Vital Records Online (VRO) is a secure and easy-to-use service for ordering Virginia birth, death, and marriage certificates online. Your vital records will be delivered safely to your address with guaranteed security and confidentiality.
Summary:
The history of vital records in Virginia dates back to the early years of the state’s establishment. Vital records, including birth, death, and marriage certificates, have been crucial in documenting important life events and establishing legal identities.
In the past, vital records were primarily kept confidential by local vital record offices. These records were limited to authorized individuals, such as family members or legal representatives. Public records were accessible by anyone, while confidential records were only available to specific individuals with authorization.
Today, the primary authority responsible for maintaining and issuing vital records in Virginia is the Virginia Department of Health – Office of Vital Records (VDH-OVR). The VDH-OVR ensures the accuracy and integrity of vital records, allowing individuals to obtain certified copies of their birth, death, and marriage certificates.
Individuals have several options to obtain vital records in Virginia, including ordering online, in-person, or via mail. The VDH-OVR and county vital record issuing agencies handle the processing and issuance of these records. It is crucial to follow the specific requirements and procedures outlined by the respective offices to ensure a smooth and efficient process.
Start Your Application Online for VA Vital Records
Request a certified copy of live birth for your baby or child.
Obtain marriage records for yourself or a family member.
Get an original copy of a death certificate replacement for a lost record.
Vital records, such as birth, death, and marriage certificates, are essential documents that prove identity, citizenship, and family relationships. They are necessary for significant life events, including marriage, school enrollment, military, or traveling.
Vital records can be beneficial in settling legal disputes, claiming inheritances, and investigating family history, providing facts such as our ancestors’ full names, birth and death dates, and locations.
If you have lost or misplaced a vital record, file a police report and request a certified replacement promptly. See the FAQs section for birth, death, and marriage certificates for additional information regarding the beneficial uses of vital record certificates.
The Virginia Department of Health centrally maintains and issues vital records. You can request your certificate from the state of Virginia through online, in-person, or mail services. Virginia vital records are recorded at the county and state levels. Each county is responsible for certifying and issuing vital records that occur within their jurisdiction.
The process of applying for vital records such as birth, death, and marriage certificates may vary depending on the county. While local health departments and DMV offices are the primary locations for issuing these records, not all offices offer walk-in services. To find the county’s vital record office that issues certified copies of your original records, search the complete list of Wyoming’s vital record offices below, including locations, contact details, and online applications.
❗️If you’re seeking ancestral records for genealogy research in Virginia, they are freely available from various public archives.
Visiting the Vital Records Office
Ordering Vital Records Online
Virginia residents can order certified vital record replacements online, in person, or by mail. Online requests are generally the most reliable and, in many cases, the easiest option.
To request certified copies of Virginia vital records, you must meet the defined requirements and follow the detailed instructions for each type of vital record defined by the VDH-OVR. The requirements, associated costs, eligibility criteria, and processing times can vary by certificate type and ordering method.
It is crucial to study the steps and conditions before requesting a certified copy of a vital record from the Office of Vital Records, whether ordering online, by mail, or in person. If applying by mail, confirm that your documents, application, and payment for the fee are mailed to the correct health department address that issues certified copies of the original record.
Ordering Virginia vital records online is quick and effortless and involves two simple steps:
(Choose additional options if you need to insure, expedite, or obtain premium customer support for your application.)
If you meet the eligibility criteria, you can request a Virginia birth, death, marriage, or divorce certificate online. Confirm you have all the required information and documents prepared before beginning the online application, as you must upload copies of these documents during the secure application process.
VRO makes this process easier by generating the necessary documents and appropriate application, and submits your packet to the health department’s vital records office that issues the certified record. The entire process can be completed in as little as five minutes from any device with an internet connection. VRO’s process also ensures that your application avoids rejection due to common mistakes or missing documents.
✔︎ Our $29 processing fee includes your automated document processing and first-class shipping & handling.
✔︎ Additional copies of your certified vital records can be purchased for the state’s fee during the online application to save future costs.
✔︎ Vital Records Online’s support team manages scanning and printing your application and documents. Learn more about how the online ordering and handling process works.
