West Virginia Vital Records: Office, Fees & How to Request
Everything you need to request certified vital records in West Virginia — office address, current fees, processing times, and step-by-step instructions for birth, death, marriage, and divorce records.
Vital Records Office
West Virginia Vital Records
Office: WV Dept. of Health – Vital Registration
Address: 350 Capitol St., Charleston, WV 25301
Phone: 304-558-2931
Birth cert fee: $12 | Death cert fee: $12
Processing time (mail): 2–4 weeks
Birth Certificates in West Virginia
To request a certified birth certificate in West Virginia, complete the official request form from the West Virginia vital records office, include a copy of your government-issued photo ID, and mail with payment of $12 per copy. Processing time for mail-in requests is typically 2–4 weeks. For faster service, visit a county health department in person — most counties process walk-in requests the same day.
See our complete birth certificate guide for the full process, what ID is required, and how to handle complications such as missing records or name errors.
Death Certificates in West Virginia
Death certificates in West Virginia are issued by the same office as birth certificates. Fee: $12 per certified copy. Processing time: 2–4 weeks.
If settling an estate, order at least 12–15 copies — each institution requires its own certified original. See our death certificate guide for a full list of who needs copies and how to handle urgent timelines.
Marriage Certificates in West Virginia
Marriage licenses in West Virginia are issued at the county level. Certified copies are available from the county clerk in the county where the license was issued. If you don't know which county, the state vital records office maintains a marriage index and can point you to the right county. See our marriage certificate guide for the full process.
Divorce Decrees in West Virginia
Divorce decrees are court documents held by the clerk of the county court where the divorce was filed — not the state vital records office. To find the correct county, contact the West Virginia vital records office; they maintain a divorce index. See our divorce decree guide for details.
Out-of-State Requests
If you live outside West Virginia but need West Virginia vital records, the process is the same — submit by mail or online to the address above. See our out-of-state records guide for tips on remote requests.
Frequently Asked Questions
For birth and death certificates, in-person service at a county health department or registrar office is typically same-day or next-day. Call ahead to confirm hours and current wait times before visiting.
Most states offer expedited processing for an additional fee. Mark your request as "EXPEDITED" clearly on the form and include the additional payment. For same-day needs, in-person at the county office is almost always faster than any expedited mail option.
Contact the West Virginia vital records office for the amendment form. Minor clerical errors are corrected administratively. See our birth certificate correction guide for the general amendment process.