How to Get a Death Certificate in Virginia

Virginia has one of the more affordable death certificate fees in the country. This guide walks you through every way to order — online, by mail, in person — and explains who is eligible, what timing to expect, 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; express/next-day delivery is available for an added fee. Expedited phone orders can also be placed through VitalChek at 1-877-572-6333, but that's a paid expedited add-on, not the primary ordering channel.
• 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 — 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–Friday 7:00am–4:00pm. Drop-offs received by 2:00pm are typically processed 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 — each copy, including the first, costs $15. A separate $10 administration fee applies only if you're requesting a correction or amendment to the record, not for ordinary certified copies.

How Many Copies Should You Order?

Most Virginia families need 8–12 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" — defined by regulation 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 in hand, these are the immediate next steps:

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 lasting tribute your family can share.