Under what circumstance can a fee for a certified death certificate not be required?

In Washington, a fee for a certified death certificate is not required when the certificate is being used in connection with a claim for compensation from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). This exemption reflects the recognition of the need for veterans or their families to access necessary documentation to facilitate claims or benefits without the financial burden typically associated with obtaining certified documents.

The legal provisions in place ensure that essential services and benefits are accessible, especially for those who have served or are connected to service members. In this case, the VA provides support for veterans, and waiving the fee assists them in navigating the benefits system effectively.

Other scenarios like using a death certificate for divorce proceedings, educational purposes, or personal record-keeping typically do not qualify for fee exemption under existing regulations, as they do not align with the specific public service purpose that the waiver is intended to serve.