Norfolk residents require vital records for numerous purposes related to military service, federal employment, and international activities. Birth certificates are essential for security clearance applications at Naval Station Norfolk, passport applications for naval deployments overseas, and university enrollment at ODU and NSU. Marriage certificates may be needed for military dependent benefits or base housing applications. Death certificates are frequently required for military survivor benefits and VA claims processing in this military-dominated community.
Vital Records & Certificates in Norfolk, VirginiaNorfolk Circuit Court Clerk’s Office
Get birth certificates, marriage licenses, death certificates, and divorce records from the Norfolk Circuit Court Clerk’s Office. We also offer expedited passport services for Norfolk residents with 3-day processing.
❓ Why You Need These Certificates
🛂 Need This Certificate for a Passport?
Most Norfolk residents need their birth or marriage certificate for passport applications. Let us handle both together in one process.
Birth Certificates in Norfolk
Norfolk families obtain birth certificates through the Norfolk Circuit Court Clerk’s Office located in the Norfolk Courthouse at 150 St Pauls Boulevard. Children born at major Norfolk hospitals including Sentara Norfolk General Hospital, Children’s Hospital of The King’s Daughters (CHKD), or Sentara Leigh Hospital require certified birth certificates for various purposes throughout their lives. The Circuit Court maintains comprehensive birth records for this independent city, serving military families stationed at Naval Station Norfolk who often need expedited processing for deployment documentation. The clerk’s office understands the unique requirements of military personnel and federal employees who require security clearances. Online services accommodate the busy schedules of naval officers, university students, and port workers who cannot always visit during regular business hours in this bustling maritime city.
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 Norfolk
Couples planning ceremonies at Norfolk’s stunning venues like the Norfolk Botanical Garden, the elegant Chrysler Museum of Art, or historic venues in the Ghent neighborhood obtain marriage licenses from the Norfolk Circuit Court Clerk’s Office. Many military couples choose ceremonies at Naval Station Norfolk’s chapel or waterfront venues overlooking the Elizabeth River. The Norfolk Zoo and various downtown hotels also host wedding celebrations. Virginia requires a three-day waiting period unless couples complete premarital counseling, giving time to finalize arrangements at popular venues throughout this romantic waterfront city. The clerk’s office processes licenses for ceremonies throughout Norfolk’s diverse neighborhoods and waterfront locations.
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 Norfolk
Death certificates for Norfolk residents are issued by the Norfolk Circuit Court Clerk’s Office at the downtown courthouse. The office processes records for deaths at major medical facilities including Sentara Norfolk General Hospital, CHKD, or private residences throughout Norfolk’s many neighborhoods. Staff provide compassionate service to families dealing with loss, understanding that multiple certified copies are often needed for military survivor benefits, insurance claims, and estate proceedings common in this military-heavy community with significant veteran and active-duty populations requiring specialized documentation.
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 Norfolk
Divorce records for Norfolk residents are maintained by the Norfolk Circuit Court Clerk’s Office in the downtown courthouse. These documents are essential for military personnel requiring updates to dependent benefits, housing allowances, or security clearance renewals. The courthouse staff efficiently locate records using case numbers or party information to assist Norfolk residents who need prompt service for remarriage licenses, name changes, or federal employment requirements common in this government-heavy metropolitan area.
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 Norfolk
Norfolk residents can visit the Circuit Court Clerk’s Office at 150 St Pauls Boulevard on the second floor of the Norfolk Courthouse in downtown Norfolk. The courthouse is easily accessible via Granby Street or St Pauls Boulevard, with paid parking available in nearby garages and limited street parking. The Tide light rail system stops within walking distance at the Civic Plaza station, making it convenient for residents throughout Hampton Roads. The office accepts cash, checks, and major credit cards. Online ordering is available for mail delivery throughout Norfolk’s various neighborhoods, from Ocean View to Ghent to the NEON District. The building is fully handicapped accessible with elevators to the second floor.
In Person
⏱️ Same Day
By Mail
⏱️ 2-3 Weeks
Online
⏱️ 1-2 Weeks
🏛️ Norfolk Circuit Court Clerk’s Office
Address
City of Norfolk Courthouse, 150 St Pauls Blvd 2nd Floor 150, Norfolk, VA 23510, United States
Phone
Website
Office Hours
Get Directions
The Norfolk Courthouse is located at 150 St Pauls Boulevard in downtown Norfolk. Take Granby Street or St Pauls Boulevard to downtown, with several parking garages nearby including the MacArthur Square garage.
⚖️ Government vs. Expedited Service
Choose the option that best fits your timeline
| Feature | Norfolk 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 Norfolk residents with 3-day expedited service.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about certificates in Norfolk, Virginia
Can I take the Tide light rail to reach the Norfolk Circuit Court Clerk’s Office?
▼Where can I park when visiting the Norfolk courthouse for vital records?
▼Do military families at Naval Station Norfolk get expedited vital records service?
▼What’s the busiest time at the Norfolk courthouse for vital records requests?
▼Can Old Dominion University students get vital records at the Norfolk courthouse?
▼How do I get birth certificates for children born at Sentara Norfolk General Hospital?
▼Are there any Norfolk satellite offices for vital records besides the main courthouse?
▼Can I order Norfolk vital records online for delivery to Ocean View or Ghent?
▼What documents do Norfolk residents need for federal security clearances?
▼How much do vital records cost for Norfolk residents?
▼Ready to Get Your Certificate & Passport?
Whether you need just a certificate or a complete passport service, we’re here to help Norfolk residents get what they need quickly and easily.
📋 Just need the county clerk office?
🏛️ Visit Norfolk County Clerk WebsiteHours: Monday-Friday 8AM-8PM EST, Saturday 10AM-6PM EST
Emergency Service: Available 24/7 for urgent passport needs