Search Virginia Beach Birth Records

Virginia Beach birth records are issued by the Virginia Department of Health Office of Vital Records in Richmond. Virginia Beach is the most populous city in Virginia, formed in 1963 from the merger of Princess Anne County and the resort community that had been the city of Virginia Beach since 1952, and researchers looking into pre-1963 births in this area will need to search Princess Anne County records.

Virginia Beach Circuit Court Clerk

The Virginia Beach Circuit Court Clerk's office maintains land records, marriage licenses, probate filings, and civil court records for the city. These records can be valuable when researching family histories, particularly when birth certificates are unavailable or when you need to establish relationships between family members. The clerk's office serves as the local repository for many of the most-used genealogical documents.

For researchers looking into births before 1963, the circuit court's historical records may include documents tied to both the old city of Virginia Beach and Princess Anne County. The merger in 1963 consolidated local government functions, but original records from both predecessor jurisdictions survive. The clerk's staff can help you navigate what is available and how to search the court's index systems.

The Virginia Beach Circuit Court holds land, marriage, probate, and court records that researchers use alongside birth registers. The clerk's office does not issue certified birth certificates. Those must be requested directly from the Office of Vital Records in Richmond.

Virginia Beach Department of Public Health Birth Records

Virginia Beach has its own city health department rather than sharing a regional district, which sets it apart from most Virginia independent cities. The Virginia Beach Department of Public Health can assist residents with questions about how to request birth certificates and what documentation is needed. However, the local health department does not issue certified copies of birth certificates. Certified copies are issued only by the Office of Vital Records in Richmond. The local office forwards applications as needed.

The Virginia Beach health office has specific hours for public-facing services. Note the midday closure from noon to 2:00 PM on weekdays, which differs from typical state office hours. If you plan to visit in person, call ahead to confirm availability. The department also assists with maternal and child health programs, immunization records, and other public health needs that sometimes intersect with genealogical research.

The Virginia Beach Department of Public Health also provides immunizations, maternal health programs, and other public health services.

Virginia Beach Birth Records History

Virginia Beach became an independent city in 1963, formed from the merger of Princess Anne County and the small resort city that had been called Virginia Beach since 1952. Before statewide consolidation, Princess Anne County had been a separate jurisdiction with its own birth registration history. Princess Anne County birth registers from 1853 to 1896 are now on microfilm at the Library of Virginia. Researchers tracing family lines in what is now Virginia Beach should start with Princess Anne County records for any birth before 1963.

Statewide birth registration in Virginia became mandatory in 1912, meaning records from 1912 onward are generally more complete than earlier ones. For births between 1896 and 1912, coverage can be uneven. The Virginia Beach Public Library holds genealogical collections that can help researchers identify which records exist and where to find them. The library's resources include local histories, newspaper archives, and published genealogies that can supplement official records.

Virginia Beach is the largest city in Virginia by population, which means birth records for this city represent a significant share of modern Virginia birth registrations. The city's rapid growth after World War II, driven in part by military installations and coastal development, means that birth records from the 1940s through 1980s are plentiful. Military families stationed at the large bases in and around Virginia Beach often have births recorded here even if the family later moved. The Office of Vital Records in Richmond holds all post-1912 certified records for the area.

Fees and How to Request a Virginia Beach Birth Certificate

All certified birth certificates for Virginia Beach births are issued by the Virginia Department of Health Office of Vital Records. The fee is $12 per copy under Virginia Code Title 32.1. Online orders can be placed through the state system or through VitalChek. Mail applications go to P.O. Box 1000, Richmond, Virginia 23218-1000. Walk-in service is at 8701 Park Central Drive, Suite 100, Richmond, Monday through Friday, 7:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Birth records are restricted for 100 years and require valid photo identification from eligible family members.

Nearby Cities

Virginia Beach borders several other independent cities in the Hampton Roads metro area.