Longview’s position as a major port city and timber industry center creates frequent demand for vital records among workers seeking employment verification, union membership, and professional licensing. Students attending Lower Columbia College and families relocating for opportunities at major employers like Weyerhaeuser need certified documents for enrollment, financial aid, and establishing Washington residency in this thriving Columbia River community.
Vital Records & Certificates in Longview, 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 Longview residents with 3-day processing.
❓ Why You Need These Certificates
🛂 Need This Certificate for a Passport?
Most Longview residents need their birth or marriage certificate for passport applications. Let us handle both together in one process.
Birth Certificates in Longview
Longview birth certificates are managed by the Superior Court Clerk located at 312 1st Ave #233 in neighboring Kelso, the Cowlitz County seat. Many Longview residents are born at PeaceHealth St. John Medical Center or other regional facilities, with all Cowlitz County births centrally recorded in Kelso. Families moving to Longview for timber industry jobs or positions at the Port of Longview frequently need certified copies for employment verification and union membership. The county clerk’s centralized system efficiently processes requests for residents throughout the metropolitan area, including both Longview and Kelso communities.
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 Longview
Couples planning weddings in Longview’s beautiful settings, from ceremonies at Lake Sacajawea Park overlooking the water to receptions at the elegant Monticello Hotel or intimate gatherings at Mint Valley Golf Course, obtain marriage licenses from the Cowlitz County Superior Court Clerk in Kelso. Washington State requires no waiting period, making Longview attractive for destination weddings. The scenic Columbia River backdrop and proximity to Portland create an ideal setting for couples throughout the Pacific Northwest region.
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 Longview
Death certificates for Longview residents are processed by the Cowlitz County Superior Court Clerk in Kelso. With Longview’s aging population and retirees from the timber industry, families often need multiple certified copies for pension benefits, life insurance claims, and estate proceedings. The clerk’s office efficiently handles records for deaths throughout Cowlitz County, including those at local healthcare facilities and assisted living communities.
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 Longview
Divorce proceedings for Longview residents are handled at the Cowlitz County Superior Court in Kelso, where all family court matters are processed. Former spouses often need certified copies for property divisions, particularly given Longview’s substantial real estate market and retirement community populations. The court maintains comprehensive divorce records for all cases filed within Cowlitz County jurisdiction.
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 Longview
Visit the Superior Court Clerk at 312 1st Ave #233 in Kelso, just across the Cowlitz River from Longview via the Allen Street Bridge. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Downtown Kelso offers street parking and municipal lots within easy walking distance of the courthouse. From Longview, take Commerce Avenue east across the river, then turn right on 1st Avenue. The journey takes approximately 10 minutes from downtown Longview. Payment options include cash, checks, and major credit cards.
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
From Longview, cross the Cowlitz River via Allen Street Bridge into downtown Kelso. Turn right on 1st Avenue to reach the courthouse at #233.
⚖️ 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 Longview residents with 3-day expedited service.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about certificates in Longview, Washington
How do I get from downtown Longview to the Cowlitz County Clerk in Kelso?
▼Is there public transportation between Longview and the Kelso courthouse?
▼Where can I park near the Cowlitz County courthouse in Kelso?
▼Can I get same-day service at the Cowlitz County clerk’s office?
▼What if I need multiple types of certificates during one visit?
▼Are there any express services for urgent certificate needs?
▼Can I order certificates online for Cowlitz County?
▼What are the office hours for the courthouse in Kelso?
▼Do I need to bring anything specific besides ID for Longview birth certificates?
▼Can someone else pick up my certificate if I can’t make it to Kelso?
▼Ready to Get Your Certificate & Passport?
Whether you need just a certificate or a complete passport service, we’re here to help Longview 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