Northampton County Birth Records Search

Northampton County birth records are official state documents maintained by the Virginia Department of Health Office of Vital Records in Richmond. Northampton County was established in 1634 as one of Virginia's original eight shires, located on the southern portion of Virginia's Eastern Shore peninsula, with Eastville as its county seat. The county has one of the oldest and most complete courthouse record collections in Virginia, with continuous records going back nearly four centuries. Certified birth certificates for births in Northampton County are available from the state by mail, online, or in person. The Eastern Shore Health District and the county courthouse in Eastville provide local assistance with applications and historical birth record research.

Northampton County Circuit Court Clerk

The Northampton County Circuit Court Clerk maintains marriage licenses, land records, probate records, and court files from 1632. 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 Northampton County births from that era.

Northampton County is famous among genealogists for having one of the most complete courthouse record collections in Virginia. The courthouse records go back to 1632, predating the county's formal establishment in 1634. The collection includes deed books, will books, court order books, and other records that have survived largely intact from the early colonial period. Northampton County's geographic isolation on the Eastern Shore peninsula helped protect its records from the fires, floods, and Civil War damage that destroyed many other Virginia county archives.

The courthouse in Eastville is a historic building that has housed county government since the colonial era. The county's records are available to researchers during regular business hours. The Library of Virginia holds Northampton County records on microfilm, and the Northampton County courthouse itself is frequently visited by genealogists because of its exceptional pre-1853 record depth. Researchers tracing Eastern Shore families can often find birth information in land records, estate papers, and court files going back to the 1630s.

The Northampton County courthouse in Eastville holds one of Virginia's most complete historical record collections, with land, marriage, probate, and court records from 1632 that researchers use alongside birth registers for genealogical research.

The Northampton County courthouse in Eastville holds one of Virginia's oldest and most complete court record collections, with records from 1632 that make it a premier destination for genealogical research on the Virginia Eastern Shore.

Eastern Shore Health District Birth Records

The Eastern Shore Health District serves Northampton County along with Accomack County on Virginia's Eastern Shore. 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 Eastern Shore Health District also provides immunizations, maternal health programs, and other public health services. For Northampton County residents who need a paper application form or guidance on the birth certificate process, the health district office is the local resource on the Eastern Shore. Phone: (757) 414-0400.

Northampton County Birth Records History

Northampton County was established in 1634. 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.

Northampton County's extraordinary courthouse records make it possible to trace many families back to the 1630s through land records, estate papers, and court minutes. The county's Anglican/Episcopal parishes also maintained baptism registers from the colonial period. Some of those church records have been published in genealogical journals and books accessible at major research libraries. The Eastern Shore Public Library in Accomac holds significant genealogical materials for both Eastern Shore counties.

The county was famous in the colonial period for the Anthony Johnson case, in which an African man who had completed his indenture owned land and enslaved people, reflecting the more fluid racial status of early colonial Virginia. The county's unique social history makes it an important location for African American genealogical research. FamilySearch provides free online access to Virginia Birth Registers, 1853-1911, and Virginia Birth Records, 1912-2015, both including Northampton County entries.

Fees and How to Request a Northampton County Birth Certificate

All certified birth certificates for Northampton 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

Northampton County is on the southern portion of Virginia's Eastern Shore peninsula, bordered by Accomack County to the north.