North Carolina (NC) Vital Records

In North Carolina, you can expect the processing time for a valid state copy of your birth certificate to last between 1 and 5 weeks.

Your application will be completed on time if you send all your application with all the required documents and submit your application at the correct location. 

You can save time when applying for your North Carolina birth certificate by taking advantage of our online Vital Records office database to find the correct location to receive your document. 

You must pay a processing fee for a birth certificate in North Carolina. If your application is submitted without paying the charge, then it will be automatically rejected, causing delays. 

For the first copy that you order, you must pay $24. 

For any additional copy of a birth certificate, the fee will be an extra $15. 

Business or certified checks, as well as money orders, can be made payable to NC Vital Records.

To apply for a copy of a birth certificate in North Carolina, you will need to submit a valid photocopy of your identification. 

You must submit one of the following forms of photo ID: 

• State driver’s license

• State photo ID card 

• Non-expired passport or Visa (with photo)

• U.S. Military identification 

• Department of Correction photo identification (not older than 1 year)

• U.S. Government or State photo identification 

• Student ID card and transcript 

If you are unable to submit any of the previous documents, you can submit 2 of the following forms of identification that include your current address:

• Temporary driver’s license

• Up-to-date utility bill

• Bank statement or pay stub 

• Income tax return

• Letter from a government agency no older than 6 months

• State-issued concealed weapon permit