NCDHHS: DPH: NC Vital Records: Delayed Birth Certificates

A person born in North Carolina who is more than one year of age and for whom a birth certificate has not been registered may file a delayed certificate of birth with the register of deeds in the county of birth.

Before beginning the process of filing a delayed certificate of birth, you must first have a formal search done by North Carolina Vital Records to ensure that there is no certificate already on file.

How to Start the Process of Requesting a Delayed Birth Certificate

Complete the birth certificate application form (Spanish). This form serves the purpose of requesting a search to ensure that there is no certificate already on file.
There is a non-refundable $24 search fee. See Fees.

Note: For children one year of age and under, contact the deputy registrar at the local health department in the county of birth for assistance in filing a standard birth certificate.

Next Steps

If no birth record is located in this office, a "NO RECORD FOUND" letter will be issued.
Take or send this letter to the register of deeds in the county of birth when you request a delayed certificate be filed. The register of deeds will inform you of its applicable fees.
The applicant will be required to provide documents proving the facts of birth.
N.C. Vital Records will not process the delayed birth certificate application until it has been processed in the county office.

Questions?

Phone: (919) 733-3000