Application for a copy of a
North Carolina Birth Certificate
OR
• Current state-issued dr
iver’s license (address must match requestor’s address on application)
• Current state-issued non-driver photo ID card (address must match requestor’s address on application)
• Current Passport or Visa
(must include photo)
• Current U.S. military ID
• Current Department of Corrections photo ID card dated within the last year or release/discharge
• Current state or U.S. government agency photo ID card
(for persons requesting certificates as part of that agency’s business)
• Current student ID card with copy of transcript
1. A certificate search costs $24 and includes one copy if the certificate is located. The sea
rch covers a three-year period. Requests are processed in the
order received and can take up to four months plus the mail delivery time. The search fee is required to process a request and is non-refundable
even if a record cannot be located. For current processing times for expedited requests, visit https://vitalrecords.nc.gov/processing-dates.htm. State
statute requires that vital records process payment upon receipt of your application. Hence, there will be a lag between the date your payment is
processed and the date you receive your order.
2. A separate application form must be submitted for each individual certificate being requested, and a separate VitalChek processing fee is required for
each separate application. (“LexisNexis VitalChek Network Inc. is in partnership with the North Carolina to enable enhanced electronic processing of mail-
in vital record applications.”)
3. Due to identity theft and other fraudulent use of vital records, ID of the person requesting a certificate is REQUIRED. Requests that do not include ID
will be returned. You MUST include a legible photocopy of one of the photo IDs listed below with your request:
SEND WITH COMPLETED APPLICATION: Choose ONE primary ID or at least TWO secondary IDs if a primary ID isn’t available
Primary Photo
ID (1) for all
applicants
Applicants will provide one form of original, valid, unexpired, undamaged forms of a government-issued photo-ID If
Primary Photo ID is not available, please see requirements for Applicants Without Primary Photo ID below.
Secondary
identification
for applicants
without
primary
photo ID
Applicants without any of Primary Photo ID documents listed above must provide two forms of Alternate Identification
from the list below. (All options must show full name, current address and/or signature where appropriate)
• Temporary driver’s license
• Current utility bill with current address (phone, gas, electric)
• Unexpired vehicle registration/title
• Bank statement with current address
• Pay stub with current address dated within the last 60 days
• Previous year W-2
• Letter from government agency dated within the last six months and showing current address
• State-issued concealed weapon permit showing current address
4. If you are not one of the persons named on the birth certificate (parents or child), you must also send additional documentation (as shown below)
with your completed application to prove your relationship to the person named on the certificate or your legal need to the certificate.
** North Carolina birth certificates are available from 1913 to the present.
1
If the name on the identification does not match the name on the certificate, the applicant must provide evidence of a legal name change. This may include a certified marriage certificate,
certified divorce decree or a certified legal name change court order that reflects the history of the changes to the name(s) on the certificate(s) requested.
* If you are required to present your own birth certificate as proof of entitlement and you were born in NC, you do not need to provide your certificate.
** Direct & tangible interest means that your need for the certificate is related to personal or property rights.
Relationship to person
named on certificate
Additional Documentation Required (in addition to the required identification listed above)
Parent/Stepparent A copy of the marriage certificate to the named parent
Spouse Must be the current spouse and provide a copy of the marriage certificate and/or a notarized statement
naming you as the current spouse
Child/Stepchild A copy of your certified birth certificate or your parent’s marriage certificate supporting the stated relationship
or a notarized statement naming you as the child or stepchild of the registrant.
Sibling A copy of your birth certificate supporting the stated relationship
Grandparent A copy of your child’s
birth certificate supporting the stated relationship
Grandchild A copy of your birth certificate and your parent(s) birth certificate supporting the stated relationship
Legal Guardian/Custodian A copy of the certified court order, naming you as legal guardian or legal custodian
Legal Representative Attorney’s ID and bar card + a copy of the retainer agreement or typed letter on firm’s letterhead
authorizing retrieval of the record
Social Worker Unexpired government issued work ID + a copy of court order placing the child in your custody or typed letter
on agency letterhead identifying the case number and authority to retrieve the record
Power of Attorney A notarized copy of Power of Attorney agreement naming you as an authorized agent to receive the certificate
Law Enforcement Can only request copies of uncertified records if it pertains to a criminal or fraudulent matter. You must fax the
Fraud and Security unit on letterhead a synopsis of the case and provide enough information to perform the
search for the record. If certified copies are required, a subpoena is needed that names the State Registrar.
Other Parties Proof of tangible interest** or legal need (court, insurance, or estate settlement documents)
