Guides · Washington
New Baby Paperwork Checklist for Washington
Five things every Washington parent needs to handle after a birth — with official links and suggested timing. Always confirm details on the official agency pages: fees, forms, and deadlines are set by the agencies and can change.
Order the birth certificate (Washington)
Certified copies come from Washington State Department of Health — Center for Health Statistics. The published base fee is about $25 per certified copy — confirm the current fee and accepted payment methods on the official page. Order 2–3 copies: the Social Security application, insurance, and (later) a passport all depend on this document.
Apply for the Social Security number
Easiest path: check the box on the hospital's birth-registration paperwork and the SSA mails the card automatically. Otherwise, complete Form SS-5 and bring the baby's certified birth certificate plus your ID to a Social Security office. This is a federal process — it works the same in Washington as everywhere else.
Add the baby to health insurance
A birth opens a Special Enrollment Period: most employer plans allow 30 days from the birth date, and Marketplace plans through Washington Healthplanfinder allow 60 days. Miss the window and your baby could be uninsured until open enrollment. If you're income-eligible, Apple Health (Medicaid/CHIP) enrolls children year-round.
Choose and register a pediatrician
Your baby's first check-up is typically 2–5 days after hospital discharge. Pick an in-network pediatrician before the birth if you can, tell the hospital, and they'll send the birth summary and newborn-screening results straight to that office.
File parental leave paperwork (Washington Paid Family & Medical Leave (PFML))
Federal FMLA provides up to 12 weeks of job-protected (unpaid) leave if you qualify. On top of that, Washington runs Washington Paid Family & Medical Leave (PFML) — up to 12 weeks of paid family/bonding leave. Notify your employer in writing (30 days ahead when foreseeable) and file your claim as early as the program allows.
Washington Paid Family & Medical Leave (PFML) — official site ↗
Washington FAQ
How much does a birth certificate cost in Washington?
Washington's published base fee is about $25 for one certified copy, ordered through Washington State Department of Health — Center for Health Statistics. Fees change, so confirm the current amount on the official ordering page before you submit.
Does Washington have paid family leave?
Yes. Washington runs Washington Paid Family & Medical Leave (PFML), which provides up to 12 weeks of paid family/bonding leave on top of federal FMLA job protection.
How long do I have to add my baby to health insurance in Washington?
A birth is a Qualifying Life Event. Most employer plans allow 30 days from the birth date; Marketplace plans through Washington Healthplanfinder allow 60 days. If you're income-eligible, Apple Health (Medicaid/CHIP) enrolls children year-round.
Don't track this by hand
FirstDays turns this checklist into a personalized task list with suggested timing for your exact dates — and drafts the letters and emails for you, signed and ready to send.
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FirstDays is an independent service and is not affiliated with any government agency. This guide is general information, not legal advice — always confirm requirements with the official agency linked above.