North Carolina Birth Records

North Carolina's birth records are official documents that provide details about an individual's birth. The state has maintained official records of its births since October 1913. Birth records for individuals born from this date forward are part of the state's vital records systems. North Carolina issues different forms of birth certificates that serve various purposes.

The long-form birth certificate is a detailed version of the birth record. It contains comprehensive information about the birth and the registrant. It typically includes the legal name, date and place of birth, time of birth, gender, birth weight, parental information, attending physician's name, and signature and seal of the issuing office. The long-form birth record is ideal for legal and official purposes such as applying for a passport or name changes.

The Short-form birth certificate is a condensed version of the record that includes only the most essential details. The abridged birth record contains information such as the name on the record and date of birth. The short-form birth records are ideal for routine administrative tasks where full details are not necessary.

Birth records in the state, whether in long or short form, may be further categorized as authorized or informational copies. Authorized copies of the birth record are the certified copies of the document that bear the raised seal and signature of the issuing authority. Informational copies of birth records are the unofficial version of the birth record. It lacks the security features of the certified records and is suitable for personal or genealogical research.

How To Order a North Carolina Birth Certificate?

You can order your birth certificate in North Carolina through the following ways:

• The North Carolina Office of Vital Records provides access to birth certificates from October 1913 to the present
• The County Register of Deeds offices where the birth occurred
• The North Carolina State Archives for birth records pre-1913

You may obtain birth records from the North Carolina Office of Vital Records by completing the North Carolina Birth Certificate form. Record requests can be made by mail or in person. In-person requests typically require scheduling an appointment. All requests for birth certificates must include a valid photo ID, supporting documents, and fees. It costs $24 for the first copy and $15 for each additional copy. The state's vital records office is located at:

You may also access birth certificates from the County Register of Deeds offices. The office has recorded all births occurring within its jurisdiction from its inception. Visit the county office where the birth occurred to order the record. Most counties require requesters to complete a birth record request form, usually available on their website or at the county office. There is a $10 fee to order birth records from your county's Register of Deeds office.

Similarly, birth records before October 1913 are accessible at the North Carolina State Archives. The state archives have historic birth records valuable for family history research. You may access birth records from the state archives by visiting the office in Raleigh in person during its business hours, Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Are Birth Records Public in North Carolina?

No. Birth records are not considered public records in North Carolina. Therefore, members of the public cannot view, inspect, or obtain copies of birth records in North Carolina. Access to birth records is restricted to protect individual privacy. However, uncertified copies of birth records for genealogical purposes may be available to the public.

Who Can Order A Birth Certificate in North Carolina?

While the state restricts public access to birth records, certain eligible individuals can obtain certified copies of a birth certificate. Per North Carolina law, the following individuals may access and order certified birth records:

• The person named on the birth certificate
• Immediate family members, including spouses, parents, legal guardians, siblings, children, grandchildren, and grandparents
• Authorized legal representatives, authorized agents, or attorneys
• Individuals seeking legal information for legal determination of personal or property rights
• Individuals with a court order

How Long Does it Take to Get A North Carolina Birth Certificate?

The standard processing time for birth certificates from 1971 to the present is 30 days, while birth certificates from 1913 to 1970 are typically processed within 3 months. Expedited processing is available for in-person requests based on appointment. The record is usually available within 3 to 5 business days.

Processing times for birth certificates obtained from the Register of Deeds Office differ per county. Mail-in applicants for birth certificates are processed within 1-3 business days. However, in-person requests are processed on the same day.

Where Can I Find North Carolina Birth Records for Free?

In North Carolina, access to certified birth certificates is restricted to protect individual privacy. However, informational copies or indexes of birth records can be accessed by non-authorized individuals through various resources:

• National Vital Records Archives: The National Vital Records Archives is a collection of free repositories and databases that provides access to vital records across the United States, including North Carolina's birth records.
• North Carolina State Archives: The website holds a vast collection of historical records, including North Carolina birth records. These records are useful for genealogical research and may be accessed for free.
• Genealogy Websites: Genealogy websites like Ancestry.com or Familysearch.orgoffer extensive collections of North Carolina birth records, including indexes. Users can search for birth records for free, spanning from 1800 to 2000.
• Third-party Websites: Third-party websites like PublicRecords.us aggregate public records from various sources, including state vital records offices, and make them accessible online. You can find basic historical information, index summary, and publicly available birth records for free on the website.

When Would I Need My North Carolina Birth Records?

Birth records are foundational legal documents that establish your identity and citizenship. Because of its significance, North Carolina birth records are useful in various situations, including:

• Obtaining a U.S. passport or other travel documents
• Applying for a driver's license or state identification
• Applying for a Social Security card or updating your records
• Verify age when enrolling in educational institutions
• Validate your original name during legal name changes
• Immigration and naturalization processes
• Applying for government benefits

How Much is A Replacement Birth Certificate in North Carolina?

A replacement birth certificate may be needed if your original certificate is stolen, destroyed, stolen, outdated, incorrect, or damaged. To replace your birth certificate in North Carolina. Submit a written request to the Register of Deeds Office of the North Carolina Vital Records Office.

Complete an application form and provide a valid government-issued ID. Include proof of eligibility to order the record and pay the stipulated fees. The fee for replacing certified copies of birth records is $24 if ordering from the State Vital Records Office and $10 if obtaining the same from the Register of Deeds Office.

When Can the Public Access North Carolina Birth Certificates?

North Carolina law treats certified birth certificates as confidential records for living individuals. Therefore, only those with a direct and legal interest can obtain an official copy of the birth records. However, the state does permit public access to uncertified birth certificates.

How To Correct an Error on a North Carolina Birth Certificate?

You may correct minor errors, such as typographical errors, misspellings, or minor inaccuracies on birth records. Similarly, substantive amendments, such as modifying names and updating parental information on birth records, may be corrected with a court order.

Birth records may be amended at the North Carolina Vital Records Office. Complete and notarize the Birth Certification Modification Application Form. Provide the necessary documentation, including valid ID, court orders, if applicable, and documents supporting the amendment request. Mail the application and the fees. It costs $39 to amend and issue a corrected certified copy of a North Carolina birth certificate.

Does North Carolina Provide Non-binary Birth Certificates?

No. North Carolina does not offer a non-binary or gender-neutral option on birth certificates. The state only recognizes "male" and "female" as valid gender designations on birth records. North Carolina has not extended the option to select a non-binary "X" gender marker on birth certificates.