Fairfax’s location in the Washington metro area creates high demand for vital records due to federal employment, security clearances, international travel, and the area’s educated population frequently needing documentation for professional and personal purposes. The city’s proximity to government agencies and George Mason University generates regular certificate requests.
Vital Records & Certificates in Fairfax, VirginiaFairfax County Circuit Court
Get birth certificates, marriage licenses, death certificates, and divorce records from the Fairfax County Circuit Court. We also offer expedited passport services for Fairfax residents with 3-day processing.
❓ Why You Need These Certificates
🛂 Need This Certificate for a Passport?
Most Fairfax residents need their birth or marriage certificate for passport applications. Let us handle both together in one process.
Birth Certificates in Fairfax
Fairfax City residents obtain birth certificates through the Fairfax County Circuit Court located at 4110 Chain Bridge Road. Many Fairfax births occur at nearby Inova Fairfax Hospital or Virginia Hospital Center in Arlington. Virginia charges $12 for the first certified copy, making it among the most affordable in the region. Due to Fairfax’s location in the Washington metro area, families often need birth certificates for federal employment background checks, security clearance applications, or State Department passport processing. The court’s convenient location within the city limits makes certificate requests straightforward for residents, unlike many Virginia jurisdictions where county seats are located far from population centers.
Requirements
Valid government ID, payment, proof of relationship to person named on certificate
Who Can Request
The person named on the certificate, their parent/legal guardian, spouse, child, grandparent, sibling, or authorized legal representative with proper documentation.
Processing Time
Common Uses
- ✓ Passport applications
- ✓ Driver’s license/State ID
- ✓ Social Security card
Marriage Licenses in Fairfax
Couples planning weddings in Fairfax obtain marriage licenses from the Fairfax County Circuit Court on Chain Bridge Road. Popular wedding venues include the historic Fairfax Court House, George Mason University’s facilities, and elegant locations like the Country Club of Fairfax. Virginia requires a $30 license fee with no waiting period for residents. Many couples choose Fairfax for its proximity to Washington, D.C., and the area’s numerous reception venues, making marriage license processing a regular service for both local residents and couples from throughout Northern Virginia.
Requirements
Both parties present with valid ID, certified copies of divorce decrees if previously married
Popular Wedding Venues
Waiting Period
For Passport Name Change
Need to update your passport with your new married name? We can help expedite the process.
Update Passport with New Name →Death Certificates in Fairfax
Death certificates for Fairfax residents are processed through the Fairfax County Circuit Court clerk’s office. Virginia charges $12 per certified copy, among the lowest fees in the Washington metro area. Given Fairfax’s educated population and proximity to federal employment centers, families often need multiple death certificates for complex estate proceedings, federal benefit claims, and security clearance updates for surviving spouses working in government positions throughout the region.
Requirements
Valid ID, proof of relationship or legal authority
Who Can Request
Spouse, parent, child, sibling, grandparent, legal representative of the estate, funeral director, or anyone with a documented legal or personal interest.
Processing Time
Special Instructions
Divorce Decrees in Fairfax
Divorce records for Fairfax residents are maintained by the Fairfax County Circuit Court at 4110 Chain Bridge Road. Certified copies cost $12 per document. The court handles divorce proceedings for the independent city of Fairfax and surrounding Fairfax County areas. With the region’s mobile professional population and federal employment requiring updated personal status information, divorce decree copies are frequently needed for security clearance updates and remarriage documentation.
Requirements
Valid ID, case number helpful
Processing Time
Special Notes
📄 Reverting to maiden name?
You’ll need your divorce decree to update your passport with your previous name.
Name Change Process →How to Order in Fairfax
The Fairfax County Circuit Court is conveniently located at 4110 Chain Bridge Road, within Fairfax City limits near the intersection with Route 236. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Parking is available in the courthouse complex, though spaces can be limited during peak hours due to ongoing court proceedings. The office accepts cash, checks, and credit cards. Fairfax residents benefit from having the county courthouse within their city, unlike many Virginia communities where court services require longer drives to distant county seats. Public transportation via Fairfax Connector and Metrobus provides access for those preferring not to drive.
In Person
⏱️ Same Day
By Mail
⏱️ 2-3 Weeks
Online
⏱️ 1-2 Weeks
🏛️ Fairfax County Circuit Court
Address
4110 Chain Bridge Rd, Fairfax, VA 22030, United States
Phone
Website
Office Hours
Get Directions
The courthouse is located on Chain Bridge Road (Route 123) just north of Main Street in central Fairfax, easily accessible from I-66, Route 50, and Route 236.
⚖️ Government vs. Expedited Service
Choose the option that best fits your timeline
| Feature | Fairfax County Clerk (Government Service) | PassportsAndVisas.com (Expedited Service) |
|---|---|---|
| Processing Time | Same day (in-person) 2-3 weeks (mail/online) | 3 days guaranteed |
| Certificate + Passport | ✗ Separate processes | ✓ One-stop service |
| Personal Account Manager | ✗ Not available | ✓ Dedicated support |
| Error Checking | ✗ Your responsibility | ✓ Expert review |
| Tracking | ✗ No tracking | ✓ Real-time updates |
Need to Renew Your Passport?
Got your marriage certificate for name change? Complete your passport renewal in minutes online. We serve Fairfax residents with 3-day expedited service.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about certificates in Fairfax, Virginia
Can I walk to the Fairfax County Circuit Court from downtown Fairfax?
▼Is there Metro access to the Fairfax courthouse for vital records?
▼What’s the parking situation at the Fairfax County courthouse?
▼How does Fairfax City’s independent status affect vital records?
▼Can I get expedited service for federal employment background checks?
▼Are there online options for Fairfax County vital records?
▼What forms of payment are accepted at the Fairfax courthouse?
▼How late is the courthouse open for vital records requests?
▼Can George Mason University students get expedited service for study abroad programs?
▼What if I need a birth certificate from another Virginia county while living in Fairfax?
▼Ready to Get Your Certificate & Passport?
Whether you need just a certificate or a complete passport service, we’re here to help Fairfax residents get what they need quickly and easily.
📋 Just need the county clerk office?
🏛️ Visit Fairfax County Clerk WebsiteHours: Monday-Friday 8AM-8PM EST, Saturday 10AM-6PM EST
Emergency Service: Available 24/7 for urgent passport needs