ByHow to Get a Copy of Your West Virginia Birth Certificate
Getting your should not be complex. However, simple details like the West Virginia birth certificate application process and where in your city to get your birth can actually be pretty challenging to figure out.
You can go online to get your birth certificate, but it takes a lot of work. Even finding your birth certificate in West Virginia can be a hassle.
It doesn’t matter why you need your birth certificate. Whether you need to replace a lost birth certificate, you need it to get a passport, or you have a newborn and want to keep their records safe, you should be able to get it quickly. This guide will explain the different birth certificates, how you get one in West Virginia, how much they cost, and why you should let DoNotPay do the hard work for you.
The Difference Between an Authorized and Informational Birth Certificate Copy
Authorized birth certificates are required for:
- Getting your wedding license
- Adopting a child
- Getting a passport
- Getting your driver’s license
- And any other legal application where you need to prove your identity
Authorized birth certificates are more challenging to obtain, slower to process, and require a notary’s stamp. Informational birth certificates are purely informative and decorative and can’t be used for any legal purpose. They are generally easy to get and don’t need to be notarized.
Who Can Get a Birth Certificate Copy in West Virginia
West Virginia is not an open record state. The people who can attain a copy of a birth certificate include:
- The subject of the record
- The family (parents, grandparents, siblings, spouse, or children) of the subject,
- Anyone who has a legal interest in the certificate.
How Much Does It Cost To Get a Birth Certificate Copy in West Virginia?
An authorized birth certificate copy in West Virginia is $12 for the first copy and $12 for each additional search. If you want to use a credit or debit card, it will be $30.50 plus shipping if you want it sent anywhere.
| City/County/State Office | Contact Address and Phone Number | Birth Certificate Processing Fee |
| West Virginia Vital Registration | 350 Capital St.
Room 165 Charleston, WV 25301 Phone: 877-448-3953 Fax: 866-870-8723 | $12.00 |
How Long Does It Take To Get a Copy of a Birth Certificate in West Virginia?
Once you get your West Virginia birth certificate, you have to wait for the birth certificate to be processed. In most cases, birth certificates are processed in 5 to 19 business days, not counting holidays or weekends.
What Documents Do I Need to Get a Copy of a Birth Certificate in West Virginia?
You will need two forms of identification, the proper fee, pertinent information, and a long form detailing why you want the certificate.
How to Get a Copy of a Birth Certificate in West Virginia by Yourself
It can be a lot of work if you want to get a copy of your authorized birth certificate in West Virginia by yourself. You need to go to the Department of Health and Human Resources in Charleston to complete a form explaining your interest in getting a birth certificate. You will also have to provide two authorized forms of photo identification and a self-addressed envelope when you pay the fees.
Next Steps for Getting a Copy of a Birth Certificate in West Virginia if You Can’t Do it Yourself
You have various options if you don’t have the time to travel to Charleston to get your birth certificate, but they come with certain disadvantages.
If you request by mail, the processing may take up to one month. If you request online, you will have to give out private information, and it’s not easy to identify legitimate sites that handle birth certificate applications.
Instead of taking the risk of having your personal information stolen or spending time and money you don’t have, let do all the hard work for you.
How to Quickly Get a Copy of a Birth Certificate in West Virginia with the Help of DoNotPay
If you want to order/get a birth certificate copy in West Virginia but don’t know where to start, DoNotPay has you covered in 8 easy steps:
- Go to the Birth Certificates product on DoNotPay.
- Select who the certificate is for (you or a loved one). If you are requesting a copy of someone else’s certificate, enter their personal details, and upload evidence that proves your relationship.
- Enter the location you or your loved one was born in, so we can complete the form specific to your state.
- Enter the name(s) of the parent(s) as displayed on the certificate.
- Indicate what you will be using this certificate for, and choose whether you need an authorized or certified copy.
- Enter your contact information and shipping address. Upload copies of your government-issued identification, such as a driver’s license.
- Choose whether you would like to electronically sign this form or not. Once we generate the form, verify that all of the information is correct.
- If you need the document to be notarized, schedule a notarization appointment using our Notary product. Otherwise, proceed to our Mail Checks product and let DoNotPay mail in your request form with a check on your behalf.
Why You Should Use DoNotPay To Get Your Birth Certificate in West Virginia
DoNotPay takes all the hassle out of getting your birth certificate.
- It’s fast: Just enter some information, and we’ll take care of the rest.
- It’s easy: We jump through the hoops and over the hurdles, so you don’t have to.
- We’re successful: We’ve helped thousands of people get their birth certificates and other vital documents, and we can help you too.
What Else Can DoNotPay Do for You
DoNotPay works across all companies with just a click of a button. DoNotPay can help you not just with getting your birth certificate but with other concerns such as:
- Fighting spam texts
- Claiming airline compensation
- Getting a tourist visa
- Finding unclaimed money
- Suing anyone in a small claims court
And much, much more! DoNotPay is one of the best ways to simplify your life!