North Carolina Public Records /Find North Carolina Vital Records Online

Find North Carolina Vital Records Online

Are North Carolina Vital Records Available to the Public?

Yes, North Carolina vital records are available to the public. These records are produced and distributed by the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS). Additionally, some records can be found at the county level through the Register of Deeds Office or court custodians. The availability of these records depends on the type of record, local guidelines, and the date of the event.

What Information is Included in North Carolina Vital Records?

North Carolina vital records include essential details about significant life events. These records typically contain:

Birth records: Name, date, and place of birth, parents' names.
Death records: Name, date, and place of death, cause of death.
Marriage records: Names of the couple, date, and place of marriage.
Divorce records: Names of the parties, date, and place of divorce.

How to Access North Carolina Vital Records Online?

To access North Carolina vital records online, requesters can use third-party aggregate sites. These platforms are not geographically restricted and can be convenient for locating records. However, they are not government-sponsored, and record availability may vary. When using these sites, requesters must provide:

The location of the event, such as the city, county, or state.
The name of an individual involved in the event, provided it is not a juvenile.

Requesters should also supply additional relevant details, such as the registrant's name, date of the event, and parents' names, to facilitate the search.

What Do I Need to Access North Carolina Vital Records?

To obtain North Carolina vital records, requesters must provide specific information and documentation. The requirements vary based on the type of record and whether a certified or uncertified copy is requested. Generally, no documents are needed for uncertified copies, but official records require identification. Acceptable forms of ID include:

Government-issued photo ID (e.g., driver's license, passport).
Non-driver photo ID card.
U.S. military ID.
Current student ID card.

If the requester lacks these IDs, they may provide two minor proofs such as a temporary driver's license, utility bill, or bank statement.

Certified vs. Informational Copies: Key Differences

Certified copies of vital records in North Carolina are official documents with a raised seal, used for legal purposes. Uncertified copies are printed on plain paper and marked "uncertified," suitable for informational or research purposes. Certified copies are often required for legal proceedings, while uncertified copies are used for general information.

Are North Carolina Birth Records Available to the Public?

Yes, North Carolina birth records are available to the public. However, sensitive information such as social security numbers may be redacted from uncertified copies. Sealed and confidential records are generally not accessible to the public and require a certified court order to obtain.

How to Access North Carolina Birth Records?

To access North Carolina birth records, requesters can visit the applicable state, county, or city office in person or by mail. The DHHS maintains birth records from 1913 to date, while the Register of Deeds keeps records within their counties. Requesters must provide:

The registrant's name.
Date and place of birth.
Parents' names.

Completed application forms and applicable fees should be mailed to:

North Carolina Vital Records
1903 Mail Service Center
Raleigh, NC 27699-1900

Expedited services are available for an additional fee.

Are Birth Certificates Public in North Carolina?

Yes, birth certificates are public in North Carolina. However, parts of the records containing sensitive information may be redacted. Sealed records are not accessible to the public and require a court order for access.

Are North Carolina Death Records Available to the Public?

Yes, North Carolina death records are public information. However, sensitive details like the cause of death may be redacted from public records. Sealed documents are restricted to eligible requesters or those with a certified court order.

How to Access Death Records in North Carolina?

To access death records, requesters can visit state, county, or city offices in person or by mail. The DHHS maintains death records from 1930 to date, while the Register of Deeds keeps county records. Requesters must provide:

The deceased's name.
Date and place of death.

Completed application forms and fees should be mailed to:

North Carolina Vital Records
1903 Mail Service Center
Raleigh, NC 27699-1900

Expedited services are available for an additional fee.

Are North Carolina Marriage Records Available to the Public?

Yes, marriage records in North Carolina are public. However, confidential and sealed records are restricted to eligible requesters such as the couple, law enforcement, and those with a court order.

How to Access Marriage Records in North Carolina?

To access marriage records, requesters must determine the document's location. The DHHS maintains records from 1962, while county Registers of Deeds hold local records. Requesters must provide:

Names of the couple.
Date and place of marriage.

Completed application forms and fees should be mailed to:

North Carolina Vital Records
1903 Mail Service Center
Raleigh, NC 27699-1900

Expedited services are available for an additional fee.

How to Obtain a Marriage Certificate in North Carolina

To obtain a marriage certificate, requesters should contact the Register of Deeds in the county where the license was issued. Certified records are restricted to eligible individuals. Requesters must provide:

Names of the couple.
Date and place of marriage.
Proof of eligibility (e.g., government-issued ID).

Completed application forms and fees should be mailed to the relevant office.

Are North Carolina Divorce Records Available to the Public?

Yes, divorce records in North Carolina are public. However, parts of the records may be sealed and restricted to eligible individuals.

How to Get Divorce Records in North Carolina?

To obtain divorce records, requesters can use third-party sites or contact the family court. The DHHS maintains records from 1958, while county clerks hold local records. Requesters must provide:

Names of the parties.
Date and place of divorce.

Completed application forms and fees should be mailed to:

North Carolina Vital Records
1903 Mail Service Center
Raleigh, NC 27699-1900

Expedited services are available for an additional fee.

How to Obtain a Certified Divorce Certificate in North Carolina

Certified divorce certificates can be obtained from the county clerk of court where the decree was issued. These records are restricted to eligible individuals. Requesters must provide:

Names of the parties.
Date and place of divorce.
Proof of eligibility (e.g., government-issued ID).

Completed application forms and fees should be mailed to the relevant office.

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