Vital Records & Certificates in Manchester, WashingtonKitsap County Superior Court Clerk

Manchester’s waterfront location means residents frequently travel internationally via Seattle’s ports and airports, requiring birth certificates for passport applications. The community’s proximity to military installations creates demand for certified documents for base access and benefits. Local families need birth certificates for school enrollment and youth sports registration, while the area’s retiree population often requires death certificates for estate planning and survivor benefits.

Manchester residents obtain birth certificates through the Kitsap County Superior Court Clerk located at 614 Division Street in nearby Port Orchard. Many Manchester babies are born at Harrison Medical Center in Bremerton or St. Michael Medical Center in Silverdale, both serving the greater Kitsap Peninsula. The County Clerk’s office maintains all birth records for children born in Kitsap County, including those born at home or in local medical facilities. Standard processing takes 3-5 business days, with expedited service available for urgent passport applications. Certified copies are required for school enrollment at Manchester Elementary or other district schools, passport applications for ferry travel to Canada, and Social Security administration purposes.

Couples planning weddings in Manchester’s scenic waterfront venues like Manchester State Park or private beach properties must obtain licenses from the Kitsap County Superior Court Clerk in Port Orchard. Popular ceremony locations include the park’s sandy beaches overlooking Rich Passage and private estates along Beach Drive with panoramic Puget Sound views. Washington State requires a three-day waiting period after license issuance, though this can be waived by a judge. The license remains valid for 60 days, allowing couples flexibility in planning their special day against Manchester’s stunning maritime backdrop.

Death certificates for Manchester residents are processed through the Kitsap County Superior Court Clerk’s office in Port Orchard. These documents are essential for settling estates, claiming life insurance benefits, transferring property titles, and closing accounts. The clerk’s office provides both certified and informational copies, with certified copies required for most legal and financial purposes. Multiple copies are often needed for simultaneous estate proceedings, insurance claims, and bank account closures.

Divorce records for Manchester residents are maintained by the Kitsap County Superior Court Clerk at the Port Orchard courthouse. Final divorce decrees are necessary for remarriage licenses, property transfers, name changes, and Social Security benefit modifications. The clerk’s office provides certified copies of all divorce proceedings that occurred within Kitsap County jurisdiction. Having the case number expedites the search process and reduces processing time for urgent requests.

The Kitsap County Superior Court Clerk’s office at 614 Division Street, Suite 202 in Port Orchard serves Manchester residents Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. From Manchester, take Highway 160 east for approximately 8 miles to reach the courthouse. Street parking is available on Division Street, with additional spaces in the courthouse parking lot. The office accepts cash, check, and major credit cards. Online ordering is available for some documents through the county website, providing convenient service for Manchester residents who prefer not to make the trip to Port Orchard during business hours.

From Manchester, head east on Highway 160 through Southworth for 8 miles to Port Orchard. The courthouse is located downtown at Division Street and 6th Avenue.