Henrico County Birth Records Search

Henrico County birth records are official state documents maintained by the Virginia Department of Health. Henrico County was established in 1634 as one of Virginia's original eight shires, making it among the oldest continuously functioning counties in the United States. The county surrounds the independent city of Richmond on three sides. Henrico County has its own health district that provides some local vital records services to county residents. Certified birth certificates for births in Henrico County are available from the state by mail, online, or in person at the county health district office.

Henrico County Health District Vital Records

The Henrico County Health District operates a local vital records office that provides guidance and application assistance for residents requesting birth certificates. The Henrico Health District can provide application forms and help residents understand the process for obtaining a certified birth certificate through the state Office of Vital Records in Richmond.

Henrico County is adjacent to the city of Richmond, which operates its own separate vital records system. If you are unsure whether a birth occurred within Richmond city limits or in Henrico County, the Office of Vital Records in Richmond can help determine which record series covers the relevant birth. The county surrounds Richmond on three sides, and the boundary has shifted over time as Richmond expanded, so some historical records may be in either jurisdiction.

The Henrico County government website provides information about county services and office locations useful for residents and researchers.

Henrico County government offices provide local support for residents navigating the state birth certificate application process through the Virginia Department of Health Office of Vital Records.

Henrico Health District Birth Records

The Henrico Health District serves Henrico County and provides vital records application assistance and guidance. The district does not issue certified birth certificates. Applications go to the Office of Vital Records in Richmond. The fee for each certificate is $12.

The Henrico Health District accepts cash, check, money orders, Visa, or Mastercard for fees. For Henrico County residents who need a paper application form or guidance on the birth certificate process, the health district office is the local resource. The district office phone is (804) 501-4608.

Henrico County Public Library Genealogy Resources

The Henrico County Public Library system holds genealogy resources and local history collections at several branch locations. The library provides access to Ancestry Library Edition, HeritageQuest Online, and other genealogy databases free for library card holders.

The Henrico County Public Library also maintains microfilm collections and local history materials that complement the courthouse records for genealogical research into Henrico County families.

The Henrico County Public Library provides access to genealogy databases and local history materials for researchers tracing Henrico County families from the colonial period through the present.

Henrico County Birth Records History

Henrico County was established in 1634 as one of Virginia's original eight shires. Its courthouse record collection is among the oldest in the state, though many early records were lost to fire and other damage during the colonial and Civil War periods. 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. Church records from the Episcopal, Baptist, Presbyterian, and Methodist congregations that served Henrico County are the main alternatives for both the pre-1853 and gap periods. The county's many colonial-era Anglican parishes maintained baptism registers, and some of those records survive. The Library of Virginia holds extensive Henrico County records on microfilm and in original form, including the surviving deed books, will books, and court order books from the 17th century forward.

Henrico County surrounds Richmond, and the boundary has shifted as Richmond expanded over the centuries. Researchers sometimes find Henrico County birth records for people born in areas now within the Richmond city limits. The Office of Vital Records can help clarify which jurisdiction applies for a specific birth. FamilySearch provides free online access to Virginia Birth Registers, 1853-1911, and Virginia Birth Records, 1912-2015, both including Henrico County entries.

Fees and How to Request a Henrico County Birth Certificate

All certified birth certificates for Henrico 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

Henrico County surrounds the city of Richmond and borders several counties in the Richmond metropolitan area.