Washington County Death Records

Washington County obituary and death records are handled by the Washington County Health Department in Sandersville. This office serves as a local agent for the Georgia Department of Public Health and issues certified death certificates for any death that occurred in Georgia from 1919 forward. The Health Department on Morningside Drive is where Washington County residents go to get death certificates. Sandersville is the county seat and sits in central Georgia. The office also handles birth certificates and other vital records for the area. You can use the state's online system or mail a request if you prefer not to visit in person.

Washington County Health Department

The Washington County Health Department on Morningside Drive in Sandersville is the local source for death certificates. Staff can process requests for Washington County death records and deaths that occurred in any other Georgia county. Walk-in visits are the fastest way to get your records.

You will need a valid photo ID to request a Washington County death certificate. The first certified copy is $25. Each extra copy of the same Washington County death record is $5 when ordered at the same time. The office takes cash and money orders. Most walk-in requests are processed same day. Older Washington County obituary records may take a few extra days if the state archives need to pull the file. For mail requests, include a signed application, a copy of your photo ID, and a money order payable to the Georgia Department of Public Health. O.C.G.A. § 31-10-15 requires death registration within 10 days, and funeral directors must file the certificate within 72 hours.

How to Search Washington County Death Records

There are three ways to get Washington County obituary and death records. Visit the Health Department in Sandersville. Order by mail. Or use the state online system. Each method costs $25 for the first certified copy.

The Georgia ROVER system allows you to request Washington County death certificates online. You will need the full name of the deceased, the date of death, and the county where death happened. ROVER charges the $25 state fee plus an $8 online processing fee. Standard delivery takes 8 to 10 weeks. For a faster result, visit the Health Department in Sandersville where same-day processing is typical. Under Georgia law, the funeral director files the death certificate quickly, so most Washington County death records are in the system within about two weeks of the date of death.

For mail requests, write to the Washington County Health Department or the state vital records office. Include a signed letter with your name, address, phone number, and a copy of your photo ID. Give the full name and date of death for the person whose Washington County death record you need. Attach a money order for $25.

Who Can Get Washington County Death Certificates

Georgia law sets rules on who can access certified death records. Under O.C.G.A. § 31-10-26, certified copies of Washington County death records go to people with a direct and tangible interest. That includes the spouse, parents, adult children, siblings, grandparents, and grandchildren of the deceased. Legal representatives and insurance companies also qualify.

Certified copies come with a raised seal and signatures from the State and County Registrar on security paper. Courts, banks, and insurance firms need this format. If you do not qualify for a certified copy, you can request a non-certified version of a Washington County death record. This type removes the Social Security number but still shows the cause, date, and place of death. It works well for genealogy and general research into Washington County obituary records. Under O.C.G.A. § 31-10-27, it is a crime to forge or alter a death certificate. Giving false information on a records request is also illegal.

Georgia State Death Record Resources

The Georgia DPH Vital Records office at 1680 Phoenix Boulevard, Suite 100, Atlanta, GA 30349 handles requests statewide. Call (404) 679-4702. They process Washington County death records and records from all 159 Georgia counties by walk-in, mail, and phone.

The Georgia Archives in Morrow holds death records from 1919 through 1943 for historical research. The Georgia Archives Virtual Vault provides free online access to some older Washington County obituary records. DPH Regulation 511-1-3 sets the standards for vital records maintenance across Georgia. The DPH fee schedule page lists current costs for all vital record types.

Under O.C.G.A. § 31-10-30, the state registrar can correct errors on Washington County death certificates. Contact the Health Department in Sandersville or the state office if you find a mistake. O.C.G.A. § 31-10-31 covers delayed registrations for deaths not filed on time.

The image below shows the Washington County Health Department page on the Georgia DPH website, with contact information for the Sandersville office.

Check this page for the latest hours and directions before visiting the Washington County Health Department.

Nearby Counties

These counties border Washington County in central Georgia. Any Georgia county vital records office can issue a death certificate for a death that happened anywhere in the state. If one of these offices is closer, you can request Washington County obituary records there.