Source: Virginia Department of Health
DIVISION OF VITAL RECORDS
Virginia birth and death records from 1912 to the present, divorce records since 1918 and marriage records since 1936 are now available in an index form. Click here to access indexed information on open records. In Virginia, death, marriage and divorce data become “public” information 25 years after the event; birth data are “public” after 100 years.
Welcome to the Division of Vital Records. We receive an average of 30,000 calls a month to the Vital Records Information Line. In addition, 9,000 people stop by our office each month requesting certified copies of birth, death, marriage, and divorce certificates. We house over 7 million records detailing this information for the citizens of Virginia. You can place a call with one of our Customer Service Representatives by dialing 804-662-6200.
Thank you,
Division of Vital Records
NOTE: The Division of Vital Records is open most Saturdays, from 8 AM to Noon.
Birth records are public information 100 years after the date of the event; death, marriage, and divorce records, 25 years after the event. Vital Records are available to immediate family members only- mother, father, husband, wife, child, brother, sister and grandparents with valid ID. Birth records can be issued to the legal guardian with proof of custody papers. Aunts, uncles, cousins, in-laws, etc. cannot obtain a Vital Record.
Any person requesting a Vital Record MUST PROVIDE A LEGIBLE PHOTOCOPY OF THEIR IDENTIFICATION (see ID Requirements).
1. Mail — The Division of Vital Records is now in our peak season for mail-in requests. The turn around is estimated at 1 to 2 weeks for CERTIFIED VITAL RECORDS from the day the request is received IN THIS OFFICE. However, people are urged to allow sufficient time for delivery of all CERTIFIED VITAL RECORDS.
2. Walk-in – Same day service is available to walk-in customers. This is the fastest way to obtain a certified vital record. When you arrive, you will complete an application, pay the $12 required fee, and show the processing clerk a valid photo I.D.
3. Express Delivery through the VitalChek Network (https://www.vitalchek.com) – For your convenience, you can process online requests through an independent company that Virginia Department of Health, Division of Vital Records has partnered with to provide you this service; VitalChek Network, Inc. VitalChek can be reached through their website or toll free at 877-572-6333. An additional fee is charged by VitalChek for this service, and all major credit cards are accepted, including American Express®, Discover®, MasterCard® or Visa®.
4. Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (https://www.dmv.virginia.gov/general/#vital.html) – Certified copies of Virginia birth, marriage, divorce and death records are available for purchase at all full service DMV locations which include DMV customer service centers and DMV 2 Go mobile offices.
Mailing Address:
VDH, Office of Vital Records
P.O. Box 1000
Richmond, Virginia
23218-1000
General Information Number: 804-662-6200
GENEALOGY
In response to requests concerning records for genealogical research, the following information should be noted:
The Archives Division, The Library of Virginia, 800 East Broad Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219-1905, (804) 692-3500, has copies of surviving Virginia birth and death records for the period 1853 to 1896 and marriage records prior to 1936. These records are public information and are available on microfilm for use by the public. The Library of Virginia does not have copies of birth and death records from the Office of Vital Records for public use after 1896.
There is no charge for viewing the microfilm of these records. Copies of the microfilm may be lent to other libraries from The Library of Virginia – Archives Division, Inter Library Loan Department. They lend the microfilm to libraries nationwide for 28 days with no renewals and there is a limit of 5 reels per patron which are sent at no charge.
For most areas of the State, records are available for the years 1853 to 1896. Any “Marriage Bonds” prior to 1853 that are still in existence would also be in the Virginia State Library and Archives, as would war records prior to and including the Civil War, deeds, wills and other court records.
Events that occurred in the portion of Virginia that is now West Virginia are recorded in the Archives of the Division of Culture and History, Capitol Complex, 1900 Kanawha Boulevard East, Charleston, West Virginia 25305-0300.
With the exception of the years 1896 to 1912, the Office of Vital Records has records of births, deaths, and marriages since 1853. Vital Records has divorce records on file from 1918 to the present. There are no records prior to 1853 and there was no law for the registration of births and deaths between 1896 and June 14, 1912.
The Virginia Office of Vital Records is not equipped to do genealogical research; any such research should be done in the Archives Division of The Library of Virginia as indicated above. Certified copies of records which are known to be on file by a review of the Archives Division microfilm may be obtained from the Office of Vital Records upon application and payment of the fee of $12.00 per copy.
