My understanding is that it doesn't matter what the purpose of the request, death records in Virginia are confidential for 50 years; birth records are confidential for 100 years. In order to obtain a copy of death record for someone less than 50 years old, you will need approval from the next of kin. If you yourself are next of kin, that should not be a problem. Just enclose some evidence of your relationship. If you are not next of kin, you will need to find a living relative who can write a permission note. That may not be easy. Sort of a catch-22 if you are looking for a death record in order to help find living relatives. The Library of Virginia (and RELIC) now have indexes to all Virginia deaths 1912-1961, broken down into time periods, usually of several years. If the death took place during that time, you can determine the exact date and place. With that information you can seek an obituary, which may help you find living relatives. The Social Security Death Index will help you find deaths (mostly adults) since 1962. Sincerely, Donald L. Wilson, Virginiana Librarian Ruth E. Lloyd Information Center for Genealogy and Local History (RELIC) Prince William Public Library System Bull Run Regional Library, 8051 Ashton Avenue Manassas, VA 20109-2892 (703) 792-4540 www.pwcgov.org/library/services/relic -----Original Message----- From: peggyburroughs@netscape.net [mailto:peggyburroughs@netscape.net] Sent: Monday, November 06, 2000 10:29 AM To: VAPWILLI-L@rootsweb.com Subject: [VAPWILLI-L] Death Certificates I have recently tried to obtain a death certificate from the State only to have my check and request returned. They said the death had to be at least 50 years ago unless I am a member of the immediate family. Is there any way around this, or is it just not possible to get more recent death certificates in Virginia? In my request I did say it was for genealogical purposes. Peggy ____________________________________________________________________ Get your own FREE, personal Netscape WebMail account today at http://home.netscape.com/webmail ==== VAPWILLI Mailing List ==== Over 6,100 Discussion Lists and More Added Daily!!! USGenWeb and The USGenWeb Archives! Special thanks to go to RootsWeb, your generous donations to RootsWeb makes this all possible. Find out more! http://www.rootsweb.com/rootsweb/how-to-subscribe.html RootsWeb Gen. Data Coop. Box 6798 Frazier Park, CA 93222