How do I get a Vital Record (Birth, Death, Marriage, or Divorce Certificate) authenticated?
In order for your vital record to be authenticated, it must have been issued by the Virginia Department of Vital Records within the past 12 months. For information on obtaining a copy of a birth, death, marriage or divorce certificate, call Vital Records at (804) 662-6200. Vital Record documents should only be signed by a State Registrar or Deputy State Registrar. Virginia law prohibits notarization of vital record (original or certified copy.) Marriage certificates can also be obtained from the Circuit Court in the city/county where the marriage was recorded. These black and white certificates must be accompanied by a Triple Seal Page, also called an Authentication of Record. This is a separate sheet of paper from the Court with the signatures and seals of the Court Clerk and Judge. This additional page must be attached to your document prior to submitting for authentication. A Death Certificate issued from the Department of Health (black and white copy) may be submitted for authentic
