King and Queen County Birth Records Search

King and Queen 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 1691 in eastern Virginia on the Middle Peninsula, with King and Queen Court House as its county seat. It is a small, rural county with a courthouse record history going back over 330 years. Certified birth certificates for births in King and Queen County are available from the state by mail, online, or in person. The Three Rivers Health District and the county courthouse provide local assistance with applications and historical birth record research.

King and Queen County Circuit Court Clerk

The King and Queen County Circuit Court Clerk maintains marriage licenses, land records, probate records, and court files from 1691. 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 King and Queen County births from that era.

King and Queen County was formed from New Kent County in 1691. For any births before 1691, New Kent County records are the starting point. The Library of Virginia holds New Kent County records on microfilm. The county courthouse is in the small unincorporated community of King and Queen Court House. King and Queen County is one of the most rural counties in Virginia, with no incorporated towns. Records are open during regular business hours, and the clerk's staff can help locate specific documents.

The county's position between the Mattaponi and Rappahannock rivers meant it was part of the 17th-century Tidewater settlement area. Some early records were damaged or lost over the centuries, but the courthouse collection overall is relatively complete for a county of its age. The Library of Virginia holds King and Queen County deed books, will books, and court order books on microfilm going back to the 17th century.

Researchers tracing African American King and Queen County families should look at the Virginia Slave Birth Index, 1853-1866, on FamilySearch, which covers King and Queen County entries. The county had a significant enslaved population before the Civil War.

Three Rivers Health District Birth Records

The Three Rivers Health District serves King and Queen County along with Essex, Gloucester, King William, Middlesex, and Richmond counties. 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 Three Rivers Health District also provides immunizations, maternal health programs, and other public health services. For King and Queen County residents who need a paper application form or local guidance, the health district is the nearest resource. Given the county's rural character, many residents find it more practical to request birth certificates by mail or online.

King and Queen County Birth Records History

King and Queen County was established in 1691. 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, and Methodist congregations that served the county are the main alternatives for the gap period.

The county's Anglican/Episcopal parishes maintained baptism registers going back to the late 17th century. St. Stephen's Parish records and other parish records are available through the Library of Virginia or the Diocese of Virginia archives. For births before 1853, deed books and will books from the Library of Virginia are important supplements. Wills routinely listed the names of children and their relationships, which can help establish family structures when direct birth records do not exist.

FamilySearch provides free online access to Virginia Birth Registers, 1853-1911, and Virginia Birth Records, 1912-2015, both including King and Queen County entries. Ancestry.com holds digitized Virginia birth records accessible free at Virginia public library branches.

Fees and How to Request a King and Queen County Birth Certificate

All certified birth certificates for King and Queen 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

King and Queen County is on Virginia's Middle Peninsula, bordered by several surrounding counties.