Ways to obtain a vital record:
Express Delivery
Next day processing with express delivery options
Standard Processing
PLEASE NOTE: We are currently experiencing delays in processing beyond the normal 2-week processing timeframe due to an increased volume of requests. Please bear with us as we work to reduce our backlogged applications. If you are only requesting a copy of your current vital record with no changes or updates and need it faster, then please go to the nearest DMV or Local Health Department for a copy prior to requesting through our online system. We apologize for the inconvenience this delay has caused!
2025 State Holiday Closures
January 20 – Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
February 17– George Washington Day
May 26 – Memorial Day
June 19 – Juneteenth
July 4 – Independence Day
October 14 – Columbus Day & Yorktown Victory Day
November 4 – Election Day
November 11 – Veterans Day
November 26 Half Day Before Thanksgiving
December 24 – Half Day Before Christmas
December 25 – Christmas
December 26 – Day After Christmas
January 1 (2026) – New Year’s Day
COVID-19 Funeral Assistant Program
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has offered a COVID-19 Funeral Assistance Program to eligible applicants to help pay funeral expenses associated with COVID-19 related deaths. For more information, visit the FEMA website.
Office of Vital Records
The Office of Vital Records customer service lobby located at 2001 Maywill Street, Suite # 101 Richmond, Virginia 23230, is open for walk-in customers from Monday - Friday 7:00am to 4:30pm. The Office of Vital Records has a new, fully online system that will allow you to apply for a vital record, pay for it, and receive updates. Click here to open the new system. For questions or general information, contact our Call Center at (804) 662-6200. It is open Monday - Friday 8:00am to 4:30pm.
Drop-Off Option
Customers may drop off a completed application for a vital record at the front desk. This can be mailed by Post Office mail to a given address or the applicant can be informed by phone when the certificate is ready for pick-up. The pick-up requests must be received no later than 2:00pm and will only be released to the requester. Acceptable applications must include the following:
- Requester’s signature.
- Legible photocopy of the requester’s ID.
- Fee of $12 for each requested copy by check, money order, payment card, mobile pay, or cash. Checks and Money Orders should be completed, signed, and made payable to: State Health Department.
- This option is not available for amendments, name changes, or corrections.
Requests dropped off after 2:00pm will be considered received the next business day.
Birth records become public information 100 years after the date of the event. Death, marriage, and divorce records become public information 25 years after the event. Vital records are available to immediate family members only: mother, father, spouse, child, brother, sister, and grandparents with valid identification. Birth records can be issued to a legal guardian with proof of custody. Aunts, uncles, cousins, in-laws, and any other person cannot obtain a person’s vital record.
Mailing Address
VDH, Office of Vital Records
P.O. Box 1000
Richmond, Virginia
23218-1000
Vital Records Call Center: 804-662-6200 (8:00am - 4:30pm M - F)
Walk-in hours are 7:00am - 4:30pm M - F
Any person requesting a Vital Record must provide a legible copy of their identification (see ID Requirements).