Governor McAuliffe announces more vital records available at DMV centers

Governor Terry McAuliffe today announced that Virginia death, marriage and divorce certificates are now available at all DMV customer service centers and DMV 2 Go mobile customer service centers, as an expansion of the partnership between the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and the Virginia Department of Health (VDH)’s Division of Vital Records.

In the partnership’s first phase, birth certificates became available at DMV customer service centers in March 2014. Since then, DMV has issued more than 180,000 birth certificates, and the partnership was recognized with a Governor’s Technology Award presented at the annual Commonwealth of Virginia Innovative Technology Symposium in Richmond last year.

“During the 19 months since this program was launched, the number of Virginians taking advantage of the service has exceeded expectations, underscoring the value of partnerships that make life more convenient for our residents,” said Governor McAuliffe.

“Efficient, responsive government plays an important role in keeping Virginia moving,” said Secretary of Transportation Aubrey Layne. “This successful partnership provides new avenues to services that enhance quality of life in the Commonwealth.”

“DMV is a fixture in communities across the Commonwealth,” said DMV Commissioner Richard D. Holcomb. “With our partners at VDH, we are excited to offer even more vital records to Virginians at our customer service centers in every corner of the state.”

“VDH’s Division of Vital Records has always provided excellent customer service to the citizens of Virginia,”said Secretary of Health and Human Resources Dr. Bill Hazel. “State agencies can accomplish a great deal for Virginians when we work together on shared goals.”

State Health Commissioner Marissa J. Levine, MD, MPH, FAAFP, added, “As we expand the types of vital records offered through the service, VDH remains committed to the security and accessibility of all of Virginia’s vital records.”

The process for obtaining vital records through DMV is the same as doing so directly through the Division of Vital Records. Customers complete an application, submit the required documentation and pay a fee to the agency. The fee for a vital record at DMV is $14.

Customers may still obtain certified vital records from the VDH Division of Vital Records through the mail, at the Division of Vital Records office in Richmond or by express delivery through the VitalChek Services website. Additionally, death certificates are available from local health districts throughout Virginia, and marriage and divorce certificates can be obtained in the court where the original marriage license was issued or the final decree of divorce was filed.

The DMV/VDH partnership was authorized by legislation passed by the General Assembly in 2013. All original records will continue to be stored securely at the Vital Records office.