Charles City County Birth Records Search
Charles City County birth records are official state documents maintained by the Virginia Department of Health Office of Vital Records in Richmond. Charles City County was established in 1634 as one of Virginia's original eight shires, making it among the oldest governmental jurisdictions in the United States. Despite its age and historical significance, the county experienced record losses over the centuries, so some older materials may be incomplete. Certified birth certificates for births in Charles City County are available from the state by mail, online, or in person. The Chickahominy Health District and the county courthouse provide local assistance.
Charles City County Overview
Charles City County Circuit Court Clerk
The Charles City County Circuit Court Clerk maintains marriage licenses, land records, probate records, and court files. The clerk does not issue certified birth certificates. For births from June 14, 1912 to the present, contact the Virginia Department of Health Office of Vital Records in Richmond. The courthouse holds historical birth and death registers from the 1853-1896 period on microfilm, though some records may be incomplete due to documented losses over the county's nearly 400-year history.
Charles City County is one of Virginia's oldest counties and sits on the James River between Richmond and Williamsburg. Despite its historical significance, it is a small, rural county. The courthouse on N. Courthouse Road is open during regular business hours. For older records that have been transferred to the Library of Virginia for preservation, contact the Library directly. Call ahead before visiting to confirm what specific materials are on site.
The Charles City County courthouse is one of the oldest county courthouses in continuous use in the United States and holds land, marriage, and court records from the county's founding in 1634.
| Office | Charles City County Circuit Court Clerk |
|---|---|
| Address | 107 N. Courthouse Road Charles City, VA 23030 |
| Phone | (804) 829-9216 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM |
Chickahominy Health District Birth Records
The Chickahominy Health District serves Charles City County along with Amelia, Chesterfield, Goochland, Hanover, Henrico, New Kent, and Powhatan counties. The district's main office is in Hopewell. Staff can provide birth certificate application forms and guidance on submitting requests to the state. The district does not issue certified birth certificates. Applications go to the Office of Vital Records in Richmond.
The Chickahominy Health District also provides public health services including immunizations, maternal health programs, and environmental health. For Charles City County residents seeking a paper application form, the health district is a local resource, though the nearest office in Hopewell requires a drive.
| Office | Chickahominy Health District |
|---|---|
| Address | 3121 Oaklawn Boulevard Hopewell, VA 23860 |
| Phone | (804) 559-2700 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM |
Charles City County Birth Records History
Charles City County was established in 1634 as one of Virginia's original eight shires. Given its nearly 400-year history, the county's records tell a long story of settlement and change along the James River. Virginia's statewide birth registration law took effect in 1853. Birth registers from 1853 to 1896 are on microfilm at the Library of Virginia, though some may be incomplete due to various record losses over the centuries.
Virginia ended registration in 1896. The 1897-1911 gap applies to Charles City County as well, and births from this period are not in the official registration system. Church records are important for this county, which has a long tradition of established churches including some of the oldest Episcopal congregations in America. Some of these church records go back centuries and can document births, baptisms, and family relationships well before the official registration system began.
Statewide registration resumed June 14, 1912. For pre-1853 research in Charles City County, the county's land records and court files from the 1600s and 1700s are among the most valuable sources. The Library of Virginia holds much of this material on microfilm. The county also has a notable connection to the Chickahominy Native American community, and researchers tracing Chickahominy or Pamunkey ancestry may find relevant materials at the state archives or tribal records.
Note: Charles City County is one of the few Virginia localities with records dating to the 1600s that are still at the original courthouse. The Library of Virginia has duplicate microfilm of most of these early records.
Fees and How to Request a Charles City County Birth Certificate
All certified birth certificates for Charles City County 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 Counties
Charles City County sits between Richmond and Williamsburg on the James River, bordered by several surrounding counties.