The fee of $12.00 is charged by the Office of Vital Records for a certified copy and/or search of the files whether or not a copy of the record is furnished. Applications for copies of records must include full names and dates and places (cities or counties) of the events.
In the Office of Vital Records, marriage, divorce and death data becomes public information twenty five (25) years from the date of the event and birth data becomes public information one hundred (100) years from the date of the event (Section 32.1-271 of the Code of Virginia). The Virginia Office of Vital Records is not associated with any web site or addresses promoting genealogy.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is your mailing address and telephone number?
Office of Vital Records
P.O. 1000
Richmond, VA 23218-1000
General Information Number: 804-662-6200
What is the cost of a vital record?
The Code of Virginia requires a cost of $12.00 per certificate/search. There is no refund if the certificate is not found. If no record is found for a birth certificate request, a “No Record” letter will be issued. Make checks or money orders payable to: The State Health Department. DO NOT SEND CASH through the mail. METHOD OF PAYMENT – CHECK or MONEY ORDER ONLY. Please note: birth cards are no longer issued.
What hours are you open?
We are open to the public from 8 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. Monday-Friday and 8 a.m. to 12 noon on Saturday. Check for schedule changes around holidays. We are closed on major holidays.
What records do you have?
Births and Deaths: 1853-1896 and June 1912 to present. Birth cards are no longer available.
Marriage Records: 1853 to the present.
Divorce Records: 1918 to the present.
Birth records are public information 100 years after the date of the event; death, marriage, and divorce records, 25 years after the date of the event. Vital Records are available to immediate family members only- mother, father, current spouse, child, brother, sister and grandparents with valid ID. Aunts, uncles, cousins, in-laws, etc. cannot obtain a Vital Record.
Due to limited resources we are unable to conduct genealogy searches. Contact the Library of Virginia for assistance at www.lva.virginia.gov.
I’m not entitled to a full certified copy of a death certificate; however, I do have a direct and tangible interest for the certificate.
Only immediate family members are entitled to full certified copies of death certificates; however, non immediate family members can receive a VERIFICATION OF DEATH. The VERIFICATION OF DEATH will show the name of the decedent, date of death, place of death, date of birth and the last four (4) digits of the Social Security Number. If the VERIFICATION does not meet your needs, please contact our Customer Service at (804) 662-6200 for further assistance.
How do you correct information on a certificate?
There are several provisions in the Virginia statutes whereby changes may be made on a vital record. We encourage you to write us with your correction request and we will advise you on what needs to be done to make the correction.
Submit your requests to Attn: Special Services Dept.
How long does it take to get a certificate?
For all birth records requiring no amendments (adoptions, paternity establishment, name changes, etc.), please allow 2 to 4 weeks.
All marriage records, death records, divorce records, and non-automated birth records, please allow a delivery time of 2 to 4 weeks. Marriage and divorce records are available at the Circuit Court in which the event took place. Recent death records are available at the local health department where the death certificate was filed.
For records requiring amendments (adoptions, paternity establishment, name changes, etc.), response time, please allow 12 weeks.
Delayed birth registrations will have no delivery time frame due to the process of obtaining documentation to support the facts of birth.
Our peak season is February through September so allow ample time to receive your request.
I waited until the last minute to request my certified vital record. How can I get it faster?
There is an expedited service that you can reach by calling 1-877-572-6333 (press option 2). You will need a major credit card to use this service. They can also be found at www.vitalchek.com.
Do you have records for other states?
No, we only have records for events that occurred in Virginia. However, a listing of every state’s Vital Records information can be found on the CDC’s website. Please be advised that we cannot guarantee the accuracy of the fee schedules that are posted for the individual states.
Can you tell me why the certified vital record I received did not have a raised seal?
Effective February 1, 2001, we made changes to our certification paper. Under Virginia law §32.1-272 of the Code of Virginia and 12 VAC 5-550-510 of the Regulations Governing Vital Records, I have met the requirements for the issuance of vital records. Statute only requires that the seal of the issuing office be impressed (not raised) on the certification. The new certification paper provides a more cost effective and efficient manner to process vital record requests.
Before issuing the new certification paper to the public, samples of the new certification paper were sent to passport offices across the country as well as other state, federal and local agencies. If you encounter any agency that questions this certification paper, please direct them to this office. The telephone number is (804) 662-6200. Or you can click here and provide them with a copy of this letter.
