There are laws and regulations in place that govern the release of public records in West Virginia. The West Virginia Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) is a state law that gives members of the public the right to request and obtain public records from government agencies. These records may include documents related to government agencies, businesses, and individuals, and can be used for a variety of purposes, including research, legal proceedings, and personal use. The FOIA sets out the procedures for requesting records, the fees that may be charged, and the exemptions that may apply.
There are several types of public records in West Virginia, including court records, criminal records, property records, and vital records. Court records may include information about legal proceedings, such as civil and criminal cases, divorces, and bankruptcy. Criminal records may include information about arrests, convictions, and sentences. Property records may include information about real estate, such as deeds, mortgages, and property tax assessments. Vital records may include information about births, deaths, marriages, and divorces.
Birth records in West Virginia are only available to the person named on the certificate, certain close relatives and parties with a legal interest. Birth records are maintained by the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources. Birth records are available for events that occurred in West Virginia since 1917. The fastest way to order a West Virginia birth certificate is in person at:
Health Statistics Center
350 Capitol Street, Room 165
Charleston, WV 25301-3701
Telephone: (304) 558-9100
Certified copies of birth certificates can also be ordered by mail, phone, fax or online. Phone, fax and online order are through a third party private company called VitalChek.
Death records in West Virginia are maintained by the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources, Office of Vital Statistics. Death records are available for events that occurred in West Virginia since 1917. To request a copy of a death record, individuals can either visit the Office of Vital Statistics in person or submit a request online, by mail, or by fax. There is a fee for each copy of a death record that is requested.
Marriage records in West Virginia are maintained by the Office of Vital Statistics and by the county clerk in the county where the marriage license was issued. Marriage records are available for events that occurred in West Virginia since the early 1900s. To request a copy of a marriage record, individuals can either visit the Office of Vital Statistics or the county clerk's office in person or submit a request online, by mail, or by fax. There is a fee for each copy of a marriage record that is requested.
Divorce records in West Virginia are maintained by the county clerk in the county where the divorce was granted. Divorce records are available for events that occurred in West Virginia since the early 1900s. To request a copy of a divorce record, individuals can either visit the county clerk's office in person or submit a request online, by mail, or by fax. There is a fee for each copy of a divorce record that is requested.
Criminal records in West Virginia are maintained by the West Virginia State Police. Criminal records are available for individuals who have been arrested or charged with a crime in West Virginia. To request a copy of a criminal record, individuals can either visit the West Virginia State Police in person or submit a request online, by mail, or by fax. There is a fee for each copy of a criminal record that is requested.
Court records in West Virginia are maintained by the West Virginia Supreme Court of Appeals, which serves as the state's highest court. Court records are available for cases that have been heard by the state's courts, including the Supreme Court of Appeals, circuit courts, and magistrates courts. To request a copy of a court record, individuals can either visit the West Virginia Supreme Court of Appeals in person or submit a request online, by mail, or by fax. There is a fee for each copy of a court record that is requested.
Property records in West Virginia are maintained by the county assessor's office in the county where the property is located. Property records are available for all real estate in West Virginia and include information about the property's ownership, value, and any liens or mortgages on the property. To request a copy of a property record, individuals can either visit the county assessor's office in person or submit a request online, by mail, or by fax. There is a fee for each copy of a property record that is requested.
West Virginia public records are an important resource for individuals who are interested in learning more about the state's history, genealogy, and legal system. There are several ways to access these records, including visiting the government agency or department in person, requesting records online, or using a private company that offers public record search services.