North Carolina Birth Records

Births and deaths have been registered in North Carolina state government offices only since 1913. Prior to 1913, the state of North Carolina did not use birth records or certificates of any kind.

For birth records prior to the dates listed above, contact the local Register of Deeds office in the county where the birth occurred. Do not contact North Carolina Vital Records or the North Carolina State Archives, as there are no birth records prior to 1913 in a state public office.

The Register of Deeds office in each county maintains copies of the Birth, Marriage, and Death certificates for events that occurred in that county. North Carolina Vital Records, County Listings

Durham, Mecklenburg, and Wake counties are exceptions. In those three counties, the county health department maintains the copies of the birth and death certificates.

Divorce Decrees are maintained by the Clerk of Court's office in the county of the divorce.

Best Sites for North Carolina Birth Records