How do I get a copy of a death certificate?

West Virginia Department of Health, Vital Registration Office (state - Charleston) / County Clerk (county level for local records)

Details

What you need to know

Fee

$12 per certified copy (search fee covers 3-year search period: year specified + year before + year after; nonrefundable); additional searches: $12 per 3-year period; VitalChek adds processing fee

Processing Time

In-person (Charleston): same day; VitalChek: faster than mail; mail: weeks

Online Option

VitalChek only (authorized)

Where to Go

WV Vital Registration (Charleston - walk-in, fastest); VitalChek; mail; some County Clerks

West Virginia Notes

Important state-specific details

$12 search fee (3-year search); nonrefundable even if not found.
No direct online ordering at WV state website - use VitalChek.
No cash or credit/debit for mail orders - check or money order only.
Death records public after 50 years.
Order multiple copies at once - estates, insurance, banks, SSA, VA each need one; $12 each is reasonable.

Official Source

State office contact

State Office

WV Vital Registration - dhhr.wv.gov/HSC/VR | (304) 558-2931 | 350 Capitol Street, Room 165, Charleston, WV 25301-3701; VitalChek: vitalchek.com