How do I get a copy of a death certificate?

Virginia Department of Health (VDH), Office of Vital Records (state - Richmond) / Local Health Departments (walk-in) / Virginia DMV

Details

What you need to know

Fee

$15 per certified copy (effective July 1, 2026); DMV: $17; $15 fee regardless of whether record located

Processing Time

Local health dept or DMV: same day; online: 5 business days; mail: 8 business days

Online Option

VDH or VitalChek

Where to Go

Local county/city health department (convenient); Virginia DMV (very convenient); VDH Richmond; online

Virginia Notes

Important state-specific details

$15 effective July 1, 2026 (raised from $12); DMV: $17.
Local health department death certificate service starts Dec. 1, 2025 with new exchange policy: first two exchanges of a death certificate free; 3+ exchanges: $15 each.
State has death records since June 1912.
Order multiple copies at once - estates, insurance, banks, SSA, VA each need one.

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; Virginia DMV - dmv.virginia.gov/records/vital; Local Health Departments (varies by jurisdiction)