Where to Request a Death Certificate in North Carolina
You request a death certificate from the North Carolina Vital Records Office, which is part of the state's Department of Health and Human Services. The office is located in Raleigh, but you do not have to go there in person — you can request by mail, phone, or online through their website.
The fastest route is usually the online system on the Vital Records Office website, where you can order and pay when ready. If you prefer to call, the office number is 919-733-3000. Mail requests take longer but work if you do not have internet access or a credit card.
You can also request a death certificate from the county register of deeds in the county where the death occurred. This is useful if you need it urgently and live near that county, since some registers of deeds can issue a certified copy on the same day or within a few days. Call the register's office first to confirm they have the record and what they charge.
Key Takeaways
- The North Carolina Vital Records Office in Raleigh handles all death certificate requests, but you can order online, by phone, or by mail without visiting in person.
- You will need the full name of the deceased, their date of birth, date of death, and the county where the death occurred.
- A certified copy costs between $20 and $30 depending on how you order, and processing takes 5 to 10 business days by mail or 1 to 2 business days online.
- The county register of deeds where the death occurred may issue a copy faster and sometimes on the same day if you can visit in person.
- You do not need to prove you are related to the deceased — North Carolina issues death certificates to anyone who requests one.
What Information You Need Before You Order
Have the following details ready before you contact the Vital Records Office or the register of deeds: the full name of the deceased, their date of birth, the date of death, and the county where the death occurred. If you do not know the exact date of death, the month and year will usually work, though it may slow the search.
If the deceased changed their name during their lifetime — through marriage, divorce, or legal name change — mention the name under which the death was recorded. The Vital Records Office can search under multiple names, but telling them upfront saves time.
Ordering Online Through the Vital Records Office Website
The Vital Records Office website has an online ordering system where you fill out a form with the deceased's information and pay by credit or debit card. The cost is usually $20 for a certified copy plus a small processing fee. You will receive the certificate by mail in 1 to 2 business days.
When you order online, you will be asked how many certified copies you want. Order more than one if you think you will need them — insurance companies, banks, and government agencies often ask for separate certified copies, and ordering extras now is cheaper than ordering again later.
After you submit your order, you will receive a confirmation email with a reference number. Keep this number in case you need to check on your order or contact the office about it.
Ordering by Phone or Mail
If you call the Vital Records Office at 919-733-3000, a staff member will take your information and process your request over the phone. You can pay by credit card. Processing takes 5 to 10 business days, and the certificate will be mailed to the address you provide.
To order by mail, send a letter to the Vital Records Office with the deceased's full name, date of birth, date of death, county of death, and the number of certified copies you need. Include a check or money order for the current fee (call first to confirm the amount) and your return address. Mail requests take longer — typically 10 to 15 business days — because the office processes them in the order received.
The mailing address is: North Carolina Vital Records Office, 225 North McDowell Street, Raleigh, NC 27603.
Getting a Copy from the County Register of Deeds
The register of deeds in the county where the death occurred keeps a copy of the death certificate and can issue a certified copy. This is often faster than ordering from the state office, especially if you can visit in person. Some registers of deeds issue copies the same day; others take a few days.
Call the register's office in the correct county before you go. Give them the deceased's name and approximate date of death, and ask whether they have the record, what the fee is, and how long it takes. Fees vary by county but are usually between $15 and $25 per copy.
If you cannot visit in person, you can mail a request to the register of deeds with the same information you would provide by phone. Include payment and a self-addressed stamped envelope for the return.
What Happens After You Receive the Certificate
A certified death certificate is a legal document with an official seal and signature. Banks, insurance companies, the Social Security Administration, and other agencies will accept it as proof of death. You do not need to do anything special with it — just keep it safe and provide copies when requested.
Some organizations ask for the original certified copy; others accept a photocopy. When in doubt, ask the organization whether a copy is acceptable before you send the original. If you lose a certified copy, you can order another one using the same process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to be related to the deceased to get a death certificate?
No. North Carolina issues death certificates to anyone who requests one. You do not need to prove a relationship or explain why you need it. This is different from some other states that restrict who can order.
How much does a death certificate cost?
A certified copy costs between $20 and $30 from the state Vital Records Office, depending on whether you order online or by mail. County registers of deeds charge between $15 and $25. Fees can change, so call first to confirm the current price.
What if I do not know the exact date of death?
The month and year are usually enough. Tell the Vital Records Office or register of deeds what you know, and they will search for records in that time frame. If multiple deaths match the name, they may ask you for additional details like the deceased's age or parents' names.
Can I get a death certificate if the death happened a long time ago?
Yes. North Carolina keeps death records going back to 1913. If the death occurred before 1913, contact the county register of deeds or a local historical society, as those records may be kept elsewhere.
How long does it take to get a death certificate?
Online orders through the Vital Records Office take 1 to 2 business days. Phone orders take 5 to 10 business days. Mail orders take 10 to 15 business days. County registers of deeds are often faster, sometimes issuing copies the same day if you visit in person.