COVID vaccine verification digital record offered in Washington

WA Verify generates a QR code that can be scanned to show that a person is fully vaccinated.

Associated Press

OLYMPIA — Washington state has started offering residents a digital record of their coronavirus vaccinations that can be used to access businesses and other places where vaccine proof is required.

The Washington State Department of Health said the state will use the online tool WA Verify to generate digital vaccination record cards and a QR code that can be scanned to show that a person is fully vaccinated, KING-TV reported.

King County has required proof of vaccination for indoor dining and events and large outdoor gatherings since October. Washington state on Nov. 15 started requiring vaccination proof or a negative COVID-19 test for large gatherings. Other cities and businesses in the state have set their own proof of vaccination requirements.

To get the digital record and QR code, people on the WA Verify website input their name, date of birth and an email address or phone number associated with their vaccination record.

The state will match the information to vaccine records in its immunization database and will send a link via email or text message to access the digital record and QR code.

The record shows the same information as a paper vaccine card issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention — name, date of birth, vaccination dates and vaccine types. California has implemented a similar system and Oregon officials are working on one.

The digital cards are optional and people can still show their original vaccine card or a photo of it and access their vaccination records digitally on MyIR Mobile.

“We ask that you respect the rules of the room and be prepared in advance to show the type of vaccination proof requested,” Umair A. Shah, MD, MPH, Secretary of Health, said in a news release.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Northwest

Lawmakers on the Senate floor ahead of adjourning on April 27, 2025. (Photo by Jacquelyn Jimenez Romero/Washington State Standard)
Washington lawmakers close out session, sending budgets to governor

Their plans combine cuts with billions in new taxes to solve a shortfall. It’ll now be up to Gov. Bob Ferguson to decide what will become law.

The Washington state Capitol on April 18, 2025. (Photo by Jacquelyn Jimenez Romero/Washington State Standard)
WA lawmakers shift approach on closing center for people with disabilities

A highly contested bill around the closure of a residential center for… Continue reading

A rental sign seen in Everett. Saturday, May 23, 2020 (Sue Misao / Herald file)
Compromise reached on Washington bill to cap rent increases

Under a version released Thursday, rent hikes would be limited to 7% plus inflation, or 10%, whichever is lower.

The Washington state Capitol on April 18, 2025. (Photo by Jacquelyn Jimenez Romero/Washington State Standard)
Parental rights overhaul gains final approval in WA Legislature

The bill was among the most controversial of this year’s session.

Trees and foliage grow at the Rockport State Park on Wednesday, April 3, 2024 in Rockport, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
Washington Legislature approves hiking Discover Pass price to $45

The price for a Washington state Discover Pass would rise by $15… Continue reading

Cherry blossoms in bloom at the Washington state Capitol on April 18, 2025. (Photo by Jacquelyn Jimenez Romero/Washington State Standard)
Democrats in Washington Legislature wrap up budget negotiations

Democratic budget writers are done hashing out details on a new two-year… Continue reading

Rep. Travis Couture, R-Allyn, speaks on the House floor in an undated photo. He was among the Republicans who walked out of a House Appropriations Committee meeting this week in protest of a bill that would close a facility in Pierce County for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. (Photo courtesy of Legislative Support Services)
Republicans walk out after WA House committee votes to close center for people with disabilities

Those supporting the closure say that the Rainier School has a troubled record and is far more expensive than other options.

Jacquelyn Jimenez Romero / Washington State Standard
Gov. Bob Ferguson signing Senate Bill 5480, a bill that would exempt medical debt from credit reports, on Tuesday.
WA bill to keep medical debt off credit reports signed into law

Washingtonians’ medical debt will not be included in their credit reports, under… Continue reading

Gov. Bob Ferguson in his first bill signing event on Friday, April 4, 2025. (Photo by Jacquelyn Jimenez Romero/Washington State Standard)
WA bill to restrict outside National Guard from entering state is signed into law

During his inaugural address in January, Gov. Bob Ferguson highlighted his support… Continue reading

Jacquelyn Jimenez Romero / Washington State Standard 
Gov. Bob Ferguson during a media availability on April 1.
Ferguson criticizes Democrats’ $12B tax plan as ‘too risky’

The governor is still at odds with lawmakers in his party over how much revenue the state should raise to deal with a multibillion dollar shortfall.

Ryan Berry / Washington State Standard
Washington state Attorney General Nick Brown, seen here during a January interview, is sparring with members of Congress over the state’s immigration policy
Washington AG defends state’s ‘sanctuary’ policy amid congressional scrutiny

Republican U.S. Rep. Michael Baumgartner, who represents eastern Washington, is among those pressuring Attorney General Nick Brown on immigration issues.

The Washington state Capitol on March 27. (Photo by Jacquelyn Jimenez Romero/Washington State Standard)
Democrats in Washington Legislature reveal sweeping new tax plan

It cobbles together a range of hikes, including on businesses, capital gains, and property. A question now is whether Gov. Bob Ferguson will support the proposals.

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.