Charles Town residents often require vital records for federal employment opportunities in the nearby Washington D.C. metropolitan area, genealogy research connecting to early American history, security clearance applications, interstate moves, and establishing West Virginia residency benefits. These documents serve as crucial legal proof in America’s historic Eastern Panhandle.
Vital Records & Certificates in Charles Town, West VirginiaJefferson County Clerk and Recorder
Get birth certificates, marriage licenses, death certificates, and divorce records from the Jefferson County Clerk and Recorder. We also offer expedited passport services for Charles Town residents with 3-day processing.
❓ Why You Need These Certificates
🛂 Need This Certificate for a Passport?
Most Charles Town residents need their birth or marriage certificate for passport applications. Let us handle both together in one process.
Birth Certificates in Charles Town
Charles Town residents seeking birth certificates must contact the Jefferson County Clerk, though there appears to be an administrative discrepancy as the provided address shows Colorado rather than West Virginia. For Jefferson County, WV births, including those at Jefferson Memorial Hospital, residents should verify the correct local clerk office address. Alternatively, West Virginia vital records can be obtained through the state health department in Charleston. Birth certificates typically cost around $12 for the first copy, with reduced fees for additional copies ordered simultaneously. Processing time varies between 1-2 weeks for mail requests and immediate service for walk-in applications when records are accessible.
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 Charles Town
Couples planning ceremonies at historic venues like the Jefferson County Courthouse or intimate weddings at local churches along Church Street must obtain marriage licenses through the Jefferson County Clerk’s office. West Virginia requires a $56 license fee and typically no waiting period for residents. Many couples choose Charles Town for its romantic historical ambiance and proximity to Harpers Ferry’s scenic wedding locations along the Potomac River.
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 Charles Town
Death certificates for Charles Town residents are processed through the Jefferson County Clerk’s office. Local funeral homes assist families with documentation requirements. West Virginia charges approximately $12 for certified death certificates, with expedited processing available for urgent needs such as insurance claims or estate settlement proceedings.
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 Charles Town
Divorce records are maintained by the Jefferson County Circuit Court system. Certified copies are available for legal proceedings, property transfers, or remarriage documentation. Court personnel can assist in locating records using case information and party names from divorce 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 Charles Town
Due to address confusion in our records, we recommend calling Jefferson County directly to confirm the correct clerk office location in Charles Town, West Virginia. The county courthouse is typically located on Washington Street in downtown Charles Town. Office hours are generally Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM. Free parking is usually available around the courthouse square. Payment methods typically include cash, checks, and money orders.
In Person
⏱️ Same Day
By Mail
⏱️ 2-3 Weeks
Online
⏱️ 1-2 Weeks
🏛️ Jefferson County Clerk and Recorder
Address
100 Jefferson County Pkwy Suite 2560, Golden, CO 80401, United States
Phone
Website
Office Hours
Get Directions
The Jefferson County Courthouse is located in downtown Charles Town on Washington Street, near the intersection with Church Street in the historic courthouse square.
⚖️ Government vs. Expedited Service
Choose the option that best fits your timeline
| Feature | Jefferson 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 Charles Town residents with 3-day expedited service.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about certificates in Charles Town, West Virginia
Where exactly is the Jefferson County clerk office located in Charles Town?
▼Can I walk to the courthouse from Charles Town’s historic district?
▼What if I need records but live far from the county seat?
▼Are there any satellite offices closer to rural Jefferson County areas?
▼What’s the processing time for birth certificates in Jefferson County?
▼Can I get West Virginia state records instead of county records?
▼What identification is required for vital records in West Virginia?
▼How much do birth certificates cost in Jefferson County?
▼What if my birth wasn’t registered when I was born?
▼Can I get marriage certificates for ceremonies performed outside Jefferson County?
▼Ready to Get Your Certificate & Passport?
Whether you need just a certificate or a complete passport service, we’re here to help Charles Town residents get what they need quickly and easily.
📋 Just need the county clerk office?
🏛️ Visit Jefferson County Clerk WebsiteHours: Monday-Friday 8AM-8PM EST, Saturday 10AM-6PM EST
Emergency Service: Available 24/7 for urgent passport needs