Tag: birth certificate

Office of Vital Records Streamlines Newborn Birth Certificate Request Process

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – March 11, 2025
Media Contact: Brian C. Little, Sr., Central Virginia PIO, brian.little@vdh.virginia.gov

Office of Vital Records Streamlines Newborn Birth Certificate Request Process

RICHMOND, Va. – The Virginia Department of Health’s (VDH) Office of Vital Records (OVR) has streamlined its newborn birth certificate request process. The family can now complete the entire process online.

Effective Monday, March 3, parents of newly born babies in Virginia are now able to request copies of their baby’s birth certificates from the comfort of their hospital room, or from home. They just notify the hospital that they would like to request copies. Then they can pay the fee through a secure payment link sent by OVR.

Prior to this change, parents completed paper forms in the hospital and paid by check or money order. Hospitals then forwarded the signed forms and payment to OVR.

This streamlined process means families no longer have to remember to pack a checkbook in their hospital bag. The new system gives customers greater convenience and reduces stress for families as they welcome a new family member into the world.

“The birth certificate is the first legal document a newborn has as an individual,” said VDH State Registrar Seth Austin. “The Virginia Department of Health is happy to offer new parents a more convenient and streamlined process for requesting birth certificates for their newborns.”

Additionally, VDH is now able to email payment links to customers and collect administration fees for all types of applications. This feature is particularly useful when an amendment is required after an application is reviewed. OVR can now collect any additional fees not included in the original submission.

OVR partnered with VDH’s information technology team to make these changes.

For more information on OVR, call (804) 662-6200, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. or visit www.vdh.virginia.gov/vital-records/.

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Virginia Department of Health Launches New Online Vital Records Application

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE — April 27, 2022
Media Contact:  Brookie Crawford, brookie.crawford@vdh.virginia.gov

Virginia Department of Health Launches New Online Vital Records Application

RICHMOND, VA – In an effort to increase accessibility and convenience, the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) has launched a new online Vital Records Application.  This application can be used to request certified copies of birth, death, marriage and divorce certificates.

The new online application can be accessed on the VDH website under Vital Records or directly at: www.vdh.virginia.gov/vital-records/applications-for-a-vital-record/.

“We believe the new system will help us meet the needs of our customers faster, and provide them service in a more accessible and convenient way,” said Director of the Office of Vital Records Seth Austin.

About a year ago, the Office of Vital Records added a printable application and online payments to the website to increase convenience for users.  This new online application is the next step.

The new fully online application allows users to complete the entire application online in about five minutes. Users can sign the application electronically, upload identification and pay fees entirely online.  An application tracking ID is assigned to each application, and users will receive email and/or text updates on the status of their application.

The Code of Virginia requires a cost of $12 per certificate search. A fee of $10 is charged for making an amendment to an existing record. All applicants must provide a photocopy of required identification. Applications without proper identification and signature will be rejected and not processed.

Individuals can still visit the main Vital Records office in Henrico, local health departments and select Department of Motor Vehicle locations to request vital records in person.  For a complete list of vital record locations, visit www.vdh.virginia.gov/vital-records/vital-record-walk-in-locations/. Please check with the specific location before visiting since hours of operation may be limited at some locations.

Individuals who need help using the new online application or have vital records questions can call (804) 662-6200 or visit the vital records contact page on the website.

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