Hanover County Birth Records Search

Hanover 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 1721 north of Richmond, with the town of Hanover as its county seat. Hanover County is part of the Richmond metropolitan area and has a long courthouse record history going back over 300 years. Certified birth certificates for births in Hanover County are available from the state by mail, online, or in person. The Chickahominy Health District and the county courthouse in Hanover provide local assistance with applications and historical birth record research.

Hanover County Circuit Court Clerk

The Hanover County Circuit Court Clerk maintains marriage licenses, land records, probate records, and court files from 1721. 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, which are the primary official source for Hanover County births from that era.

Hanover County was formed from New Kent County in 1721. For any births before 1721, New Kent County records are the starting point. The Library of Virginia holds New Kent County records on microfilm. Hanover County has a rich documentary record going back to its founding. The county courthouse in the town of Hanover holds deed books, will books, and court order books that researchers use alongside the birth registers. The courthouse building itself dates to the 18th century and is one of the oldest active courthouses in the United States.

Hanover County's proximity to Richmond makes it well served by research institutions. The Library of Virginia in Richmond holds extensive Hanover County materials on microfilm and in original form. The Hanover County Public Library maintains a strong genealogy collection and provides access to Ancestry Library Edition free for library card holders.

The Hanover County Public Library maintains genealogy resources and local history collections that are valuable for Hanover County birth records research.

The Hanover County Public Library holds local history and genealogy collections including access to Ancestry Library Edition free for cardholders, making it a valuable resource for Hanover County birth records research.

Chickahominy Health District Birth Records

The Chickahominy Health District serves Hanover County along with Charles City, Goochland, New Kent, and Pamunkey counties in central Virginia. 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 Chickahominy Health District also provides immunizations, maternal health programs, and other public health services. For Hanover County residents who need a paper application form or guidance, the health district office is the local resource. Staff can explain what documents are required and how to submit a complete application to the state office in Richmond.

Hanover County Birth Records History

Hanover County was established in 1721. Virginia's statewide birth registration law took effect in 1853. Birth registers from 1853 to 1896 are on microfilm at the Library of Virginia. Virginia ended registration in 1896, creating a gap until June 14, 1912. For births in the gap period, church records from the Episcopal, Baptist, and Presbyterian congregations that served the county are the main alternatives.

Hanover County has a strong Anglican/Episcopal church history going back to the colonial period. The parishes that served the county from 1721 maintained baptism registers, and some of those records survive and are held by the Library of Virginia or the Diocese of Virginia. Patrick Henry, the American patriot, was born in Hanover County in 1736, and the county's colonial-era records reflect the well-documented families who lived here during that period.

The county experienced significant Civil War activity, and some records from that era may be incomplete. However, the Hanover County courthouse survived the war and the record collection is relatively complete. FamilySearch provides free online access to Virginia Birth Registers, 1853-1911, and Virginia Birth Records, 1912-2015, both including Hanover County entries.

Fees and How to Request a Hanover County Birth Certificate

All certified birth certificates for Hanover 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

Hanover County is north of Richmond in the Richmond metropolitan area, bordered by several surrounding counties.