How much do death certificates cost in Virginia?
A certified copy costs $17 from the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) Office of Vital Records. This fee increased from $12 per the passage of House Bill 450.
The $17 fee is non-refundable, even if the record cannot be found.
Online orders through VitalChek include additional service and delivery fees (approximately $12.70 for VitalChek processing, plus shipping options ranging from $18-$20 for expedited delivery).
DMV customer service centers also issue certified copies at the $17 search fee.
How to order
Through a funeral home (fastest)
Your funeral director handles the initial order and coordinates with the medical certifier. This is the simplest route.
Online
Order through VitalChek, the VDH-authorized online vendor. You will need a credit or debit card and a valid photo ID. Expedited processing is available for 2 to 5 business days, but the additional VitalChek fees can bring the total above $50 per copy.
By mail
Send a completed application, a copy of your photo ID, and a check or money order payable to "State Health Department" or "Treasurer of Virginia" to:
Office of Vital Records P.O. Box 1000 Richmond, VA 23218-1000
Mail processing takes approximately 8 business days.
In person
- VDH Office of Vital Records. 8701 Park Central Drive, Suite 100, Richmond, VA 23227. Open Monday through Friday, 7:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
- Local health departments. Many local health departments across Virginia issue certified copies.
- DMV customer service centers. All DMV locations accept vital records applications. The $17 search fee applies.
Processing times
| Method | Typical timeline |
|---|---|
| Funeral home | 2 to 4 weeks |
| VitalChek (expedited) | 2 to 5 business days |
| By mail | 8 business days |
| In person (VDH office) | Same day |
| DMV | Varies |
Who can order?
Virginia restricts certified copies to immediate family members:
- Spouse
- Parent
- Child
- Brother or sister
- Grandparent
You must present a valid government-issued photo ID.
Non-family members with a direct and tangible interest (such as attorneys, funeral directors, or life insurance beneficiaries) may be able to receive a "Verification of Death" rather than a full certified copy. This document confirms the death but has more limited legal uses.
What to know about Virginia specifically
The DMV option. Virginia is unusual in allowing death certificate orders at DMV customer service centers. This can be convenient if the VDH office in Richmond is not nearby and you prefer in-person service.
Family-only restriction. Virginia's eligibility rules are stricter than some states. Only immediate family members can get full certified copies. Extended family members, estate attorneys, and financial advisors may need to use the Verification of Death process or obtain a court order.
Reasonable pricing. At $17 per copy, Virginia is among the more affordable states for death certificates. Ordering 10 copies costs $170 at the state level, compared to $260 in California or $340 at the Michigan state office.
For a broader overview of the death certificate process, see our guide on how to get death certificates. If you are handling probate, see our guide on how probate works in Virginia.
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