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Order North Carolina Birth Certificate
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Learn how to order a certified North Carolina birth certificate from the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Vital Records (NCDHHS, NCOVR). The current processing time is 30 days to 3 months. The state’s fee for certified copies is $24.00, with additional copies costing $15.00 each. Authorized individuals who can request birth records include the person on record, family members, and legal representatives.
You can now order North Carolina birth certificate through VRO’s online filing service. VRO offers a secure and simple way to order birth certificate. We handle the entire application process, ensuring accuracy and ease. Your application is securely delivered to the NC Office of Vital Records (NCOVR) for processing, allowing them to issue and mail your birth certificate to you. You can place the order yourself in person or by mail through the NCOVR by following the specific steps and meeting certain requirements. Confirm requirements, eligibility, costs, and processing times before beginning the application process.
Requesting a North Carolina birth certificate through our online filing service is quick and easy.
Starting from
$29+ state fees
Benefits of Ordering Online with VRO
required documents
To order a replacement birth certificate from NCDHHS, all applicants must provide proof of identity. Acceptable forms of identification include a government-issued photo ID, such as a U.S. state-issued driver’s license or a passport. The requirements vary depending on how you order the replacement and who is making the request. Review the table below for detailed information and the documents required by NCDHHS to ensure your application is successful
Primary ID Requirements Options | Secondary ID Requirements Options |
|---|---|
State Driver's License | Temporary Driver's License |
To obtain a North Carolina birth certificate without an ID, you can use two secondary forms of identification listed in the requirements table above. Alternatively, authorized third parties such as family members or legal representatives can request the birth certificate on your behalf, provided they have the necessary documentation and proof of identity.
Cost & fees
The total cost of requesting a certified copy of a North Carolina birth certificate will depend on how you submit your application and documents; in person, by mail, or online. The NCDHHS fee for a certified copy is $24.00, and $15.00 for each additional copy when ordered simultaneously. All mail-in orders incur an extra $6.00 processing fee, and in-person requests cost an additional $15.00 for same-day service. Expedited service is not currently available for mail-in orders. When using VRO's online filing service, the fee starts at $29.00, plus state fees. VRO provides a secure online solution for ordering birth certificates.
State Fee |
|---|
$30.00 |
Rush Processing |
|---|
Temporarily suspended for mail-in orders. |
Additional Copy |
|---|
1 x $15.00 |
Processing time
The total time it takes to receive a North Carolina birth certificate depends on the method of application, the year in which the birth took place, and the current wait times set by the NCDHHS. The standard processing time is approximately 30 days to 3 months, while expedited orders can reduce wait times to take 1 to 2 weeks. In person requests are processed the same day. To avoid delays, we recommend using VRO’s easy online service, which helps prevent incomplete submissions and errors.
Processing Time |
|---|
13-15 months |
Rush Processing Time |
|---|
Temporarily suspended for mail-in orders. |
Authorization
Only the individual named on the record or eligible people can request certified copies of North Carolina birth certificates. These records are considered restricted and confidential. If you request a copy on behalf of the person named on the record, you must ensure that you are permitted to do so and meet the specific requirements.
You do not need to notarize your North Carolina birth certificate replacement application. However, you must provide valid identification and the documents specified by the NCDHHS to process your request. Certain third parties may need to provide notarized proof of their relationship to the individual on record.
Tracking
When you place an order with VRO, you can track the status of your application online while we handle it. VRO verifies your documents before forwarding them to North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) for further processing. Additionally, you can request mail tracking with VRO to monitor your application's arrival to the NCDHHS for further confirmation.
If you manually mail your birth certificate request, purchasing first-class mail with tracking is recommended to to know when your application is delivered to the NCDHHS. Check the state website for specific mailing instructions.
NCDHHS does not provide mail tracking when sending your vital records certificates to your address. Once the records leave the state office, the NCDHHS is not responsible for lost or misdirected certificates.
Need more than a birth certificate? VitalRecordsOnline helps you order every North Carolina vital record through one streamlined application. Whether you're gathering documents for a passport, name change, estate settlement, or family history project, we handle the paperwork, verify everything is complete before submission, and track your order from start to delivery.
North Carolina Marriage Certificate — Required for name changes, spousal benefits, visa applications, divorce filings, and proof of marital status.
North Carolina Death Certificate — Needed for estate settlement, life insurance claims, pension transfers, Social Security notifications, and closing accounts of a deceased loved one.
North Carolina Divorce Certificate — Proves the legal dissolution of a marriage. Required for remarriage in some states, name restoration, and certain immigration or legal matters.
For use abroad, ask about our apostille service — we authenticate North Carolina vital records for international use in Hague Convention countries.
frequently asked questions
A certified copy of a North Carolina birth certificate costs $24 from the NC Vital Records office. Additional copies ordered at the same time cost $15 each. Expedited processing and shipping options are available for additional fees.
You may also need to order a North Carolina death certificate through our secure online service.
Yes. You can request a North Carolina birth certificate online through the NC Division of Public Health vital records office or through an authorized third-party service. You will need the full name on the certificate, date of birth, place of birth, and parents’ names.
