Office Hours
- 9 am – 11:30 am on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday (last intake at 11:00 am & no more than 3 requests will be accepted from the individual at 11 am)
- Closed for lunch 11:30 am – 12:30 pm DAILY
- 12:30 pm – 3 pm on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday (last intake at 2:30 pm & no more than 3 requests will be accepted from the individual at 2:30pm)
- 12:30 pm – 3 pm on Thursday (last intake at 2:30 pm & no more than 3 requests will be accepted from the individual at 2:30pm)
Requirements to obtain certificates:
- Valid ID – ( https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/vital-records/id-requirements/ )
- Completed application
- $12.00 per certificate – Cash, Credit Card, Check or Money Order
* Please Note: A $12 search fee is collected regardless of whether a record is located and/or printed.
Links to forms
- Application for Certification of a Birth Record
- Application for Certification of a Death Record
- Application for Certification of a Marriage and/or Divorce Record
Who is eligible to receive a certificate?
BIRTH CERTIFICATE
- The person whose name is on the certificate.
- Immediate Family Members:
- Current Spouse
- Adult Children
- Mother of child
- Father of the child – his name must appear on the certificate or present custody papers
- Grandparents: if their child is listed on the certificate, otherwise should present custody papers
- Adult Sibling
- Legal Guardian – Must have proof; certified copy of custody papers, or court documents listing their name as guardian for the registrant named on the certificate.
- Legal Representative
- Registrant Attorneys
- Attending Physicians
- Person with power of attorney
- Federal, State, or local governmental agency acting on behalf of the registrant of his family
DEATH CERTIFICATE
- Immediate Family
- Current Spouse
- Adult Children
- Grandchildren and Great Grandchildren
- Mother of deceased
- Father of Deceased – his name must appear on the certificate
- Adult Sibling
- Legal Representative
- Attorney of deceased
- Person with Power of Attorney
- Insurance Company insuring the deceased
- Federal, state or local governmental agency acting on behalf of the registrant or his family
- Court Appointed Guardian
- Court Appointed Administrator
MARRIAGE OR DIVORCE CERTIFICATE
- The person whose name is on the certificate.
- Immediate Family Members:
- Current Spouse
- Adult Children
- Adult Sibling
- Mother of Bride/Groom
- Father of Bride/Groom – his name must appear on the certificate
- Legal Representative
- Attorneys of Bride/Groom
- Person with power of attorney
- Federal, State or local governmental agency acting on behalf of the registrant of his family
Paternity Affidavits
If the biological parents of a child are not married at the time of birth, in order for the father’s name to appear on the child’s birth certificate, an acknowledgement form must be completed. The Acknowledgement of Paternity Form ( VS22 ) is available at the health department. Both parents must complete and sign form in the presence of a notary public. The form is then mailed to the Division of Vital Records in Richmond, Virginia.
Acknowledgement_of_Paternity_Form VS22_07-04 with Instructions
VDH, Office of Vital Records
P.O. Box 1000
Richmond, VA 23218-1000
Open Mon-Fri, 8AM to 4:45PM and most Saturdays, from 8 AM to Noon, closed scheduled state holidays.
(804) 662-6200 [Richmond]