✔︎ A notarized sworn statement is not required when ordering a Virginia birth, death, or marriage certificate online.
In Virginia, vital records can be requested in person through the VDH-OVR or local health departments and DMV offices. However, the availability of records at regional offices can vary. If you live within traveling distance of one of these offices, you may apply in person.
Most offices do not accept appointments, so be sure to confirm that the office is open to the public and be prepared to wait in line to make your request. Alternatively, you can order your records through more efficient methods, online or by mail.
If you reside in another state, you can submit a request by mail or the online application. Ordering online is also convenient if you live out of state or abroad. The procedures for applying in person and by mail are similar.
If you choose to apply in person at the vital records office, prepare to complete the following steps:
Additionally, when ordering by mail, you will need the following:
If you are replacing a birth, death, or marriage certificate for yourself or a family member, be aware that each certificate type has specific criteria for who is eligible to request certified copies. To ensure a smooth and error-free process, VRO offers services to simplify the procedure and expedited orders to reduce processing time.
❗️ To avoid your application being denied due to mistakes or incomplete information, review the requirements for each vital record before mailing it.
❗️ Be certain that your documents, application, and payment are submitted to the correct health department that issues certified copies from the preserved original record.
❗️ If you mail your application and documents manually, it is recommended to purchase mail tracking to confirm their arrival at the correct office.
Understanding the terms and prerequisites before collecting the necessary documents for your vital record application is compulsory for a successful application.
Proof of Identity for Verifying Authorization:
All vital record applicants are required by the VDH to prove their identity.
The VDH provides a comprehensive list of acceptable forms of identification, separated into “primary” and “secondary” IDs.
A driver’s license, passport, or state photo ID are all accepted as primary IDs. If you can provide a photocopy of one of these IDs, you do not need to submit any additional form of identification. Specific primary IDs — a driver’s license, learner’s permit, or photo identification card issued by a US state, territory, or jurisdiction — can be expired for up to one year. All other primary IDs, including US passports, must be valid.
If you cannot provide a photocopy of an acceptable primary ID, you can provide two forms of secondary ID. The table below lists the primary and secondary IDs accepted by the VDH and the information required in the application.
What Documents Are Required to Order Vital Records in Virginia?
The requirements for obtaining certified copies of Virginia birth, death, and marriage certificates vary based on the type of certificate and personal circumstances, so be sure to carefully review the specific conditions outlined by the VDH-OVR before applying for replacements.
❗️ Without proper ID and a fully completed application, your request will be returned, causing considerable delays in processing your order.
What Information is Required to Apply for Vital Records in Virginia?
When applying for a vital record in Virginia, applicants must provide key identifying information related to the record type. This may include names, dates, locations, and other relevant details to ensure accurate identification and processing of the request.
| Certificate | Required Information |
|---|---|
| Birth Certificate | Date of Birth, Daytime Phone Number, Father's Name, Full Name at Birth, Full Name of Person of Record, Hospital of Birth, Mailing Address, Mother's Maiden Name, Place of Birth, Purpose for the Certificate, Sex, Your Business Name, Your Name, Your Relationship to the Person of Record, Your Signature |
| Death Certificate | Age at Death, Date of Death, Daytime Phone Number, Email, Father's Name, Full Name of Person of Record, Hospital of Death, Mailing Address, Mother's Maiden Name, Place of Death, Purpose for the Certificate, Sex, Your Business Name, Your Name, Your Relationship to the Person of Record, Your Signature |
| Marriage Certificate | Bride Name, Bride's Name Before Marriage, Date of Marriage, Daytime Phone Number, Email, Groom Name, Groom Name Before Marriage, Mailing Address, Place of Marriage, Place where License Was Issued, Purpose for the Certificate, Your Business Name, Your Name, Your Relationship to the Person of Record, Your Signature |
| Divorce Certificate | Not Restricted |
Who can request vital records in Virginia?
The individual on record can request a certified copy of their birth or marriage certificate. However, they must provide proof of identity. When ordering a birth, death, or marriage certificate on someone else’s behalf, confirm that you are authorized by reviewing who is eligible to request the certificate you need.
