North Carolina Vital Records
Table of Contents
What are North Carolina Vital Records?
Vital Records in North Carolina are the official records of births, deaths, marriages, and divorces. The North Carolina Vital Records Office maintains these records for events in North Carolina.
How Can I Get a Copy of a Birth Certificate in North Carolina?
The North Carolina Vital Records Office has birth records filed from 1913. For births that occurred before 1913, you should contact the county register of deeds where the birth took place.
Only the following persons are authorized to receive a copy of a birth certificate:
- The person whose name is on the record.
- The parents of the person whose name is on the record.
- The spouse of the person whose name is on the record.
- The child of the person whose name is on the record.
- The guardian of the person whose name is on the record.
- The legal representative of the person whose name is on the record.
The standard certificate search fee is $24, including a certified copy if a record is found. Additional copies of the same certificate will be $15 each.
The information required when requesting a copy of a birth certificate includes:
- The full name of the person on the certificate.
- The date and county or city of birth.
- Both parents' full names.
- Your relationship to the person on the certificate.
Orders Options and Methods of Payment
Fees may be paid by one of the following methods:
For Mailed-in Orders:
- Money order.
- Certified check.
- Business check.
- The NC Vital Records does not accept cash and checks via mail.
Important: Make all certified checks, business checks, and money orders payable to the "NC Vital Records."
For Online and Phone Orders:
- Personal check, credit card, or debit card through VitalChek.
For In-Person Orders:
- Cash is accepted only for in-person services.
- Walk-in services are temporarily suspended due to Covid-19. Some walk-in certificate services have resumed by appointment only.
Important: Make all checks and money orders payable to the "NC Vital Records."
Order Options
Online Orders
You can order a certified copy of your birth certificate through VitalChek. They are an independent service provider who charges an additional fee for their services.
VitalChek accepts all major credit cards, including MasterCard, Visa, American Express, and Discover. The total fee for using this service is $36.70 for regular shipping and $56.70 for overnight shipping via UPS.
Register of Deeds
Birth certificates can also be requested from the Register of Deeds in the county where the birth occurred. If you need to obtain certificates on the same day, the Register of Deeds where the event took place is your best option.
Important: NC Vital Records is the only office where you can request a birth certificate for an adopted child.
Walk-in Orders
Please be advised that walk-in services are available by appointment only. An additional $15 will apply to the standard fee if requesting expedited service.
To make an appointment for in-person service at the state office, you can use the NC Vital Records Appointment calendar or call the office at 919-792-5982.
Order by Mail
The current processing time for mailed-in certificates is six months to 1 year. To place an order by mail, you will need to complete the Birth Certificate Application Form and include a $24 money order, certified check, or business check.
Important: Do not overpay, as this may result in processing delays.
Sign the completed form and mail it with the payment to:
North Carolina Vital Records
ATTN: Certificate Orders
1903 Mail Service Center
Raleigh, NC 27699-1900
For any concerns or questions, please call the NC Vital Records office at 919-733-3000.
How Can I Get a Copy of a Death Certificate in North Carolina?
The North Carolina Vital Records Office has death records filed from 1930. For death certificates before 1930, you may contact the North Carolina State Archives.
North Carolina death certificates are considered public records in North Carolina. Anyone can request an uncertified copy of a death record given that you'll provide the specific information required, such as:
- The name on the certificate.
- The date of death.
- The county where the death took place.
The person who is authorized to receive a copy of a death certificate in North Carolina includes:
- The spouse of the deceased.
- The child of the deceased.
- A parent of the deceased.
- A grandchild of the deceased.
- A sibling of the deceased.
- An aunt or uncle of the deceased.
- A niece or nephew of the deceased.
- The legal representative of the person mentioned above.
Order Options and Methods of Payment
To order a death certificate, you will need to provide the deceased's full name, date of death, county of death, and your relationship to the deceased. You can order a copy of a death certificate by mail, online, or in person.
Fees may be paid by one of the following methods:
For mailed-in orders:
- Money order.
- Certified check.
- Business check.
The NC Vital Records Office does not accept cash and checks via mail.
Important: Make all certified checks, business checks, and money orders payable to the "NC Vital Records."
For online and phone orders:
- Personal check, credit card, or debit card through VitalChek.
For in person orders:
- Cash is accepted only for in person services.
- Walk-in services are temporarily suspended due to Covid-19. Some walk-in certificate services have resumed by appointment only.
Important: Make all checks and money orders payable to the "NC Vital Records."
Order Options
Online Orders
You can order a certified copy of your death certificate through VitalChek. They are an independent service provider who charges an additional fee for their services.
VitalChek accepts all major credit cards, including MasterCard, Visa, American Express, and Discover. The total fee for using this service is $36.70 for regular shipping and $56.70 for overnight shipping via UPS.
Register of Deeds
Death certificates can also be requested from the Register of Deeds in the county where the death occurred. If you need to obtain certificates on the same day, the Register of Deeds where the event took place is your best option.
Walk-in Orders
Please be advised that walk-in services are available by appointment only. An additional $15 will apply to the standard fee if requesting expedited service.
To make an appointment for in-person service at the state office, you can use the NC Vital Records Appointment calendar or call the office at 919-792-5982.
Order by Mail
The current processing time for mailed-in certificates is six months to 1 year. To place an order by mail, you will need to complete the Death Certificate Application Form and include a $24 money order, certified check, or business check.
Important: Do not overpay, as this may result in processing delays.
