Marriage records in Virginia are not fully public. Under Virginia Code ยง 32.1-271, a marriage record stays restricted for 25 years after the marriage date, and during that period only the spouses, their immediate family, and a few other authorized parties can obtain a certified copy.1Virginia Code Commission. Virginia Code 32.1-271 – Disclosure of Information in Records; When Unlawful; When Permitted; Proceeding to Compel Disclosure; When Certain Records Made Public Once 25 years have passed, the record becomes public information and anyone can request a copy.
What the 25-Year Rule Actually Does
Virginia treats all vital records as confidential by default. The statute makes it unlawful to inspect, disclose, or copy a vital record except through the channels the law specifically authorizes, and it overrides Virginia’s Freedom of Information Act for this category of records.1Virginia Code Commission. Virginia Code 32.1-271 – Disclosure of Information in Records; When Unlawful; When Permitted; Proceeding to Compel Disclosure; When Certain Records Made Public So a FOIA request is not the way in.
Twenty-five years after the marriage, the record transitions to public information. No family relationship, legal interest, or special authorization is required. A marriage from 2000, for example, became publicly accessible in 2025. A record can still be withheld after that point if a court order or law-enforcement request blocks disclosure, but that is uncommon for marriage records.1Virginia Code Commission. Virginia Code 32.1-271 – Disclosure of Information in Records; When Unlawful; When Permitted; Proceeding to Compel Disclosure; When Certain Records Made Public
The Virginia Department of Health keeps a searchable online index of marriage records going back to 1936, and its full collection reaches back to 1853.2Virginia Department of Health. Office of Vital Records Anything in the index is already past the 25-year line and openly available.
Who Can Get a Record During the Restricted 25 Years
If the marriage is less than 25 years old, the people eligible to request a certified copy are the person named on the record or their next of kin and immediate family: mother, father, current spouse, child, brother, or sister.3Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles. Vital Records at DMV VDH applies the same eligibility rules at its own offices.
People outside that circle can still obtain a restricted record in limited circumstances. The statute allows disclosure when ordered by a Virginia court, and the Board of Health’s regulations permit release for valid research purposes.1Virginia Code Commission. Virginia Code 32.1-271 – Disclosure of Information in Records; When Unlawful; When Permitted; Proceeding to Compel Disclosure; When Certain Records Made Public An attorney, insurance company, or other third party with a legitimate need usually works through a court order rather than applying over the counter. If you don’t fit an eligible category and the record is under 25 years old, expect the request to be denied.
How to Request a Copy
Virginia marriage records live in two places you can request from directly: the Clerk of the Circuit Court in the city or county where the license was issued, and the Office of Vital Records at the Virginia Department of Health, which maintains the statewide collection. If you know where the marriage happened, going to the issuing clerk is often the fastest route. If you don’t, or you want a single source for any Virginia marriage, VDH is the one to use.
What to Supply
You’ll need the full names of both spouses, including any maiden names, the date of the marriage, and the city or county where it occurred. For a restricted record under 25 years old, you’ll also need to establish your relationship to someone named on the record.4Virginia Department of Health. Genealogy – Vital Records
Every method requires valid photo identification. Acceptable primary ID includes a state-issued driver’s license expired no more than five years, an unexpired U.S. passport or passport card, or an unexpired U.S. military ID for active duty or retired members.5Virginia Department of Health. ID Requirements – Vital Records Without primary photo ID, VDH accepts two secondary documents instead, such as a recent utility bill for gas, water, or electricity dated within the last six months.6Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles. Acceptable Vital Records Documents
Through VDH
VDH charges $12 per certificate search, and the fee applies whether or not the record is found.7Virginia Department of Health. Online Application for a Vital Record Online applications are processed within five business days of submission. Mail-in requests go to the Office of Vital Records at P.O. Box 1000, Richmond, Virginia 23218-1000, and payment can be made by check, money order, payment card, mobile pay, or cash. VDH also has a walk-in customer service lobby at 8701 Park Central Drive, Suite 100, in Richmond, open Monday through Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.2Virginia Department of Health. Office of Vital Records
Through a DMV Customer Service Center
Any Virginia DMV customer service center can issue a certified copy of a marriage record. The DMV charges a $14 records search fee, two dollars more than VDH, and like the VDH fee it applies whether or not the record is located.3Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles. Vital Records at DMV You complete a Virginia Vital Record Application (form DL 82) on site and present acceptable ID.
Make Sure You’re Asking for the Right Document
Virginia distinguishes the marriage license from the marriage certificate, and people mix them up. The license is what the Circuit Court Clerk issues before the ceremony, authorizing the couple to marry. The certificate is what the officiant completes after the ceremony and returns to the clerk, who forwards one copy to the State Registrar.8Virginia Code Commission. Virginia Code 20-16 – Issuance of Marriage Licenses and Marriage Certificates When most people say they need their “marriage record,” they mean a certified copy of the certificate that proves the marriage took place. Both the Circuit Court Clerk and VDH can provide it.