Advance Directive Form

Virginia’s Advance Directive form authorizes a healthcare proxy and specifies an individual’s living will. The form must be signed by the individual, proxy, and witnesses.

How to Order a Death Certificate

Only the deceased’s immediate family members with proof of relation can obtain a death certificate in Virginia. The following information is required for the application:

• Deceased’s name, sex, date of birth, race
• Names of deceased’s parents and mother’s maiden name
• Date and place of death
• Applicant’s name, phone number, address
• Applicant’s relation to the deceased and proof of the fact or another reason for the request
• Copy of applicant’s government-issued photo ID

The certificate with one certified copy costs $12. Cash is only accepted when the request is handed in person.

The application can be handed or mailed at:

Office of Vital Records

P.O. Box 1000

Richmond, VA 23218-1000

Digital Estate Planning Laws

SB 914 authorizes an individual’s legal representative who can access and control their digital assets and communications. This bill came into effect on January 7, 2013.

Death With Dignity or Aid-in-Dying or Physician-Assisted Death

Virginia has denied the Virginia Medical Aid in Dying Act in 2020. The bill progress can be tracked here.

Organ Donation Registry

Virginia’s organ donation registry can be accessed here.

Physician Orders for Scope of Treatment (POST)

Virginia’s POST form must be obtained from your physician. This form should be completed only after a conversation with a patient or their representative. It’s necessary for patients who are at risk of a life-threatening clinical event due to a life-limiting medical condition.

Probate Laws

Information on Virginia’s legislation on a decedent’s will regarding their estate and other assets can be found in Title 64.2: Wills, Trusts, and Fiduciaries.

Estate and Inheritance Tax

Virginia has no estate or inheritance tax.