Roanoke residents need certified vital records for numerous purposes including passport applications for international travel, school enrollment at Virginia Tech or Radford University, employment verification with major local employers like Norfolk Southern or Carilion Health System, Social Security benefits, insurance claims, and real estate transactions. The Blue Ridge region’s growing tourism and business sectors frequently require official documentation for licensing and legal compliance.
Vital Records & Certificates in Roanoke, VirginiaRoanoke County Circuit Court
Get birth certificates, marriage licenses, death certificates, and divorce records from the Roanoke County Circuit Court. We also offer expedited passport services for Roanoke residents with 3-day processing.
❓ Why You Need These Certificates
🛂 Need This Certificate for a Passport?
Most Roanoke residents need their birth or marriage certificate for passport applications. Let us handle both together in one process.
Birth Certificates in Roanoke
Birth certificates for Roanoke residents are issued by the Roanoke County Circuit Court at 305 E Main Street in Salem. Children born at Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital, LewisGale Medical Center, or other local healthcare facilities require certified birth records for school registration, sports participation, and passport applications. The Roanoke County clerk processes requests Monday through Friday, with expedited service available for urgent needs. Bring valid identification and payment, as fees vary based on processing speed and number of copies requested. Online ordering may be available for eligible applicants.
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 Roanoke
Couples planning weddings at the Hotel Roanoke’s Crystal Ballroom, Taubman Museum of Art, or scenic Mill Mountain venues obtain marriage licenses from the Roanoke County Circuit Court clerk in Salem. Virginia requires a three-day waiting period between license issuance and ceremony, though this can be waived by court order. Both parties must appear together with valid identification. The license remains valid for 60 days from issue date, perfect for planning ceremonies at popular local venues like the Grandin Village or historic downtown 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 Roanoke
Death certificates for Roanoke decedents are processed through the Roanoke County Circuit Court clerk’s office in Salem. Family members need multiple certified copies for insurance claims, social security benefits, and property transfers. The clerk maintains records for deaths occurring within county jurisdiction, including those at area hospitals and long-term care facilities. Processing typically takes several business days, with rush service available when circumstances require immediate documentation for legal or financial purposes.
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 Roanoke
Certified divorce decrees are available from the Roanoke County Circuit Court where the dissolution was granted. These documents prove marital status changes for remarriage, social security benefits, or name change processes. The Salem courthouse maintains comprehensive records, and certified copies include the court seal necessary for legal validity. Staff can locate records using case numbers, parties’ names, or approximate dates when specific details aren’t readily available.
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 Roanoke
Visit the Roanoke County Circuit Court at 305 E Main Street, Suite 200, Salem, VA 24153, located in downtown Salem near the courthouse square. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM, excluding court holidays. Free parking is available in the courthouse parking lot and on surrounding streets. The clerk accepts cash, checks, money orders, and major credit cards. Online ordering may be available for certain record types through the Virginia Department of Health’s website.
In Person
⏱️ Same Day
By Mail
⏱️ 2-3 Weeks
Online
⏱️ 1-2 Weeks
🏛️ Roanoke County Circuit Court
Address
305 E Main St #200, Salem, VA 24153, United States
Phone
Website
Office Hours
Get Directions
The Roanoke County Circuit Court is located in Salem on East Main Street, easily accessible from Interstate 81 via Exit 141 (Route 419 South).
⚖️ Government vs. Expedited Service
Choose the option that best fits your timeline
| Feature | Roanoke 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 Roanoke residents with 3-day expedited service.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about certificates in Roanoke, Virginia
How do I get to the Roanoke County courthouse from downtown Roanoke?
▼What’s the fastest way to get a birth certificate in Roanoke?
▼Can I order certificates online for Roanoke County?
▼Do I need an appointment at the Roanoke County clerk office?
▼Where can I park near the Salem courthouse?
▼How much do vital records cost in Roanoke County?
▼What forms of payment does the Roanoke County clerk accept?
▼Can I get rush service for certificates in Roanoke?
▼What if my birth certificate has an error?
▼How far back do Roanoke County records go?
▼Ready to Get Your Certificate & Passport?
Whether you need just a certificate or a complete passport service, we’re here to help Roanoke residents get what they need quickly and easily.
📋 Just need the county clerk office?
🏛️ Visit Roanoke County Clerk WebsiteHours: Monday-Friday 8AM-8PM EST, Saturday 10AM-6PM EST
Emergency Service: Available 24/7 for urgent passport needs