How to Get a Death Certificate in Virginia

Virginia's death certificate fee is one of the more affordable in the country. This guide covers ordering online, by mail, and in person, along with who is eligible, how long it takes, and how many copies you'll need to settle the estate.

Which Agency Handles Vital Records in Virginia?

Death certificates in Virginia are issued by the Virginia Department of Health, Office of Vital Records, headquartered in Richmond. Phone: (804) 662-6200. Website: vdh.virginia.gov/vital-records.

How to Order a Death Certificate in Virginia

• Online: Order through the Office of Vital Records' own online system (linked from vdh.virginia.gov/vital-records), which lets you apply, pay, and track your request. Standard processing is about 2 weeks, and express/next-day delivery is available for an added fee. You can also place expedited phone orders through VitalChek at 1-877-572-6333, though that's a paid add-on rather than the main way to order.
• By mail: Submit a completed application form, a legible photocopy of your government-issued ID, and a check or money order payable to "State Health Department." Mail to: Office of Vital Records, P.O. Box 1000, Richmond, VA 23218-1000.
• In person in Richmond: Walk-in and drop-off service is available at the Office of Vital Records, 8701 Park Central Drive, Suite 100, Richmond, VA 23227, Monday to Friday, 7:00am to 4:00pm. Drop-offs received by 2:00pm are usually processed the same day.
• Through the funeral home: A licensed funeral director can order certified copies on the family's behalf as a recognized "legal representative" under Virginia law.

How Much Does a Death Certificate Cost in Virginia?

The fee is $15.00 per certified copy (increased from $12.00 effective July 1, 2026, under Chapter 616 of the 2026 Acts of Assembly). There is no volume discount, so each copy, including the first, costs $15. A separate $10 administration fee applies only to a correction or amendment to the record, not to ordinary certified copies.

How Many Copies Should You Order?

Most Virginia families need 8 to 12 certified copies: each bank, life insurance policy, the Circuit Court Clerk's Office (where Virginia probate is filed), Social Security, real estate transfers, vehicle titles, retirement accounts, and any pension or annuity providers.

Who Is Eligible to Request a Death Certificate in Virginia?

Virginia restricts full certified copies of a death certificate to immediate family members with valid ID: mother, father, current spouse, child, brother, sister, or grandparent. A "legal representative," which regulation defines to include an attorney licensed in Virginia (with bar number) or a licensed funeral director, can also request a copy on the family's behalf, typically with a Power of Attorney. Non-immediate family members without one of these relationships can still request a Verification of Death, which confirms name, date and place of death, date of birth, and the last four digits of the Social Security number, but is not a full certified copy. Death records become public 25 years after the event.

What to Do After You Receive Your Death Certificates

Once you have your certified copies, here's what to do next:

1. Notify financial institutions. Bring a certified copy to each bank, brokerage, and credit union where the deceased held accounts.
2. File life insurance claims. Each insurer needs an original certified copy.
3. Contact Social Security. Report the death at (800) 772-1213 or visit your local SSA office.
4. Begin probate if the estate requires it. Not every estate does.
5. Update property titles. Real estate, vehicles, and other titled assets each need a certified copy.
6. Send notifications. Omuna's free notification templates help you draft letters to banks, insurers, and government agencies.
7. Create a memorial page. Omuna's memorial editor lets you build a memorial your family can share.