Montgomery County Birth Records Search

Montgomery 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 1777 in southwestern Virginia along the New River, with Christiansburg as its county seat. Montgomery County is home to Virginia Tech and the town of Blacksburg. The independent city of Radford is adjacent to the county. Certified birth certificates for births in Montgomery County are available from the state by mail, online, or in person. The New River Health District and the county courthouse in Christiansburg provide local assistance with applications and historical birth record research.

Montgomery County Circuit Court Clerk

The Montgomery County Circuit Court Clerk maintains marriage licenses, land records, probate records, and court files from 1777. 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 Montgomery County births from that era.

Montgomery County was formed from Fincastle County in 1777. Fincastle County no longer exists, having been divided into Kentucky, other frontier areas, and what became Montgomery County. For births before 1777 in this area, researchers need to check Botetourt County records, as that was the parent county for this region before Fincastle was created in 1772. The Library of Virginia holds Botetourt County records on microfilm.

The city of Radford is an independent city adjacent to Montgomery County. If you are unsure whether a birth occurred in Montgomery County or within Radford city limits, contact the Office of Vital Records in Richmond for guidance. Virginia Tech's Newman Library holds some local history materials that can complement courthouse records for Montgomery County research.

The courthouse at 1 E. Main Street in Christiansburg holds deed books, will books, and court order books from 1777 forward. Records are open during regular business hours.

New River Health District Birth Records

The New River Health District serves Montgomery County along with Floyd, Giles, and Pulaski counties and the city of Radford. 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 New River Health District also provides immunizations, maternal health programs, and other public health services. For Montgomery County residents who need a paper application form or guidance on the birth certificate process, the health district office is the local resource. Phone: (540) 381-7100.

Montgomery County Birth Records History

Montgomery County was established in 1777. 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 Presbyterian, Baptist, Methodist, and other denominations that served the county are the main alternatives for the gap period.

Montgomery County was a large frontier county that spawned many daughter counties in the 18th and 19th centuries, including Floyd, Giles, Pulaski, and others. Researchers looking for early families in the region should be aware that the same family may appear in multiple county records as the county was divided. The Library of Virginia holds Montgomery County records on microfilm, and the New River Valley historical societies hold additional materials. Virginia Tech's Special Collections library has materials related to the New River Valley region.

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

Fees and How to Request a Montgomery County Birth Certificate

All certified birth certificates for Montgomery 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

Montgomery County is in southwestern Virginia along the New River, bordered by several surrounding counties.