Virginia Death Certificate - How to Get Certified Copies

An independent guide to ordering certified death certificates in Virginia. Fees and processing times change, so confirm them with the state office.

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Independent service, not a government agency. GetDeathCertificates.com is an independent information site. We are not the Virginia Department of Health - Division of Vital Records, we are not affiliated with any government agency, and we do not issue death certificates. You can order directly from the state office yourself at its Virginia Department of Health - Division of Vital Records website.

Getting a Death Certificate in Virginia

Obtaining certified death certificate copies in Virginia requires submitting a request to the Virginia Department of Health - Division of Vital Records. Fees and processing times are set by that office and change, so check the current fee and turnaround on its Virginia Department of Health - Division of Vital Records website before you order. Online ordering through this site is not available right now; ordering directly from the state office is usually the fastest and cheapest option.

Step-by-Step Process

  1. Determine eligibility: In Virginia, only authorized persons may request death certificates. See the "Who Can Request" section below.
  2. Gather required documents: You will need to provide specific documentation with your request. See the "Required Documents" section below.
  3. Submit your request: Requests can be submitted to the Virginia Department of Health - Division of Vital Records by mail, or in person at the state office by appointment.
  4. Pay the official fees: The state office sets the fee per certified copy and the payment methods it accepts. Check current fees and accepted payment methods with the Virginia Department of Health - Division of Vital Records website.
  5. Receive your copies: Certified copies are mailed to your address after processing. Processing times vary by office and season; ask the office for its current turnaround and whether expedited handling is offered.

Required Documents

  • Completed VS-64A form
  • Photo ID
  • Proof of eligibility
  • Payment

Who Can Request a Virginia Death Certificate

Virginia restricts access to death certificates to authorized individuals. Eligible requestors include:

  • Spouse
  • Parent
  • Child (18+)
  • Sibling (18+)
  • Grandparent
  • Legal representative

Virginia Vital Records Office Contact

Virginia Department of Health - Division of Vital Records

Address
P.O. Box 1000, Richmond, VA 23218
Phone
(804) 662-6200
Website
State office website
Cost
Check current fees with the office
Processing Time
Varies - check with the office

Counties in Virginia

Death certificates in Virginia can be requested for deaths that occurred in any of the state's 95 counties.

Show all 95 Virginia counties
  • Accomack
  • Albemarle
  • Alleghany
  • Amelia
  • Amherst
  • Appomattox
  • Arlington
  • Augusta
  • Bath
  • Bedford
  • Bland
  • Botetourt
  • Brunswick
  • Buchanan
  • Buckingham
  • Campbell
  • Caroline
  • Carroll
  • Charles City
  • Charlotte
  • Chesterfield
  • Clarke
  • Craig
  • Culpeper
  • Cumberland
  • Dickenson
  • Dinwiddie
  • Essex
  • Fairfax
  • Fauquier
  • Floyd
  • Fluvanna
  • Franklin
  • Frederick
  • Giles
  • Gloucester
  • Goochland
  • Grayson
  • Greene
  • Greensville
  • Halifax
  • Hanover
  • Henrico
  • Henry
  • Highland
  • Isle of Wight
  • James City
  • King and Queen
  • King George
  • King William
  • Lancaster
  • Lee
  • Loudoun
  • Louisa
  • Lunenburg
  • Madison
  • Mathews
  • Mecklenburg
  • Middlesex
  • Montgomery
  • Nelson
  • New Kent
  • Northampton
  • Northumberland
  • Nottoway
  • Orange
  • Page
  • Patrick
  • Pittsylvania
  • Powhatan
  • Prince Edward
  • Prince George
  • Prince William
  • Pulaski
  • Rappahannock
  • Richmond
  • Roanoke
  • Rockbridge
  • Rockingham
  • Russell
  • Scott
  • Shenandoah
  • Smyth
  • Southampton
  • Spotsylvania
  • Stafford
  • Surry
  • Sussex
  • Tazewell
  • Warren
  • Washington
  • Westmoreland
  • Wise
  • Wythe
  • York

Order from the Virginia vital records office

Online ordering through this site is not available right now. You can order a certified death certificate directly from the Virginia vital records office (link below) - this is usually the fastest and cheapest option.

Virginia vital records office

Start an order (online ordering opening soon)

Related: Find Funeral Homes in Virginia

If you are working with a funeral home in Virginia, our directory lists funeral homes across the state. Browse funeral homes in Virginia.

Frequently Asked Questions - Virginia

The state office sets the government fee and it can change, so check the current fee on the Virginia Department of Health - Division of Vital Records website.

Processing time depends on the vital records office and how it receives your request, and it changes over time. Check the current turnaround, and whether expedited handling is offered, on the Virginia Department of Health - Division of Vital Records website.

Most requests in Virginia go through the state vital records office at Virginia Department of Health - Division of Vital Records. Some counties may have local options - contact us or check the county health department website.

Death certificates are issued by the vital records office for the state where the death occurred, not where the person lived. If the death occurred in Virginia, you request it from Virginia vital records regardless of where the deceased resided.

Related: funeral homes in Virginia | how it works | frequently asked questions | how to order