Henrico County Death Records

Henrico County death records are issued by the Virginia Department of Health Office of Vital Records and managed locally through the Richmond-Henrico Health District. The Henrico County Circuit Court Clerk's office, headed by Hon. Barshinger, maintains related estate and probate records. Whether you are searching for a death certificate or looking into legal filings connected to a death, this page explains your options for accessing death records in Henrico County, Virginia.

Henrico County Circuit Court

The Henrico County Circuit Court falls under the 14th Judicial Circuit of Virginia. Hon. Barshinger is the Clerk of Court. The office hours are 8 AM to 4 PM, Monday through Friday. Henrico County is one of the more active court jurisdictions in the state due to its size and population. The court no longer holds civil docket calls as of May 1, 2016, so civil matters are handled differently than in many other Virginia counties.

The circuit court handles probate and estate matters related to deaths in Henrico County. If a person died with a will, the estate goes through the circuit court for probate. Guardianship, conservatorship, and other legal matters following a death are also handled there. These records are separate from certified death certificates. You can search case status at vacourts.gov.

The Henrico County Circuit Court page on the Virginia Judicial System website provides contact details, office hours, and information on accessing court records for estate and probate matters.

Richmond-Henrico Health District

The Richmond-Henrico Health District (RHHD) provides local public health services for Henrico County residents. RHHD operates two main clinic locations. Henrico East can be reached at 804-652-3190. Henrico West is at 804-501-4522. The health district offers vital records assistance, immunizations, WIC services, and other public health programs. The county health department can direct you to state resources for obtaining Henrico County death certificates.

Vital records is one of the listed services at the RHHD. If you need help navigating the VDH system or have questions about a death that occurred in Henrico County, contact the health district for guidance. Their main contact center is at 804-205-3500. RHHD has locations at 4301 East Parham Road and additional satellite sites across the county.

The Henrico County Health Department website lists services, clinic locations, and contact information for residents seeking vital records assistance in Henrico County.

Note: Certified death certificates for deaths that occurred in Henrico County are issued by the Virginia Office of Vital Records in Richmond, not by the local health district office.

Requesting Death Records in Henrico County

Henrico County death records can be requested through the Virginia Department of Health using three methods: online, by mail, or in person at the Richmond walk-in office. The online option is fastest. VDH's portal at the OVR online system lets you apply, pay, and track your order. You get email and text updates. Online requests typically take 5 business days to process.

By mail, send your application and payment to P.O. Box 1000, Richmond, VA 23218-1000. Mail requests take about 8 business days after VDH receives the application. Include a check or money order payable to the State Health Department. If you need a record faster, VitalChek express delivery is an option for expedited next-day processing.

Walk-in service is available at 8701 Park Central Drive, Suite 100, Richmond, VA 23227. Hours are 7 AM to 4 PM weekdays. The drop-off option also exists: you can bring your completed application and pay at the front desk, then pick it up by phone notification or have it mailed to you. Pick-up requests must be received by 2 PM to be processed same day. More information is at vdh.virginia.gov/vital-records. Call (804) 662-6200 with questions.

Eligibility and Identification

Access to certified Henrico County death certificates is limited to immediate family and those with a direct legal interest. Qualifying family members include spouses, parents, children, siblings, and grandparents of the deceased. Legal representatives acting on behalf of these individuals may also request records. Death records in Virginia become public 25 years after the event, so older records can be accessed by anyone.

You must provide valid ID with your request. Virginia's full ID requirements are posted at vdh.virginia.gov/vital-records/id-requirements. A current, government-issued photo ID is the primary requirement. A driver's license, state ID card, or passport all qualify. If your ID does not list your current address, a secondary document showing your address may be required. The VDH FAQ is a helpful resource if you have questions before submitting.

Fees for Death Certificates

Each death certificate costs $12.00. This fee applies to Henrico County and all Virginia counties regardless of how you request the record. There is no extra charge for the method you choose, though express delivery services may add a shipping fee. The $12.00 fee is non-refundable even if VDH cannot find the record.

Amendments to a certificate cost $10.00. If you need a corrected copy of the certificate after an amendment, the total is $22.00. Online orders are paid by credit card. Mailed orders use checks or money orders. Walk-in visitors can pay by cash, card, or mobile pay. The Code of Virginia mandates these fees, so they apply statewide. See VDH's application page for current details on payment methods and fees.

Note: Fees may change. Always verify the current cost on the VDH website before sending payment.

Historical Henrico County Death Records

Older Henrico County death records from before the statewide registration system can be found at the Library of Virginia. Virginia death records from 1853 to 1896 are preserved on microfilm there. Records from 1896 to 1912 are largely absent due to a gap in statewide registration. Modern registration started in 1912. The Library of Virginia is at 800 East Broad Street in Richmond and can be reached at (804) 692-3500.

Viewing microfilm at the Library of Virginia is free. Inter-library loans of up to 5 reels are available for 28-day periods at no charge. VDH also offers an online index of death records from 1912 onward. This index is searchable and covers records that have become public (25 years or older). Use the VDH genealogy page to search this index. Older court records and wills from Henrico County that predate 1853 can also be found at the Library of Virginia.

Nearby Counties

Henrico County is surrounded by several other Virginia counties, each with their own circuit courts and VDH health districts.