ID REQUIREMENTS
The State Registrar reserves the right (§32.1-271C) to accept or deny any application submitted.
Anyone requesting a vital record must submit a photocopy of their identification. The acceptable documents listed may change without prior notice.
Who is entitled to obtain records- next of kin/immediate family which includes mother, father, husband, wife, child, brother, sister with valid ID. Newborn babies and children will not have ID; therefore, the parent’s ID is required.
Primary Documents
Virginia DMV-issued driver’s license unexpired or expired for not more than one year.
Virginia DMV-issued learner’s/instruction permit unexpired or expired for not more than one year.
Virginia DMV-issued photo identification card (excluding child ID cards) unexpired or expired for not more than one year.
Unexpired driver’s license or learner’s /instruction permit (with photo), issued by a U.S. state (other than Virginia), jurisdiction or territory.
Current Photo ID card, (school and employment). Check Cashing Cards are not acceptable.
Unexpired U.S. military ID card of an active duty or retired member (ID cards of military dependents are not acceptable as primary identity documents).
Unexpired U.S. passport.
Unexpired foreign passport with a visa, I-94 or I-94W or I-551 stamp. An I-94W MUST be from a country participating in the Visa Waiver Pilot Program.
U.S. Certificate of Naturalization (form N-550, N-570 or N-578).
U.S. Certificate of Citizenship (form N-560 or N-561).
U.S. Citizen Identification Card (form I-197).
Unexpired Temporary Resident Card (form I-688).
Unexpired Employment Authorization Card (form I-688A, I-688B or I-766).
Unexpired Refugee Travel Document (form I-571).
Unexpired Resident Alien Card, Permanent Resident Card, Northern Marianas Card (form I-551).
A copy of the first and last page of an application for asylum (Request for Asylum in the United States) provided the pages are accompanied by either a receipt from the Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) showing the application has been filed or documentation verifying the application is pending in immigration court;
OR Documentation indicating a decision to grant asylum by the Asylum Office or the original of a document granting asylum issued by an immigration judge or the INS. Either or both of these documents will count as one primary document.
Consular Report of Birth Abroad of a Citizen of the United States of America (form FS-240) or Certification of Report of Birth Abroad of a Citizen of the United States of America (Form DS-1350)
Virginia Criminal Justice Agency Offender Information Form.
United States Probation Offender Information Form.
Secondary Documents (Require two of below selections)
U.S. Selective Service Card.
U.S. military discharge papers (form DD214).
Certified copy of school records/transcript issued by a U.S. state, jurisdiction or territory or by a state-accredited private school OR a Virginia Department of Education Certificate of Enrollment form (a report card is not acceptable).
Health care insurance card.
Life insurance policy.
Unexpired welfare/social services identification card with photo, issued by a municipality.
State-issued driver’s license or learner’s/instruction permit (other than Virginia), with photo, expired not more than five years.
State-issued photo identification card (other than Virginia) expired not more than five years.
U.S. passport — expired not more than five years.
Foreign passport — expired not more than five years, with a visa, I-94 or I-94W, or I-551 stamp. An I-94W must be from a country participating in the Visa Waiver Pilot Program.
Unexpired military dependent ID card, with photo.
Unexpired weapons or gun permit issued by federal, state or municipal government.
Unexpired pilot’s license.
INS form I-797 (applicable only for individuals whose names appear on the form).
U.S Department of State form IAP-66 (applicable only for the individuals whose names appear on the form).
Veterans’ Universal Access Identification Card.
If you have none of the above identification and are requesting a birth certificate for your child, please provide a letter from the hospital (their letterhead) where the child was born along with a letter (their letterhead) from the health care provider who provided the mother prenatal care. The letter from the health care provider shall include the dates prenatal care began and ceased, name of the mother and the name, signature and title of the person preparing the letter.
VA Dept of Health, Office of Vital Records and Health Statistics
P.O. Box 1000, Richmond, Virginia, 23218-1000
Information Line: (804) 662-6200
CONTACT US
Division of Vital Records
2001 Maywill Street
Richmond, VA 23230
Virginia Department of Health
P.O. Box 2448
Richmond, VA 23218-2448
109 Governor Street
Richmond, VA 23219
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This page last updated July 23, 2017.