How to Get North Carolina Vital Records (Start Here)
Vital records in North Carolina — birth certificates, death certificates, marriage records, and divorce records — are handled at the state level by NC DHHS Vital Records. Marriage licenses are issued locally by the Register of Deeds.
What this page covers: North Carolina vital record ordering, eligibility requirements, and related databases. What it does not cover: Genealogy records older than the state vital records system (check the Genealogy Resources page for historical records).
Where to start: For certified copies of birth or death certificates, contact NC DHHS Vital Records. For marriage licenses, contact the Register of Deeds in the county where the ceremony will occur. For divorce records, contact the court that granted the decree.
Common mistake: Birth and death certificates, marriage licenses, and divorce decrees come from different offices. Do not assume one office handles all vital records.
Statewide vital-records agency
Parent agency
Records back to
Online ordering
Marriage license issued by
Local intake
Population
11,046,024
Households
4,364,200
Median Income
$70,804
Median Home Value
$263,400
SearchSystems Editorial
Edited by Sam Rokni — Editor & Owner, SearchSystems.net. Public records professional since 1999. NAPBS founding member. Full bio & credentials.
Last reviewed: June 04, 2026 · Methodology: North Carolina vital records URL verified against the official state publisher at vitalrecords.nc.gov on the review date. 7 primary .gov sources cited below.
North Carolina Vital Records — Key Facts (2026)
Birth, death, marriage, and divorce records for North Carolina — who can request, how to order, and what 2026 changed.
State-only
Issuing authority
Not federal
Restricted
Birth/death access
Usually self + family
75-125 yr
When records become public
Genealogy threshold
VitalChek
3rd-party portal
Used by many states
CDC NVSS
National statistics
Data only, no certificates
The person named
100%
Parent of subject
100%
Spouse of subject
90%
Adult child
90%
Legal representative
80%
General public (recent)
10%
General public (historical 75+yr)
95%
Unit: % likely to receive a certified copy.
What Changed in 2026 — North Carolina Vital Records
2026
North Carolina vital records portal active
The official North Carolina portal at vitalrecords.nc.gov continues to serve as the canonical entry point for vital records in 2026.
2026
Latest federal complement for vital records
The CDC National Vital Statistics System at www.cdc.gov provides federal-level context that complements North Carolina state records.
2026
North Carolina access in 2026
For 2026, North Carolina continues to publish vital records information through state-authorized portals; check vitalrecords.nc.gov for current fees and processing times.
2026
Federal records framework refresh
Federal record types (federal liens, federal land, federal vital statistics) continue to live OUTSIDE North Carolina's state portal — see the Primary Sources below for additional official portals.
The 4-Step North Carolina Vital Records Pathway
1
Step 1 — Confirm state of event
Vital records are issued by the state where the event happened. For events in North Carolina, start with the North Carolina health department.
2
Step 2 — Verify eligibility
Most states restrict birth/death to self, parents, spouse, child, or legal rep.
3
Step 3 — Choose ordering method
North Carolina typically allows mail, in-person, or online (often via VitalChek).
4
Step 4 — Genealogy fallback
North Carolina records older than 75-125 years are usually public — try FamilySearch or NARA.
Five Things People Get Wrong About North Carolina Vital Records
❌ Myth: "I can request anyone's North Carolina birth certificate."
✓ Truth: False. Most states (including North Carolina) restrict access to immediate family or legal representatives.
❌ Myth: "Vital records are federal."
✓ Truth: False. They are state-issued. The CDC compiles statistics but does NOT issue certificates.
❌ Myth: "VitalChek is the government."
✓ Truth: False. VitalChek is an authorized third-party vendor used by many states, NOT a federal or state agency.
❌ Myth: "Older North Carolina marriage records are private."
✓ Truth: False. Marriages older than ~75 years are usually public and indexed by genealogy sites.
❌ Myth: "A North Carolina death is recorded the day it happens."
✓ Truth: False. CDC NVSS data has a 1-2 year lag for final figures; provisional data takes 6+ months.
Primary Sources and Official Record Portals
- vitalrecords.nc.gov — Official North Carolina Vital Records — State portal for North Carolina vital records
- CDC National Vital Statistics System — National Vital Statistics System
- CDC — Where to Write for Records — CDC state-by-state directory
- National Archives — Vital Records — Federal genealogy & vital guide
- Social Security Death Master File — Social Security death records
- Census — Births and Deaths — Census Bureau vital statistics
- VA — Veterans Records — Veterans Administration records
Related Vital Records Resources
📍 Other North Carolina records:
- North Carolina Court Records →
- North Carolina Criminal Records →
- North Carolina Property Records →
- North Carolina Voter Records →
- North Carolina Wants & Warrants →
- North Carolina Licenses →
- North Carolina Recorded Documents →
🇺🇸 Vital Records in other states:
- Alaska
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- Colorado
- Connecticut
- District of Columbia
- Delaware
- Florida
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- Hawaii
- Iowa
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Massachusetts
- Maryland
- Maine
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Missouri
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- Montana
- North Dakota
- Nebraska
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- Nevada
- New York
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Virginia
- Vermont
- Washington
- Wisconsin
- West Virginia
- Wyoming
National: U.S. Vital Records hub →
Related Public Records
More North Carolina records: Court records · Criminal records · Wants & warrants · Property records · Voter records · Licenses · Recorded docs
National view of this topic: All states: Vital records
Vital Records Databases
28 official North Carolina vital records sources.
