How to Find West Virginia Death Records
In 1863, West Virginia was created from the state of Virginia. Statewide registration of deaths began in 1917 in West Virginia and was generally complied with by 1925. The counties have copies of these records.
Next Step: When did the death occur? [edit | edit source] |
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Deaths before 1853[edit | edit source]
West Virginia did not exist at this time and was known as the state of Virginia. Before 1853, no deaths were recorded by the county or state. You must search substitute records to locate your ancestor’s death date and place.
| Records that give death information: | ||
Deaths from 1853 thru 1916[edit | edit source]
- 1853 - Virginia law required counties to record deaths, although records are incomplete
- 1863 - West Virginia was created from the state of Virginia
- 1917 - West Virginia Statewide death registration began
If you cannot locate your ancestor in the databases below try searching for death information in other records.
For deaths that exist during the time period, try the following databases. Try each link.
| West Virginia Deaths Databases - Includes Index and Digital Images | ||||
| Try 1st: | ||||
| 1853-1966 - At West Virginia Division of Culture and History | Free; dates vary by county (some as early as 1753) and some only go to 1962; list of database county coverage (right side of the screen)on WV website | |||
| Try 2nd: | ||||
| 1804-1999 - At FamilySearch.org | Free; dates vary by county (some as early as 1753) and some only go to 1962; list of database county coverage (right side of the screen)on WV website; click on "view partner website" to see a copy of the image | |||
| Can't find your ancestor in the online index? | Tips for searching online indexes | |||
| No death record for your ancestor? | Other records with death information | |||
Deaths from 1917 thru 1970[edit | edit source]
The state of West Virginia began recording deaths in January 1917.
STEP ONE: Find Death Information[edit | edit source]
For deaths that exist during this time period, try the following databases. Try each link.
STEP TWO: Obtain the Certificate[edit | edit source]
PART A: You know the exact date of death
If the image was not included in the index entry above, you can order a copy of the death record for a fee from the following locations:
| To Order Death Certificates | |||
| From County of Death | From WV Dept. of Health State office | ||
| Pros | Cons | Pros | Cons |
| May be less expensive and faster than ordering from the state | County websites can be more difficult to use | Offers a search of the state index for an additional fee | May be more expensive than ordering from the county |
See list of restrictions for ordering death records
If you do not want to order the death record, you can search other records with death information.
PART B: You don't know the exact date of death
If you do not know the exact date or place of death:
For a fee, the West Virginia Department of Health office will do a 3 year search (click on the death certificates tab).
See list of restrictions for ordering death records
If you do not want to order the death record, you can search other records with death information.
Deaths after 1970[edit | edit source]
PART A: You know the exact date of death
With an exact date (from your records), you can order a copy of the death record for a fee from the following locations:
| To Order Death Certificates | |||
| From County of Death | From WV Dept. of Health State office | ||
| Pros | Cons | Pros | Cons |
| May be less expensive and faster than ordering from the state | County websites can be more difficult to use | Offers a search of the state index for an additional fee | May be more expensive than ordering from the county |
See list of restrictions for ordering death records
If you do not want to order the death record, you can search other records with death information.
PART B: You don't know the exact date of death
| Try: | ||||
| Social Security Death Index (SSDI) | ||||
| 1937 - 2014 at GenealogyBank.com | Free; most current version; few records before 1962; gives place where the last benefit was sent | |||
| Or try: | ||||
| 1962-2014 at FamilySearch Historical Records | Free | |||
| Or try: | ||||
| 1935-2014 at Ancestry.com | Subscription required, can use for free at FamilySearch Centers. | |||
| Or try: | ||||
| Order a 3 year search from WV Dept. of Health Office | ($); Click on the death certificates tab to order a death certificate | |||
| Don't want to order the death record? | Search other records with death information | |||
Restrictions for Obtaining Death Records[edit | edit source]
Restrictions for persons who died within the last 50 years:
To obtain a copy of the death certificate for those who died within the last 50 years, you must be:
- The parent or grandparent of the person on the certificate
- The spouse of the person on the certificate
- The child or grandchild of the person on the certificate
- The sibling of the person on the certificate
- Funeral director
- Anyone who has legal interest in the certificate
- NOTE: A copy of the death record cannot be obtained by anyone except those listed above until 50 years have passed from the date of the death.
If you do not want to order the death record, you can search other records with death information.
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