How to Find Texas Death Records

How to Find United States Deaths Texas Deaths

In 1863, West Virginia was created from the state of Virginia. Statewide registration of deaths began in 1917 in West Virginia and was generally complied with by 1925. The counties have copies of these records.

:Death Records
:Choose a time period:

Before 1853
:*1853 thru 1916 
:*1917 thru 1970
:*After 1970 to the present 
:*Death year unknown

Deaths before 1853

West Virginia did not exist at this time and was known as the state of Virginia.Before 1853, no deaths were recorded by the county or state. You must search substitute records to locate your ancestor’s death date and place.

:Church Records
:Census
:Bible Records

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Deaths from 1853 thru 1916

1853 - Virginia law required counties to record deaths, although records are incomplete
:*1863 - West Virginia was created from the state of Virginia
:*1917 - West Virginia Statewide death registration began

If you cannot locate your ancestor in the databases below try searching for death information in other records.

For deaths that exist during the time period, try the following databases. Try each link.

Deaths from 1917 thru 1970

The state of West Virginia began recording deaths in January 1917.

STEP ONE: Find Death Information

For deaths that exist during this time period, try the following databases. Try each link.

STEP TWO: Obtain the Certificate

PART A: You know the exact date of death

If the image was not included in the index entry above, you can order a copy of the death record for a fee from the following locations:

See list of restrictions for ordering death records If you do not want to order the death record, you can search other records with death information. PART B: You don't know the exact date of death If you do not know the exact date or place of death: For a fee, the West Virginia Department of Health office will do a 3 year search (click on the death certificates tab). See list of restrictions for ordering death records If you do not want to order the death record, you can search other records with death information.
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Deaths after 1970

PART A: You know the exact date of death

With an exact date (from your records), you can order a copy of the death record for a fee from the following locations:

See list of restrictions for ordering death records If you do not want to order the death record, you can search other records with death information. PART B: You don't know the exact date of death

Restrictions for Obtaining Death Records

Restrictions for persons who died within the last 50 years: To obtain a copy of the death certificate for those who died within the last 50 years, you must be:

The parent or grandparent of the person on the certificate
:*The spouse of the person on the certificate
:*The child or grandchild of the person on the certificate
:*The sibling of the person on the certificate
:*Funeral director
:*Anyone who has legal interest in the certificate
::NOTE: A copy of the death record cannot be obtained by anyone except those listed above until 50 years have passed from the date of the death.

If you do not want to order the death record, you can search other records with death information.
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