Last reviewed 2026. This guide is for the Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department in Tacoma, Washington. It uses official Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department service pages and avoids third-party directory guesses. Always verify urgent health, permit, fee and certificate details directly before you visit or pay.
Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department office, service phones and resident help paths
If you searched for the Tacoma Pierce County Health Department Tacoma WA, you probably need a phone number, certificate, food worker card, immunization help, septic or well answer, food complaint form, clinic hours or the right office before driving across Pierce County. This page turns the official department information into a practical local guide.
Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department is a public health agency, not an emergency room, private doctor, hospital records office or general county complaint desk. For a public health emergency, the department says to call its on-call Duty Officer at (253) 649-1500. For personal medical concerns or life-threatening emergencies, contact your healthcare provider or call 911.
- Agency
- Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department
- Official website
- https://tpchd.org/
- Main office
- 3629 S. D St., Tacoma, WA 98418-6813
- Main contact
- (253) 649-1500; Toll Free (800) 330-1844; TDD (253) 649-1400; Email info@tpchd.org
- Public hours
- Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m., except holidays. Some programs and services have different hours.
- Key Peninsula office
- Key Center Corral, Suite D, 9013 Key Peninsula Hwy N, Lakebay, WA 98349. Open Thursdays 11 a.m.-2 p.m.; phone (253) 432-4948.
- Clinic address
- Public Health Clinic services are also at 3629 S. D St., Tacoma, WA 98418. Use the Pacific Avenue parking lot and building entrances.
- Leadership
- Chantell Harmon Reed, Director of Public Health; Dr. Jay Miller, Health Officer.
Quick answer for Tacoma and Pierce County residents
The Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department protects public health across Tacoma and Pierce County. For most residents, the practical services are birth and death certificates, immunization referrals, communicable disease questions, the Public Health Clinic, STD and HIV testing, opioid treatment services, food safety reports, restaurant inspection information, food worker cards, septic system help, drinking water and well questions, pools and spas, school safety, waste management and public health complaints.
The main office is at 3629 S. D St., Tacoma, WA 98418-6813. General hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m., except holidays. The main line is (253) 649-1500. If you are not sure which program you need, call the main line or email info@tpchd.org and ask for the correct program routing. That is better than guessing from a search result and ending up with the wrong desk.
Use Vital Records
Birth and death certificates are handled by Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department Vital Records. The direct phone number is (253) 649-1401.
Call immunization referral
For immunization questions, children’s vaccine help and referrals, call (253) 649-1412. Check requirements before school, childcare, travel or work deadlines.
Use Environmental Health
Food safety, septic, wells, waste, pools, spas and many property-related issues are routed through Environmental Health program lines rather than the general clinic path.
Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department phone numbers by service
The department publishes a detailed program contact list. Use this table before calling. The main line can route you, but using the direct service number is usually faster, especially for vital records, food safety, septic systems, communicable disease, food worker cards and the Public Health Clinic.
| Need | Correct phone or contact | Best first sentence when you call |
|---|---|---|
| Main office and general routing | (253) 649-1500; Toll Free (800) 330-1844; TDD (253) 649-1400; info@tpchd.org | Say your city in Pierce County and the program you think you need. |
| Public health emergency duty officer | (253) 649-1500 | Say you are reporting a public health emergency. For personal medical emergencies, call 911. |
| Birth and death certificates | (253) 649-1401 | Say whether you need a birth certificate, death certificate, certified copy, informational copy, mail order, online order or walk-in help. |
| Communicable disease general line | (253) 649-1412 | Say you need communicable disease guidance, exposure information, hepatitis referral, TB referral, refugee screening or immunization referral. |
| Provider disease reporting | Workday line: (253) 649-1412, press 0; 24-hour reporting line: (253) 649-1413; confidential fax: (253) 649-1389 | Identify yourself as a provider or reporting entity and state the disease or condition being reported. |
| STD/HIV clinic appointment | (253) 649-1418 | Ask for STD/HIV clinic appointment availability and what to bring. |
| Food and Community Safety | (253) 649-1417; food@tpchd.org; CommunitySafety@tpchd.org | Say whether you are a food business, customer, temporary event operator, caterer or resident reporting a concern. |
| Food worker card information | (253) 649-1416 | Say whether you need a new card, renewal, kiosk help, online card help or a 5-year card question. |
| Foodborne illness report | (253) 649-1696 | Say when symptoms started, where you ate and what foods you remember from the previous five days. |
