Marriage records in Virginia are not fully public until 25 years after the marriage date. Under Virginia Code ยง 32.1-271, records younger than that are confidential, and only the spouses, their immediate family, and a few 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 the 25-year window closes, anyone can request the record.
The 25-Year Rule
Virginia treats all vital records as confidential by default. The statute makes it unlawful to inspect, disclose, or copy a vital record except through channels the law specifically authorizes, and it overrides the Virginia Freedom of Information Act for this purpose.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
Twenty-five years after the marriage date, the record becomes public information. No family relationship, court order, or special authorization is required. A marriage from 2000 became publicly accessible in 2025. A record can still be withheld 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
Who Can Get a Copy Before 25 Years
During the restricted period, eligibility is limited to the person named on the record or their next of kin and immediate family: mother, father, current spouse, child, brother, or sister.2Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles. Vital Records at DMV The Virginia Department of Health applies the same criteria at its offices.
People outside that circle have narrower options. The statute permits disclosure when a Virginia court orders it, and the Board of Health’s regulations allow data 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 Attorneys, insurers, and other third parties with a legitimate need typically work through a court order rather than applying directly. If you are not in an eligible category and the marriage is less than 25 years old, expect a denial.
Where Virginia Keeps Marriage Records
Two offices hold the record you probably want. The Clerk of the Circuit Court in the city or county where the license was issued holds the original. The Office of Vital Records at VDH maintains a centralized statewide collection going back to 1853, with a searchable online database covering 1936 forward.3Virginia Department of Health. Office of Vital Records
For older material, the Library of Virginia holds marriage registers on microfilm from 1853 through 1935, along with some pre-1853 records. The Library does not search records for you or make copies from microfilm, so historical research requires an in-person visit.4Library of Virginia. Birth, Marriage, and Death Records (1853-Present) – Home
How to Request a Copy If You Qualify
You can request a certified copy through VDH by mail, online, or in person, or through any Virginia DMV customer service center.
What to Have Ready
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 took place. For a restricted record, you’ll also need to establish your relationship to the people named on it.5Virginia Department of Health. Genealogy – Vital Records
Every request requires valid photo identification. Accepted 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.6Virginia Department of Health. ID Requirements – Vital Records Without primary ID, VDH accepts two secondary documents, such as a utility bill for gas, water, or electricity dated within the last six months.7Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles. Acceptable Vital Records Documents
Fees and Turnaround
VDH charges $12 per certificate search, and the fee applies whether or not the record is found.8Virginia Department of Health. Online Application for a Vital Record Online applications are processed within five business days from submission. Mail-in requests go to the Office of Vital Records, P.O. Box 1000, Richmond, Virginia 23218-1000, and accept check, money order, payment card, mobile pay, or cash. VDH also has a walk-in lobby at 8701 Park Central Drive, Suite 100, in Richmond, open Monday through Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.3Virginia Department of Health. Office of Vital Records
The DMV charges $14 for a records search at any customer service center, again regardless of whether the record is found. You’ll complete a Virginia Vital Record Application (form DL 82) on site and present acceptable identification.2Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles. Vital Records at DMV
If you know exactly where the marriage was licensed, contacting that Circuit Court Clerk directly is often the fastest route, since the clerk holds the original record and both a physical ledger and a digital copy.