Vital Records & Certificates in Summit, WashingtonPierce County Vital Statistics

Summit residents frequently need vital records for employment at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, enrollment in Puyallup School District, passport applications for Pacific Rim travel, and various federal benefits. Living in this scenic Pierce County community near Mount Rainier means easy access to outdoor recreation requiring permits and identification, while proximity to Tacoma and Seattle creates opportunities requiring official documentation for everything from professional licensing to international business travel.

Summit residents obtain birth certificates through Pierce County Vital Statistics at 3629 S D Street in Tacoma. Most Summit children are born at nearby MultiCare Good Samaritan Hospital in Puyallup, St. Joseph Medical Center in Tacoma, or other Pierce County medical facilities. The county utilizes an efficient electronic filing system that allows for quick processing of recent births, typically within 24-48 hours for walk-in requests. Washington State charges $25 for the first certified copy and $10 for additional copies ordered at the same time. Many Summit families need these certificates for enrollment in the highly-regarded Puyallup School District or for youth programs at local community centers.

Couples in the Summit area can obtain marriage licenses from Pierce County Auditor’s Office in downtown Tacoma. Popular wedding venues in the region include the historic Meeker Mansion in Puyallup, outdoor ceremonies at Pioneer Park, and receptions at local golf courses like Emerald Links. Washington State requires a three-day waiting period after obtaining the license before the ceremony can take place, though this can be waived by a judge for an additional fee. Marriage licenses cost $72 and are valid for 60 days from the date of issuance.

Death certificates for Summit residents are processed by Pierce County Vital Statistics in Tacoma. Local funeral homes such as Hill Funeral Home in Puyallup and Powers Funeral Home often assist families with obtaining necessary documentation. The county maintains digital records for recent deaths, allowing for same-day processing in most cases. Each certified copy costs $25, with expedited processing available for urgent needs such as insurance claims or estate proceedings.

Divorce records for Summit residents are maintained by the Pierce County Superior Court Clerk in Tacoma. The court processes hundreds of divorce cases monthly, maintaining both physical and electronic records for easy access. Certified copies of divorce decrees cost $25 each and can be obtained in person or by mail. These documents are frequently needed for name changes, remarriage, or child custody modifications within Pierce County’s family court system.

Pierce County Vital Statistics operates from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, Monday through Friday at 3629 S D Street in Tacoma. The facility offers ample free parking and is accessible via Pierce Transit bus routes. From Summit, take Highway 162 west to connect with Highway 410, then follow signs to downtown Tacoma. The office accepts cash, checks, money orders, and major credit cards. For convenience, they also offer online ordering through the Pierce County website for birth and death certificates, with documents mailed within 5-7 business days.

From Summit, take Highway 162 west toward Puyallup, then merge onto Highway 410 west toward Tacoma. Exit at Portland Avenue and follow signs to the Pierce County offices on S D Street.