Vital Records

Death Certificates| Birth Certificates | Home Births | Acknowledgement of Paternity | By Mail | By VITALCHEK System | By Walk-In Request

Effective January 1, 2024:

The new business hours for Vital Records requests
(including certificates for births, deaths, marriages or divorces)

will be between 8:00AM – 4:00PM. 

The Vital Records department of the Roanoke City Health District is open each day Monday through Friday from 8:00AM to 4:00PM. A Valid ID is required when obtaining ANY Vital Record. For any questions or further information, call the Roanoke City Health Department at (540) 283-5050. The following is a description of the services provided:

Death Certificates

Death Certificates are processed for all deaths occurring in the City of Roanoke. The original death certificate is sent to the Division of Vital Records in Richmond with the copy remaining on file at the health department for a period of 3 years. Certified copies of death certificates can be obtained by persons authorized to receive a copy by completing an application and paying a processing fee of $12.00 per copy.

The Division of Vital Records provides certified birth, death, marriage and divorce records. For more information about requirements to obtain a vital record, please visit https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/vital_Records/index.htm.

Birth Certificates

All births are electronically submitted to the Department of Vital Records in Richmond from the Hospital where the birth occurred. NO BIRTH CERTIFICATES ARE KEPT ON FILE AT THE HEALTH DEPARTMENT. Certified copies of birth certificates can be received by mail, by VITALCHEK system and by walk-in requests to the Division of Vital Records at the First Market Bank Building, 2001 Maywill Street, Richmond, Virginia 23230.

Home Births

Births occurring in the home in the City of Roanoke must be registered within seven days at the local health department. For the protection of the child and parents, be prepared to furnish proof of pregnancy and photo identification. If married, both biological parents must be present to sign the registration form.

Acknowledgement of Paternity

The Acknowledgement of Paternity, Form (VS22), is available at the local health departments. If the biological parents are not married at the time of the birth of their child, in order for the father’s name to appear on the child’s birth certificate, this form must be completed. Both parents must complete and sign before a notary public. The form is then mailed to Division of Vital Records in Richmond.

By Mail

Certified copies of birth certificates may be obtained by picking up an application at the local health department, completing, and mailing to: Division of Vital Records, P. O. Box 1000, Richmond, VA  23218-1000. You will need to enclose a check or money order for $12.00 for each copy requested.

By VITALCHEK System

The VITALCHEK system addresses requests for certified copies of birth certificates that are immediate. This service allows a customer to charge fees for the certificate(s) and overnight express service to his/her credit card. Credit cards accepted are MasterCard, Visa, American Express, and Discover.

Delivery is via Federal Express AM and PM service, Saturday delivery, Federal Express C.O.D., and regular mail.

The telephone number is 1 (877) 572-6333, option 1. The FAX number is (804)644-2550.

By Walk-in Requests

The Division of Vital Records is located at the First Market Bank Building, 2001 Maywill Street, Richmond, Virginia 23230. The public is invited, if they so desire, to go to the main office, complete an application and receive a copy of their birth certificate on demand. Call (804) 662-6200 for office hours and directions.

 

The Division of Vital Records Web page may be accessed to download forms and for more information https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/vitalrecords/.

 

Last Updated: December 29, 2023