| Food safety concern | (253) 649-1697 or food@tpchd.org | Give the establishment name, address, date, time and unsafe condition you observed. |
| Food establishment plan review | (253) 649-1706 | Say whether this is a new food business, remodel, mobile unit, temporary event or plan review question. |
| Environmental Health general questions | (253) 649-1420 | State whether you need septic, water, waste, wells, permits or environmental complaint help. |
| Septic systems | EHSepticSystems@tpchd.org; (253) 649-1420 | Give the property address, parcel number if available, and whether this is permit, repair, inspection, locate or compliance. |
| Stub outs and finals | StubOut@tpchd.org; Finals@tpchd.org; (253) 649-1422 | Say whether you need stub-out or final inspection information and provide the record or property details. |
| Water resources and drinking water | EHDrinkingWater@tpchd.org; (253) 649-1420, option 2 | Say whether the question is an individual well, water testing, public water system, property development or permit. |
| Pools and spas | (253) 649-1713 | Say if the concern is at an apartment, condo, hotel, fitness center, school or public pool/spa. |
| Hazardous waste around the home | HazardousWaste@tpchd.org; (253) 649-1800 | Describe the material and where it is located, but do not touch unknown hazardous material. |
| Maternal and Child Health | mchservices@tpchd.org; (253) 649-1404 | Say whether you need home visiting, family health referral, breastfeeding support or child/family resource help. |
| Access to Baby and Child Dentistry or dental referral | (253) 579-5695 | Say you are asking about ABCD or dental referral help for a child or family. |
| Opioid treatment services | (253) 649-1406 | Ask for treatment services, clinic timing and what to bring for intake. |
| Needle exchange | Point Defiance AIDS Project Needle Exchange: (253) 334-9576 | Ask about current needle exchange availability and location details. |
| Key Peninsula office | (253) 432-4948 | Ask whether the service you need is available at Key Peninsula office during Thursday hours. |
Best calling strategy
Do not start with a long story. Start with the service category, location and urgency. For example: “I live in Lakewood and need a certified birth certificate,” or “I am a Tacoma food worker and need food worker card renewal help,” or “I am buying a home in Graham and need septic record guidance.”
Have the address, date, case details, application number, business name, record number, patient name, date of birth, food establishment name or property parcel ready before you call. Public health staff can route you faster when the first minute is clear.
Main office, public hours and Google map
The main Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department office is at 3629 S. D St., Tacoma, WA 98418-6813. The general public hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m., except holidays. Some programs have different hours, and this matters. Vital Records, STD/HIV clinic, needle exchange, food applications and Public Health Clinic services do not all operate in the same way.
Before visiting the D Street office
- Confirm that your service is available in person.
- Check whether your program has different hours.
- Bring valid ID when ordering records or using certificate services.
- For Public Health Clinic services, use the Pacific Avenue parking lot and entrances.
- For food worker card kiosk use, bring photo ID and payment.
When to skip the trip
- Order birth or death certificates online if that fits your need.
- Report foodborne illness or food safety complaints online.
- Use the Environmental Health portal for many septic and well applications.
- Check restaurant inspection reports online before calling.
- Call first if you are unsure which program owns the issue.
Public Health Clinic: walk-ins, sexual health, opioid treatment and street medicine
The Tacoma-Pierce Public Health Clinic is located at 3629 S. D St., Tacoma, WA 98418. The department says walk-ins are welcome for people who face challenges with opiate use, want STI testing or need other clinic services. This is not the same as every program in the building. Clinic service hours are specific, so check the service you need before you arrive.
| Clinic service | Official service hours or contact | Practical resident note |
|---|---|---|
| Opioid use disorder treatment | Monday-Friday 5-11:30 a.m.; Saturday 5-8:30 a.m. | Arrive early and ask about intake, treatment services and billing if this is your first visit. |
| Sexual health | Monday-Friday 8-11:30 a.m.; STD/HIV clinic by appointment, call (253) 649-1418 | Call if you need appointment confirmation, testing availability or treatment information. |
| Street medicine | In the community Monday, Wednesday and Friday 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; Thursday noon-4 p.m.; streetmeds@tpchd.org or (253) 649-1642 | The community schedule can matter more than the main office hours. Confirm before relying on a location. |
| Needle exchange | Monday-Friday 11 a.m.-4 p.m.; van on 37th Street and Pacific Avenue in the Health Department parking lot; Point Defiance AIDS Project Needle Exchange (253) 334-9576 | Use the dedicated needle exchange contact for current access details. |
If you have chest pain, trouble breathing, overdose symptoms, suicidal crisis, severe allergic reaction, serious injury, severe infection signs or any life-threatening emergency, call 911. Do not wait for a routine clinic line, form response or walk-in schedule.
