Free Marriage Records Database Online

By Claire Dowell


Virginia is one of the states in America which is located in the South Atlantic region of the United States. Virginia State is divided into ninety five counties and thirty nine independent cities, which both operates the same way since independent cities are considered to be country equivalent. Virginia State was given the nickname of Old Dominion and Mother of Presidents as it was named after the eight United States presidents born there. The state has eleven Metropolitan Statistical Areas and remarkably, Northern Virginia, Hampton Roads and Richmond Petersburg are the three most populous. Richmond is the capital of Virginia and its metropolitan area has a population of over 1.2 million. People in Virginia are statistically recorded according to the vital records being registered every day. Virginia Marriage Records are available in the Division of Vital Records and Health Statistics office.

The office is relocated at Maywill Street Richmond, Virginia. The vital record aside from the requester is only available to the family member or a legal guardian. Family members included is the mother, father, husband, wife, child, brother, sister, grandparents and a legal guardian. Family members are requested to show a valid proof of identification and legal guardian is requested to show a proof of custody documents. A photocopy of the identity document is also needed. The lists of valid documents that are acceptable are Virginia Department of Vehicles identity document with a photo, current school or employment photo identification, unexpired passport or visa and citizen identification card.

The Secondary valid document is the state or Foreign Passport that is not expired more than five years. Certified copy of transcript or school records issued by a state accredited private school or a Virginia Department of Education Certificate of Enrollment form is acceptable. It includes United States selective service card, health insurance card, and military dependent identity document with a photo as well as a welfare or social services identification card with photo that is issued by a municipality. However, these kinds of valid proofs of identity may change without prior notice office it is better to contact or visit the office for any clarifications.

Applicants are given three choices to get a vital record in Virginia. First choice is by requesting and receiving it through mail. Mail requests should be sent directly to the office with a signed application or letter, legible identification documentation and payment. Only check or money order with a signature is accepted. Each request should provide a name, date and place of marriage, reason for the certificate, area code and the address and phone number of the requester. Each certification has a $12.00 fee and for return check there is a $30.00 service charge. Deliver time takes two to four weeks from the date the requested mail is received in the office.

Second option is to go to the office directly which is the fastest way to obtain a marriage record. Office is open from Monday to Friday 8am until 5pm and 8am to 12noon on Saturdays. A requester will be ask to complete an application form, pay the $12.00 fee, show the office clerk a valid photo ID and after a few minutes the record will be given to the requester. The office only accepts cash, check or money order, credit or debit cards are not accepted.

Third is an Express Delivery an online website where you can do Marriage Records Search and request vital records. This online website is an independent company that the Virginia Department of Health, Division of Vital Records has partnered with to provide services. Marriage records are available for events that occurred within the State of Virginia from 1853 to present. First copies will cost $20.00 and for additional Copies it will cost $20.80 and for shipping, the given options are UPS Air-$18.50 or UPS 2 DAY-$17.00. Regular mail is free of charge.




About the Author: