Dickenson County Birth Records Search

Dickenson 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 1880 in the coalfields of southwestern Virginia, with Clintwood as its county seat. As one of Virginia's newer counties, Dickenson does not have the deep record history of older jurisdictions, but the birth registration system has been in place since before the county was formed. Certified birth certificates for births in Dickenson County are available from the state by mail, online, or in person. The Cumberland Plateau Health District and the county courthouse in Clintwood provide local assistance.

Dickenson County Circuit Court Clerk

The Dickenson 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 registers from 1880 to 1896 on microfilm. Since the county was formed in 1880, birth records only exist under Dickenson County from that year forward.

Dickenson County was formed from Buchanan, Russell, and Wise counties in 1880. For births before 1880, check those three parent county records. The Library of Virginia holds microfilm of all three parent counties. The courthouse in Clintwood is on P.O. Box 28 and is accessible during regular business hours. Staff can help locate specific records but do not conduct genealogical research for patrons.

Cumberland Plateau Health District Birth Records

The Cumberland Plateau Health District serves Dickenson County along with Buchanan, Russell, and Tazewell counties and the city of Norton. The district provides birth certificate application forms and guidance on submitting requests to the state. It does not issue certified birth certificates. Applications go to the Office of Vital Records in Richmond. Phone: (276) 762-2200.

The Cumberland Plateau Health District also provides immunizations, maternal health programs, and other public health services. For Dickenson County residents seeking a paper application form, the health district is the local resource for this type of assistance.

Dickenson County Birth Records History

Dickenson County was established in 1880 from Buchanan, Russell, and Wise counties. Virginia's statewide birth registration law had been in effect since 1853, so births in what is now Dickenson County were registered under the parent counties from 1853 to 1880. Early birth records for Dickenson County as such go from 1880 to 1896, when the state repealed its registration requirement. These records are on microfilm at the Library of Virginia.

Virginia ended registration in 1896. From 1897 through June 13, 1912, no statewide system existed for recording births. Dickenson County is in the coalfields, and this period coincided with the early growth of coal mining in the region. Coal company records from this era sometimes include worker and family information that can help document births. Church records from Baptist and Methodist congregations that served the Clintwood area are the main alternative sources for the gap period.

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 Dickenson County entries.

Fees and How to Request a Dickenson County Birth Certificate

All certified birth certificates for Dickenson 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

Dickenson County is in the coalfields of southwestern Virginia, formed from three parent counties.