How to Get a West Virginia Birth Certificate Online

Do you need a birth certificate for a job, school, passport, or to meet West Virginia ID requirements?

A certified copy is an essential legal document, and getting one shouldn’t be complicated.

This guide explains how to order a certified copy of your birth certificate in West Virginia.

Why do you need a certified copy?

A certified copy of your birth certificate is an official vital record that proves your identity, age, and citizenship.

You may need it for:

• Driver’s license or state ID applications
• Passport applications and travel
• School, benefits, and Social Security purposes
• Employment and other legal identification needs

Knowing how to get a certified copy of your birth certificate in West Virginia is important.

How to get a copy in West Virginia

1. Online ordering (fastest option)

Ordering your birth certificate online through StateVitalRecords.org is a quick and convenient way to get your vital records online.

• Fill out the online order form.
• If you have not supplied all the supporting documentation after checkout, please do so.
• Pay using a credit or debit card.

StateVitalRecords sends your completed request to the correct vital statistics office. They will issue the official certificate for you.

Online ordering is best if you need your certificate fast and want to handle everything from home.

2. Mail-in ordering

If you prefer to order by mail, you can still start with clear instructions online.

• Print and fill out the necessary form(s).
• Mail the completed form(s) to the appropriate vital statistics unit (listed on the application form). Be sure to attach your payment as well (check or money order).

If you have questions regarding this method, let us know.

3. In-person ordering

West Virginia also allows ordering in person.

• Visit a branch.
• Bring an acceptable form of identification
• Pay the fee (cash, check, money order, credit or debit)

Access to certified copies (qualified applicants)

West Virginia limits who can obtain a certified copy of a birth certificate to protect privacy.

Qualified applicants include:

• You, if you are 18 years of age or older
• An emancipated minor (court order required)
• Parents and grandparents
• Adult children and grandchildren
• Adult siblings
• Spouse
• Legal guardians or legal representatives (proof of legal guardianship/representation required)

Anyone ordering for someone else must show their relationship or legal authority. This is part of the vital records application process.

Identification requirements

To get a certified copy of a vital record in West Virginia, you must provide:

One (1) primary document

OR

Two (2) secondary documents

Primary documents (submit ONE)

• DMV-issued driver’s license (unexpired or expired for not more than five years)
• DMV-issued learner’s/instruction permit (unexpired or expired for not more than five years)
• DMV-issued photo identification card (excluding child ID cards, unexpired or expired for not more than one year)
• Current photo ID card (school or employment, check-cashing cards are not accepted)
• Unexpired U.S. military ID (active duty or retired, only dependents not accepted as primary)
• U.S. passport (unexpired or expired for not more than five years)
• West Virginia Criminal Justice Agency Offender Information Form
• United States Probation Offender Information Form

Secondary documents (submit TWO)

(Two required from this list.)

• Social Security Card
• Utility bill (phone, electric, gas, water, etc.) with your name and current address
• Automobile registration with your name and current address
• Automobile insurance card with your name and current address
• Voter registration card with your name and current address
• Checking account deposit slip or bank statement with name and current address
• Paycheck stub or W-2 form with your name and current address
• U.S. Selective Service Card
• U.S. military discharge papers (DD214)
• Health care insurance card
• Unexpired welfare/social services photo ID (issued by a municipality)
• Unexpired weapons or gun permit (issued by federal, state, or municipal government)
• Veterans’ Universal Access Identification Card

Cost and processing times

West Virginia certificate fees are:

• Birth certificate: $12 (additional copies are $12 each)
• StateVitalRecords transaction fee: starts at $14 and may vary depending on delivery method

Get Your West Virginia Birth Certificate Today

Now that you understand how to get your birth certificate and where to request it, the process is simple and efficient.

Choose the method that works best for you:

Order online for speed, mail for convenience, and get your certified vital record delivered without unnecessary stress.

For questions about requirements, the application process, or extra help, contact StateVitalRecords customer service.

COMMON QUESTIONS

ARE THE BIRTH CERTIFICATES OFFICIAL?

Yes. West Virginia birth certificates are official documents issued by the West Virginia Department of Public Health and are recognized and accepted by all state and federal agencies. They can be used for passports, state-issued ID/driver’s license, travel, employment, Social Security, school, and more.

WHAT KIND OF PAYMENT METHODS DO YOU ACCEPT?

We accept Visa, MasterCard, JCB, American Express, and Discover. Please contact us for more payment options.

ARE YOU AFFILIATED WITH THE STATE OF WEST VIRGINIA?

We are a privately-owned site, not affiliated with nor endorsed by the state of West Virginia. However, we are dedicated to maintaining a positive relationship and reputation with everyone, including the West Virginia Department of State Health Services’ Vital Statistics Unit.