How to Get a North Carolina Death Certificate (2026)

You get a North Carolina death certificate from NC Vital Records or the county Register of Deeds where the death occurred. The state charges a $24 search fee that includes one certified copy, while a county Register of Deeds charges $10 per copy, and eligible relatives, legal representatives, or anyone with a property or legal interest may apply.

How Do You Get a Death Certificate in North Carolina?

You get a North Carolina death certificate from NC Vital Records, part of the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS), or from the Register of Deeds in the county where the death occurred. The state holds death records from 1930 forward.

There are four ways to request a copy. Choose the one that fits your timeline and how you prefer to pay.

Online

NC Vital Records uses VitalChek as its only authorized vendor for online and phone orders. You can order through the VitalChek website or by calling 1-800-669-8310. A separate processing fee applies on top of the state fee.

By mail

Complete the Application for a Copy of a North Carolina Death Certificate and mail it with payment and a copy of your ID. Send it to North Carolina Vital Records, ATTN: VC Certificate Orders, 1903 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, NC 27699-1900.

In person

In-person service at the state office in Raleigh is by appointment only, Monday through Friday. Expedited in-person service is also by appointment.

County Register of Deeds

The Register of Deeds in the county where the death happened can issue death certificates, and in most cases you can get them the same day. A county Register of Deeds charges $10 for each certified copy under state law, with no separate search fee. This is often the fastest route for a recent death.

Who Is Eligible to Request a North Carolina Death Certificate?

Certified North Carolina death certificates are restricted to people with a close relationship or legal interest. Under state law, the record is available to the person named on it (for their own records) or to that person's spouse, sibling, direct ancestor, direct descendant, stepparent, or stepchild.

Others may also qualify. People seeking the record to determine a personal or property right, and authorized agents, attorneys, or legal representatives of an eligible person, may obtain a certified copy. Funeral directors and funeral service licensees are entitled to a certified death certificate on request, as are agencies acting as confidential intermediaries under the state adoption statutes.

You must include a photocopy of identification with your request. One current photo ID works (driver license, non-driver ID, passport, visa, military ID, or government photo ID), or two different secondary IDs such as a utility bill, vehicle registration, bank statement, or pay stub.

North Carolina Death Certificate Cost and Processing Time

A North Carolina death certificate ordered from the state costs a $24 search fee, which includes the first copy if the record is located. Each additional copy ordered at the same time is $15. A county Register of Deeds charges a flat $10 per certified copy instead of the state search fee.

The $24 search fee and any expedite fee are nonrefundable even if no record is found. Payments above the $24 search fee, such as additional-copy fees, can be refunded when a record is not located. Expedited in-person service costs an extra $15 by appointment.

State processing time depends on the year of death. NC Vital Records reports about 2 business days for deaths from 2022 to present and about 11 business days for deaths from 1930 to 2021, measured from when the request is entered until the order is dispatched, so allow extra time for mail delivery. County Register of Deeds offices can usually issue a certificate the same day.

Certified vs Informational Copy in North Carolina

North Carolina offers both certified and uncertified copies of a death certificate. A certified copy carries the raised seal and is the legally valid version used to settle estates, claim benefits, close accounts, and handle insurance.

An uncertified copy is printed on plain white paper and is clearly stamped Uncertified. It has no raised seal and is for informational purposes only, such as genealogy or family records. Uncertified copies are available to anyone, while certified copies are limited to the relatives, requesters with a legal or property interest, representatives, funeral directors, and confidential intermediaries listed above.

Choose a certified copy when an institution requires proof of death. Choose an uncertified copy only when you simply need the information.

How to Get Additional or Replacement Copies

You get additional or replacement North Carolina death certificates the same way you order the first one, through NC Vital Records or the county Register of Deeds. At the state office, each extra certified copy ordered at the same time is $15 after the initial $24 fee. At a county Register of Deeds, every certified copy is $10.

If you need replacement copies later, submit a new application with current ID and payment. Settling an estate often takes several certified copies, so estimate how many banks, insurers, and agencies will require an original before you order.

North Carolina Death Certificate Facts

Disclaimer: This page provides general information and is not legal advice. Fees, processing times, and eligibility rules change. Always confirm current requirements with NC Vital Records or your county Register of Deeds before you apply.

Sources

This page draws on official guidance from NC Vital Records (NCDHHS) and North Carolina General Statutes Chapter 130A.

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Related: North Carolina Death Records and Death Records by State.