As West Virginia’s capital city with 48,864 residents, Charleston serves as a hub for state government, education, and business activities requiring certified vital records. From University of Charleston students to state employees needing security clearances, from passport applications for international travel to marriage ceremonies at premier venues, vital records facilitate countless life events and legal requirements in the Mountain State’s most important city.
Vital Records & Certificates in Charleston, West VirginiaKanawha County Clerk
Get birth certificates, marriage licenses, death certificates, and divorce records from the Kanawha County Clerk. We also offer expedited passport services for Charleston residents with 3-day processing.
❓ Why You Need These Certificates
🛂 Need This Certificate for a Passport?
Most Charleston residents need their birth or marriage certificate for passport applications. Let us handle both together in one process.
Birth Certificates in Charleston
Charleston residents seeking birth certificates visit the Kanawha County Clerk at 409 Virginia St E, conveniently located in the heart of downtown near the State Capitol complex. With Charleston General Hospital, CAMC Women and Children’s Hospital, and other medical facilities serving the metropolitan area, the clerk’s office processes numerous birth certificate requests daily. These essential documents enable children to enroll in Kanawha County Schools, participate in youth sports leagues, and qualify for state university admissions. The downtown location makes it accessible for state government employees who need expedited processing for security clearances or employment verification. Professional staff members understand the urgency often associated with these requests in the capital city environment.
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 Charleston
Couples planning ceremonies at Charleston’s premier venues such as the Clay Center, Omni Charleston Hotel, or riverside locations along Haddad Riverfront Park obtain marriage licenses directly from the Kanawha County Clerk on Virginia Street East. West Virginia requires no waiting period, enabling immediate wedding ceremonies once licenses are issued. The capital city attracts couples from throughout the state, making the clerk’s office a hub for matrimonial documentation. Many couples choose scenic outdoor ceremonies at the State Capitol grounds or intimate gatherings in historic downtown Charleston venues.
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 Charleston
When Charleston families require death certificates for estate proceedings, veterans’ benefits, or insurance settlements, the Kanawha County Clerk provides these sensitive services with dignity and efficiency. The Virginia Street office handles requests for deaths occurring throughout Kanawha County, serving the capital city’s diverse population with respectful, professional assistance during challenging times for West Virginia families.
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 Charleston
Charleston residents requiring certified divorce decree copies can obtain them through the Kanawha County Clerk’s office downtown. These legal documents are essential for remarriage applications, child custody proceedings, and property settlements. The clerk maintains comprehensive records for all Kanawha County divorce cases, serving the state capital with discretional and professional vital records services.
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 Charleston
The Kanawha County Clerk operates at 409 Virginia St E, Charleston, WV 25301, typically Monday through Friday from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM. Located in downtown Charleston near the State Capitol, the office is easily accessible via Quarrier Street or Capitol Street. Metered street parking is available along Virginia Street and surrounding downtown blocks. The office also features a nearby municipal parking garage on Lee Street. Payment options include cash, checks, money orders, and major credit cards. Public transportation via KRT bus routes serves the downtown area, making the office accessible for residents throughout the Charleston metropolitan area.
In Person
⏱️ Same Day
By Mail
⏱️ 2-3 Weeks
Online
⏱️ 1-2 Weeks
🏛️ Kanawha County Clerk
Address
409 Virginia St E, Charleston, WV 25301, United States
Phone
Website
Office Hours
Get Directions
The Kanawha County Clerk is located at 409 Virginia St E in downtown Charleston, just blocks from the State Capitol. Access via I-64, I-77, or I-79 to downtown exits.
⚖️ Government vs. Expedited Service
Choose the option that best fits your timeline
| Feature | Kanawha 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 Charleston residents with 3-day expedited service.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about certificates in Charleston, West Virginia
Where can I park when visiting the Kanawha County Clerk in Charleston?
▼Can I take public transportation to the vital records office in Charleston?
▼What’s the fastest way to get a birth certificate in Charleston?
▼Are there multiple locations in Charleston for vital records?
▼Do I need an appointment at the Kanawha County Clerk’s office?
▼What payment methods are accepted at the Charleston clerk’s office?
▼How busy is the clerk’s office during legislative sessions?
▼Can I get vital records for births that occurred outside Charleston?
▼What if I need records for a state government job application?
▼Are there any services specifically for veterans in Charleston?
▼Ready to Get Your Certificate & Passport?
Whether you need just a certificate or a complete passport service, we’re here to help Charleston residents get what they need quickly and easily.
📋 Just need the county clerk office?
🏛️ Visit Kanawha County Clerk WebsiteHours: Monday-Friday 8AM-8PM EST, Saturday 10AM-6PM EST
Emergency Service: Available 24/7 for urgent passport needs