How Do I Get a Death Certificate in Virginia?

Death certificates in Virginia are issued by the Virginia Department of Health - Office of Vital Records. Online ordering is available. Most funeral homes also assist families with ordering certificates at the time of death.

Standard processing in Virginia takes 2 weeks (8 business days by mail, 5 business days online). Expedited service: next day processing with express delivery; 2-5 days via VitalChek. Funeral homes typically handle initial certificate orders at the time of death.

In Virginia, death certificates can be requested by: 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)), 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. Requesters typically need to provide Valid photo ID.

The Virginia Department of Health - Office of Vital Records has death records from 1912 to present. Records become public 25 years after the date of death.

The number of certified copies depends on the deceased's accounts and assets. Banks, insurance companies, government agencies, and retirement plans each typically require an original certified copy. Most families need between 8 and 15 copies. The Virginia estate settlement plan lists each step of the estate settlement process to help determine the right number.