Vital Records & Certificates in Moses Lake, WashingtonGrant County Clerk

Moses Lake residents need vital certificates for numerous local activities: enrolling children at Moses Lake School District schools, applying for programs at Columbia Basin College, obtaining fishing licenses for the famous lake, registering for the Grant County Fair, and accessing services at Samaritan Healthcare. These documents prove identity and relationships essential for this growing Columbia Basin community.

Birth certificates in Moses Lake are handled through the Grant County Clerk’s office in nearby Ephrata, located at 35 C St NW. Babies born at Samaritan Healthcare or transported to regional facilities like Central Washington Hospital in Wenatchee need certified birth documents for everything from daycare enrollment to sports participation. The Grant County office processes all births occurring within county limits, including those at rural hospitals and birthing centers throughout the Columbia Basin. Parents typically need these certificates within weeks of birth for health insurance claims and establishing medical care. The county clerk maintains computerized records for recent births and archived paper records for older certificates. Processing times vary during busy summer months when many families apply for passports.

Couples planning weddings at Moses Lake’s stunning lakefront venues like The Oasis or intimate ceremonies at Peninsula Park obtain marriage licenses through the Grant County Clerk in Ephrata. Popular wedding destinations include the historic downtown Moses Lake area and outdoor settings along the lake’s scenic shoreline. The county office requires both parties to appear in person, though Washington state has no mandatory waiting period, making it convenient for destination weddings. Many couples combine their license visit with exploring nearby Ephrata’s historic district before returning to Moses Lake for their celebration.

Death certificates for Moses Lake residents are processed by the Grant County Clerk, essential for settling estates and accessing survivor benefits. Families often need multiple copies for insurance claims, property transfers, and financial institutions. The county maintains records for deaths occurring at local facilities including Samaritan Healthcare and handles deaths throughout rural Grant County areas surrounding Moses Lake.

Divorce records for Moses Lake residents are maintained by the Grant County Superior Court system. These certified copies are frequently needed for remarriage licenses, property transactions, and child custody arrangements. Court records are stored both at the county courthouse in Ephrata and through the state’s centralized system.

The Grant County Clerk’s office operates from 35 C St NW in Ephrata, approximately 20 minutes north of Moses Lake via Highway 17. Office hours run Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with ample parking available in the courthouse lot. The office accepts cash, checks, and credit cards for certificate fees. During peak summer months when tourism increases, consider calling ahead to confirm processing times and avoid delays.

From Moses Lake, take Highway 17 north for 19 miles to Ephrata. The Grant County Courthouse is located on C Street NW, with clear signage directing visitors to the clerk’s office.