Virginia Department of Health - Office of Vital Records

Virginia · Vital Records

vdh.virginia.gov/vital-records

State Vital Records in Virginia

The Virginia Department of Health - Office of Vital Records issues certified copies of death certificates for deaths that occurred in Virginia. Executors and surviving family order certified copies to close accounts, file insurance claims, and transfer titles; the office sets the fees, eligibility rules, and processing times.

Steps to takeKey facts

Steps to take when someone dies

1
Confirm the death occurred in Virginia; the record belongs to the state where the death occurred, regardless of where the deceased lived.
2
Order certified copies through any of the office's channels:
  • •Online: Order through VDH online Vital Records Application (launched April 2022)
  • •By mail: Mail completed application to Office of Vital Records
  • •In person: Visit the Office of Vital Records lobby in Richmond, any local health department, or DMV for current vital records
  • •By phone: Expedited ordering through the VitalChek network by phone (1-877-572-6333, option 1) or at vitalchek.com (vendor fees apply)
3
Include what the office requires with the order:
  • •Legible photocopy of one primary ID (such as a photo driver's license or passport) or two secondary ID documents
  • •Signed application
4
Allow the office's processing time (2 weeks (vdh pages print 5 business days to 2 weeks online, 8 business days to 4 weeks by mail)); expedited handling is available.

State Vital Records in Virginia: key facts

What Virginia says9

Administering office

Virginia Department of Health - Office of Vital Records.1

Office location and hours

8701 Park Central Dr, Suite 100, Richmond, VA 23227. Monday-Friday, 7:00 AM - 4:00 PM.1

Mail orders

VDH, Office of Vital Records, P.O. Box 1000, Richmond, VA 23218-1000.1

Certificate fee

$15 for the first certified copy.1

Processing time

2 weeks (VDH pages print 5 business days to 2 weeks online, 8 business days to 4 weeks by mail). Expedited: Next day processing with express delivery; 2-5 days via VitalChek.1

Who may order

Immediate family only: mother, father, spouse, child, brother, sister, grandparents; Grandchild or great-grandchild of the decedent (mandatory for death certificates, Va. Code 32.1-271(F)).1

Legal representative, including any Virginia-licensed attorney and the licensed funeral director in charge of final disposition (Va. Code 32.1-272(D)); Aunts, uncles, cousins, in-laws not eligible.1

Filing deadline

The death certificate must be filed within 3 days.2

Public record

Death records become public 25 years after the death.1

Records available from

June 1912. The Office of Vital Records also holds deaths from 1853-1896; the Library of Virginia assists with records before 1853.1

Governing law: Va. Code Ann. § 54.1-2811.1

Sources2

  1. 1.Virginia Department of Health - Office of Vital Records
  2. 2.Virginia death-certificate filing rule (Va. Code Ann. § 54.1-2811.1; Va. Code Ann. § 32.1-263; Va. Code Ann. § 32.1-265; Va. Code Ann. § 57-26; Va. Code Ann. § 33.2-1031; Va. Code Ann. Title 57, Ch. 3; 18 VAC 65-20-510; 18 VAC 65-20-581)

Virginia vital records offices

Virginia Department of Health - Office of Vital Records

Phone

804-662-6200

Hours

Monday-Friday, 7:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Mailing address

VDH, Office of Vital Records, P.O. Box 1000, Richmond, VA 23218-1000
Verified Oct 2026

Tools for Settling an Estate in Virginia

Free tools for settling an estate in Virginia: whether probate is needed, executor and trustee pay, creditor deadlines, and inheritance taxes.

How Many Death Certificates Do I Need?

In Virginia, certified death certificates come from the Virginia Department of Health - Office of Vital RecordsVirginia Department of Health - Office of Vital RecordsVerified Oct 15, 2026View source; the first copy costs $15Virginia Department of Health - Office of Vital RecordsVerified Oct 15, 2026View source.

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How Do I Settle an Estate?

Settling an estate in Virginia: the personal representative files the estate inventory within 120 daysVa. Code § 64.2-1300Verified Sep 15, 2026View source of appointment; creditors have 6 monthsVa. Code §§ 64.2-508.1, 64.2-528, 64.2-529, 64.2-550, 64.2-552, 64.2-556Verified Oct 19, 2026View source to present claims; a simple estate closes in 6 months to 9 months.

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