Find Birth Records in Craig County
Craig County birth records are official state documents maintained by the Virginia Department of Health Office of Vital Records in Richmond. The county was established in 1851 in western Virginia, with New Castle as its county seat. Craig County is one of Virginia's smallest and most rural counties. Like several western Virginia counties, Craig experienced some record losses, so older materials may have gaps. Certified birth certificates for births in Craig County are available from the state by mail, online, or in person. The Alleghany Health District and the courthouse in New Castle provide local assistance.
Craig County Overview
Craig County Circuit Court Clerk
The Craig 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.
Craig County was formed from portions of Botetourt, Giles, Roanoke, and Montgomery counties in 1851. For births before 1851, check the parent county records. Botetourt County in particular has extensive records at the Library of Virginia and is a common starting point for pre-Craig research in this part of western Virginia. The courthouse in New Castle is on P.O. Box 7 and is accessible during regular business hours. Craig County is quite small, so call ahead before making the trip.
The Craig County courthouse in New Castle holds land, marriage, probate, and court records from 1851 that are used alongside birth registers for Craig County genealogical research.
| Office | Craig County Circuit Court Clerk |
|---|---|
| Address | P.O. Box 7 New Castle, VA 24127 |
| Phone | (540) 864-5134 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM |
Alleghany Health District Birth Records
The Alleghany Health District serves Craig County along with Alleghany County, Botetourt County, and the cities of Covington, Clifton Forge, and Buena Vista. The district provides birth certificate application forms and guidance on the state submission process. It does not issue certified birth certificates. Applications go to the Office of Vital Records in Richmond.
The Alleghany Health District office is in Low Moor, about 30 miles from New Castle. For Craig County residents seeking a paper application form, the health district is available, though the distance means most residents will find the online or mail options more practical. Phone: (540) 862-8980.
| Office | Alleghany Health District |
|---|---|
| Address | P.O. Box 96 Low Moor, VA 24457 |
| Phone | (540) 862-8980 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM |
Craig County Birth Records History
Craig County was established in 1851 from Botetourt, Giles, Roanoke, and Montgomery counties. Virginia's statewide birth registration law was already in effect when the county formed. Birth registers from 1851 to 1896 are on microfilm at the Library of Virginia, though some records may be incomplete. For births before 1851, the parent county records at the Library of Virginia are the appropriate starting point.
Virginia ended its registration requirement in 1896. From 1897 through June 13, 1912, no statewide system existed for recording births. Craig County is very small and rural, and few unofficial records from this period survive. Church records from the Methodist and Baptist congregations that served the New Castle area are the best alternatives. Statewide registration resumed June 14, 1912, and records have been continuous since then.
FamilySearch provides free online access to Virginia Birth Registers, 1853-1911, and Virginia Birth Records, 1912-2015, both including Craig County entries. Ancestry.com is accessible free at Virginia public library branches.
Fees and How to Request a Craig County Birth Certificate
All certified birth certificates for Craig 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.
Nearby Counties
Craig County is one of Virginia's smallest counties, formed from four parent counties in western Virginia.