Main Office Services & Vital Records
The Jefferson County Clerk’s Main Office provides a variety of services to the public, including records searches, document recording, vital records requests, and free notary services. Our team is available to answer questions and help direct you to the information and resources you need.
General Inquiries
countyclerkcontactus@jeffcowv.gov
Nikki Painter
Senior Chief Deputy Clerk
304-728-3246
nikki.n.painter@jeffcowv.gov
Kevin Carden
Deputy Clerk
304-728-3248
kevin.k.carden@jeffcowv.gov
Katrina Clark
Deputy Clerk
304-728-3348
katrina.a.clark@jeffcowv.gov
Heather Day
Deputy Clerk
304-728-3214
heather.m.day@jeffcowv.gov
Main Office Services
Records Searches
Document Recording
Vital Records Requests
For Birth, Marriage, & Death Records
Free Notary Services
Notary Service Notice: Effective July 1, 2026, customers whose documents require witness signatures must bring their own witnesses. The Clerk’s Office can no longer provide witness signatures.
Copy Fees
Pursuant to West Virginia Code §59-1-10, copy fees are:
- First two pages: $1.50 per document
- Each additional page: $1.00
Examples:
| Document Length | Fee |
|---|---|
| 3 pages | $2.50 |
| 5 pages | $4.50 |
| 10 pages | $9.50 |
| 15 pages | $14.50 |
The total fee for all four examples would be $31.00.
Vital Records
The County Clerk’s Office accepts requests for copies of birth, marriage, and death records. West Virginia is not an open-records state, and restrictions apply to who may obtain these records.
Birth records become public after 100 years.
Marriage and death records become public after 50 years.
Birth, Marriage, & Death Records
Apply for a Marriage License
Acceptable Forms of Identification
When requesting vital records, you must provide one or more copies of acceptable identification. Any photo ID submitted must show a photo that matches the requesting individual.
Acceptable photo identification includes:
- State-issued driver’s license, whether current or expired
- U.S. or foreign passport, visa, or national identity card issued by the U.S. government to foreign nationals
- Government-issued employment photo ID from a federal, state, or local agency, including military ID or a photo ID from a government-sponsored program
- Major credit card with a photo of the cardholder
Business IDs and student IDs are not accepted.
If you do not have photo identification, you may submit one of the following:
- Major credit card
- Motor vehicle registration card
- State social services program card
- Current utility bill or pay stub showing your name and current address
- Signed affidavit confirming your identity from someone accompanying you who has an acceptable photo ID, along with a copy of that person’s ID
Genealogy Research
For historical records and genealogy research, the West Virginia State Archives and History website is a recommended starting point.
WV State Archives & History
WV GenWeb Project
WV University Libraries
Genealogy Resarch
WV Collection
Payment Information
The Jefferson County Clerk’s Office accepts credit card payments. A service fee of 2.5% of the total transaction, with a $2.00 minimum, applies to all credit card transactions.
We Accept:
Hunting & Fishing Licenses
The Jefferson County Clerk’s Office does not issue hunting or fishing licenses. For licensing information, visit the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources.
WV Division of Natural Resources
Foreclosure Notices
November 9, 2026
5:04 p.m.
November 9, 2026
5:12 p.m.
Have Questions?
Have a question about county government or need assistance connecting with the appropriate office? Contact us below.
Phone
304-728-3215
countyclerkcontactus@jeffcowv.gov
Address
393 North Lawrence St, Suite 135
PO Box 208
Charles Town, WV 25414
Hours
Monday-Friday: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm