Lakewood’s unique position adjacent to Joint Base Lewis-McChord creates frequent demand for vital records supporting military transfers, security clearances, dependent enrollment, and overseas assignments. Civilian residents also need certification for passport applications, Real ID compliance, school enrollment at local districts, and employment verification throughout the greater Tacoma metropolitan area.
Vital Records & Certificates in Lakewood, WashingtonPierce County Vital Statistics
Get birth certificates, marriage licenses, death certificates, and divorce records from the Pierce County Vital Statistics. We also offer expedited passport services for Lakewood residents with 3-day processing.
❓ Why You Need These Certificates
🛂 Need This Certificate for a Passport?
Most Lakewood residents need their birth or marriage certificate for passport applications. Let us handle both together in one process.
Birth Certificates in Lakewood
Pierce County Vital Statistics at 3629 S D Street in Tacoma handles all birth certificate requests for Lakewood families. Newborns delivered at MultiCare Tacoma General Hospital, St. Joseph Medical Center, or Madigan Army Medical Center on Joint Base Lewis-McChord require certified documentation for military dependent enrollment and civilian services. Military families stationed at JBLM particularly need multiple copies for base housing applications, dependent ID cards, and overseas assignment processing. The office maintains digital records facilitating efficient processing for both active duty and veteran families throughout Lakewood’s diverse neighborhoods.
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 Lakewood
Military and civilian couples planning weddings at venues like Lakewold Gardens, Chambers Bay Golf Course, or intimate ceremonies at Springbrook Park obtain marriage licenses through Pierce County offices. Washington State requires a three-day waiting period, though active duty military personnel may request expedited processing for deployment-related ceremonies. Many Lakewood couples choose outdoor ceremonies overlooking American Lake or elegant receptions at the Lakewood Country Club, requiring proper licensing coordination.
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 Lakewood
Pierce County Vital Statistics provides certified death certificates for military families and civilians requiring documentation for survivor benefits, insurance claims, or estate settlements. The office coordinates with military casualty affairs officers when needed, ensuring families receive proper certification for both military and civilian benefit processing throughout Lakewood and surrounding areas.
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 Lakewood
Pierce County Superior Court divorce decrees are available through the clerk’s office for remarriage applications, military benefit modifications, or child custody arrangements. Military families often need these documents for dependent enrollment changes or housing allowance adjustments when stationed at Joint Base Lewis-McChord.
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 Lakewood
Pierce County Vital Statistics operates at 3629 S D Street, Tacoma, WA 98418, approximately 10 minutes from central Lakewood via Interstate 5. The facility provides dedicated parking and accepts cash, checks, and credit cards. From Joint Base Lewis-McChord, take exit 127 and follow D Street south. Military personnel can also access online ordering for certain records, streamlining the process for deployment preparations or family relocations.
In Person
⏱️ Same Day
By Mail
⏱️ 2-3 Weeks
Online
⏱️ 1-2 Weeks
🏛️ Pierce County Vital Statistics
Address
3629 S D St, Tacoma, WA 98418, United States
Phone
Website
Office Hours
Get Directions
From Lakewood, take I-5 north to Exit 127 (S 72nd Street), turn right on S D Street. Pierce County Vital Statistics building will be on your right with clearly marked parking.
⚖️ Government vs. Expedited Service
Choose the option that best fits your timeline
| Feature | Pierce 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 Lakewood residents with 3-day expedited service.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about certificates in Lakewood, Washington
How do I get to Pierce County Vital Statistics from Joint Base Lewis-McChord?
▼Do military families get expedited service for Pierce County vital records?
▼Can I order Pierce County certificates online for military transfers?
▼What’s the closest vital records office to Lakewood?
▼Are there special requirements for military dependent birth certificates?
▼How many death certificate copies do military families typically need?
▼Can I get Pierce County vital records while stationed at JBLM?
▼What payment methods does Pierce County Vital Statistics accept?
▼Do I need appointments at Pierce County Vital Statistics?
▼How long do Pierce County birth certificate searches take?
▼Ready to Get Your Certificate & Passport?
Whether you need just a certificate or a complete passport service, we’re here to help Lakewood residents get what they need quickly and easily.
📋 Just need the county clerk office?
🏛️ Visit Pierce County Clerk WebsiteHours: Monday-Friday 8AM-8PM EST, Saturday 10AM-6PM EST
Emergency Service: Available 24/7 for urgent passport needs