Vital Records
NCDHHS: DPH: NC Vital Records: Order a Certificate
Official Free
North Carolina Vital Records ATTN: VC Certificate Orders 1903 Mail Service Center Raleigh, NC 27699-1900 · If no record is found, you will be sent a letter. The $24 search fee is nonrefundable even if a record is not located. Birth certificates issued after adoptions occur follow a different process and use different forms than regular birth certificate orders.
Carteret County
Official Free
Disclaimer There are always records being processed that are not yet available on this system or the in house system or in the permanent index. The accuracy of a searchers result is dependent on the method of search used by the searcher. This is also true of searching a printed index in the.
Vital Records | Guilford County
Official Free
The cost of all certified copies of vital records is $10 per copy. The costs of uncertified copies are $1 per page if by mail. There is no charge for the first certified copy of the birth certificate for applicants ages 62 or older if requesting your own. Guilford County accepts cash, checks.
Harnett County Birth, Marriage, Death Certificates, Vital Records
Official Free
An additional fee is charged by. birth, death, marriage and divorce records by clicking HERE · The Harnett County Registrar of Vital Statistics provides you with birth, death, and marriage certificates.
eSearch | Quick Name Search
Official Free
By using this service, in any form, the user agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the Jackson County Register of Deeds and anyone involved in storing, retrieving, or displaying this information for any damage of any type that may be caused by retrieving this information over the Internet. Records available in this search consist of released records.
Materials in our Collections
Official Free
Johnston County Cohabitation and Slave Marriage Index · Johnston County Marriage Bonds, 1779-1867 · 1902 Johnston County Voter Registration Records · Johnston County Confederate Soldiers · Johnston County Register of Deeds Record Search · Historical Aerial Photographs · Cemetery records for sale and other material provided by the Johnston County Genealogical and Historical Society · Printed Materials: U.S. Census, 1784-1787 · North Carolina Census Indexes, 1790-1870 ·
Obituaries | The Heritage Center | Johnston County, North Carolina
Official Free
Unless noted otherwise, notices since 1885 are from The Smithfield Herald. Prior to that, most notices appeared in one of three newspapers (indicated by abbreviations): Raleigh Register (RR), Farmers & Mechanic (F & M) of Raleigh, and the Clayton Bud (CB). Starting in January 2008, we're also.
Macon County, North Carolina History, Genealogy Records: Deeds, Courts, Dockets, Newspapers, Vital Records, Wills,…
Official Free
The North Carolina State Archives has the following vital records: Death Certificates, 1913-1975 (Statewide Index: 1913-1979 ); microfilmed Indexes to Births and Deaths (except Wake, Durham); Marriage Bonds, 1741-1868 (not required by law);.
eSearch | PropertyCheck
Official Free
To navigate between search applications, select from the list below · Last / Firm Name Begins With Contains Exactly Sounds Like First Name Begins With Contains Exactly Sounds Like Side Both Sides Grantor Grantee
Records & Data – Washington County NCGenWeb
Official Free
Marriages, 1851-1890 – compilation of licenses of Washington County · North Carolina Marriages 1759-1979 – from Family Record Search · North Carolina, County Marriages, 1762-1979 – from FamilySearch and includes images · 1799-1893 NC Marriage Records – full-text of Carrie Broughton’s Marriages from the NC Raleigh Register & Gazette series of books.
Vital Records - North Carolina: Local History & Genealogy Resource Guide - Research Guides at Library of Congress
Official Free
Based on the date of the vital event (birth, death, marriage, divorce), determine whether you are seeking a state, territory, county, or parish level record. If the record you are seeking has been digitized, you can access it online, through the projects described below.
Records – Wayne County, NCGenWeb
Official Free
Misc. obituaries at the Wayne County NCGenWeb Archives · 1906-1930 – free search & death certificate images @ Family Record Search · 1995-2009 – search the Wayne County Register of Deeds · 1869-1903 – Wayne County Obituary Abstracts abstracted by the public library ; read the introduction.
