York County Birth Records Search
York County birth records from 1912 forward are held by the Virginia Department of Health Office of Vital Records in Richmond. The York County Circuit Court Clerk in Yorktown maintains local court records and land filings but does not issue certified birth certificates. Older registers from 1853-1896 are available through the Library of Virginia. This page covers the full process for requesting certified copies, searching historical birth data, and using online resources for York County birth records.
York County Overview
York County Circuit Court Clerk
The York County Circuit Court Clerk office is at the courthouse in Yorktown. The clerk handles court filings, marriage licenses, deed recordings, and other local records. Birth certificates are not issued here. Certified birth record copies must come from the state Office of Vital Records in Richmond. The local clerk can assist with questions about other records maintained at the county level and can direct you to the right resource if you are unsure where to start.
The office is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM. The mailing address is P.O. Box 371, Yorktown, VA 23690. Phone is (757) 890-3350. Visit yorkcounty.gov for department contacts and county services. The site covers a range of local government functions including the courts, tax office, and public records.
The York County government site lists contacts for all county offices. The image below was captured from the York County website during research for this page.
The county site at yorkcounty.gov covers court contacts, public records information, and county department directories for York County.
Peninsula Health District
York County is served by the Peninsula Health District, the regional arm of the Virginia Department of Health covering the lower Peninsula area. The district provides public health services including immunization records, environmental health programs, and community health resources across York County and neighboring areas. It does not issue certified birth certificates.
For residents who need guidance on navigating the vital records system, the Peninsula Health District can be a useful local contact. The district covers a densely populated area of the Hampton Roads region and has resources available for residents in York County, Poquoson, and parts of James City County. Certified birth record requests still route through the state office in Richmond.
The Peninsula Health District site lists local clinic locations, contact numbers, and public health programs active in the area.
York County Birth Records History
York County was established in 1634 as one of Virginia's original eight shires, making it one of the oldest governmental units in the country. Its records history goes back centuries, predating most formal record-keeping systems. When Virginia began statewide birth registration in 1853, York County was already a well-established county with its own court system. Birth registers were kept from 1853 through 1896, when the statewide recording law was repealed.
The county's 1853-1896 birth registers are preserved on microfilm at the Library of Virginia. York County's proximity to major population centers meant relatively consistent record-keeping during that first registration period. Researchers can access these microfilm collections in person at the library in Richmond or through the Library of Virginia birth records guide, which explains how the records are organized and what information each entry typically contains.
From 1897 to 1911, Virginia had no statewide birth registration requirement. York County births during those years may appear only in church records, hospital logs, or family documents. Some Peninsula-area churches kept careful records during this period, and those materials are sometimes available through local historical societies or the library's collections. The FamilySearch Virginia wiki notes some of these alternative sources for the gap years.
Continuous statewide registration resumed on June 14, 1912. All York County births from that date forward are on file with the Office of Vital Records in Richmond. Birth records that are 100 years old or older are public under current Virginia law and can be requested by anyone.
Online Research Resources
The FamilySearch Virginia vital records wiki is one of the better free starting points for York County birth record research. It covers what has been digitized, where microfilm collections are held, and how to use the Library of Virginia's resources. York County's long history means there is a substantial body of records for researchers to work through, and FamilySearch helps map what is available online versus in person.
The Library of Virginia genealogy guide is a well-organized resource for Virginia family history research. Their specialized birth records guide explains the historical timeline of Virginia's registration system and helps researchers understand what survives from each era. The library maintains finding aids for York County materials including the early 1853-1896 registers.
For certified copies, the CDC vital records page for Virginia confirms the correct mailing address and current fee. Online orders can be placed through VitalChek, which handles Virginia birth certificate requests for the state and offers expedited delivery options.
Fees and Request Methods
Certified York County birth certificates cost $12.00 per copy through the Virginia Department of Health. The fee is the same regardless of how you submit the request. You can apply online via VitalChek, by mail, or by walking in to the Richmond office. Online orders through VitalChek include a service fee on top of the $12.00 state fee.
Mail your request to VDH, Office of Vital Records, P.O. Box 1000, Richmond, VA 23218-1000. Include a completed application form, a legible copy of your photo ID, and a check or money order payable to the State Health Department. Walk-in service is at 8701 Park Central Drive, Suite 100, Richmond, VA 23227, open Monday through Friday from 7:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Drop-offs after 2:00 PM are counted as next-day submissions. The Customer Care Center at (804) 662-6200 is open weekdays from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.
Under Virginia Code 32.1-269, certified copies are limited to immediate family members: the person on the record, parents, spouse, children, siblings, and grandparents. A legal guardian may also request a copy with proof of custody. Records 100 years old or older are public under Virginia Code 32.1-272. Standard processing runs about two weeks; express options through VitalChek can speed that up.
Common items to include with a mail request:
- Completed application with full name, date of birth, and parents' names
- Copy of valid photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID)
- Check or money order for $12.00 payable to State Health Department
- Your return mailing address
Note: Amendments, corrections, and name changes cannot be submitted as drop-off requests and must go through the standard mail or online process.
Nearby Counties
York County is part of the Hampton Roads region of southeastern Virginia and borders several nearby localities, all using the same state vital records system for birth certificate requests.