West Virginia Vital Records – A Guide To Obtaining Copies

Getting Vital Records in West Virginia is fairly easy with its centralized repository. It hosts all vital records documented in the state since 1917. People who would like to get a copy of these records may go to the Vital Registration office or go online for a more convenient search.


Looking for vital records West Virginia? It’s easy because the state has a centralized repository for vital records. The Vital Registration Program of West Virginia houses all vital records for the state beginning 1917. Certified copies are protected by statutes and are not available to the public in general. To obtain these records the requester must be the named registrant, a close relative or spouse, or legal representative. Authorized government agencies may have the privilege to obtain copies.

WV Vital Records – Know The Steps!

There is a ten dollar charge for a record search. This search covers a period of three years. Making an accurate request is important because if the institution does not find any records, the charge is for the search and not the copy. A letter will then be sent to the requester confirming the absence of the record. Always make sure to fill up the application form accurately.

In case the record request is made through mail, the proper application form can be downloaded on the internet. For walk-ins, the requester must complete a form made available Vital Registration office. The fee is ten dollars. Each succeeding copy is also charged the same amount.

It is difficult to ascertain how long the record will be processed. During periods of low activity, the records request may be processed in a matter of five days. The typical processing time, however, is three weeks. Death certificates are a bit faster to process, usually five days.

How To Get West Virginia Vital Records Faster

It is also possible to get certified records online. Most states, West Virginia included, have partnered with third-parties that provide ordering online. Anyone can simply use their credit cards and order at the comfort of their own homes. This is usually an expedited service, and the delivery of the records is usually much faster.

For those who don’t need to have a certified copy and only need the information, there are online record search providers. Unlike records ordering services, these companies provide digital indexes of records. Most of the information is encoded online providing researchers with instant access to vital records information.
 

Useful West Virginia Vital Records Resource

Vital Registration Office
Division of Health State
350 Capitol Street, Rm. 157
Charleston, WV 25301-3701
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Don't want to take the long route when it comes to searching for that West Virginia vital record you want? For time-efficient, hassle-free records searching, give online vital records search service providers a try!
 

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