Search for Death Records in West Virginia

Free West Virginia Death Records Lookup

While our comprehensive reference to death records in the state of West Virginia will aid you in your search for deceased individuals and their lives, our comprehensive reference to death records in the state of West Virginia will also provide you with important information about the deceased and their lives.

Death Records in West Virginia -
The Ultimate Guide 2024

West Virginia Death Records

West Virginia was formed in 1863 when the state of Virginia was split in half. Statewide death registration began in West Virginia in 1917, and by 1925, the law was being followed in most cases by the general public. These records are in the possession of the counties.

West Virginia Death Databases

Before 1853

There were no deaths documented before 1853 by either the county or the state because West Virginia was not yet a state and was referred to as the state of Virginia at the time. These records, on the other hand, are available in alternative sources, which are listed below:

1853 to 1916

Death records were mandated by legislation in 1853, despite the fact that the data are fragmentary. In 1863 the state of West Virginia was formed by the separation of the state of Virginia. West Virginia was the site of the 1917 World’s Fair. The implementation of a statewide death registry system. If you are unable to locate your ancestral records in the database, you should look in other records.

Try the following databases to see if there are any fatalities that occurred during that time period. Each link should be tested. The West Virginia Death Records Databases has an index as well as digital images. Familysearch.org offers free dates that vary from county to county from 1804 to 1999.

1917 to 1970

Official death registration started in January 1917 for the state of West Virginia. To get Death Information, the following databases may provide you with death records. The West Virginia Division of Culture and History has a list that varies from county to county from 1845 to 1966.

After 1970

If you know the date of death you can obtain death records from the county of death or from the West Virginia Department of Health State office.

Death Certificates in West Virginia

Below is a list of people who are eligible to request for a death certificate:

How to Find West Virginia Death Records

Obtaining West Virginia death records from Archives.com is quite easy and dependable. Register for an account for complete access and follow the following simple steps to get that record:

Step 1: Go to Archives.com and sign in using your email address and password.

Step 2: Use the buttons at the very top of the user page to navigate through the options. When you click on the “Search” button, the West Virginia state death records page is loaded.

Step 3: Check the box next to “Vital Records,” then click on the “Death” button just below it. Thus, the site eliminates all other records and only displays death records, which you can then download.

Step 4: Key in as much information about the deceased as you can remember about them.

Step 5: The state of West Virginia should be entered in the ‘Location’ box. As soon as you begin typing, you will notice that the website will provide a match for you.

Step 6: You will be presented with a list of records; you will need to scroll through the list until you find the person whose records you are interested in viewing.

Alternative Sources for West Virginia Death Information

West Virginia Death Records FAQs

What is an Official Death Certificate?

An official death certificate refers to a death certificate that is issued directly by the West Virginia state government or any similar organization. This document contains information such as the individual’s name, physical address, date of birth, and date of death.

Are West Virginia Death Records Open to the Public?

According to the West Virginia Revised Statutes, vital records such as birth records, divorce records, marriage records, adoption records, death records, and other life records are available to all eligible parties with a direct relationship to the person named on the record.

What Information Do I Need to Search for West Virginia Death Records Online?

Requesters who wish to get a hold of a death record must be well acquainted with basic facts associated with it including:

Conclusion

The state of West Virginia is extremely particular about the accuracy of its tax and voting records, and this is reflected in its state records. As a result, they strive to keep a comprehensive death record up to date. Following the death of a person, tax collectors contact family members or next of kin to collect any unpaid state taxes that may be owed to the state. In the event of a probate proceeding, these death records will be extremely useful because your family members or next of kin will not have any difficulties in obtaining any legal information. With our comprehensive guide to West Virginia death record searches, you’ll be able to locate any type of record that you might require in a matter of minutes.

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