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Virginia Birth Certificates

Learn how to order a replacement for your Virginia birth certificate from the VDH-OVR. Current processing times are approximately 2-4 weeks for online orders and 4 weeks for mail-in orders. The state fee for each certified copy is $12.00. Authorized individuals who can request a replacement birth certificate include the person on record, family members, and legal representatives.

How to Order Virginia Birth Certificates

You can order a Virginia birth certificate entirely online for immediate processing through VRO or order in person or by mail directly through the Virginia Department of Health - Office of Vital Records (VDH-OVR). Before placing your order, review the costs, eligibility, requirements, and processing times, regardless of the preferred submission method.


Person ordering a birth certificate with a phone using VRO

Ordering with VRO

Requesting an Virginia birth certificate online with VRO is quick and easy, involving two simple steps:

  1. Complete the online application and upload your documents.
  2. Process your order.

Starting from

$29+ state fees

Benefits of Ordering Online with VRO

  • 5 minutes process
  • No waiting in lines
  • No handling paperwork or mail
  • Simplified application process
  • 24 hour service
  • Online assistance by specialists
  • Verification and error-checking
  • Order tracking
  • Online notary
  • Pay online by credit card
  • Remote processing time

Get Started Online


required documents

What Documents Are Required to Order a Birth Certificate?

All applicants must provide proof of identity with their application. It's essential to understand the eligibility criteria and requirements defined by the VDH-OVR, as they can vary depending on how you submit the application and who is submitting the request. Review the table below for all the required information documents and information.


Primary ID Requirements Options

Secondary ID Requirements Options

Photo Driver’s License issued by U.S. state, territory, or jurisdiction (unexpired or expired for not more than one year)
Learners/Instruction Permit issued by U.S. state, territory or jurisdiction (unexpired or expired for not more than one year)
Photo Identification Card issued by U.S. state, territory, or jurisdiction (unexpired or expired for not more than one year)
Current Photo Identification Card – school or employment with identification number (check cashing cards are not acceptable)
Unexpired U.S. Military Card of an active duty or retired member
U.S. Passport or passport card – unexpired
Unexpired Foreign Passport with Visa, I-94 or I-94W
U.S. Certificate of Naturalization (form N-550, N-570, N-578)
U.S. Certificate of Citizenship (form N-560, N-561)
U.S. Citizen Identification Card (form I-197)
Temporary Resident Card (unexpired form I-688)
Employment Authorization Document (unexpired form I-766)
Refugee Travel Document (unexpired form I-571)
Resident Alien Card (unexpired form I-551)
Permanent Resident Card (unexpired form I-551)
Northern Marianas Card (unexpired form I-551)
Asylum – copy of the first and last page of the application for Asylum
Consular Report of Birth Abroad (form FS-240)
Certification of Report of Birth of a U.S. citizen (DS-1350)
Virginia Criminal Justice Agency Offender Information Form
U.S. Probation Offender Information Form
Certificate of Birth Abroad (FS-545)

U.S. Selective Service Card
U.S. Military Discharge Papers (form DD214)
Certified School Records/Transcript issued by a U.S. state or territory
Certificate of Enrollment issued by Virginia Department of Education
Life insurance policy
Health care insurance card (i.e. Medicare Card, Medicaid Card)
Unexpired Welfare/Social Services identification card with photo issued by municipality
State issued driver’s license or learner’s/instruction permit with photo (expired not more than 5 years)
State issued photo identification card (expired not more than 5 years)
U.S. Passport or passport card (expired not more than 5 years)
Unexpired Military Dependent I.D. card with photo
Foreign Passport (expired not more than 5 years with a U.S. VISA)
Unexpired weapon or gun permit issued by federal, state or municipal government
Unexpired pilot license
Veteran’s Universal Access Identification Card
INS form I-797 (applicable only for the individual whose name appears on the form)
USCIS student or dependent SEVIS I-20 (with or without USCIS stamp; applicant’s name must appear on the form)
U.S. Department of State form DS-2019 (applicant’s name must appear on the form)


How to Get a Virginia Birth Certificate Without ID

If you do not possess a primary form of identification, secondary ID forms are accepted for verification. Common secondary documents include an expired driver's license, health insurance, or a Medicaid card. Review the table above for a complete list of accepted secondary forms of identification. Alternatively, an authorized third party can request a certified copy of your birth certificate on your behalf, considering they provide the required documents, proof of identity, and relationship to you.

Cost & fees

What Are the Costs and Fees Associated with Replacing a Birth Certificate in Virginia?


The total costs associated with replacing a Virginia birth certificate depend on the method of submitting your application (in person, by mail, or online) and the fee of $12.00 (per copy) stipulated by the VDH-OVR. When applying online through VRO's application assistant, the fee starts at $29.00, plus the state fee.


State Fee

$12.00


Rush Processing

Not offered


Additional Copy

1 x $12.00

Processing time

How Long Does It Take to Process and Receive a Birth Certificate in Virginia?

The current processing time set by the VDH-OVR is approximately 2-4 weeks; however, the application submission method can affect the total time it takes to receive a certified copy of a Virginia birth certificate.

Processing Time

4 weeks

Rush Processing Time

Not offered




Authorization

Who is Authorized to Order a Virginia Birth Certificate?

Virginia birth certificates are kept confidential, and access is restricted 100 years after a birth is recorded with the state. The individual named on the record can obtain a certified copy, provided they present valid proof of identity with the application. If requesting on behalf of the individual named in the record, it is essential to confirm eligibility before applying.



Authorized People


  • Person on Record
  • Parent
  • Adult Child
  • Current Spouse
  • Adult Sibling
  • Spouse
  • Legal Representative

Do I Need to Notarize My Application?

