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How to Get a Copy of a Birth Certificate From Virginia

A copy of a birth certificate is one of those documents that you don’t need very often, but when you do it’s usually something you have to have—no substitutes accepted. If you are applying for a passport for the first time a certified copy of your birth certificate is required. To get a copy of a birth certificate from Virginia you will need to contact the Virginia Department of Health Office of Vital Records and Health Statistics and follow the steps below.

A photocopy of a valid photo ID
Required information (about the person whose birth certificate you are applying for) which includes:
Name
Date and place of birth
Father’s name and mother’s maiden name
Reason for the request
Your relationship to the person
Daytime telephone number
Fee for the copy of the birth certificate ($12.00 to 49.25)

Instructions

- 1
  Gather the necessary information and decide which method to use to get a birth certificate from Virginia. The Office of Vital Records offers three options. First, you can apply in person and get a certified copy of a birth certificate the same day. Second, you can apply by mail. Processing mailed applications takes 2 to 4 weeks. Third, if you need a copy of the birth certificate quickly you can use the VitalCheck option. You must be either applying for a copy of your own birth certificate or a member of your immediate family. Steps 3 to 5 explain how to use each of the three options.
- 2
  Make a photocopy of a valid photo ID unless you are getting the copy in person (in which case take your photo ID with you). If you do not have a valid driver’s license you can see a list of alternatives by going to the Office of Vital Records link below. Choose “Questions and Answers” at the left of the screen. Then click on the link at the top of the page to see the list.
- 3
  Apply in person. This is the fastest way to get a copy of a birth certificate in Virginia if you are in Richmond. Simply go to the Office of Vital Records and fill out an application. You will need to show a valid photo ID. The office is located at 1601 Willow Lawn Drive, Suite 275 in Richmond, VA 23220. The fee is $12.00.
- 4
  Go to the link at the end of this article to get a copy of a birth certificate from Virginia and download the application form in Word or PDF format. Print and fill out the form and include a photocopy of a valid ID along with a check or money order for $12.00 (do not send cash). Mail it to the Office of Vital Records at the address listed on the form.
- 5
  Speed things up by going to the Office of Vital Records link at the end of this article to use the VitalCheck service. Scroll down the page and click o n the VitalCheck option and apply for your copy of a birth certificate from Virginia online. This will get you a copy of the berth certificate in 2-5 business days. The drawback to this option is that it is expensive. The cost is $49.25.