The state-level custodian of birth certificates in the state of West Virginia is the West Virginia Vital Registration office. This office is responsible to store the birth certificates of all the individuals born in the West Virginia. This office has the right to issue certified copies of birth certificates from the original certificate present on the birth records of West Virginia. The certified copies of birth acts as legal proofs of the US citizenship. The birth certificates are accepted by the schools, universities, federal government and all the employment agencies in the state. The birth certificate is very useful in getting the social security numbers, entry in schools, marriage licenses, US passports, retirement benefits etc.

West Virginia is not an open record state. Access to certified copies of birth certificates is restricted to the following individuals:
* The person himself as long as he is 18 years and above.
* The mother or father of the person named on the certificate.
* The legal guardian of the person.
* The person’s spouse.
* Children, grandchildren and great grandchildren of the person.
* Siblings of the person.
* Grandparents and great grandparents of the person.

People who meet the above requirement only are eligible to get a certified birth certificate. In addition, a legal representative of any of the above or any authorized government agency has the right to obtain the records.

Steven Jordan is the author of this Article: To know more about West Virginia birth records please visit the website, westvirginia.staterecords.org