Domestic Partnerships - FAQs | WA Secretary of State

Domestic Partnerships - FAQs | WA Secretary of State
Notification:
The Corporations and Charities Division’s Eastern Regional Branch In-Person services hours will be changing effective April 1
st
, 2026.
Visit our Contact Us page for the most up-to-date operating hours
[POSTED 03/26/2026]
Domestic Partnerships - FAQs
OSOS Home
Corporations & Charities
Additional Services
Domestic Partnerships
Domestic Partnerships - FAQs
What happened to state registered domestic partnerships on June 30, 2014?
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.
Are the City and County Domestic Partnerships included in the June 30, 2014, conversion?
No, city and county domestic partnerships are not being converted to marriage.
How do we dissolve our state registered domestic partnership?
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.
We are over the age of 62 but wish to convert our state registered domestic partnership to marriage. Can we?
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.
Do I need to notify the Secretary of State if we marry after registering a domestic partnership?
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.
How do I check if I’m in a Washington State Registered Domestic Partnership?
You may search the State Registered Domestic Partnership Database by either partner's name or the registration number on our
Domestic Partnership Page
My partner and I are registered with a city government. Do we need to register our Domestic Partnership with the State?
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.
How can a domestic partnership be terminated?
A partnership ends if:
The partners marry (automatic dissolution)
Both partners file for termination in court
One partner dies
Can we register a state domestic partnership after June 30, 2014?
Yes, but only if
one partner is 62 or older
. Gender does not matter.
How do we register a domestic partnership?
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.
Can the Secretary of State notarize our declaration of domestic partnership?
No, the Secretary of State does not provide notary services. Please have your documents notarized before filing.
Can we register by mail or online?
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.
Are records of domestic partnerships public information?
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.
What will we receive after our registration?
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
Can we get extra Certificates?
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.
I lost my wallet card. Can I get a replacement?
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.
Who can register as domestic partners after June 30, 2014?
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)
What should we do if we are in the process of dissolving our state registered domestic partnership?
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.
About the Office
Secretary of State Steve Hobbs Biography
Newsroom
Employment
Internship Opportunities
Public Records Request
Invite Secretary Hobbs to an Event
History of the Office
Washington's Secretaries of State - Past and Present
Corporations & Charities
Business Entities
Filings, Forms & Information
Limited Liability Companies
Return a Business to Active Status
Limited Liability Company (LLC) & Professional LLC (PLLC) Filing Resource Page
Maintain Business Compliance
Registered Agents
Annual Reports
Period of Duration
Online Filing Instructions
Close a Corporation Online
Close an LLC, PLLC, LP, LLP, LLLP Online
File an Annual Report (Multiple Entity Tpyes) Online
File an Annual Report (Nonprofit 24.03A Only) Online
Register a Foreign (Non-WA) Limited Liability Company (LLC) Online
Register a Foreign (Non-WA) Limited Liability Limited Partnership (LLLP) Online
Register a Foreign (Non-WA) Limited Liability Partnership (LLP) Online
Register a Foreign (Non-WA) Professional Limited Liability Company (PLLC) Online
Register a Foreign (Non-WA) Professional Limited Liability Partnership (PLLP) Online
Register a Foreign (Non-WA) Professional Service Corporation Online
Register a Foreign (Non-WA) Profit Corporation Online
Reinstate a LLC, PLLC, Profit or Professional Service Corporation Online
Reinstate a Nonprofit Miscellaneous & Mutual Corporation Online
Reinstate a Nonprofit or Nonprofit Professional Service Corporation Online
Requalify an LLC, PLLC, Profit or Professional Service Corporation Online
Start a Domestic (WA) LP or LLLP Online
Start a Domestic (WA) Limited Liability Corporation Online
Start a Domestic (WA) Limited Liability Partnership (LLP) Online
Start a Domestic (WA) Nonprofit Corporation Online
Start a Domestic (WA) Nonprofit Professional Service Corporation Online
Start a Domestic (WA) Professional Limited Liability Corporation (PLLC) Online
Start a Domestic (WA) Professional Limited Liability Partnership (PLLP) Online
Start a Domestic (WA) Profit Corporation Online
Start a Domestic (WA) Profit Professional Service Corporation Online
Start a Domestic (WA) Social Purpose Corporation Online
Submit an Amended Annual Report (All Entity Types) Online
Submit an Initial Report (All Entity Types except NPs) Online
Ownership
Start or Register a Business
Register a Foreign (Non-WA) Business
Start a Domestic (WA) Business
Steps after Registration with the Secretary of State
Update Business Information
Voluntary Business Closure: Dissolution or Withdrawal
Nonprofits & Charities
Organization Search
Nonprofits
Download Forms
2022 Nonprofit Law and Process Changes
Charities
All Forms
Disclosure Requirements
Commercial Fundraisers
Fee Schedule for Commercial Fundraisers
Want to Renew Your Commercial Fundraiser Registration Early?
