North Carolina Birth Records Search

How to Find Birth Certificates in NC

Birth certificates for the state of North Carolina are handled by the North Carolina Vital Records. 

Please note that you are only able to order birth certificates for yourself, your spouse, or a child for whom you are the parent, guardian or legal representative.  You must be at least 18 yeas of age and provide proof of your identity in the form of a copy of a valid government-issued photo ID, such as your driver’s license, state-issued identification card, government issued employment identification, or passport.  Enlarge the copy of your ID and lighten it if needed to ensure it is clear and readable.  Sign underneath it to verify that you are the requestor.  If you are not ordering your own birth certificate, please make a notation on the copy of your ID of y our relationship to the person whose birth certificate you are requesting.  Enclose a copy of any legal or supporting documentation such as guardianship papers or marriage license or certificate.

Please download the Adobe PDF application and fill it out and mail with payment and a copy of your photo identification to:

North Carolina Vital Records
1903 Mail Service Center
Raleigh, NC 27699-1903

The fee is $15 is charged for each name searched in a five-year period, which includes one certified or uncertified copy.  Additional copies of the same record, when requested at the same time, are $5 each.

Please do not send cash.  Personal check or certified funds only.

Please call (919) 733-3526 prior to mailing to ensure that the fees have not changed since the publication of this document.

You may also present the form, payment, and ID in person to:

Cooper Memorial Health Building
225 N. McDowell Street
Raleigh, N.C.

The hours of operation are 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., Monday – Friday.  Walk-in requests are subject to an additional $15 expedited services fee for same day service and will usually be completed in about one hour. Customers may leave completed requests forms for a mailed response to avoid the extra fee for same day services.

If you have any questions, please call (919) 733-3526.