Order official North Carolina Death Records and Vital Records online

Death records are crucial documents that serve various essential purposes, such as handling legal claims, tracing family history, and managing estate settlements. In North Carolina, obtaining a death certificate is a straightforward process, provided you understand the requirements and procedures. This guide covers how to get a North Carolina death certificate, the cost, the application process, and the required documents to ensure a smooth and efficient experience.

Who Can Request Death Records?

In North Carolina, death records can be requested by individuals with a direct and tangible interest in the record. This includes:

• • Immediate family members (spouse, parent, child, sibling);
• • Legal representative of the deceased's estate;
• • Authorized agents or attorneys;
• • Individuals who can provide documentation demonstrating a need for the record (e.g., when handling insurance claims or inheriting property).

What Documents Are Required?

To request a North Carolina death certificate, you will need to provide specific documents to verify your identity and eligibility. These typically include:

• • A completed application form;
• • A valid government-issued photo ID (e.g., driver's license, passport);
• • Proof of relationship, if required (e.g., marriage certificate, birth certificate);
• • Payment of applicable fees.

Make sure to review the North Carolina Vital Records Application Form here and follow the instructions carefully.

How to Obtain North Carolina Death Records

You can obtain North Carolina death records through several methods, each with its own steps and requirements:

By Mail

Requesting death records by mail involves the following steps:

1. • Complete the application form;
2. • Attach a copy of your valid photo ID;
3. • Include payment by check or money order payable to "NC Vital Records";
4. • Mail all documents to the North Carolina Vital Records Office.

In Person

You can visit the North Carolina Vital Records office to request records in person. Ensure you bring:

• • A completed application form;
• • Valid photo ID;
• • Payment in the form of cash, check, money order, or credit card.

The office is located at:

Online

For convenience, you can request death records online via VitalChek. This service requires you to:

• • Complete the online application;
• • Verify your identity;
• • Provide payment via credit card.

Application Tips

To ensure your application is processed smoothly, make sure:

• • All forms are filled out completely and accurately;
• • All required documents are included;
• • Payment is correct and included with your application.

How Much Do Death Records Cost?

The cost for obtaining a North Carolina death certificate is $24 for the first copy and $15 for each additional copy ordered at the same time. Additional fees apply for expedited services, including:

• • Expedited mail service: Additional $15;
• • Online orders via VitalChek: Varies based on service options.

Processing Time

Processing times for death record requests can vary based on the method used:

• • By mail: Typically 6-8 weeks;
• • In person: Usually same-day service when visiting the Vital Records office;
• • Online: Processing time varies but typically faster than mail orders.

Following these guidelines will help ensure a smooth and efficient process when obtaining a North Carolina death certificate. If you have specific questions or need more detailed assistance, please visit the North Carolina Vital Records website or contact their office directly.

If the event was recorded locally or if you need immediate access to detailed records, it is preferable to contact your county vital records office directly. Find the contact details of your local county vital records office here.