Domestic Partnerships - FAQs

On June 30, 2014, a new law will automatically convert all same-sex state registered domestic partnerships to marriages, unless the partnership was terminated before that date.

Exception: If either partner is 62 or older, the partnership will remain a domestic partnership. Converted partnerships may request a marriage certificate from the Department of Health.

No, city and county domestic partnerships are not being converted to marriage.

Since 2009, the Secretary of State no longer processes termination documents. To dissolve a partnership, you must file through the court system, similar to a divorce.

No. The law does not automatically convert partnerships if either partner is 62 or older. However, you can apply for a marriage license from your county Auditor and get married.

No. Your domestic partnership is automatically dissolved when you marry.
If you want the record updated, you may send a copy of your marriage certificate to the Secretary of State.

You may search the State Registered Domestic Partnership Database by either partner's name or the registration number on our Domestic Partnership Page.

Yes. Local registration does not automatically register you with the state. To receive benefits under state law, you must register with the Office of the Secretary of State.

A partnership ends if:

• The partners marry (automatic dissolution)
• Both partners file for termination in court
• One partner dies

Yes, but only if one partner is 62 or older. Gender does not matter.

To file a state registered 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 of $50 to the Corporations Division for filing.

No, the Secretary of State does not provide notary services. Please have your documents notarized before filing. 

You can register by mail:
Office of the Secretary of State
Corporations Division
P.O. Box 40234
Olympia, WA 98504

❌ This filing is not available online.

Yes. Records of state registered domestic partnerships are public and 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.

You will receive:

• An original Certificate of State Registered Domestic Partnership
• A wallet card with your registration number
• One file-stamped copy of your registration document

The partnership will receive 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.

Yes. Contact the Domestic Partnership Program via phone or email services 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 State Registered Domestic Partnership has been terminated.

To register:

• Partners must share a common residence
• At least one partner is 62 or older & the other partner must be 18 or older
• Not be married to, or in a registered domestic partnership with someone else
• Be capable of consenting to the domestic partnership
• Partners are not closely related (cannot be a sibling, grandchild/parent, aunt/uncle, nieces/nephews, etc. to the other partner)

Contact our Domestic Partnership program via phone or email letting us know that the dissolution has been filed. Domestic partnerships that are in the process of dissolving will not be converted to marriage if we are aware of them.