How to Get Your North Carolina Birth Certificate Online (By Mail)

Obtaining a birth certificate is a crucial step for various life events, from enrolling in school to applying for a passport or social security benefits. While many services are moving online, ordering a birth certificate in North Carolina primarily involves an online process to start, which culminates in a mail-in application. This guide will walk you through the necessary steps to order your North Carolina birth certificate by mail efficiently.

Understanding the Mail-in Application Process

The State of North Carolina Vital Records office utilizes VitalChek, a third-party vendor, to process mailed-in birth certificate orders. It’s important to understand that while you might initiate the process by downloading forms online, the application is completed and submitted via mail. The current processing time for mailed-in certificate orders can range from 30 days to 3 months, depending on the certificate type and the year of birth. This timeframe is important to consider when planning your application.

Step-by-Step Guide to Ordering Your Birth Certificate by Mail

To ensure your application is processed smoothly, follow these detailed steps:

1. Download the Correct Application Form: North Carolina Vital Records provides various application forms depending on the type of certificate you need. Make sure to download the appropriate form. The available forms include:

   • [Birth Certificate Application Form](No URL in original, link to NC Vital Records birth certificate form when rewriting)
   • [Death Certificate Application Form](No URL in original, link to NC Vital Records death certificate form when rewriting)
   • [Divorce Certificate Application Form](No URL in original, link to NC Vital Records divorce certificate form when rewriting)
   • [Marriage Certificate Application Form](No URL in original, link to NC Vital Records marriage certificate form when rewriting)
   • [Report of Fetal Death and Certificate of Birth Resulting in Stillbirth Application Form](No URL in original, link to NC Vital Records fetal death form when rewriting)

   You will need a PDF reader like Adobe Acrobat Reader to open, complete, and print these forms. If you encounter issues opening the form directly in your browser, download it by right-clicking the link and selecting “Save link as,” then open it from your computer.

2. Complete, Print, and Sign the Application Form: Fill out all sections of the downloaded form accurately and legibly. Ensure you sign the application in the designated area. Incomplete or unsigned forms can lead to processing delays.

3. Prepare Your Payment: Include the correct fees with your application.

   • The fee for the first copy of a birth certificate is $24.
   • Each additional copy ordered at the same time is $15.
   • In addition to these fees, a VitalChek processing fee will be applied, which is noted on the application form.
   • VitalChek accepts payments via personal check, credit card, or money order. Make your payment payable to “VitalChek“.
   • Important Payment Notes:
     • Do NOT send cash. Cash payments are not accepted and will not be processed.
     • Do NOT send an expedited fee for mail-in orders. Expedited service is currently only available for in-person requests at the state office.
     • Do NOT send overpayment. Overpaying can cause delays in processing your application and receiving your certificate.

4. Mail Your Application and Payment: Send your completed application form and payment to the following mailing address:

   North Carolina Vital Records
   ATTN: VC Certificate Orders
   1903 Mail Service Center
   Raleigh, NC 27699-1900

   Ensure you use the correct mailing address to avoid delays or misdirection of your application.

What to Expect After Mailing Your Application

After you mail your application, processing times can vary. As mentioned, expect to wait between 30 days and 3 months. You can check the processing time on the North Carolina Vital Records website for potential updates, though these are estimates.

If, for any reason, no birth record is found for the information you provided, you will receive a letter from Vital Records. It’s crucial to note that the $24 search fee is nonrefundable, even if the record is not located. Therefore, ensure you provide accurate information on your application to minimize the risk of a record not being found.

Alternative Options to Mail-in Orders

While this guide focuses on mail-in applications, North Carolina offers alternative methods to obtain your birth certificate more quickly:

• In-Person at the State Office: For urgent requests, you can visit the state office in person. Expedited service is available for regular certificate requests (not for amendments or corrections) for in-person applications. However, you need to schedule an appointment beforehand.

• Register of Deeds Office: You can also visit the Register of Deeds office in the county where the birth event occurred. In many cases, the Register of Deeds can provide a copy of your birth certificate on the same day. This can be a significantly faster option if you need the certificate urgently.

Conclusion

Ordering your North Carolina birth certificate online is a process that starts online but is completed via mail. By following these steps carefully and understanding the processing times, you can efficiently obtain your necessary birth certificate. Remember to download the correct form, prepare your payment accurately, and consider alternative options if you need your certificate more urgently. Start your application process today by downloading the necessary forms from the North Carolina Vital Records website.