Birth Certificates
The Ohio County Clerk's office keeps official records of recorded births in Ohio County. Our records date from 1853 to the present. Please note that West Virginia is not an "open record" state, meaning that there are restrictions on who may obtain a birth certificate. Birth cerificates are generally issued to family members such as parents, spouses, adult children, adult grandchildren, brothers, sisters, grandparents, and additional generations of the same, provided you possess identification linking you to the individual named on the birth certificate. Please read the following carefully to determine what restrictions may apply.
To Request a Copy of Your Birth Certificate
You may appear at the County Clerk's office in person to request a copy of your birth cerificate. You must:
- Present a valid form of identification. (Insert link to valid forms of identification).
- Present payment of $5.00 in cash or by credit card for each copy requested. The County Clerk does not accept personal checks.
You may request a copy of your birth certificate by mail. These requests are generally processed the same day that they are received. If requested by mail, you must:
- Complete the request form in its in entirety. (Insert link to the request form.)
- Enclose a photocoy of a valid form of identification.
- Enclose $5.00 cash or money order for each copy requested.
- Provide a 4" x 9.5" self-addressed stamped envelope.
- Provide a telephone number where you can be reached in the event questions arise.
To Request a Copy of a Family Member's Birth Certificate
Please note that if you need a birth certificate for your child to be enrolled in a school in West Virginia, West Virginia law requires you obtain a copy from West Virginia Vital Statics in Charleston, WV. The telephone number is (304) 558-2931, website: https://www.wvdhhr.org/bph/oehp/hsc/vr/oldbirtcert.htm
Also note that if you are in need of a birth certificate of an individual that was born 100 years ago or longer, we suggest that you check the West Virginia Division of History and Archives website at https://wvculture.org/vital-records-interactive/
When requesting a birth certification of another person, you must have identification that links you to the individual named on th birth certificate, such as: other birth certificates; death certificates; and marriage certificates. If these documents are not on file in the County Clerk's office, it is your responsibity to bring certified copies with you, when making the request. When making a request by mail, in addition to the above, you must provide:
- A Request Form completed in its entirety. (Link to request form).
- A valid form of identification.
- Enclose $5.00 cash or money order for each copy requested. Checks are not accepted.
- A 4" x 9.5" self-addressed stamped envelope.
- A telephone number where you can be reached in the event questions arise.
Valid Forms of Identification
The following are valid forms of identification:
- Valid unexpired driver's license or state issued identification.
- Passport.
- Major credit card with a picture of the cardholder on it.
In the event that you do not possess any of the above, the following alternate forms of identification may be used, however the requested document will be must be mailed to the address that appears on the alternate for of identification:
- Vehicle insurance card.
- Vehicle registration card.
- Current utility bill or pay stub that shows your name and address.
Our Address
All mailed requests must be addressed to:
Ohio County Clerk
1500 Chapline Street, Room 205
Wheeling, WV 26003
Should you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact us at (304) 234-3729.