West Virginia § 16-5-12 - 16-5-12. Notation on birth records of missing children.
Full text of West Virginia West Virginia Code § 16-5-12 — 16-5-12. Notation on birth records of missing children., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 16-5-12. 16-5-12. Notation on birth records of missing children.
(a) Upon receiving a report of the disappearance of any child born in this state, the state Registrar shall indicate in a clear and conspicuous manner in the child's birth record or by an electronic process that the child has been reported as missing, including the title and location of the law-enforcement agency providing the report.
(b) Upon receiving a request for any birth records containing a report of the disappearance of any child, the state Registrar shall immediately notify the local law-enforcement agency which provided the missing child report. The State Registrar shall transmit any relevant information concerning the applicant's identity, address and other pertinent data immediately to the relevant local law-enforcement agency.
(c) The State Registrar shall retain the original written request, or the details in an electronic format, until notified of the missing child's recovery or the child attains the age of eighteen.
(d) Upon notification that any missing child has been recovered, the state Registrar shall remove the report of the disappearance from the child's birth record.
Source: official West Virginia text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About West Virginia § 16-5-12
What does West Virginia Code § 16-5-12 cover?
Section 16-5-12 ("16-5-12. Notation on birth records of missing children.") is part of the West Virginia Code, the codified statutory law of West Virginia. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite West Virginia § 16-5-12?
A common citation format is "West Virginia Code § 16-5-12" (West Virginia). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of West Virginia law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the West Virginia official source linked on this page or consult a licensed West Virginia attorney.
How does West Virginia § 16-5-12 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in West Virginia can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in West Virginia.