The Daily Record - Dunn
Official Free
Josh Stein signed an executive order to increase housing opportunities and affordability for all North Carolinians on Tuesday. …. DUNN — Donnie Ray Tew, 78, died Thursday, May 21, 2026, at Wake Medical Center in Raleigh. The Daily Record office will be closed on Friday, May 22, and Monday, May 25, in observance of the Memorial Day holiday. FOUR OAKS — A 308-acre tract of land in Johnston County will become the county’s first publicly-owned nature preserve, marking a major milesto…
Register of Deeds | Franklin County, TN
Official Free
NOTICE Courthouse Computer Systems is pleased to welcome Franklin County, TN as our newest customer. To assist with the transition to the new system we are offering free public search access through January 31st, 2024. Beginning February 1st, 2024, purchasing access plans via credit card will be required.
Register of Deeds | Craven County, NC
Official Free
The Craven County Register of Deeds office makes no guarantees regarding the collection, accuracy, authenticity, or use of these records. The web site is for informational use and convenience only. The Register of Deeds and Courthouse Computer Systems shall in no way be held responsible for.
Welcome - Mecklenburg NC ROD Web Access
Official Free
The Register of Deeds Office, Mecklenburg County, North Carolina provides this web site as a public service. Information available on this web site is collected, maintained, and provided solely for the convenience of the public users. While every effort is made to assure that this information.
Burke Co. Vital Records and Land Grants
Official Free
The records these pioneers give us a better understanding of their lives · Land records are an accurate indicator of where these folks lived. Many of the records of their births, marriages and deaths exist and tell us who they were
Get Certificate Now Home Page
Official Free
GetCertificateNow.com is an online service that connects you with the local Register of Deeds office in order to obtain a certified copy (raised seal) or regular copy of a vital record. CCSCounties Alamance, NC Alexander, NC Alleghany, NC Anson, NC Ashe, NC Avery, NC Beaufort, NC Bertie, NC.
009 LAMM'S GROVE PRIMITIVE BA Moore County North Carolina Cemeteries
Official Free
Cemetery Census Cemetery Records on the Web · HOME ABOUT US CEMETERY LAW HOW TO HELP
Vital Records | New Hanover County, NC
Official Free
The local Health Director serves as the county vital records registrar for registration of all births and deaths, and fetal deaths , in New Hanover County, as well as the issuance of Burial Transit Permits and Disinterment / Re-interment Permits.
Rockingham County
Official Free
Check Order Status · Certified Documents in 3 Simple Steps · 1 Apply · Provide the required information to obtain a certified copy · 2 Pay · Enter credit card information for secure processing · 3 Receive · Documents will be mailed to you
Hickory, NC — Shuford Funeral Home Records 1908-1957 — Records from the Shuford Funeral Home 1908-1957
Official Free
Ollie Hickory. Usnf ?, Wm. T. Vanhorn, Mrs. Jane. Vanhorn, Robert L. Vanhorn. Mandie. Wagner, Henry D. Wagner, Mrs. Wagner, T. J. Wagner, Wm. P. Wainswright, J. Arthur Will Village,. Wakefield, Abram B. Walker, Geo. T.B. & Pneumonia. Walker, Infant of W. file:///C|/Documents and Settings/ptabor/Desktop/funeral.
North Carolina Counties
100 North Carolina counties are indexed on SearchSystems.net — top 28 counties shown below. Browse the full directory or click any county for local court, sheriff, recorder and assessor links.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where do I order a North Carolina birth certificate?▼
Certified birth certificates for events in North Carolina are issued by the Official North Carolina Vital Records at vitalrecords.nc.gov. Requests can be made by mail, in person, or (in most cases) online through the state's authorized vendor. The county of registration may also be able to issue certified copies for recent local events.
How do I get a North Carolina death certificate?▼
North Carolina death certificates are issued by the Official North Carolina Vital Records; eligibility (next of kin, executor, legal representative) and ID documentation requirements are listed at vitalrecords.nc.gov. For deaths within the last year, the county clerk or local registrar where the death occurred can often issue a copy more quickly.
Can I look up a North Carolina marriage or divorce record online?▼
North Carolina marriage and divorce records are not generally available in a free, name-searchable online index. The Official North Carolina Vital Records (vitalrecords.nc.gov) handles certified copies; the underlying license/decree is filed with the county clerk or court that issued it, which is also a primary search point.
How long does it take to get a North Carolina vital record?▼
Standard North Carolina vital-record processing times vary from a few business days (in-person same-day at some county clerks) to several weeks for mailed requests. The Official North Carolina Vital Records publishes current turnaround times at vitalrecords.nc.gov. Expedited processing is usually available for an additional fee.
What ID do I need to order a North Carolina certified vital record?▼
The Official North Carolina Vital Records requires government-issued photo identification (driver's license, state ID, passport, or military ID) and proof of your relationship to the record holder, if applicable. The full list of acceptable ID and supporting documents is published at vitalrecords.nc.gov.