In Virginia, the eligibility criteria vary slightly by certificate type. However, the VDH always authorizes immediate family members of the individual on record to request a certified copy, regardless of certificate type. This includes parents, children, brothers, sisters, and spouses.
Legal representatives can also request a birth, death, or marriage certificate if they provide proof of authorization to act on behalf of the individual on record.
The VDH-OVR typically allows a third party to request a copy of the vital record as long as they have some form of familial or legal relationship to the individual on record, which they may be asked to provide proof of. Refer to the table below for a complete list of authorized third-party applicants for each certificate type.
| Certificate | Authorized People |
|---|---|
| Birth Certificate | Self, Father, Mother, Child, Sister, Brother, Spouse, Maternal Grand Parent, Paternal Grand Parent, Legal Guardian |
| Death Certificate | Father, Mother, Child, Sister, Brother, Spouse, Maternal Grand Parent, Paternal Grand Parent, Legal Guardian, Grand Child |
| Marriage Certificate | Self, Father, Mother, Child, Sister, Brother, Spouse, Maternal Grand Parent, Paternal Grand Parent, Legal Guardian |
| Divorce Certificate | Self, Father, Mother, Child, Sister, Brother, Spouse, Maternal Grand Parent, Paternal Grand Parent, Legal Guardian |
✔︎ If you can provide documentation of legal interest or hold a Power of Attorney from the person on record, you are eligible to request the vital record.
Do I need a notary with my application?
The VDH-OVR does not generally require notarizations when requesting Virginia birth, death, marriage, or divorce certificates, regardless of who is ordering the certificate or which method they use to make their request.
Notarized statements may be required for instances such as making amendments to a record or correcting paternity on a birth certificate. To learn more, see the amendments section in the other FAQs below.
You can also visit the VDH-OVR website at https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/vital-records/ for additional information.
✔︎ A notary is generally not required to obtain authorized copies of Virginia vital records. A photocopy of your ID is sufficient to verify your identity.
The total cost of obtaining vital record certificates in Virginia depends on the VDH-OVR’s fees and the applicant’s method of submitting their request.
When ordering birth, marriage, divorce, or death records online, VRO’s online Application Filing Service starts at $29. The VDH-OVR charges a fee of $12.00 for each certified copy of a birth, marriage, divorce, or death certificate.
| Certificate | First Copy Fee | Additional Copy Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Birth Certificate | $12.00 | $12.00 |
| Death Certificate | $12.00 | $12.00 |
| Marriage Certificate | $12.00 | $12.00 |
| Divorce Certificate | $12.00 | $12.00 |
❗️ If no record is found for a certificate request, a “No Record” letter will be issued.
✔︎ Additional copies can be requested during the same order to save future costs in case your vital records are lost, destroyed, or stolen.
VitalRecordsOnline.com processing fee is $29.
How long will it take to receive my vital records from Virginia?
The method you use to submit your application can affect how long it takes to receive your vital record. VRO provides expedited orders for faster processing and submission of your application packet and documents. VRO can also help you prepare your application quicker by simplifying the process of generating your application and documents.
The table below shows the current processing and delivery times for obtaining a birth, death, or marriage certificate from the VDH Office of Vital Records; however, these times can fluctuate depending on the volume of requests received.
| Certificate | Processing Time |
|---|---|
| Birth Certificate | 4 to 6 weeks |
| Death Certificate | 4 to 5 weeks |
| Marriage Certificate | 4 to 5 weeks |
| Divorce Certificate | 4 to 5 weeks |
❗️ The processing and replacement duration of birth, death, or marriage certificates by VDH-OVR may increase based on a high volume backlog of orders.
❗️ A simple error, typo, or missing document can cause wait times to double, repeat shipping costs, or expose personal information.
When requesting through VRO, you can monitor the progress of your application and order status. First-class prepaid mail postage is included with every order to track the delivery of your application packet to the VDH Office of Vital Records.
If you decide to mail the application packet to the VDH manually, remember to purchase first-class mail tracking to ensure your application arrives successfully.
