Portsmouth vital records are managed by the Portsmouth Marriage Comm office at 505 Crawford St UNIT 2, serving the independent city’s residents with comprehensive birth certificate services. Newborns delivered at Portsmouth Community Hospital, Naval Medical Center Portsmouth, or other regional medical facilities have their records processed through the city’s vital records division. Military families frequently require birth certificates for dependent enrollment in base schools, commissary privileges, and overseas assignment documentation. The office maintains computerized records dating back decades, ensuring quick access to certificates needed for passport applications, college enrollment, and employment verification. Processing typically takes 1-3 business days for routine requests, with expedited service available for urgent military or civilian needs.
Vital Records & Certificates in Portsmouth, VirginiaPortsmouth Marriage Comm
Get birth certificates, marriage licenses, death certificates, and divorce records from the Portsmouth Marriage Comm. We also offer expedited passport services for Portsmouth residents with 3-day processing.
❓ Why You Need These Certificates
🛂 Need This Certificate for a Passport?
Most Portsmouth residents need their birth or marriage certificate for passport applications. Let us handle both together in one process.
Birth Certificates in Portsmouth
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 Portsmouth
Portsmouth couples planning weddings at elegant venues like the Portsmouth Art & Cultural Center, historic Olde Towne ceremonies, or waterfront celebrations along the Elizabeth River must secure marriage licenses through the Portsmouth Marriage Comm office on Crawford Street. The city’s romantic historic district provides stunning backdrops for wedding photography, while the Commodore Theatre offers unique reception possibilities. Virginia requires no waiting period, allowing couples to marry immediately after obtaining their license. Many naval personnel choose Portsmouth for weddings due to proximity to Norfolk Naval Base and the area’s military-friendly services.
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 Portsmouth
Death certificates for Portsmouth residents are processed through the city’s vital records office, maintaining detailed documentation for the independent city’s population. Naval families often need multiple copies for military survivor benefits, while civilian families require certificates for insurance claims and estate proceedings. The office coordinates with local funeral homes and Portsmouth Community Hospital to ensure proper filing of death records.
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 Portsmouth
Portsmouth Circuit Court processes divorce cases for city residents, with certified decree copies available through the court clerk’s office. Military divorces involving service members stationed at Norfolk Naval Base require special attention to federal and state legal requirements. The court maintains both digital and physical records for authorized access by parties involved in the proceedings.
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 Portsmouth
Visit Portsmouth Marriage Comm at 505 Crawford St UNIT 2 in the heart of downtown Portsmouth, easily accessible from Interstate 264 and the Midtown Tunnel. The office operates during standard business hours Monday through Friday, with street parking available along Crawford Street and nearby municipal lots. The location sits within walking distance of the Elizabeth River waterfront and historic downtown attractions. Payment accepted includes cash, checks, and major credit cards. Military personnel can reach the office via Hampton Roads Transit bus routes or the Norfolk-Portsmouth ferry system.
In Person
⏱️ Same Day
By Mail
⏱️ 2-3 Weeks
Online
⏱️ 1-2 Weeks
🏛️ Portsmouth Marriage Comm
Address
505 Crawford St UNIT 2, Portsmouth, VA 23704, United States
Phone
Website
Office Hours
Get Directions
Take Interstate 264 to Exit 8 (Portsmouth Boulevard), then follow Crawford Street to Unit 2. Office located in downtown Portsmouth near the Elizabeth River waterfront.
⚖️ Government vs. Expedited Service
Choose the option that best fits your timeline
| Feature | Portsmouth 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 Portsmouth residents with 3-day expedited service.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about certificates in Portsmouth, Virginia
Where exactly is the Portsmouth Marriage Comm office located downtown?
▼Can military families get expedited vital records service?
▼Is there parking available at the Crawford Street office?
▼What are the office hours for Portsmouth vital records?
▼Can I use the Norfolk-Portsmouth ferry to reach the vital records office?
▼Are birth certificates available for children born at Naval Medical Center Portsmouth?
▼How long does it take to get a vital record in Portsmouth?
▼What identification do I need for vital records in Portsmouth?
▼Can I order Portsmouth vital records by mail?
▼Are there any fees for military families ordering vital records?
▼Ready to Get Your Certificate & Passport?
Whether you need just a certificate or a complete passport service, we’re here to help Portsmouth residents get what they need quickly and easily.
📋 Just need the county clerk office?
🏛️ Visit Portsmouth County Clerk WebsiteHours: Monday-Friday 8AM-8PM EST, Saturday 10AM-6PM EST
Emergency Service: Available 24/7 for urgent passport needs