How to Get a Certified Birth Certificate in Virginia

By Mail

• 1

  Download the Application for Certification of a Vital Record from the VDH website.

• 2

  Complete the application by filling out the top section of the application with your name, address, relationship to the registrant and the reason for making the request. Complete the "Birth" section of the application by providing registrant's date of birth, place of birth, gender and parents' names.

• 3

  Photocopy an approved form of identification. Page two of the application lists primary and secondary forms of identification. Copy either one form of primary identification or two forms of secondary identification.

• 4

  Mail the application, check or money order for $12 and a photocopy of your identification to:

  Office of Vital Records

  P.O. Box 1000

  Richmond, Virginia 23218-1000

  You will receive a certified copy of the birth certification within one to four weeks.

In Person

• 5

  Download the vital record application from the VDH website or obtain a copy in person at the VDH office.

• 6

  Complete the application by providing your name, address, relationship to the person listed on the birth certificate and reason for the making request in the top section of the application. In the "Birth" section of the application, provide the child's name, place and date of birth, gender and parents' names.

• 7

  Gather one form of primary identification or two forms of secondary identification from the list provided by the VDH.

• 8

  Bring the application, $12 application fee (cash, check or money order) and an approved form of identification to:

  The Shops at Willow Lawn

  1601 Willow Lawn Dr.

  Suite 275

  Richmond, VA 23230

  You will receive a copy of the birth certificate before you leave.