Before sending your application, check for any errors or typos. A simple mistake could expose your personal information if sent to the wrong address. The VDH-OVR securely ships all certificates using first-class mail services but is not responsible for misdirected or lost certificates. If your vital record certificate is lost, file a police report immediately.
❓ Find more frequently asked questions below the Virginia counties office locations directory.
When a vital record is filed with a foreign government, an apostille certification is commonly required. The Virginia Secretary of the Commonwealth issues apostilles for vital records initially created by the VDH-OVR.
How can I get an apostille for a vital record?
Apostilles for vital records in Virginia can be acquired through the Secretary of the Commonwealth or Vital Records Online. VRO provides legally valid apostille services accepted by governments and organizations in over 100 countries. The service includes professional assistance for obtaining apostilles for birth, death, marriage, and divorce certificates in all 50 states, starting at $149 (plus government fees).
The entire process is completed online in just three simple steps:
The application process can be completed entirely online under most circumstances without providing physical copies of your documents. Once the apostille is ready, your documents are securely shipped to your doorstep via FedEx or DHL to any location worldwide.
You will need to provide the following information:
You can submit requests for vital record apostilles to the Secretary of the Commonwealth at the following addresses:
For standard mail or express shipping (UPS, DHL, or Federal Express), submit the request to the physical address:
Office of the Secretary of the Commonwealth,
Authentication Division,
1111 East Broad St, 1st Floor,
Richmond, VA 23219
You can reach the office at 804-692-0114 or online at https://www.commonwealth.virginia.gov/official-documents/authentications/.
Amending a Virginia birth, death, or marriage certificate is a straightforward process. The requirements and necessary documentation vary depending on the certificate type and the correction to be made. Notarized documentation is not typically required but may be necessary for certain amendments, such as establishing paternity. The VDH provides a detailed list of the requirements and eligibility criteria for different amendment scenarios.
Any amendments made to a birth, death, or marriage certificate become addendums to the record, as the original vital record cannot be altered by any entity.
Correcting or amending vital records usually will require the following:
Learn more about correcting or amending birth, death, and marriage certificates.
Where can I search for free public records?
It can be laborious to find free public records. However, many vital records in Virginia are freely accessible to the public. Virginia birth certificates become public records after 100 years, while death, marriage, and divorce records are made public after 25 years.
You can utilize Virginia’s archives of vital record certificates to find the information you need, but be prepared to spend considerable time browsing records.
Are Virginia Vital Records Open to the Public?
In Virginia, many records are publicly available. However, the accessibility of a vital record is dependent on the certificate type and the year in which the marriage, death, or birth took place.
Birth certificates older than 100 years and marriage, divorce, and death certificates older than 25 years are considered public records. In compliance with the Virginia Public Records Act, citizens have the right to inspect or obtain copies of public records so that anyone can request informational certificates.
Third-party websites can serve as a good reference point as they are easy to use and are not limited by geographic location. However, the data on third-party websites may not always be consistent with official government records.
To find a record on a third-party website, the person requesting must provide the following information:
Vital record certificates can vary by county, so to verify that yours is official, you can check what an official, certified copy should look like in the county where it was issued.
If your certificate has a stamp or large print across the face of the document that reads “Informational, Not a Valid Document to Establish Identity” or something similar, it is an informational copy, not an official certified copy.
Authorized Copy:
Certified copies of vital records are legal documents and, unlike informational copies, can be used for official identification purposes. These copies are only issued to people with a direct and tangible interest in the document.
Informational Copy:
Some states offer informational copies of vital record certificates, which can be referred to as short-form, unofficial (non-certified), “heirloom,” or “commemorative” certificates. The Virginia Department of Health does not currently offer any form of non-certified, informational, or commemorative certificates of restricted vital records.
Informational certificates are usually intended only for personal use, record-keeping, or genealogical research; they cannot serve official purposes such as establishing identity, obtaining a passport, or proving eligibility for benefits.
Find more references regarding birth, death, and marriage certificates in the resources section.
Visit the official Virginia government website at https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/vital-records/