Charitable Trusts
Fee Schedule for Charitable Trusts
Information for Donors
Resources for Donors
Frequently Asked Questions by Donors
Storefront Solicitors- Where does your donation go?
National "Do Not Call" Registry
Reducing Unwanted Telephone Solicitations and Junk Mail
Assured Giving
Commercial Fundraiser Activity Reports
To File a Complaint
Nonprofit & Charity Resources
Apostilles Program
Apostilles Frequently Asked Questions
Apostille and Certificate Authenticity Search
Contact Information and Location - Apostilles
Additional Services
Service of Process/Summons and Complaint
Trademarks
Domestic Partnerships
Domestic Partnership FAQs
Laws and Regulations
International Student Exchange Agency Program (ISEA)
Massachusetts Trust Registration
Fish Marketing Act
Resources
Business Entities
Washington State Small Business Guide
Washington Office of Minority and Women’s Business Enterprises (OMWBE)
Veteran Owned Business Certification
Small Business Administration (SBA)
Small Business Development Centers (SBDC)
SCORE Business Mentoring
Prevent and Detect Business Identity Theft
Washington Attorney General Consumer Protection
Nonprofits & Charities
Compliance (State and Federal)
Nonprofit Association of Washington (NAWA)
National Do Not Call Registry
Consumer FAQs
Videos - Webinars - Recordings
Annual Information Return from Tax-Exempt Org
Small Business Resource
Public Notices
Charities Advisory Council
CLE Resources
Legal Actions Taken by the Attorney General
Note to Financial Institutions
Current Rulemaking
Online Filing System Outage
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Common Reasons for Returned Documents
FAQ - Do I need to register my out of state business in Washington state?
Glossary of Terms
What addresses to use when filing?
What are Washington State Business Structures?
Governors/Officers/Directors/Members/Managers
FAQ - Trademarks
FAQ - How do I get copies
Fee Schedule / Expedited Service
Glossary of Terms
FAQ - Charitable Organizations
CCFS
Account Creation
Certificate of Existence
Examples of Potentially Confusing or Misleading “Notices” & “Solicitations”
How Do I Order Certified Copies?
I think I received a notice from your office; what should I do?
Reset/Forgot Password
Previously Posted Alerts & Information
Processing Guidelines and Procedure
Elections
Voters
Voter Eligibility & Resources
Voter Eligibility
Future Voter Program
How to Receive a Ballot
Military and Overseas Voters
Voters with Disabilities
Voting in Assisted Living Facilities
Felony Convictions and Voting Rights
Voters Away at College
New Washington Resident
Seasonal Resident - Snowbird
Residency Requirements
Voter Registration
Online Voter Registration
Print a Voter Registration Form
Requesting Voter Registration Forms By Mail
Automatic Voter Registration (AVR)
County Elections Offices
Drop Box and Voting Center Locations
3 Ways to Register to Vote
Helpful Information
Current Election Information
Top 2 Primary: FAQs for Voters
Frequently Asked Questions about Elections
Frequently Asked Questions on Voting by Mail
Current Federal & State Elected Officials
Descriptions of Elected Offices
Wildfires and voting
Electoral College
Electoral College Electors
Presidential Primary FAQ
Proposed Ballot Measure Information
Securing Your Vote
2021 Voters' Pamphlet Audio
Candidates
Filing Resources
File for Office
Candidates Who Have Filed
Washington State Officials' Salary Information
Running for President of the United States
Withdrawal of Candidacy
Information
Current District Maps
Descriptions of Elected Offices
Washington State Voter Registration Database
Voter Registration Tools
Cybersecurity Campaign Playbook (Belfer Center)
Frequently Asked Questions
Candidate Filing FAQ
Write-in Candidacy
Top Two Primary: FAQs for Candidates
Recount FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions on Voting By Mail
Frequently Asked Questions about Elections
Campaign Regulation
Washington Public Disclosure Commission
Federal Elections Commission
Political signs on highways
Initiatives & Referenda
Current Initiatives & Referenda
Past Initiatives
2024 Initiatives to the Legislature Measure Assignments
Initiatives to the People Measure Assignments
Initiatives to the Legislature Measure Assignments
Petition Observer Resources
Filing an Initiative
Initiative and Referenda Handbook
How to Sponsor an Initiative
File Online
