West Virginia Free Death Records

• West Virginia offers a searchable index of death records up until 1970, for free online at the West Virginia Division of Culture and Society (see below for the link).
  
• West Virginia is a "closed record state," which means only certain individuals are eligible to obtain certified death records.
• The people who may order a certified death record are:
  • The Parents and Grandparents of Person on the Certificate
  • The Wife or Husband of the Person on the Certificate
  • The Children and Grandchildren of the Person on the Certificate
  • The Brothers or Sisters
  • Funeral Director
  • Anyone who has Legal interest in the Certificate
• If you meet the above eligibility requirements, download this application from the West Virginia Department of Health & Human Resources.
• Fill out and mail the above application along with any applicable fees, and a copy of your government issued photo identification, to:
Vital Registration
Room 165
350 Capitol Street
Charleston, WV 25301-3701

Notes:

• Processing time is usually are about five business days, but can change depending upon staffing and order volume.
• Transit time can vary greatly.  If mail within the State of West Virginia, the mail usually takes one to two days to arrive.  We suggest that you allow the Post Office five to seven days for delivery.

Cost:

• $12.00