Cary Birth Records

Cary is a fast-growing town in Wake County, located in the heart of the Research Triangle. The town does not have its own vital records office. Cary residents must obtain birth certificates through the Wake County Register of Deeds. With four Wake County locations available, including a regional center near Cary, getting a birth certificate is straightforward. This page covers how to request birth records if you live in Cary, what fees to expect, and which office is closest to you.

Where Cary Residents Get Birth Certificates

The Wake County Register of Deeds serves all of Cary. The main office is at 421 Fayetteville Street, Suite 300 in Raleigh. For Cary residents, the Southern Regional Center in Fuquay-Varina at 130 N. Judd Parkway NE is the closest location. It offers the same services as the main office.

Wake County runs four total locations. The other two are the Eastern Regional Center in Zebulon and the Northern Regional Center in Wake Forest. All four process birth certificate requests the same way.

Note: A small part of Cary extends into Chatham County; births in that area may require a request through the Chatham County Register of Deeds instead.

Cary Birth Certificate Fees

Each certified copy costs $10. This is the standard fee at all Wake County locations. The fee covers one certified copy with the official seal. Additional copies are $10 each.

Cary residents can also request certificates through the NC State Vital Records office in Raleigh. State copies cost $24. The county route is cheaper for Wake County births. If you were born in a different county, the state office can process your request for the higher fee.

How to Order Birth Records from Cary

Visit any Wake County location with your photo ID. Fill out the application form and pay the $10 fee. Cash, checks, and money orders are accepted. Your copy is usually ready within minutes for in-person requests.

Online ordering is available through the Wake County online portal. This option is especially convenient for busy Cary residents who prefer not to drive to an office. You will answer security questions to confirm your identity. The certificate is mailed to your home after processing. Allow several business days for delivery.

The Wake County Register of Deeds page shown below provides Cary residents with information on how to request birth certificates through the county office.

This page lists all four office locations, fees, and required documents for birth certificate requests.

Birth Certificate Eligibility for Cary Residents

North Carolina law limits who can request certified birth certificates. Only the person named, parents, legal guardians, spouses, adult children, and authorized attorneys may obtain copies. Valid government-issued photo ID is required for every request.

Making a false statement on the application is a felony under NC General Statute 130A. The same rules apply whether you visit the office in person or order online. Cary residents follow the exact same eligibility rules as all other Wake County residents.

Cary History and Family Research

Cary was incorporated in 1871 and has grown from a small railroad stop into one of the most desirable communities in the Southeast. The town is part of the Research Triangle region, known for its universities and technology companies. Statewide birth registration in North Carolina started in 1913.

For births before 1913, the State Archives of North Carolina holds historical documents including church records, census data, and early county records. Wake County was formed in 1771, and many early settlers left behind land grants and tax records that can help trace family history in the Cary area. The Bible Records collection is useful for documenting births from the 1700s and 1800s.

New Parents in Cary

If you recently had a baby in Cary, the hospital files the birth registration with Wake County. It takes about 10 days for the record to become available. After that, you can request a certified copy at any Wake County location or online. The county offers a helpful guide for new parents that walks through the steps.

For home births in the Cary area, the registration process is different. You must contact the Wake County Health Department to register the birth before you can request a certified copy from the Register of Deeds. The process involves additional documentation including a signed statement from the attending midwife or birth attendant. Allow extra time for home birth registrations to be processed before requesting a certified copy.

Cary Birth Certificate Information

Certified copies from Wake County include the official county seal and registrar signature. These are legally valid for all purposes, including passport applications, school enrollment, and insurance matters. Cary residents who were born in a different county can request their birth certificate through the NC State Vital Records office in Raleigh for $24 per copy.

If you need to correct an error on your birth certificate, the NC amendment page explains the process. Minor spelling corrections can often be handled at the county level, while more significant changes may require a court order. The FAQ page answers common questions about forms of ID, processing times, and replacement certificates for lost or damaged originals. The NC administrative rules govern how vital records are secured and issued at both the county and state levels.

Wake County Birth Records

All Cary birth records are managed by Wake County. The county Register of Deeds serves Cary, Raleigh, Apex, Wake Forest, and every other community within its borders. Visit the county page for complete office details and additional resources.

View Wake County Birth Records

Cities Near Cary

Other cities in the area also rely on their county Register of Deeds for birth certificate services.