FAQ - Circulating Initiative and Referendum Petitions
Filing Resources
Affidavit for proposed Initiative
Affidavit for proposed Referendum
Petition Template Instructions
Petition Template - Initiative to the People
Petition Template - Initiative to the Legislature
Education & Outreach
K-12 & College
Future Voter Program
Student Mock Election
Teaching Elections in Washington State
Request copy of Teaching Elections in WA State
Temperance and Good Citizenship Day
Washington Campus Voting Challenge
Voters
Language Access for Voters
3 Ways to Register to Vote Video
Path of a Ballot Video
Video Collection
Outreach and Voter Registration Handouts
Voter Registration Drive Tools
Guide to Registering Voters
Online Voter Registration
Requesting Voter Registration Forms By Mail
Voter Eligibility
Request a Voter Registration Starter Kit
Voter Outreach and Education Materials
Elections Kit
Same Day Registration
Data & Research
Election Data and Maps
Current Election Ballot Return Statistics
Current Election Ballot Status Reports
Reports, Data, and Statistics
Voter Demographics
Monthly Voter Registration Transactions
Voter Registration Database
Ballot Drop Box Usage by Year
Voter Participation Statistics
Voter Turnout by Election
General Election Turnout
Redistricting & Census Information
Precinct Shapefiles
Election Results and Voters' Pamphlets
2026 February Special Election
Washington State Election Results Archive
2024 Court Designated Legislative/Congressional Maps
Section 203 Language Access for Voters Map
History, Laws, and Litigation
Election Laws
History of the Washington State Primary
Constitutional Amendment Ballot Measures
Election Technology
Voter Registration Database
Understanding Voter Registration Data
Voting Systems by County
Voting System Testing and Certification
Securing Your Vote
Post-Election Audits
Public Notices
Public Hearings and Meetings
Elections Rulemaking
Administrators
Certification & Training
Election Administrator Certification
About Certification and Training
How to Become Certified
Training Materials and Videos
Elections 101
Apply for Certification
Certification Exam
Election Laws
ADA Ballot Drop Box Accessibility
ADA Checklist for Voting Centers
Clearinghouse Notices & Elections Advisories
Introduction to County Canvassing Boards
Presidential Primary Advisories and Resources
Recent Rulemaking
State & Federal Election Laws and Checklists
Statewide Standards on What is a Vote
Election Resources
Recount FAQ
Presidential Primary Resources & Training Materials
Forms & Templates
Forms for Voters
Forms for Candidates
Voter Registration Challenges
Certification, L&A Tests, and Recounts
Election Cost Allocation and Reimbursement
Forms for Voters
Print a Voter Registration Form
Agency-based Voter Registration Forms
Special Absentee Ballot Application
HAVA Complaint Form
Voter Registration Cancellation Form
Contact Info
County Elections Offices
Elections Calendar
Mark the Ballot
Rumor Has It
Archives
Explore Our Collection
Archives Catalog
Online Records
Ask an Archivist
Branches
Central Regional Branch
Eastern Regional Branch
Northwest Regional Branch
Puget Sound Regional Branch
Southwest Regional Branch
State Government
Frequently Asked Research Questions
State Constitution
Teachers & Students
Help for Government Agencies
Managing City Records
Managing County Records
State Agencies
Managing Agricultural Commodity Commission Records
Other Government Agencies
State & Local Government
Imaging Services
Records Center
Committees and Commissions
Archives Advisory Committee
Local Records Committee
Recording Standards Commission
State Records Committee
Advice and Consultations
Draft Public Schools (K-12) Records Retention Schedule v.9.1
Draft Revision of Economic Development and Transport Schedule
Draft Revision of Local Government CORE Schedule
Draft Revision of State Government General Schedule
Help Using Records Retention Schedules
Laws and Rules for Records Management
Managing Beach and Lake Management District Records
Help with Beach and Lake Management District Records Retention
Managing Commodity Commission Records
Managing Executive Level Records
Managing Legal Affairs Records
Managing Policy and Procedure Records
Managing Project Files
Managing Subject Files
Managing Transitory Records
Managing Vehicle Records
Managing Volunteer Records
Previous Versions - Agricultural Commodity Commissions Schedule
Previous Versions - County Assessors and Treasurers Schedule
