State Vital Records in West Virginia
The West Virginia Department of Health - Vital Registration Office issues certified copies of death certificates for deaths that occurred in West 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.
Administering agency
West Virginia Department of Health - Vital Registration Office
State Vital Records in West Virginia: key facts
- Administering office
- West Virginia Department of Health - Vital Registration Office.
- Contact
- Phone 304-558-2931; email dhhrvitalreg@wv.gov.
- Office location
- 350 Capitol Street, Charleston, WV. 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM, Monday-Friday.
- Mail orders
- Vital Registration, Room 165, 350 Capitol Street, Charleston, WV 25301-3701.
- Certificate fee
- $12 for the first certified copy; expedited processing adds $10.
- Who may order
- Informant listed on the death certificate; Parents or grandparents; adult children, grandchildren, or great-grandchildren; adult siblings; spouse; Legal guardian or authorized representative (proof required); Others who demonstrate the record is needed to determine or protect a personal or property right.
- Filing deadline
- The death certificate must be filed within 5 days.
- Public record
- Death records become public 50 years after the death.
- Records available from
- 1917.
Steps to take when someone dies
- Confirm the death occurred in West Virginia — the record belongs to the state where the death occurred, regardless of where the deceased lived.
- Order certified copies through any of the office's channels:
- Online: Order through VitalChek; the state runs no portal of its own and receives $12 per copy regardless of vendor fees
- By mail: Mail completed application with color copy of ID and check or money order (mail orders accept check or money order only)
- In person: Walk-up counter at 350 Capitol Street, Charleston (debit/credit accepted with a 4% surcharge)
- Include what the office requires with the order:
- Color copy of valid photo ID
- Completed application form
West Virginia Department of Health - Vital Registration Office
Phone: 304-558-2931
Visit the agency website →Frequently asked questions
by mail: Mail completed application with color copy of ID and check or money order (mail orders accept check or money order only). in person: Walk-up counter at 350 Capitol Street, Charleston (debit/credit accepted with a 4% surcharge). Mail orders go to Vital Registration, Room 165, 350 Capitol Street, Charleston, WV 25301-3701.
The death certificate must be filed within 5 days. The funeral director or person in charge of disposition files the certificate with the state; the family orders certified copies once the record is registered.
Color copy of valid photo ID; Completed application form. The office also asks for the deceased's full name, date of death, and place of death to locate the record.
The record belongs to the state where the death occurred, not the state of residence. Order from the state of death, following its fees and eligibility rules.
Sources
Data sourced from State Vital Records in West Virginia primary sources (1 page reviewed). How we research.
Administering agency
West Virginia Department of Health - Vital Registration Office