Immunizations, child vaccines and school requirements
For immunization referral, Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department lists (253) 649-1412. The department also has a children’s immunization page with school and childcare requirement links. Parents should not wait until the last week before school, childcare, sports, camp or travel. Pharmacies may have age limits, vaccine stock limits or fees, so call before assuming a pharmacy can serve a child.
Parents and caregivers
- Check your child’s vaccine record early.
- Confirm school or childcare requirements.
- Call (253) 649-1412 if you need immunization referral help.
- Ask pharmacies about age limits and stock before going.
- Keep a clean copy of the Certificate of Immunization Status for school use.
Adults and families
- Check whether you need travel, work, school or routine vaccines.
- Ask your provider, pharmacy or the Health Department referral line for the right route.
- Bring prior records whenever possible.
- Do not guess your vaccine history if documentation matters.
- Use official Washington requirements when the issue is school or childcare compliance.
Birth and death certificates in Pierce County
Unlike some county health departments where vital records are handled by a separate clerk, Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department directly handles birth and death certificates. The Vital Records phone number is (253) 649-1401. The Vital Records office is open Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.; on the last Tuesday of each month, it opens 9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
A certified certificate is a legal document. You must be a qualified applicant, submit valid ID, provide proof of qualifying relationship and pay non-refundable fees. Do not use random third-party certificate websites. The official page identifies VitalChek as the authorized vendor for online orders.
| Order method | Base fee and timing | What to know before you pay |
|---|---|---|
| Walk-in | Non-refundable $39 base fee: $25 certificate fee plus $14 processing and expedited fee. Average wait time is 20-30 minutes if documentation is complete. | Bring valid ID and proof of qualifying relationship. Additional credit/debit or credit check fees may apply. |
| Online through VitalChek | Non-refundable $48.50 base fee: $25 certificate fee, $12.50 Health Department Vital Records processing fee and $11.50 VitalChek fee. Additional expedited shipping may apply. | Use the official VitalChek route linked from TPCHD. The department says it ships within 3 business days after receiving the order from VitalChek, unless a record problem causes delay. |
| Non-refundable $33 base fee: $25 certificate fee, $4 mail processing fee and $4 authentication fee. Mailed orders are shipped within 1-2 weeks after receipt if there is no record problem. | Mail the application and fee to Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department Vital Records, 3629 S. D St., Tacoma, WA 98418-6813. | |
| After-hours burial transit permit | Call (253) 649-1500 for Pierce County occurrences only. Additional $50 fee per event applies. | This is not a general certificate order path. It is for after-hours burial transit permit help. |
Birth certificates usually should not be ordered immediately after birth. Tacoma-Pierce says to wait at least 15 days after birth to apply and pay for a certificate. If adding parentage, wait 30 days. For death certificates, wait until the funeral home tells you the record is ready.
Food safety, restaurant complaints and food worker cards
Food safety is one of the most searched Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department services because it affects workers, restaurant owners, event vendors and residents who think they got sick from food. The Food and Community Safety general phone is (253) 649-1417, plan review is (253) 649-1706, and food worker card information is (253) 649-1416. The food safety email is food@tpchd.org.
The department works with food workers, restaurants and businesses to help make Pierce County a safe place to eat. It teaches and certifies people to safely serve food, inspects food handling and storage, and investigates foodborne illness outbreaks.
Report foodborne illness
If you think food made you sick, use the foodborne illness report form or call (253) 649-1696. Write down your symptoms and five-day food history before reporting.
Report unsafe food conditions
If you noticed unsafe conditions where food is sold or served, report a food safety complaint online, call (253) 649-1697 or email food@tpchd.org.
Food worker card
Washington food workers must have a Food Worker Card. Complete the official online course, pass the test and pay $10. New cards are valid for 2 years.
