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Virginia · How-To Guide

How do I get a copy of a birth certificate?

Virginia Department of Health (VDH), Office of Vital Records (state level - Richmond) / Local Health Departments (county/city level - walk-in service) / Virginia DMV (convenient alternative)
Step by Step

How to do it

  1. Determine eligibility: Virginia birth records are restricted. Eligible: the registrant (if adult), parents, legal guardian, legal representative, and others with documented legal interest.
  2. Choose your method:
  3. IN PERSON - Local Health Department (most convenient - statewide, walk-in):
  4. Major local health departments (Fairfax County, Arlington, Richmond City, Virginia Beach, Chesterfield, Prince William, Loudoun, etc.) issue certified birth certificates for Virginia births; walk-in service; no appointment typically; bring valid photo ID; $15 fee (effective July 1, 2026); some departments are a limited walk-in service without appointments - call ahead
  5. IN PERSON - Virginia DMV Customer Service Center:
  6. Any VA DMV customer service center can issue vital records; bring valid photo ID; $17 fee; same-day service; DMV form DL 81 (birth certificate) or DL 82 (other vital records); very convenient option
  7. ONLINE - VDH Online Application:
  8. vdh.virginia.gov/vital-records/applications-for-a-vital-record or through VitalChek; $15 + online processing fees; processing: 5 business days online; slower than walk-in
  9. BY MAIL - VDH Office of Vital Records:
  10. Complete VDH birth certificate application; include clear copy of valid photo ID; check or money order payable to "Treasurer, State of Virginia"; mail to: Office of Vital Records, P.O. Box 1000, Richmond, VA 23218; $15; processing: 8 business days from receipt; longer than online
  11. IN PERSON - VDH Office of Vital Records (Richmond):
  12. 830 E. Main Street, Richmond, VA 23219; lobby hours 7 AM - 4 PM; $15; bring valid photo ID
  13. Submit with valid photo ID and proof of qualifying relationship
  14. Pay the fee
Details

What you need to know

Required Docs
  • Completed application
  • Clear copy of valid, unexpired government-issued photo ID
  • Proof of qualifying relationship if requesting for another
  • Payment
Fee
$15 per certified copy (effective July 1, 2026); DMV channel: $17; fee applies whether or not record located; online processing adds vendor fees
Processing Time
Local health dept or DMV: same day; online: 5 business days; mail: 8 business days from receipt
Online Option
VDH online at vdh.virginia.gov/vital-records or VitalChek
Where to Go
Local county/city health department (convenient walk-in); Virginia DMV (very convenient); VDH in Richmond; online via VDH/VitalChek
Virginia Notes

Important state-specific details

  • $15 effective July 1, 2026 (increased from $12); DMV channel: $17.
  • State has birth records since June 1912; some local records pre-1912 at Circuit Court Clerks or VDH archives.
  • VDH processes ALL vital record types (birth, death, marriage, divorce) - centralized at state level with local distribution channels.
  • Marriage records at Circuit Court Clerk ($2.50) or VDH ($15) or DMV ($17).
Official Source

State office contact

State Office
VDH Office of Vital Records - vdh.virginia.gov/vital-records | (804) 662-6200 | P.O. Box 1000, Richmond, VA 23218 (walk-in: 830 E. Main St., Richmond); Virginia DMV (vital records) - dmv.virginia.gov/records/vital; Local Health Departments (varies by jurisdiction)