Domestic Partnership: What It Is and How It Is Registered
A domestic partnership is a legal status that some states offer to two adults who register with a state office. The rules differ widely, so the details depend on the state.
What vital record do you need?
Choose your certificate to start your order.
Washington as an example
In Washington, a state registered domestic partnership is a status for two adults who meet the requirements of state law and have been issued a certificate by the Secretary of State. Under RCW 26.60.030, both people must:
- Live together at one shared home
- Be at least 18, and at least one must be 62 or older
- Not be married to anyone else or in another state registered domestic partnership
- Be mentally capable of agreeing to the partnership
- Not be closely related (the statute sets out the limits)
The Secretary of State also reports registrations that were later converted to marriage, which shows the status can be a step before or an alternative to marriage in that state.
Records and benefits
A domestic partnership is recorded by the state office that registers it, which is where certificates are requested. Some employers, insurers and agencies accept proof of registration, and the Social Security Administration treats name changes based on marriage, civil union and domestic partnership under the same guidance.
What a partnership gives you, and whether it is recognized outside the state, varies. Ask the registering office or an attorney.
Frequently asked questions
Is a domestic partnership the same as marriage?
No. It is a separate legal status set up by state law, and its rights are defined by that state.
Who issues a domestic partnership certificate?
In Washington, the Secretary of State. Other states use different offices.
Can a domestic partnership be converted to marriage?
Washington reports registrations that were converted to marriage, so conversion exists there. Ask the state office about the process.
Sources
US Records is a private company and is not a government agency. Government agencies issue certified records; we help you order them.
Written By
US Records TeamThe US Records Team writes and reviews guides on birth, death, marriage and divorce certificates, using state statutes, agency instructions and court records as sources.
Most popular definitions
- Birth Certificate Number: What It Is and What the Digits Mean
- Adoption Birth Certificate: The New Certificate Issued After Adoption
- Affidavit of Birth: A Sworn Statement Used to Establish a Birth
- Amended Birth Certificate: What It Is and How It Appears
- Apostille: What It Is and When You Need One
- Authentication Certificate: Preparing U.S. Documents for Non-Hague Countries
- Authorized Requester: Who Can Order a Certified Vital Record
- Beneficiary: Who Receives Insurance, Accounts or an Estate
Recent definitions
- Adoption Birth Certificate: The New Certificate Issued After Adoption
- Affidavit of Birth: A Sworn Statement Used to Establish a Birth
- Amended Birth Certificate: What It Is and How It Appears
- Apostille: What It Is and When You Need One
- Authentication Certificate: Preparing U.S. Documents for Non-Hague Countries
Related guides
To get a death certificate, you order a certified copy from the state or county vital records office where…
Yes, a person can be legally dead and still be alive.
