Vital records in Virginia — birth certificates, death certificates, marriage records, and divorce records — are handled at the state level by Virginia Department of Health Division of Vital Records. Marriage licenses are issued locally by the Clerk of the Circuit Court.
What this page covers: Virginia vital record ordering, eligibility requirements, and related databases. What it does not cover: Genealogy records older than the state vital records system (check the Genealogy Resources page for historical records).
Where to start: For certified copies of birth or death certificates, contact Virginia Department of Health Division of Vital Records. For marriage licenses, contact the Clerk of the Circuit Court in the county where the ceremony will occur. For divorce records, contact the court that granted the decree.
Common mistake: Birth and death certificates, marriage licenses, and divorce decrees come from different offices. Do not assume one office handles all vital records.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Where do I get a birth certificate in Virginia? ▼
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