In Tacoma’s dynamic urban environment, vital records support everything from enrolling children in the city’s excellent school system to processing immigration documents for the area’s diverse population. Whether you’re a tech worker relocating from Seattle, a military family stationed at nearby Joint Base Lewis-McChord, or a longtime resident whose family has roots in the city’s industrial heritage, certified documents validate your personal history and legal status. These records become essential for real estate transactions in Pierce County’s competitive housing market, international travel through Sea-Tac Airport, and accessing services throughout the greater Puget Sound region.
Vital Records & Certificates in Tacoma, 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 Tacoma residents with 3-day processing.
❓ Why You Need These Certificates
🛂 Need This Certificate for a Passport?
Most Tacoma residents need their birth or marriage certificate for passport applications. Let us handle both together in one process.
Birth Certificates in Tacoma
Tacoma residents request birth certificates through Pierce County Vital Statistics at 3629 S D Street, conveniently located in the Tacoma Mall area. Major medical facilities including MultiCare Tacoma General Hospital, St. Joseph Medical Center, and Mary Bridge Children’s Hospital deliver thousands of babies annually, all requiring official birth documentation. The county office maintains computerized records dating back decades, serving families throughout Pierce County’s diverse communities. Parents often need these documents for enrolling children in Tacoma’s numerous schools, obtaining passports for international travel from Sea-Tac Airport, and registering for youth programs at Metro Parks facilities. The modern facility provides efficient processing with ample parking, understanding Tacoma’s role as a major metropolitan center.
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 Tacoma
Couples planning weddings in Tacoma obtain licenses from Pierce County Vital Statistics, serving the region’s thriving wedding industry. Popular venues include the elegant Hotel Murano downtown, Point Defiance Park’s Rose Garden overlooking Puget Sound, and historic Union Station for grand celebrations. Washington State requires a three-day waiting period after license issuance, giving couples time to finalize details for ceremonies at places like the Washington State History Museum or waterfront locations with stunning mountain views. The county processes hundreds of licenses monthly for this romantic Pacific Northwest destination.
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 Tacoma
Pierce County Vital Statistics handles death certificate requests for Tacoma’s large population, working closely with local funeral homes and hospitals. These documents are essential for settling estates in expensive Puget Sound real estate markets, processing life insurance claims, and handling veteran benefits for military families near Joint Base Lewis-McChord. The office provides compassionate service during difficult times, understanding the importance of timely documentation for grieving families throughout the metropolitan area.
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 Tacoma
Divorce records for Tacoma residents are maintained by the Pierce County Superior Court system. Given the city’s large population and complex family situations, certified divorce decrees are frequently needed for remarriage, child custody matters, and financial proceedings. The court system handles high volumes of cases, making proper documentation crucial for legal and personal matters throughout the South Sound region.
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 Tacoma
Pierce County Vital Statistics is located at 3629 S D Street near the Tacoma Mall, easily accessible via Interstate 5 or State Route 16. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM. The facility offers ample free parking and is accessible by Pierce Transit bus routes. From downtown Tacoma, take Pacific Avenue south to South 38th Street, then west to D Street. The modern office accepts cash, checks, money orders, and credit cards. Online ordering is available for many services, convenient for busy Tacoma professionals and military families.
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 downtown Tacoma, take Pacific Avenue south to S 38th Street, turn right (west) to D Street, then turn left to reach 3629 S D Street near Tacoma Mall.
⚖️ 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 Tacoma residents with 3-day expedited service.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about certificates in Tacoma, Washington
Which Pierce Transit routes serve the vital records office from downtown Tacoma?
▼Is there parking available at the Pierce County Vital Statistics office?
▼Can I use the Tacoma Link light rail to reach the vital records office?
▼What’s the fastest way to get certificates for passport applications in Tacoma?
▼Are there express services available for Tacoma’s business district?
▼Can military families at nearby Joint Base Lewis-McChord get special assistance?
▼How do I get certificates if I was born at Tacoma General Hospital?
▼What if I need certificates from other Washington counties while living in Tacoma?
▼Are there online services for busy Tacoma professionals?
▼Can I get certificates authenticated for international use from Tacoma?
▼Ready to Get Your Certificate & Passport?
Whether you need just a certificate or a complete passport service, we’re here to help Tacoma 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