Advance Directive Form

Washington’s Advance Directive form authorizes a healthcare proxy and edifies an individual’s instruction regarding their health treatment. It must be signed by the individual, proxy, and witnesses.

How to Order a Death Certificate

Washington has no restrictions on who can request a death certificate. The following information is required for an application:

• Deceased’s name
• Name of deceased’s spouse if applicable
• Date and place of death
• Applicant’s name, phone number, address, e-mail

The certificate with one certified copy costs $20. An $18.30 fee is applied for expedited delivery via express mail or a $15 fee for delivery via FedEx. Alaska, Hawaii, Canada, or Mexico residents should pay $25 for expedited delivery. Cash is only accepted when the application is handed in person.

The application can be sent to:

Center for Health Statistics

Department of Health

P.O. Box 9709

Olympia, WA 98507-9709

Or handed in person at:

101 Israel Road SE

Tumwater, WA 98501

Digital Estate Planning Laws

SB 5029 authorizes an individual’s legal representative who can access and control their digital assets and communications. This bill came into effect on June 9, 2016.

Death With Dignity or Aid-in-Dying or Physician-Assisted Death

Washington’s terminally ill residents have been able to opt for a physician-assisted death since March 5, 2009, following the Washington Death with Dignity Act. More information can be found here.

Organ Donation Registry

Washington’s organ donation registry can be found here.

Physician Orders for Life Sustaining Treatment (POLST)

Washington’s POLST form should be completed only after a conversation with a patient or their representative. It’s necessary for patients who are at risk of a life-threatening clinical event due to a life-limiting medical condition.

Probate Laws

Information on Washington’s legislation on a decedent’s will regarding their estate and other assets can be found in Title 11: Probate and Trust Law.

Estate and Inheritance Tax

Washington has an estate tax of up to 20%. More information can be found at the Washington Department of Revenue official site.