North Carolina

Open Public Record Act:

The North Carolina Public Records Act grants individuals the right to access all public records that have been made or received by a state or local government entity in connection with the transaction of public business. There are, however, exceptions. For example, certain records that are considered confidential such as personal records, medical records, or criminal investigation records are not accessible to the public.

Birth Records:

The North Carolina Vital Records office issues copies of birth certificates for births in the state that occurred between 1913 to present. There are several ways you can order a copy of a birth certificate. Take note that processing time can take up to 5 weeks unless you pay for expedited services. Then, the request is usually processed within three to five business days after receipt of request.

You can request for a birth certificate in person and receive a copy within the same day. You will need to provide a copy of a valid government-issued photo ID such as a driver’s license or passport. You will also need to provide proof of your relationship to the person named on the document if you require a certified copy.

You can also submit an order by mailing in your request or dropping it off. You’ll need to submit a completed application form as well as the appropriate fee ($24 for the first copy, $15 for each additional copy). Only a money order, certified check, or business check will be accepted for mailed or drop-in requests. You can also order a birth certificate online or by phone through the third party vendor, VitalChek. Payment will be through any of the major credit cards.

Marriage Records:

The North Carolina Vital Records office issues copies of marriage certificates for marriages that occurred in the state starting 1962. There are several ways you can order a copy of a marriage certificate. Take note that processing time can take up to 5 weeks unless you pay for expedited services. Then, the request is usually processed within three to five business days after receipt of request.

You can request for a marriage certificate in person and receive a copy within the same day. You will need to provide a copy of a valid government-issued photo ID such as a driver’s license or passport. You will also need to provide proof of your relationship to the person named on the document if you require a certified copy.

Divorce Records:

The North Carolina Vital Records office issues copies of divorce records for divorces that were granted in the state starting 1958. There are several ways you can order a copy of a divorce. Take note that processing time can take up to 5 weeks unless you pay for expedited services. Then, the request is usually processed within three to five business days after receipt of request.

You can request for a copy of a divorce record in person and receive a copy within the same day. You will need to provide a copy of a valid government-issued photo ID such as a driver’s license or passport. You will also need to provide proof of your relationship to the person named on the document if you require a certified copy.

You can also submit an order by mailing in your request or dropping it off. You’ll need to submit a completed application form as well as the appropriate fee ($24 for the first copy, $15 for each additional copy). Only a money order, certified check, or business check will be accepted for mailed or drop-in requests. You can also order a divorce certificate online or by phone through the third party vendor, VitalChek. Payment will be through any of the major credit cards.

Death Records:

The North Carolina Vital Records office issues copies of death certificates for deaths that occurred in the state starting 1930. There are several ways you can order a copy of a death certificate. Take note that processing time can take up to 5 weeks unless you pay for expedited services. Then, the request is usually processed within three to five business days after receipt of request.

You can request for a death certificate in person and receive a copy within the same day. You will need to provide a copy of a valid government-issued photo ID such as a driver’s license or passport. You will also need to provide proof of your relationship to the person named on the document if you require a certified copy.

You can also submit an order by mailing in your request or dropping it off. You’ll need to submit a completed application form as well as the appropriate fee ($24 for the first copy, $15 for each additional copy). Only a money order, certified check, or business check will be accepted for mailed or drop-in requests. You can also order a death certificate online or by phone through the third party vendor, VitalChek. Payment will be through any of the major credit cards.

Missing People:

The N.C. Center for Missing Persons is the clearinghouse for missing persons (adults and children) in the state. The center is also responsible for issuing Amber Alerts in the state. The center’s extensive database allows them to work with law enforcement agencies to help locate missing persons. If you require immediate assistance, you can contact the center by calling 1-800-522-KIDS (522-5437).

Elected Officials:

You can get to know the elected officials in North Carolina by visiting the official state website. You’ll find the different government branches listed along with an explanation of their responsibilities. Within each branch, you’ll find links of the different state elected officials as well as links to their websites. For example, you’ll find under the Executive Branch of the government is a link to the website of the current governor, Roy Cooper.

Public Records

Court Records

Recorder