How to Find Virginia Death Records

Statewide registration of deaths began in June 1912 in Virginia. The State and Counties have copies of these records.

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Next Step: When did the death occur?

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 * Choose a time period to search for your ancestor's death record:


 * Deaths before 1853
 * Deaths from 1853 thru June 1912
 * Deaths from June 1912 to the Present
 * I don't know when the death occurred


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Deaths before 1853
Before 1853, no deaths were recorded by the county or state. You must search substitute records to locate your ancestor’s death date and place.

Return to top: Choose another death year

Deaths from 1853 thru June 1912
In 1853, Virginia law required counties to record deaths, although records are incomplete. No deaths were recorded between 1896 and 1912.

If you cannot locate your ancestor in the databases below try searching for death information in other records.

For deaths that occurred during this time period, try the following databases. Try each link.

Obtain the Record
Presently there are no death record images online. Death records from 1853 to 1896 are available on microfilm through the and from the Library of Virginia. Return to top: Choose another death year

Deaths from June 1912 to the Present
The state of Virginia began recording deaths in June 1912. Records are housed at the Virginia Department of Health State Office and in the county where the death occurred.

For deaths that occurred during this time period, try the following database.

Obtain the Certificate
You can order a copy of the death record for a fee from the following locations:

Restrictions for persons who died within the last 25 years: To obtain a copy of the death certificate for those who died within the last 25 years, you must be:


 * The parent or grandparent of the person on the certificate
 * The current spouse of the person on the certificate
 * The child of the person on the certificate
 * The sibling of the person on the certificate
 * The legal guardian of the person on the certificate
 * Anyone who has legal interest in the certificate
 * NOTE: A copy of the death record cannot be obtained by anyone except those listed above until 25 years have passed from the date of the death.

'''If you do not want to order the death record, there are other records with death information you can search. ''' Return to top: Choose another death year

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