Food worker card options
| Option | How it works | Practical note |
|---|---|---|
| Official online course | Use Do it Right, Serve it Safe, pass the test and pay $10. | The card is emailed to you. Use the official Washington food worker card route, not random training sites. |
| In-person kiosk at the Health Department | Kiosk is available Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Bring photo ID and payment. | The department can print and email your card. Do not arrive near closing and expect full service. |
| Renewal | New cards are valid for 2 years. If renewed 60 days or less before expiration, the new card is valid for 3 years. | Check the expiration date before you lose work hours or fail an employer requirement. |
| 5-year card | If you already have a 3-year card and additional training, you may qualify. | Email foodworkercard@tpchd.org with the required proof if you are pursuing the 5-year option. |
Septic systems, wells, water resources and property questions
For property owners, homebuyers, contractors and real estate agents, Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department is often important because it regulates septic systems, individual wells and water-related public health issues in Pierce County. The Environmental Health general number is (253) 649-1420. Septic questions use EHSepticSystems@tpchd.org, and drinking water or water resources questions use EHDrinkingWater@tpchd.org or (253) 649-1420, option 2.
If you are buying a home outside sewer service, planning a remodel, building on land, repairing a septic system, decommissioning a well or checking water safety, do not wait until closing week. These issues can affect permits, financing, construction schedules, inspections and health risk decisions.
Septic systems
The department works with septic system professionals to approve system design, location and installation, and educates property owners on maintenance. A maintained septic system reduces risk of untreated sewage exposure, groundwater contamination and expensive failure.
Individual wells
For individual wells, the department advises owners to test well water once a year for bacteria and every three years for nitrate. Abandoned wells must be decommissioned by the proper route.
Common septic and well routes
| Situation | Best next step | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Buying a home with septic | Ask about septic records, maintenance, inspection history and any required locate or compliance steps. | A failed or undocumented system can affect closing, repairs and future property use. |
| Submitting septic or well applications | Use the Environmental Health online portal when possible. If you cannot submit online, the department accepts forms in person or by mail to 3629 S. D St., MS 1035, Tacoma, WA 98418. | Online submission is usually easiest and reduces missing-paper delays. |
| Checking application status | Search Environmental Health applications in the online portal by record number, project name, site address or parcel number. | Calling without a record number slows everything down. |
| Private well water safety | Contact EHDrinkingWater@tpchd.org or (253) 649-1420, option 2. | Testing timing, sampling and lab routes can matter. Do not guess. |
| Failing septic concern | Use the official report-a-problem route for on-site sewage concerns. | Surfacing sewage and incorrectly installed systems can create public health risks. |
Septic and well issues are not small paperwork details. A missing record, failed system, water issue or incomplete application can become a closing delay, repair bill or permit problem. Search and ask early, especially in rural Pierce County communities, Key Peninsula areas, Graham, Eatonville, Gig Harbor outskirts and properties outside sewer service.
Report a public health problem in Pierce County
Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department has a report-a-problem page for quick public health concerns. Use it for foodborne illness, food safety, on-site sewage, pool or spa, residential waste or garbage, school health concerns, septic service provider problems and solid waste facility concerns. The stronger your report, the easier it is for staff to investigate.
- Choose the right issue type. Food illness, food safety, septic, pool, garbage, school and solid waste reports go through different review paths.
- Write the location clearly. Include the business name, address, city, property location, school name or facility name.
- Add the date and time. A specific date and time is stronger than “recently” or “last month.”
- Describe what happened. Say what you saw, smelled, ate, experienced or observed without exaggeration.
- Keep proof if you have it. Receipts, photos, food labels, appointment documents or order details can help, but do not put yourself in danger to collect proof.
- Seek care for serious illness or injury. If you think you have a serious foodborne illness or medical problem, contact a healthcare provider or emergency care.
Open Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department Report a Problem page
Tacoma-Pierce County service area
Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department serves Pierce County, Washington. That includes urban, suburban and rural residents across Tacoma, Lakewood, Puyallup, University Place, Gig Harbor, Bonney Lake, Sumner, Fife, Edgewood, Milton, DuPont, Steilacoom, Fircrest, Parkland, Spanaway, Graham, Eatonville, Buckley, Orting, Roy, Carbonado, Ruston and Key Peninsula communities.
Not every service is delivered the same way in every community. The main Tacoma office is the central location, the Key Peninsula office has limited Thursday hours, some clinic services have special schedules, and many Environmental Health services can start online. For urgent public health matters, call the department. For personal medical emergencies, call 911.
What Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department does not handle
A useful public health directory should protect visitors from wrong turns. Here are the common mistakes that waste time.
| If you need | Do not use | Correct route |
|---|---|---|
| Life-threatening medical emergency | Routine Health Department contact form or clinic page | Call 911. |
| Personal medical diagnosis or treatment | General public health email as a substitute for a clinician | Contact your healthcare provider, urgent care, emergency department or 911 depending on urgency. |
| Marriage certificate, marriage license or passport | TPCHD birth and death certificate office | Use the appropriate county auditor or official records office route. |
| Rodents, garbage or illegal dumping code enforcement | Health Department food complaint form | The department contact list routes rodents, garbage and illegal dumping reporting to Pierce County Code Enforcement at (253) 798-4636 and Pierce County Responds. |
| Private hospital or doctor records | TPCHD records unless TPCHD created the record | Contact the hospital, clinic, provider or records custodian that created the record. |
| Non-Pierce County health department service | Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department | Use your own county or local health jurisdiction. |
Official Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department links
Use these official links for final verification before visiting, paying, applying, submitting a complaint or relying on a deadline.
Main office and public info
Clinic and health services
Food business and worker help
Environmental Health and property
Special locations and support
Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department FAQ
What is the Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department phone number?
The main phone number is (253) 649-1500. Toll free is (800) 330-1844, and TDD is (253) 649-1400. If you do not know the right program, call the main line or email info@tpchd.org.
Where is Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department located?
The main office is at 3629 S. D St., Tacoma, WA 98418-6813. Public Health Clinic services also use the D Street location, with Pacific Avenue parking lot and building entrances for clinic access.
What are the Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department hours?
The main office is open Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m., except holidays. Some programs have different hours. Vital Records is generally open Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m., but opens 9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. on the last Tuesday of each month. Food Safety is open Monday-Friday 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. and closed noon-1 p.m.
How do I contact Vital Records for a birth or death certificate?
Call Vital Records at (253) 649-1401 or use the official birth and death records page at tpchd.org. You must be a qualified applicant, provide valid ID, show proof of qualifying relationship and pay non-refundable fees.
How much does a Pierce County birth or death certificate cost?
For walk-in orders, the official page lists a non-refundable $39 base fee: $25 certificate fee plus $14 processing and expedited fee, with possible additional card or credit check fees. Online VitalChek orders list a $48.50 base fee plus possible expedited shipping. Mail orders list a $33 base fee plus possible expedited shipping.
Does Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department handle marriage certificates?
The Health Department’s Vital Records page is for birth and death certificates. Auditor services are no longer available at the Health Department, and Health Department services are no longer available at the Auditor’s office. For marriage, passport or auditor services, use the appropriate county auditor route.
Who do I call for immunization questions?
Call the immunization referral line at (253) 649-1412. The children’s immunization page also links to Washington school and childcare vaccine requirements and the Certificate of Immunization Status form.
How do I report a foodborne illness in Pierce County?
Report foodborne illness through the official online form or call (253) 649-1696. Write down when symptoms started and your five-day food history before submitting the report. If you are seriously ill, contact a healthcare provider.
How do I report a restaurant or food safety concern?
Use the official food safety complaint route, call (253) 649-1697 or email food@tpchd.org. Give the business name, address, date, time and specific unsafe condition you observed.
How do I get a Washington Food Worker Card in Tacoma?
Complete the official Do it Right, Serve it Safe online course, pass the test and pay $10. New cards are valid for 2 years. The Health Department also offers a kiosk Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m., with photo ID and payment required.
Who handles septic systems in Pierce County?
Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department Environmental Health handles septic system help. Use EHSepticSystems@tpchd.org or call (253) 649-1420. For stub outs or finals, use StubOut@tpchd.org, Finals@tpchd.org or (253) 649-1422.
Who handles private wells and drinking water questions?
For individual wells and drinking water resources, email EHDrinkingWater@tpchd.org or call (253) 649-1420, option 2. The department advises individual well owners to test once a year for bacteria and every three years for nitrate.
What is the Key Peninsula office phone number and schedule?
The Key Peninsula office is at Key Center Corral, Suite D, 9013 Key Peninsula Hwy N, Lakebay, WA 98349. It is open Thursdays 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Call (253) 432-4948 before visiting to confirm whether your service is available there.
Who is the Tacoma-Pierce County Director of Public Health?
The official leadership page lists Chantell Harmon Reed as Director of Public Health. Dr. Jay Miller serves as Health Officer for Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department.
Is this website the official Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department website?
No. This is an independent directory guide. For official service details, fees, permits, records, forms, public notices and urgent public health routing, use tpchd.org or call Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department directly.