Birth Records in Apex
Apex is a fast-growing town in Wake County, known as the "Peak of Good Living." The town does not maintain its own vital records office, so all birth certificates for Apex residents go through the Wake County Register of Deeds. Wake County is the most populous county in North Carolina and offers four locations where you can request birth records. Apex was incorporated in 1873 and is part of the Research Triangle area. Birth records for the area are available from 1913 to the present through any of the Wake County offices.
Apex Birth Records Quick Facts
Where Apex Residents Get Birth Certificates
The Town of Apex does not keep vital records. Birth certificates are handled by the Wake County Register of Deeds. Wake County has four office locations spread across the county, giving Apex residents several options for in-person visits.
The main office is at 421 Fayetteville Street in Raleigh. For Apex residents, the Southern Regional Center at 130 N. Judd Parkway NE in Fuquay-Varina may be the closest and most convenient. Each location offers the same birth certificate services. Certified copies cost $10. Bring a valid photo ID and know the full name, date of birth, and parents' names for the person on the record.
Wake County Register of Deeds Locations
| Main Office |
Wake County Register of Deeds 421 Fayetteville Street, Suite 300 Raleigh, NC 27601 Phone: (919) 856-5460 |
|---|---|
| Southern Regional |
130 N. Judd Parkway NE Fuquay-Varina, NC 27526 Phone: (919) 557-2501 |
| Hours | Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM |
| Website | Wake County Online Portal |
Wake County also has a Northern Regional Center in Wake Forest and an Eastern Regional Center in Zebulon. All four locations handle birth certificate requests. The Fuquay-Varina location is about 15 minutes from downtown Apex, making it the most practical choice for many Apex families. Wake County Human Services Vital Records can also assist at (919) 250-3917.
Apex Birth Certificate Request Process
Getting a birth certificate is simple. Visit any Wake County office with your photo ID. Fill out the request form at the counter. Pay the $10 fee. The staff will search the records and print your certified copy.
You can also order online through the Wake County online portal. This is useful if you prefer not to drive to an office. Online orders accept credit and debit cards, with a small processing fee on top of the $10 certificate cost. Certificates ordered online are mailed to you within a few business days.
Note: Walk-in requests are usually ready within 15 to 30 minutes.
The screenshot below is from the Town of Apex website, which provides general town services and community information.
The town website directs residents to Wake County for all vital records needs, including birth certificates.
Who Can Get Apex Birth Records
State law limits who can request a certified birth certificate. Under NC General Statutes, you must be one of these people:
- The individual named on the certificate
- A parent, step-parent, or grandparent
- A spouse, sibling, child, or grandchild
- An authorized legal representative
- A person with a legal right tied to property or personal matters
Apex has grown quickly in recent years, with many young families moving to the area. Parents often need birth certificates for school registration, sports leagues, or passport applications. The Wake County offices process thousands of these requests each year.
State-Level Options for Apex Residents
If you were born outside Wake County, the local offices may still help. For out-of-county births, the NC Office of Vital Records can issue certificates for any North Carolina birth at a cost of $24. Processing times at the state level can exceed 110 days. The state FAQ page answers common questions about wait times and requirements. For faster service, always try the county office where the birth took place first.
Apex residents can also order through VitalChek online. This service accepts credit and debit cards but adds a processing fee. Certificates ordered this way are mailed to your home address. The state ordering page provides step-by-step instructions for submitting your request.
Apex Birth Records and Family History
Apex was originally a railroad stop on the Chatham Railroad. The town got its name because it sits at the highest point on the rail line between Richmond and Jacksonville. Founded in 1873, Apex remained a small farming community for most of its history. The town began growing rapidly in the 1990s as the Research Triangle economy expanded. Today, it is one of the most sought-after communities in North Carolina.
Statewide birth registration began in 1913. For births before that year, the State Archives of North Carolina holds historical records from the Wake County area. Church records, family Bible entries, and early census records can help trace Apex family roots. The Bible Records collection at the State Archives includes handwritten entries from families across the Piedmont region.
The Apex Historical Society maintains local records and photographs from the town's early days. The Halle Cultural Arts Center, located in a restored 1912 school building, also houses exhibits about the town's history. These resources can complement the official birth records available through Wake County.
Correcting an Apex Birth Certificate
Errors on a birth certificate can be fixed through the amendment process. Common corrections include misspelled names and incorrect dates. The NC amendment page explains the forms and requirements. Minor corrections can often be handled at the Wake County Register of Deeds. More significant changes may require a court order.
Adoption-related changes go through the NC Office of Vital Records at the state level. The county office cannot process these requests. Once an adoption is finalized, the state issues a new birth certificate with updated information.
Wake County Birth Records
All Apex birth records go through the Wake County Register of Deeds. The county serves Apex, Raleigh, Cary, Garner, Holly Springs, Fuquay-Varina, and many other communities. Visit the full Wake County page for complete office details and services.
Nearby Counties
Wake County is in the central part of North Carolina, bordered by several counties that also maintain birth records.