Sign the completed form and mail it with the payment to:
North Carolina Vital Records
ATTN: Certificate Orders
1903 Mail Service Center
Raleigh, NC 27699-1900
For any concerns or questions, please call the NC Vital Records office at 919-733-3000.
How Can I Get a Copy of a Marriage Certificate in North Carolina?
The North Carolina Vital Records Office has copies of marriage records from 1962. You will need to contact the county register of deeds for prior marriage records.
North Carolina marriage certificates are considered public records in North Carolina. Anyone can request an uncertified copy of a marriage certificate given that you'll provide the specific information required, such as:
- The full name of both spouses.
- The date of the marriage.
- The county where the marriage license was filed.
- Your relationship with the couple.
Only the following people can order a certified copy of a marriage certificate in North Carolina:
- The bride or groom.
- An immediate family member of the bride or groom.
- An individual with a legal right or claim.
- An authorized legal representative.
Orders Options and Methods of Payment
To order marriage certificate copies, you will need to provide information such as:
- The name of the applicants.
- The date of marriage.
- The place where the license was issued.
Fees may be paid by one of the following methods:
For mailed in orders:
- Money order.
- Certified check.
- Business check.
The NC Vital Records Office does not accept cash and checks via mail.
Important: Make all certified checks, business checks, and money orders payable to the "NC Vital Records."
For Online and Phone Orders:
- Personal check, credit card, or debit card through VitalChek.
For In-Person Orders:
- Cash is accepted only for in-person services.
- Walk-in services are temporarily suspended due to Covid-19. Some walk-in certificate services have resumed by appointment only.
Important: Make all checks and money orders payable to the "NC Vital Records."
Order Options
Online Orders
You can order a certified copy of your marriage certificate through VitalChek. They are an independent service provider who charges an additional fee for their services.
VitalChek accepts all major credit cards, including MasterCard, Visa, American Express, and Discover. The total cost for using this service is $36.70 for regular shipping and $56.70 for overnight shipping via UPS.
Register of Deeds
Marriage certificates can also be requested from the Register of Deeds in the county where the marriage license was filed.
Walk-in Orders
Please be advised that walk-in services are available by appointment only. An additional $15 will apply to the standard fee if requesting expedited service.
To make an appointment for in-person service at the state office, you can use the NC Vital Records Appointment calendar or call the office at 919-792-5982.
Order by Mail
The current processing time for mailed-in certificates is six months to 1 year. To place an order by mail, you will need to complete the Marriage Certificate Application Form and include a $24 money order, certified check, or business check.
Important: Do not overpay, as this may result in processing delays.
Sign the completed form and mail it with the payment to:
North Carolina Vital Records
ATTN: Certificate Orders
1903 Mail Service Center
Raleigh, NC 27699-1900
For any concerns or questions, please call the NC Vital Records office at 919-733-3000.
How Can I Get a Copy of a Divorce Certificate in North Carolina?
The North Carolina Vital Records Office has copies of divorce records from 1962. For prior divorce records, you will need to contact the clerk of the court where the divorce was granted.
North Carolina divorce records are considered public records. However, to avoid and reduce the misuse of divorce records, you should provide sufficient identifying information such as:
- The full names of persons involved in the divorce.
- The approximate date of divorce.
- The county where the divorce was granted.
- Your relationship to the person who is named on the record.
While divorce records are presumed to be public records, all parts of a record may be sealed by order of the court. Therefore, only eligible individuals may receive a certified copy of a divorce certificate, including:
- The divorced parties.
- The attorneys of divorced parties.
- Any descendant of a divorced party if that party is deceased.
- A state or local government official or agency as provided by law
- An individual who has obtained an order from a court of competent jurisdiction authorizing the record's release.
- A legal representative of any of the parties listed above.
Order Options and Methods of Payment
Fees may be paid by one of the following methods:
For mailed in orders:
- Money order.
- Certified check.
- Business check.
The NC Vital Records Office does not accept cash and checks via mail.
Important: Make all certified checks, business checks, and money orders payable to the "NC Vital Records."
For online and phone orders:
- Personal check, credit card, or debit card through VitalChek.
For in-person orders:
- Cash is accepted only for in-person services.
- Walk-in services are temporarily suspended due to Covid-19. Some walk-in certificate services have resumed by appointment only.
Important: Make all checks and money orders payable to the "NC Vital Records."
Order Options
Online Orders
You can order a certified copy of your divorce certificate through VitalChek. They are an independent service provider who charges an additional fee for their services.
VitalChek accepts all major credit cards, including MasterCard, Visa, American Express, and Discover. The total cost for using this service is $36.70 for regular shipping and $56.70 for overnight shipping via UPS.
Walk-in Orders
Please be advised that walk-in services are available by appointment only. An additional $15 will apply to the standard fee if requesting expedited service.
To make an appointment for in-person service at the state office, you can use the NC Vital Records Appointment calendar or call the office at 919-792-5982.
Order by Mail
The current processing time for mailed-in certificates is six months to 1 year. To place an order by mail, you will need to complete the Divorce Certificate Application Form and include a $24 money order, certified check, or business check.
Important: Do not overpay, as this may result in processing delays.
Sign the completed form and mail it with the payment to:
North Carolina Vital Records
ATTN: Certificate Orders
1903 Mail Service Center
Raleigh, NC 27699-1900
For any concerns or questions, please call the NC Vital Records office at 919-733-3000.