West Virginia Department of Health - Vital Registration Office
West Virginia · Vital Records
dhhr.wv.gov/HSC/VR/CR/Pages/default.aspxState 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.
Steps to take when someone dies
- •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)
- •Completed application form
- •One primary ID (such as a driver's license, passport or military ID) or two secondary documents (such as a utility bill and vehicle registration); a color copy by mail
- •Proof of relationship, or of legal representation, where requested
State Vital Records in West Virginia: key facts
What West Virginia says8
- Administering office
West Virginia Department of Health - Vital Registration Office.1
- Office location and hours
350 Capitol Street, Charleston, WV 25301 (walk-up counter, first-floor lobby). 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM, Monday-Friday, except state holidays.1
- Mail orders
Vital Registration, Room 165, 350 Capitol Street, Charleston, WV 25301-3701.1
- Certificate fee
$12 for the first certified copy; expedited processing adds $10.1
- 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.1
- Filing deadline
The death certificate must be filed within 5 days.2
- Public record
Death records become public 50 years after the death.1
- Records available from
1917.1
Governing law: W. Va. Code § 16-5-19
West Virginia vital records offices
West Virginia Department of Health - Vital Registration Office
Phone
Hours
Mailing address
Website
Tools for Settling an Estate in West Virginia
Free tools for settling an estate in West Virginia: whether probate is needed, executor and trustee pay, creditor deadlines, and inheritance taxes.
How Many Death Certificates Do I Need?
In West Virginia, certified death certificates come from the West Virginia Department of Health - Vital Registration OfficeWest Virginia Department of Health - Vital Registration OfficeVerified Oct 15, 2026View source; the first copy costs $12West Virginia Department of Health - Vital Registration OfficeVerified Oct 15, 2026View source.
How Do I Settle an Estate?
Settling an estate in West Virginia: the personal representative files the estate inventory within 90 daysW. Va. Code § 44-1-14Verified Sep 15, 2026View source of appointment; creditors have 2 monthsW. Va. Code §§ 44-1-14a, 44-2-4, 44-2-21, 44-2-26Verified Oct 19, 2026View source to present claims; a simple estate closes in 6 months to 9 months.
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