Forms & Instructions
The following forms are available to download in Adobe PDF Format. Adobe Reader is a free, universal publishing tool that works across many different computer platforms. If you do not have Adobe Reader installed on your computer, you may download the latest version for free from Adobe.
The Statistical Worksheet and Cremation Authorization by next-of-kin can also be filled out and submitted to us directly on-line.
Cremation Authorization
The Cremation Authorization gives the funeral service and crematory the permission to perform the cremation. It may be signed by any competent person on his or her own behalf or it may be signed by the legal authorizing agent after the death has occurred. Under the Washington Administrative Code (WAC 308-47-010) “Authorizing agent” means the person(s) legally entitled to control the disposition of the human remains. The authorizing agent is the competent adult highest on the following list:
(a) The person designated by the decedent as authorized to direct disposition as listed on the decedent’s United States department of defense record of emergency data, DD form 93, or its successor form, if the decedent died while serving in military service as described in 10 U.S.C. Sec. 1481(a) (1)-(8) in any branch of the United States armed forces, United States reserve forces, or national guard;
(b) The designated agent of the decedent as directed through a written document signed and dated by the decedent in the presence of a witness. The direction of the designated agent is sufficient to direct the type, place, and method of disposition;
(c) The surviving spouse or state registered domestic partner;
(d) The majority of the surviving adult children of the decedent;
(e) The surviving parents of the decedent;
(f) The majority of the surviving siblings of the decedent;
(g) A court-appointed guardian for the person at the time of the person’s death.
RCW* 68.50.160 states, “A person has the right to control the disposition of his or her own remains without the predeath or post death consent of another person. A valid written document expressing the decedent’s wishes regarding the place or method of disposition of his or her remains, signed by the decedent in the presence of a witness, is sufficient legal authorization for the procedures to be accomplished. Pre-arrangements that are prepaid, or filed with a licensed funeral establishment or cemetery authority re not subject to cancellation or substantial revision by survivors.”
RCW 68.50.160 further states that if a funeral establishment or cemetery has made a good faith effort to locate the responsible next of kin, and they cannot be found, ” the cemetery authority or funeral establishment shall have the right to rely on an authority to cremate executed by the most responsible party available, and the cemetery authority or funeral establishment shall not be criminally or civilly liable for cremating the remains.”
Read RCW 68.50.160 here (Opens in New Window)
An individual may sign his or her own authorization, or a surviving spouse may sign for the decedent, When there are multiple surviving members of any of the above classes (3-7),
it is generally required that all surviving members of that class sign the cremation authorization, Fax copies are acceptable.
The following forms can be filled out online (Left Buttons) OR…. They may be downloaded and filled out by hand.
See Online Forms Below – Labeled “Online”
Download forms can be opened on your computer, filled in on your computer, saved, and printed for a “wet” signature.
Cremation Authorization by Individual prior to Death (Self):
Cremation Authorization by Legal Next-of-Kin (Agent):
The following Cremation Authorization Form is used when the decedent did not personally authorize the cremation while alive pursuant to RWC 68.50.160.
There are three places on the form that require a signature:
- Authorization to Cremate
- Acknowledgement that the remains of the decedent do or do not contain implants such as pacemakers, radioactive devices, or mechanical devices, and permission to remove
dangerous devices prior to cremation. - Acknowledgement that the authorizing agent(s) understand how cremation is performed.
Cremation Authorization (Agent)
Cremation Authorization (by Authorized Agent)
Hydromation ®
Hydromation® is our licensed name for alkaline hydrolysis as it applies to the disposition of human remains. It is a legal means of disposition in Washington state since May 1, 2020. Please check with our office to verify the current availability.
Alkaline hydrolysis uses much less energy than cremation. For this and many other reasons, it is becoming a choice for many Northwest families. Read more about it HERE
Hydromation® Authorization (by Authorized Agent)
Hydromation® Authorization (by Authorized Agent)
Vital Statistics Worksheet:
The Vital Statistics Worksheet is used to gather the information needed to complete the death certificate which is filed with the county health department. It is advisable to gather this information well in advance of an impending death. Often surviving adult children cannot immediately or easily find important information such as a social security number, the maiden name of a grandparent, or where the decedent’s military papers are located.
The INFORMANT on the worksheet is simply a person who has access to the needed information. It doesn’t necessarily have to be the statutory next-of-kin as described above.
This form can be filled out and submitted online OR… It may be printed and filled out by hand, and mailed or scanned/photographed and sent by email. The printed forms may also be faxed.
*The Revised Code of Washington (RCW) is the compilation of all permanent laws now in force.
ADDITIONAL FORMS
Death Certificate Approval Form
Do not submit this form until AFTER you have seen and approved the “Unofficial Death Record Abstract”
See a partially completed example of the Abstract HERE (Opens in PDF File)
Based on the information you provide to us on the statistics worksheet above, we will prepare the death certificate. Before the death certificate is filed, it is called the “Unofficial Death Record Abstract.” We will send you a copy of the abstract by email or other method such as U.S. mail. If everything on the abstract is correct, submit the Death Certificate Approval form so we can proceed with filing it.
It is difficult to amend a death certificate that contains errors after it has been filed so please review the information carefully.
If changes are required, call us at (425)823-1900. We will make the corrections and send you a corrected copy of the “Unofficial Death Record Abstract.”
After you have carefully reviewed it to make sure there are no mistakes, go here to fill out the approval form:
Death Certificate Approval Form
How to Order Death Certificates
The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted the way both we and the County Vital Statistics Office help you get the Death Certificates you need.
Unfortunately we can no longer pick them up at the county office on your behalf. The fastest way to obtain them is to order them by mail using the order form below.
All requests for death certificates must include the following:
Be a qualified applicant and prove your relationship by submitting proof documentation.
Qualified applicants for a death certificate are: spouse or domestic partner, parent, stepparent, legal guardian, child, stepchild, sibling, grandparent, great grandparent, legal representative, authorized representative, next of kin, funeral home (up to 12 months from date of death), government agency or the courts (only for official duties), or title insurance agents and persons using the certificate for personal or property rights (short form death certificate only). If you are not one of the people listed above, you will not receive a certified copy of a death certificate.
There are three ways to get the death certificates you need.
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- We can order them for you as soon as you have approved the Death Certificate Approval Form and have included them along with our other services. This is not the least expensive way to order Death Certificates. During the COVID crisis regular U.S. Mail has not always been reliable. We now use FedEx to receive the Death Certificates from the Department of Health and to send them to you if you choose not to pick them up in person. Those charges will show on your Statement of Goods and Services.
- You may order through the Health Department’s approved third party vendor – VitalChek. The VitalChek website explains what documentation is requires. Payment may be made through their website. VitalChek is the only approved third party vendor so be sure you go only to their website: https://www.vitalchek.com/
- You may order them directly from the King County Department of Public Health. This is the lowest cost way to obtain death certificates. Additional charges apply if payment is made by debit card or credit card. Below you can download the form to order by mail from King County. The King County form below includes instructions. Please download and print the form if you want to order forms by mail.Other counties have instructions on their websites.
