Search New Kent County Death Records

New Kent County obituary and death records are available through the Virginia Department of Health and the New Kent County Circuit Court in New Kent, Virginia. Located between Richmond and Williamsburg, New Kent is one of Virginia's original counties, and its records go back to the colonial era. Death records from 1912 forward are in the state system, with older historical registers at the Library of Virginia.

Death Certificates in New Kent County

Certified death certificates for New Kent County deaths are available from the Virginia Department of Health. The Three Rivers or Peninsula Health District serves New Kent County. You can also request records directly from the state Office of Vital Records in Richmond at 8701 Park Central Drive, Suite 100. Phone: (804) 662-6200. Hours are Monday through Friday, 7:00 AM to 4:00 PM.

Each certified copy costs $12. Records from the past 25 years require immediate family access. After 25 years, records are public. Mail requests need a signed application, a copy of your photo ID, and payment by check, money order, or payment card. Virginia's online portal is available for remote requests. Death certificates can be obtained from any Virginia health department regardless of where the death occurred.

The VDH vital records page provides the online system, mail instructions, and in-person details for requesting New Kent County death certificates.

New Kent County Circuit Court

The New Kent County Circuit Court holds probate records, will books, deed books, and marriage records. New Kent County was established in 1654, and the court's records span nearly four centuries. The courthouse in New Kent has files going back to colonial times, making it one of the more historically significant county courts in Virginia for genealogical purposes.

Probate records at the Circuit Court document estates of deceased persons and name heirs. These records often predate formal death registration by centuries. Some very early New Kent County records were damaged or destroyed during the Civil War, but many survived and are on file at the courthouse or on microfilm at the Library of Virginia.

Marriage records from New Kent County go back to 1815. The older records are at the Library of Virginia. The clerk at the courthouse can search available records and provide copies. For materials that have been transferred to Richmond, staff can direct you to the appropriate finding aids at the Library of Virginia.

Historical Death Records

Death registers for New Kent County from 1853 to 1896 are on microfilm at the Library of Virginia. These are available through Interlibrary Loan or in person at 800 East Broad Street, Richmond. The registers list name, race, sex, date and place of death, cause of death, age, birthplace, occupation, and parents' names. Given New Kent's location between Richmond and the Peninsula, the registers often reflect deaths related to Civil War activity during the 1860s.

From 1897 to 1911, Virginia had no statewide registration. Some New Kent County records from that period are missing. After June 14, 1912, records are complete through the state system. The Library of Virginia holds microfilm of death certificates from 1912 to 1939.

The Henley Marriage and Obituary Index at the Library of Virginia covers Virginia newspapers from 1736 to 1982. Richmond-area and Peninsula papers in this index may include New Kent County coverage. Search at lva-virginia.libguides.com/henley.

The Library of Virginia death records guide covers how to find and access death records for New Kent County and all Virginia counties.

Online Resources for New Kent County Research

Virginia library cardholders can search death records for free at FindItVA.com. The service covers Virginia death records from 1912 to present using Ancestry.com. You need a valid public library card and a free Ancestry account. Download digital copies at no charge.

The Library of Virginia CRI database at lva.virginia.gov/collections/cri lists holdings for New Kent County. Given the county's colonial origins, the Library holds extensive materials. The Virginia Genealogy Society at virginiagenealogy.org/obits maintains obituary databases. The Virginia Museum of History and Culture at virginiahistory.org holds family papers and genealogical collections.

Death records are governed by Code of Virginia Title 32.1, Chapter 7. Records become public 25 years after death. Certified copies cost $12 each. For FOIA questions, contact (804) 698-1810 or visit virginiaresources.gov.

Communities in New Kent County

New Kent County has no independent qualifying cities. All death records for county residents are handled through the Virginia Department of Health and the Circuit Court in New Kent.

Communities in New Kent County include Quinton, Providence Forge, and Lanexa. These unincorporated areas use the county Health Department and Circuit Court for death records.

Nearby Counties

These counties border New Kent County. Each has its own records office for death records.