Looking for a different document? Order a North Carolina marriage certificate through our secure online service.
North Carolina allows eligible individuals such as a parent, legal guardian, or legal representative to request a birth certificate on someone else’s behalf. You may need to provide a notarized affidavit or sworn statement confirming your relationship and purpose. A Power of Attorney (PoA) document is also accepted as proof of legal authority.
Need another vital record? Get your North Carolina divorce certificate through our secure online service.
Official birth certificates issued by the NCDHHS will display key features that indicate its authenticity. While the appearance of the birth certificate may vary depending on the year of its issue, state guidelines mandate that certified copies must display standard features, such as the state seal, the individual's name, the registrar's signature, and printed on secure paper.
It's important to note that official (long-form) birth certificates are used for legal purposes and differ from informational (short-form) copies, which are generally used for commemorative purposes.
• Full Name of the Person: The full legal name of the person whose birth is being recorded.
• Date of Birth: The exact date of birth of the individual.
• Place of Birth: The city, county, and state where the birth took place.
• Parents’ Names: The full names of both parents, including the mother’s maiden name.
• State Seal: A raised, embossed, or printed multicolor or black and white seal of the issuing authority, which validates the document.
• Signature of State Registrar: The signature of the state registrar or authorized official responsible for issuing the certificate.
• Date of Issuance: The date when the state officially issued the birth certificate.
• Printed on Security Paper: Printed on specialized paper to prevent counterfeiting.
In some instances, a certified birth certificate may also include:
• Name of the Hospital where the birth was recorded.
• Name of the Physician who attended the labor.
For general information on ordering a birth certificate from any U.S. state, see our birth certificate ordering guide.
If you lose your birth certificate:
The process for correcting or amending a North Carolina birth certificate varies depending on the changes needed. In most cases, an addendum (or supplement) is created to correct or change the birth certificate, while the original record remains unaltered. The NC Office of Vital Records (NCOVR) offers in-person appointments and mail-in requests to amend your birth record.
Typically, North Carolina amendments to birth certificates will require:
County offices only process corrections and amendments for birth records from 1997 and later. If the birth occurred before 1997, you must submit all modification requests to the ADHS-BVR. However, when needed they can process corrections and amendments for any birth year.
You can obtain a North Carolina birth certificate apostille by submitting a request directly to the North Carolina Secretary of State or online through VRO's Express Apostille Service. Apostilles are only issued by the North Carolina Secretary of State and are usually required when filing a birth certificate with a foreign government as part of the 1961 Hague Convention.
To manually obtain an apostille for a North Carolina birth certificate, complete the following steps:
Mailing Address USPS:
Street Address for Carrier and Hand Delivery:
A long-form birth certificate (also called the "full" or "certified" copy) is a complete reproduction of the original North Carolina birth record. It includes your full legal name, date and place of birth, parents' names, birthplaces, and occupations, the attending physician or midwife, and the file date and registration number. This is the version you'll need for passports, REAL ID, Social Security, adoption, immigration, dual citizenship, and most legal purposes.
A short-form birth certificate (sometimes called a "certification" or "abstract") is a condensed version that shows only your name, date of birth, place of birth, and sex. It does not include parents' information. The short form is accepted for many everyday purposes, like enrolling in school, applying for a driver's license, or joining sports leagues, but it is not always accepted for federal documents or international travel.
When you order a North Carolina birth certificate through VitalRecordsOnline, you receive the long-form version by default, since it is the most widely accepted. If you're unsure which version you need, check with the agency requesting the document.
New to our service? Learn how our service works through our secure online service.
Processing times for a North Carolina birth certificate depend on how you order and which delivery speed you choose. Standard government processing through the North Carolina vital records office generally takes 4 to 12 weeks by mail. In-person requests at the state office or authorized county location are often completed the same day or within a few business days.
When you order online through VitalRecordsOnline, we review your application within 24 hours to catch errors before submission, then forward it to the issuing authority. Most customers receive their certified North Carolina birth certificate in 2 to 3 weeks with standard shipping. Expedited processing and rush shipping options are available at checkout for urgent needs like passport applications or upcoming travel.
If the issuing office returns your request because of missing information, our team contacts you immediately so the correction can be made without starting over. You can track your order status at any time through your account.
We also offer North Carolina death certificate through our secure online service.
The North Carolina Vital Records office in Raleigh processes birth certificate requests at 225 N. McDowell Street. You can apply in person for faster processing or order your North Carolina birth certificate online through our secure platform. Raleigh residents may also need a birth certificate when applying for a North Carolina marriage certificate or death certificate.
Same-day birth certificate service is available if you visit the NC Vital Records office in Raleigh in person. Processing times for online and mail orders typically take 4–6 weeks through the state, though expedited services can reduce that timeline. Many North Carolina residents need a certified birth certificate quickly for a REAL ID application or passport renewal.
Charlotte residents can request a North Carolina birth certificate through the Mecklenburg County Register of Deeds office or by ordering online. For births in other NC counties, you can apply through VitalRecordsOnline.com. A certified birth certificate is often needed for a Social Security card or driver’s license renewal.