A notary is not required to obtain certified copies of Virginia birth certificates. A photocopy of your ID is sufficient to verify your identity.

Tracking

How to Track the Status of Your Birth Certificate Replacement

When you order with VRO, you can track the status of your application online as we handle it. VRO verifies your documents before sending them to the Virginia Department of Health Office of Vital Records (VDH-OVR) for processing. You can also request mail tracking through VRO to monitor your application's progress to the VDH-OVR.

If you choose to manually mail your birth certificate request to the VDH-OVR, it is advised to use first class mail with tracking to ensure its arrival.

The Virginia Department of Health-OVR provides an online tracking system for vital records applications. After submitting your application, you'll receive a tracking ID to check the status anytime on their website. Email updates are also an option. Note: it can take up to four weeks for the status to change.

Once your certificate is mailed from the state office, they are not responsible for lost or misdirected certificates.

frequently asked questions

Other FAQs


  • How to Obtain a Virginia Birth Certificate if Born on an Overseas Military Base

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    If you were born on a US military base overseas, your birth was not recorded with the state of Virginia but is documented through the US Department of State. In this case, you must request a Consular Report of Birth Abroad (CRBA) by completing the form FS-240. This document serves as the equivalent of an official record of birth. A CRBA is recognized as evidence of US citizenship and can be used for legal purposes, such as applying for a US passport and accessing social services. You can visit the US Department of State's Consular Report of Birth Abroad for more detailed information on the process.

    If you want to secure original copies of your birth record, you may contact the hospital directly in the country where you were born for original copies. These documents generally are not recognized by the United States government as official documents for citizenship.

  • Why Do I Need Certified Copies of My Virginia Birth Certificate?

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    A certified Virginia birth certificate is essential for major life events. It confirms your legal name, birthplace, birthdate, and parents’ names. You’ll need it for identity verification and citizenship proof. Certified copies are widely recognized by governmental and commercial institutions and are required for various legal proceedings, settling family matters, enrollment in educational institutions, military, employment, and travel purposes.


    Birth certificates are often useful or required for:

    Applying for a driver's license

    Applying for a new passport

    Issuing or obtaining a Social Security Card

    Applying for Social Security benefits

    Claiming pension or insurance benefits

    Genealogy research

    Claiming family inheritance

    Applying for a new job

    Enrolling in school

    Enlisting in military

    Obtaining a marriage license

  • What Does a Virginia Birth Certificate Look Like?

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    Official birth certificates issued by the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) display distinct features to ensure authenticity. Depending on the year of issuance, they might display variations in appearance. Still, they will adhere to state guidelines, incorporating standard elements such as the state seal, the individual's name, the registrar's signature, and the issued on secure paper to prevent unauthorized duplication.

    Note that official (long-form) birth certificates serve legal purposes, whereas informational (short-form) copies are intended for personal or commemorative uses.

    Full Name of the Person: The full legal name of the person whose birth is being recorded.

    Date of Birth: The exact date of birth of the individual.

    Place of Birth: The city, county, and state where the birth took place.

    Parents’ Names: The full names of both parents, including the mother’s maiden name.

    State Seal: A raised, embossed, or printed multicolor or black and white seal of the issuing authority, which validates the document.

    Signature of State Registrar: The signature of the state registrar or authorized official responsible for issuing the certificate.

    Date of Issuance: The date when the state officially issued the birth certificate.

    Printed on Security Paper: Printed on specialized paper to prevent counterfeiting.

    In some instances, a certified birth certificate may also include:

    Name of the Hospital where the birth was recorded.

    Name of the Physician who attended the labor.


  • How to Replace a Lost or Stolen Virginia Birth Certificate

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    If you lose your birth certificate:

    1. Submit an application for a certified replacement copy in person, by mail, or online through VRO. You must complete the application, gather the required identification and documents, and pay the fees determined by the VDH-OVR.
      a. For in-person applications: Present the completed application and required documents to a county health department during hours of operation.
      b. For applying by mail: Send your application, documents, and a check or money order for the replacement fee to the VDH-OVR at:
      VDH, Office of Vital Records
      P.O. Box 1000
      Richmond, Virginia
      23218-1000
      c. For online submissions: Complete the application and upload your documents through the VRO website (payable by credit card online).
    2. The VDH-OVR will mail the certified copy(s) after processing.
  • How to Correct or Amend a Virginia Birth Certificate

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    The process for correcting or amending a Virginia birth certificate may vary depending on the specific changes required. An addendum is created to address corrections or alterations while ensuring the original record remains unaltered. This process preserves the integrity of the initial document while allowing for necessary updates to be officially documented.

    Typically, amendments to birth certificates will require:

    1. A completed amendment application,
    2. Supporting documentation,
    3. Appropriate fee(s)
  • How to Obtain an Apostille for a Virginia Birth Certificate

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    To obtain an apostille for a Virginia birth certificate, individuals can order the service directly through the Virginia Secretary of the Commonwealth or online via VRO's Express Apostille Service. Apostilles are explicitly issued by the Virginia Secretary of the Commonwealth and are often necessary when submitting a birth certificate to a foreign government that is a member of the 1961 Hague Convention.

    If you are manually submitting a request for an apostille, complete the following steps:

    1. Complete the Apostille Request Form: Obtain and fill out the Apostille Request Form from the Virginia Secretary of the Commonwealth.
    2. Prepare the Birth Certificate: Ensure you have a certified copy of the Virginia birth certificate that needs the apostille.
    3. Include Payment: Prepare a check or money order for the required fee of $10.00, issued to the Secretary of the Commonwealth.
    4. Submit the Request: Mail or hand-deliver the completed Apostille Request Form, the certified birth certificate, and the required fee to the following address:

    Physical / Mailing Address: (appointments required for walk-ins)