Frequently Asked Questions
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
Where do we register a domestic partnership?
Domestic partnerships are registered with the Office of the Secretary of State, Corporations Division.
Will we be able to register our domestic partnership in person?
In person registration is available only at the Corporations Division office in Olympia.
Can we get our declaration of domestic partnership notarized at the Office of the Secretary of State when we bring the declaration in for filing?
The Corporations Division has a few notaries on staff, but cannot guarantee that a notary will be available when you come in. We encourage you to sign and notarize your declaration before bringing the declaration in for filing. Please remember that you can also mail in any of the forms related to the domestic partnership registration.
Will we be able to register our domestic partnership by mail, or online?
You may submit your registration by mail. The mailing address is:
Office of the Secretary of State
Corporations Division
P.O. Box 40234
Olympia, WA 98504
Online registration is not yet available.
How do we register a domestic partnership?
To register a domestic partnership a couple needs to complete the Declaration of Domestic Partnership form, sign the form in the presence of a notary public, and submit it and the filing fee to the Corporations Division for filing.
When and where will the registration form be available?
The registration form is available for download through this website.
Are records of domestic partnerships public information?
Yes. Records of state registered domestic partnerships are public and are subject to disclosure on request. Also, to enhance the likelihood that a domestic partner has access to their partner in critical medical situations, we have an online registration look up. The online look up will allow medical staff and any other interested party to confirm that a domestic partnership has been registered.
What will we receive to document our registration?
Registered domestic partners will each receive an original Certificate of State Registered Domestic Partnership and a wallet card showing the registration of the domestic partnership. Also, we will provide one file stamped copy of the registration document.
How much does it cost to register a domestic partnership?
The fee for registering a domestic partnership is $50.
Can I get an extra Certificate of State Registered Domestic Partnership?
Each partner receives one original certificate at the time of registration. After that time, either partner may request additional or replacement certificates. The fee for each extra or replacement certificate is $5.00. The Corporations Division will not issue a replacement or extra certificate if the State Registered Domestic Partnership has been terminated.
I have lost my wallet card. Can I get a replacement?
Yes. Contact the Corporations Division to obtain a replacement wallet card. The fee for a replacement wallet card is $10. The Corporations Division will not issue a replacement wallet card if the domestic partnership has been terminated.
Who can register as domestic partners?
To register as domestic partners, both partners must:
• Share a common residence
• Both be at least 18 years of age
• Not be married to, or in a registered domestic partnership with someone else
• Be capable of consenting to the domestic partnership
• Not be nearer kin than second cousin
• Not be a sibling, grandchild, aunt, uncle, niece or nephew to the other partner, and
• Either be:
o Of the same sex, or
o At least one partner must be at least 62 years of age.
My partner and I are registered with a city government that provides domestic partnership benefits. Do I have to register again with the State Domestic Partner Registry?
Registration with a local government does not automatically register you with the State Domestic Partner Registry. To gain all of the benefits of current state law, you must register with the Office of the Secretary of State.
Are the benefits allowed in Washington applied to domestic partners that are registered in another state, but living in Washington?
Yes, an out of state registered Domestic Partnership will receive all the benefits allowed in Washington. However, if different benefits are allowed in the home state of registration that are not allowed in Washington, those benefits will not be recognized in Washington