handle marriage licenses for same-day ceremonies?
▼What forms of payment does the Kelso courthouse accept?
▼How long does it take to get certificates at the Kelso office?
▼Can I order Kelso vital records by mail?
▼What if I need records from when I lived outside Kelso?
▼Are there notary services available at the Kelso courthouse?
▼What’s the best time to visit the Kelso office to avoid crowds?
▼Ready to Get Your Certificate & Passport?
Whether you need just a certificate or a complete passport service, we’re here to help Kelso residents get what they need quickly and easily.
📋 Just need the county clerk office?
🏛️ Visit Cowlitz County Clerk WebsiteHours: Monday-Friday 8AM-8PM EST, Saturday 10AM-6PM EST
Emergency Service: Available 24/7 for urgent passport needs