Records Management Training
Records Retention Schedules
Request a Consultation
Be Involved
Donate
SCRIBE
Out of the Archives Newsletter Archive
Managing Records of Private & Other Non-Government Organizations
Archives Policies
Library
About the State Library
Available Services As Of July 1, 2025
My Library Account
Ask a Librarian
Branch Libraries
History of the Washington State Library
Get a Library Card
Library Staff Directory
Hours of Operation & Directions
State Librarian
Resource Sharing (Interlibrary Loan)
Resource Sharing (Interlibrary Loan) for Individuals
Research & Collections
About The Olympian and Historic Clippings Index
Digital Resources Hub
Washington State Research
Washington State Newspapers
Washington Rural Heritage
Washington Digital Newspapers
Northwest Digital Heritage
State Government Publications
Classics in Washington History
Washington State Publications New Electronic Titles
Federal Government Publications
Genealogy
Collections of the Washington State Library
Special Collections
Collection Bibliographies
Governor's Writers Day Awards at the Washington State Library, 1966-2000
Rare Maps Collection of the Washington State Library
The Washington State Library Tweney 89 Collection
Rare Publications of the Washington State Library
Guidelines for Donating to the Special Collections
Guidelines for the Handling and Care of Special Collections
Manuscripts Collection of the Washington State Library
Special Collections Frequently Asked Questions
Governor Isaac Stevens' Territorial Library Collection
Ye Galleon Press Collection
City Directories & Telephone Books
County Directories
Federal Government Resources
Land Records in Washington State
Northwest Cards
Obituary Requests
Washington State Depository Program Libraries
Washington Territorial and State Governors
Women in the Washington State Legislature
Newspapers - Moments in History
Links to Newspapers in Washington
Resources for You
Postmarked Washington
Primarily Washington
Washington State Book Awards
Librarian Certification
Washington Librarian Certification FAQ
Institutional Library Services Wishlist
Washington Center for the Book
Resources for Libraries
First Tuesdays: Continuing Education
Library Development
Contacts by Name
Technology
Children's Internet Protection Act
Children's Internet Protection Act: Questions and Answers
Children's Internet Protection Act (CIPA) and Filtering
E-Rate Information for Public Libraries
Technology Services
Training
Training Calendar
Training and Certification Resources
Trustee Support
Resources & Training for Public Library Staff - Washington State Library - WA Secretary of State
Resources & Training for School Library Staff
LSTA Background
Publications
Previous Publications (1999 - 2022)
Washington Digital Library Consortium
LinkedIn Learning
Northstar
Projects
Advantages of Washington Group Services
All Aboard for Kindergarten
Check Out Washington
Data Consultation
Digital Inclusion Resource Collection
Early Learning Support
Open Data - Library
Statewide Projects and Initiatives
Teacher-Librarian Common Core Cadre (TLC
Washington Group Services News
Washington OCLC Group Services Libraries
Washington OCLC Group Services
Washington Public Libraries and the K-20 Network
Washington State's Summer Reading Program
Youth Services
Circulating STEAM Program Kits
Library Services for School-Age Youth
Library Services for Teens
Subscribe to the Library Newsletter
Grants for Libraries
Library Council
Professional Development and Training
All Resources for Libraries
AskWA
Workforce Development
Email Lists
Washington State Public Library Policies
WA Talking Book & Braille Library
Statewide Programs
Address Confidentiality Program (ACP)
Do I Qualify?
Application Process
Is the ACP appropriate for me?
Participants
Owning a Business. Nonprofit, or Charity.
Participant Forms
Participant Responsibilities
Purchasing a Home
Survivor Resources
Updating ACP Information
Using Your Substitute Address
Voter Registration - ACP
Advocates
Agencies and Businesses
Civic Engagement Program (CEP)
Combined Fund Drive (CFD)
Legacy Washington
Global War on Terrorism Memorial
Medals of Merit & Valor
Educational Resources: Learn with OSOS
Simply Washington
State Flag
State Seal
Buy Books and Flags
Washington State Productivity Board
About the Productivity Board
Productivity Board Awards
Productivity Board Programs
Submit an Idea