NC Vital Records: Fees and Payment

• As indicated in the fee schedule table, there is a $24 search (and one copy) fee per each three-year period (or portion thereof) that is nonrefundable, even if a record is not found, so we must process payments before completing the order.
• Due to order volume and system migrations from paper to electronic, there will usually be a lag time between your payment being processed and orders being completed and delivered to you, especially if there are issues to be researched and addressed with orders (e.g., amendments to certificates).
• If a record is not found during the search, then we will be in touch.
• Payments above the $24 search fee can be refunded when a record is not found and an order is cancelled.
• See our current processing times for certificate and order types.

Fees may be paid by one of the following methods:

• For Mailed-In Orders
  • Money order
  • Certified check
  • Business check
  • We DO NOT accept cash via the mail.
  • We DO NOT accept personal checks via the mail.
  • Make all certified checks, business checks, and money orders payable to "NC Vital Records".
• For Online or Phone Orders
  • Personal check, credit or debit card through VitalChek.
• For In-Person Orders
  • Cash is accepted only for in-person services. Please do not send cash in the mail.  
  • In-person certificate service is available by appointment only. Details are available on the Order page.
• Make all checks and money orders payable to "NC Vital Records".