The Virginia Office of Vital Records, once under federal review, is now ranked among the top five in the nation for its services, according to state officials. Governor Glenn Youngkin visited the newly relocated office in Richmond to mark improvements made in recent years.
“Today we celebrate incredible milestones at the Office of Vital Records—not just a new facility, but a transformation in how Virginians are served,” said Governor Glenn Youngkin. “In just a few years, OVR went from being under federal performance review to now ranking among the top five in the nation. Whether it’s birth certificates ready before families leave the hospital, marriage records processed in days instead of months, or every record backed up digitally, these improvements are changing lives. The success of the OVR team shows that when we set bold goals, work together, and keep Virginians at the center, we deliver lasting results.”
Several changes have been implemented as part of broader efforts by Governor Youngkin’s administration to improve government services across Virginia. These include launching an e-amendment portal that allows digital requests to be processed within one day and reducing average processing time for other amendments to five days. In 2024, a secure printing process was introduced that cut one day from each request and saved approximately $130,000 per year.
Since August 2025, parents can receive their child’s birth certificate before leaving the hospital through electronic registration supported by an updated payment system launched earlier this year. All vital records dating back to 1960 have been digitized for security while still maintaining paper backups.
These measures have led to shorter processing times: birth certificates now take two to three days instead of four to six weeks; marriage certificate wait times dropped from 60 days to 25 days.
“The Office of Vital Records is a shining example of what happens when government recognizes that its citizens deserve fast, efficient public sector customer service,” said Secretary of Health and Human Resources Janet V. Kelly. “Virginians can now access these important documents quickly and easily, and the Office of Vital Records story is a bright chapter in Governor Youngkin’s commitment to making Virginia the best place to live, work and raise a family.”
State Health Commissioner Karen Shelton noted that most requests for vital records can now be made online: “OVR staff worked diligently to make this transition to a new location seamless for customers. Customers are now able to make most requests for vital records online. OVR staff continue to emphasize excellent customer service as they process thousands of requests annually. Most requests are routine, but OVR has a team of special services experts to assist with cases such as a birth certificate never being filed or a certificate needing to be changed or amended.”
VDH State Registrar Seth Austin said about the move: “The relocation increases security, provides ample parking, enhances the customer experience, and provides greater privacy to those who need essential services. We greatly appreciate the work of the Office of Vital Records staff in making this important move possible and we are all excited to welcome our customers to our new office where we hope to make every visit a positive experience.”
The Virginia Department of Health’s Office of Vital Records maintains official documentation related to births, deaths, marriages and divorces statewide. The new facility features redesigned spaces aimed at improving privacy and customer service experiences; most vital records may also be requested at local DMV offices or health departments—though changes or amendments must go through OVR directly.
For more information about obtaining vital records or updates on office operations visit www.vdh.virginia.gov/vital-records/.
