✓ Official Cowlitz County Information

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.

12697Population Served
4Certificate Types
3-DayExpedited Service
4.9★Customer Rating
🏛️
State Dept Authorized
Since 1992
4.9/5 Stars
500,000+ Customers
Error-Free Guarantee
Or Money Back
🔒
Secure & Private
SSL Encrypted
📚 Understanding Vital Records

❓ Why You Need These Certificates

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.

🛂 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.

3-Day ServiceCertificate + Passport
Error-FreeWe check everything
📞
Personal SupportDedicated manager
👶 Birth Records

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

💵 Fee: Cowlitz County charges $20 for the first certified copy

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 Records

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

💵 Fee: Cowlitz County marriage licenses cost $64

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 Records

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

💵 Fee: Cowlitz County charges $20 per certified death certificate copy

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 Records

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

💵 Fee: Cowlitz County court copies typically cost $5 per page

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 →
📋 Ordering 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

Office Hours

Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
🗺️ Getting There

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

FeatureCowlitz County Clerk
(Government Service)
PassportsAndVisas.com
(Expedited Service)
Processing TimeSame 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
RELATED SERVICE

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.

⏱️Complete in 10 minutes online
Name change handled
🚀3-day delivery
Renew Passport in Kelso →

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about certificates in Kelso, Washington

Can I get vital records without leaving Kelso?

Yes! Kelso has its own Superior Court Clerk office at 312 1st Avenue, Suite 233, so you don’t need to travel to other cities for most vital records. This local office handles birth certificates, death certificates, marriage licenses, and divorce records right here in Kelso.

What are the exact hours for vital records in Kelso?

The Superior Court Clerk in Kelso is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 AM to 12:00 PM, then closed for lunch, and reopens from 1:00 PM to 4:30 PM. Plan your visit accordingly to avoid the lunch hour closure.

Where can I park when visiting the Kelso courthouse?

Street parking is available along 1st Avenue near the courthouse and on surrounding downtown Kelso streets. Most parking in downtown Kelso is free, making it convenient for courthouse visits.

Does the Kelso office handle marriage licenses for same-day ceremonies?

Washington state requires a three-day waiting period after obtaining your marriage license, so same-day ceremonies aren’t possible. However, the Kelso office can issue your license, and you can return for your ceremony after the waiting period.

What forms of payment does the Kelso courthouse accept?

The Superior Court Clerk in Kelso accepts cash, personal checks, and money orders. Credit cards are not accepted, so bring alternative payment for your vital record fees.

How long does it take to get certificates at the Kelso office?

Most vital records can be processed during your visit to the Kelso courthouse, especially for recent records. Some older documents may require additional research time, so call ahead if you’re requesting historical records.

Can I order Kelso vital records by mail?

Yes, you can mail requests to the Superior Court Clerk at 312 1st Avenue, Suite 233, Kelso, WA 98626. Include completed forms, payment, ID copies, and a self-addressed stamped envelope. Allow 2-3 weeks for mail processing.

What if I need records from when I lived outside Kelso?

The Kelso office only maintains records for events that occurred in Cowlitz County. If your vital event happened elsewhere, you’ll need to contact the appropriate county or state office where it occurred.

Are there notary services available at the Kelso courthouse?

Yes, notary services are typically available at the Kelso Superior Court Clerk’s office. This can be helpful for signing authorization forms or other documents related to your vital record requests.

What’s the best time to visit the Kelso office to avoid crowds?

Tuesday through Thursday afternoons after 2:00 PM tend to be less busy at the Kelso courthouse. Monday mornings and Friday afternoons often see more traffic from people handling weekend or week-end business.

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 Website

Hours: Monday-Friday 8AM-8PM EST, Saturday 10AM-6PM EST
Emergency Service: Available 24/7 for urgent passport needs

Need Your Certificate Faster? Expedited passport service available for Kelso residents