How do I get a copy of a death certificate?

NC DHHS, Vital Records Office (state level - Raleigh) / County Register of Deeds (county level - where death occurred)

Step by Step

How to do it

Determine eligibility: NC death records restricted; eligible: surviving spouse, parent, child, and others with direct and tangible interest (legal representatives, insurance claimants with documentation, etc.)
Choose your method:
IN PERSON - County Register of Deeds (FASTEST): Visit the ROD office in the county where the death occurred; bring valid photo ID; same-day service in most cases
IN PERSON - NC Vital Records (Raleigh): 225 N. McDowell St., Raleigh, NC 27603; APPOINTMENT REQUIRED; last appointment at 2:30 PM; book at vitalrecords.nc.gov
BY MAIL - NC Vital Records: Complete application; include valid photo ID copy; check or money order payable to "NC Vital Records"; mail to: NC Vital Records, 1903 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, NC 27699-1903
ONLINE (VitalChek): Authorized vendor; additional fees
Submit with valid photo ID and proof of qualifying interest
Pay the fee

Details

What you need to know

Required Docs

Completed application
Valid government-issued photo ID with signature
Proof of qualifying relationship
Payment

Processing Time

County ROD in-person: same day; state mail: weeks; VitalChek: expedited

Online Option

VitalChek

Where to Go

County Register of Deeds in county where death occurred (fastest); NC Vital Records (mail, online, or in-person by appointment)

County-specific variations apply

County ROD holds death records for deaths in that county. In NC, the death certificate is held in the county where the death OCCURRED, which may differ from the county of residence. State office has records from January 1, 1930 to present.

North Carolina Notes

Important state-specific details

State death records from January 1, 1930 to present.
Pre-1930 death records: county-level records and NC State Archives.
Appointment required at state office in Raleigh.
$24 search fee nonrefundable.
Order multiple copies at once - estates, insurance, banks, SSA, VA each need one.

Official Source

State office contact

State Office

$24 per search (includes one certified copy); $15 each additional at same time; $24 search fee nonrefundable even if record not found FEE - COUNTY ROD: Verify with specific county PROCESSING TIME: County ROD in-person: same day; state mail: weeks; VitalChek: expedited ONLINE OPTION: VitalChek WHERE TO GO: County Register of Deeds in county where death occurred (fastest); NC Vital Records (mail, online, or in-person by appointment)