This bill amends the Code of West Virginia to authorize the Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to issue certified copies of vital records, including birth, death, marriage, and divorce records, which are currently in the custody of the State Registrar. Beginning July 1, 2026, the DMV will be required to adhere to the rules set forth by the State Registrar when issuing these records. Additionally, the DMV will collect a minimum fee of $12 for each vital record issued, which will be retained by the DMV, while the actual costs incurred by the State Registrar will be transmitted monthly to ensure full cost recovery.

Furthermore, the bill mandates that the Commissioner of the DMV and the Cabinet Secretary of the Department of Health enter into a Memorandum of Understanding to develop a program that allows the DMV to access and issue certified copies of vital records in electronic form. This agreement will outline responsibilities for both agencies and include provisions to maintain the integrity and security of the vital records system, as well as training requirements for DMV staff on proper procedures for issuing these records.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 16-5-5, 16-5-29, 16-5-39