Virginia Birth Records

Virginia began recording births at the county level in 1853. This practice continued until 1896, after which it was discontinued. In 1912, Virginia resumed the systematic recording of births, establishing a more centralized method to maintain birth records. Consequently, between 1896 and 1912, there was no statewide mandate for recording births, leading to a gap in official birth records.

Virginia birth records are the official documentation of an individual's birth, providing essential information for legal identification, citizenship, and other personal purposes. Virginia offers several types of birth certificates to accommodate different needs.

The Special Use Birth Certificate, also known as the long-form birth certificate, is a comprehensive image copy of the original certificate of live birth. It contains detailed information, including the child's name, date and place of birth, gender, race, parental information, signature of the attending physician, date the certificate was filed, and official seal of the issuing authority. The long-form birth certificate is ideal for applications where detailed birth information is required, such as immigration.

Birth certificates, also called the short-form birth record, is the standard birth certificate, often referred to as an abstract of the Certificate of Live Birth. It is essential information such as the individual's name, date and place of birth, and parents' information. The short-form birth record is suitable for school enrollments and situations where the long-form birth record is not required.

Birth records in Virginia may also be certified or informational copies. The certified birth record is a detailed copy of a birth certificate. It is typically printed on security paper with the issuing office's raised, embossed seal. They are ideal for legal purposes, such as obtaining passports and Social Security benefits. Informational copies of birth records are non-certified copies intended for personal or genealogical research.

How To Order a Virginia Birth Certificate?

You may order Virginia birth certificates at the State Department of Health - Office of Vital Records. The department maintains birth records from January 1853 to December 1896 and from June 14, 1912, to the present.

To order the record, complete the Application for Certification of a Birth Record form and include a photocopy of a government-issued ID card. The Office of Vital Statistics charges $12.00 for each certified copy requested. Expedited requests cost $20.80 per copy, excluding the service provider and delivery fees. You may drop off the completed application at the front desk of the Vital Records Office during its business hours or mail the application to:

For births recorded between 1896 and 1912, or for records not found at the state level, contact the local health department in the city or county where the birth occurred. Most local health departments provide birth record request forms available on their website or at the department. Include a valid ID card with your application. Certified copies of birth records may be ordered in person or by mail from the local health department.

Are Birth Records Public in Virginia?

No. Birth records are not public records in Virginia. Per state law, access to birth records is restricted to protect individual privacy. Virginia birth records become publicly accessible after a predetermined time. While birth records are closed to the public, the law permits certain individuals to view and obtain certified copies of birth records.

Who Can Order A Birth Certificate in Virginia?

In Virginia, access to certified copies of birth records is restricted to specific individuals to protect personal information. According to state law, the following individuals are eligible to request a birth certificate in Virginia:

• The registrant
• Immediate family members
• Mother and father, biological or adoptive parents,
• Current spouse
• Adult children
• Adult siblings and
• Grandparents
• Legal representatives with appropriate legal documentation
• Persons with a court order

How Long Does it Take to Get A Virginia Birth Certificate?

The standard processing time for mail requests for Virginia birth certificates is 4 weeks from the day the application is received by the Office of Vital Records. Expedited processing by mail is available through a third-party service. The service provider processes expedited requests for birth records within 2 to 5 business days.

Same-day service is available when you order birth records at your local health department or at the State Vital Records Office during business hours.

Where Can I Find Virginia Birth Records for Free?

Official certified copies of birth records are available to eligible individuals for a fee. However, if you are not eligible for an official copy, you can still access informational or historical records through several free resources.

The National Vital Records Archives collects and preserves historic birth records. While these records are not certified for legal purposes, they are valuable for genealogical research. Similarly, Genealogical websites like FamilySearch.org and Ancestry.com offer free access to historical birth records. FamilySearch.org has digitized collections of Virginia birth records. The platform requires you to create an account to access birth records for free, while Ancestry.com offers free access to a collection of Virginia vital records through public access portals.

Some third-party websites, like PublicRecords.us compile public information from various state and federal sources. They offer basic searches for birth records at no cost. Birth record data obtained from third-party platforms is generally for reference purposes only.

When Would I Need My Virginia Birth Records?

Birth records prove who you are. It verifies your identity and serves as the most reliable form of identifying a person. Generally, you would need your birth certificate in the following situations:

• Obtaining a passport or driver's license
• Applying for your social security card
• Enrolling in a school or college
• Getting married or applying for a marriage license
• Verify your personal information for employment purposes
• Legally changing your name
• Accessing benefits and services from government programs or healthcare services
• Legal proceedings, such as probate or immigration purposes

How Much is A Replacement Birth Certificate in Virginia?

You can apply for a replacement birth certificate in Virginia if your original birth certificate is stolen, damaged, lost, or even destroyed. You may replace your birth certificate at the Virginia Department of Health Office of Vital Records or at the local Circuit Court Clerk's Office in the county where you were born. The process to obtain replacement birth records is the same as ordering certified copies.

Fill out the application form, providing all relevant information, such as the registrant's name, hospital of birth, and parental details. Include an acceptable ID and pay the fees. It costs $12 to obtain a replacement birth certificate in Virginia.

When Can the Public Access Virginia Birth Certificates?

Birth records are vital records in Virginia and are subject to privacy law that restricts public access for a certain period. Specifically, birth records become public information 100 years after birth. This means that for the first 100 years following a person's birth, access to certified copies is limited to authorized individuals only. However, once the record passes 100 years, it becomes public information, accessible to the public.

How To Correct an Error on a Virginia Birth Certificate?

If you discover an error on your Virginia birth certificate, you can have it corrected. The state permits charges for clerical errors, missing information, incorrect dates or places, and mistakes in the name or details of the parents.

The Virginia Department of Health Office of Vital Records allows eligible persons to correct errors on their birth certificates. To correct mistakes on your birth certificate, fill out the Birth Certificate Amendment Request Form. Collect any document that proves the correct information, such as hospital records or affidavits from family members. For some corrections, especially if the error is significant, you may file a petition in the local Circuit Court. You will also need to submit a valid government-issued photo ID to verify your identity.

Does Virginia Provide Non-binary Birth Certificates?

Virginia issues birth certificates with only the binary gender options - "Male" or "Female". Neither does the state provide the option to have a non-binary or gender-neutral birth certificate marked as "X". Although some states have begun to offer gender-neutral markers, Virginia laws and procedures for vital records still maintain the male and female designations only.