Vital Records & Certificates in Martinsburg, West VirginiaBerkeley County Clerk’s Office – Recording, Licenses, Vital Statistics & Civil Service Divisions

Martinsburg residents often need vital certificates for military benefits and dependent services given nearby federal installations, employment verification for government contracting positions in the Washington D.C. corridor, college applications throughout the mid-Atlantic region, and genealogical research into Appalachian family histories. The city’s role as an eastern panhandle hub creates frequent demands for certified documentation.

Berkeley County residents access birth certificates through the Berkeley County Clerk’s Office at 400 W Stephen St in downtown Martinsburg. Local births at Berkeley Medical Center or City Hospital require county registration within days of delivery. The clerk’s recording division maintains computerized records dating back decades, with staff trained to locate documents using various search parameters. Standard processing takes 15-30 minutes during normal business hours, with rush services available for same-day passport applications. Military families stationed at nearby installations frequently need these documents for dependent ID cards and base privileges.

The Berkeley County Clerk issues marriage licenses for ceremonies throughout the region, from intimate courthouse weddings to elaborate celebrations at venues like the Historic Inns of Shepherdstown or Caverns Country Club Resort. West Virginia requires no waiting period, allowing same-day ceremonies after license issuance. The office maintains weekend emergency hours during peak wedding seasons for last-minute license needs. All officiants must register with the county before performing ceremonies within Berkeley County boundaries.

Death certificates are processed through Berkeley County’s vital statistics division for all county residents. These documents facilitate estate settlement, insurance claims, and Social Security benefit transfers. The office maintains both recent computerized records and archived paper files for historical deaths, with genealogical researchers frequently requesting older certificates for family history documentation.

Berkeley County Circuit Court handles divorce proceedings, with certified decree copies available through the court clerk’s office. These documents establish legal status for remarriage, child custody modifications, and property transfers. The court maintains comprehensive files including original petitions, temporary orders, and final judgments for all divorce cases processed within the county system.

The Berkeley County Clerk’s Office operates at 400 W Stephen St, directly across from the courthouse square in downtown Martinsburg. Business hours run Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM, with the office closing for lunch between noon and 1:00 PM. Free parking is available in the courthouse lot and along adjacent streets. The office accepts cash, money orders, and personal checks for all vital record fees, with credit card processing available for amounts over $25.

Located in downtown Martinsburg on West Stephen Street, directly across from the Berkeley County Courthouse and adjacent to city hall.