Look Up Concord Birth Records

Concord is the county seat of Cabarrus County and part of the greater Charlotte metro area. The city does not run its own vital records office. Birth certificates are issued through the Cabarrus County Register of Deeds, which is located right in Concord. One important difference for Concord residents: Cabarrus County charges higher fees than most counties in North Carolina. This guide covers where to go, what to pay, and what documents you need to obtain birth records in Concord.

Cabarrus County Register of Deeds in Concord

The Cabarrus County Register of Deeds is located at 65 Church Street SE in downtown Concord. Since Concord is the county seat, residents have the convenience of accessing the Register of Deeds without traveling to another city. Walk-in requests are handled during regular business hours.

Birth Certificate Fees in Concord

Cabarrus County has a different fee structure than many other North Carolina counties. The first certified copy costs $24. Additional copies are $15 each. This is higher than the $10 standard fee charged by most counties in the state.

Out-of-county birth certificates from 1971 to the present are also available. These cost $24 and can be requested in person at the Concord office. The NC Vital Records fee page lists state-level charges. For Cabarrus County births, the county office is the primary source despite the higher cost.

Note: Confirm current fees by calling 704-920-2112 before your visit, as rates may change.

How to Get Birth Records in Concord

Visit the Register of Deeds office on Church Street with a valid photo ID. Complete the request form and provide the full name, date of birth, and parents' names for the certificate you need. Pay the fee and receive your copy. In-person visits are the fastest way to get your certificate.

Mail requests are an option for those who cannot visit in person. Send a letter with the required details, a copy of your photo ID, and a check or money order to 65 Church Street SE, Concord, NC 28025. Allow extra time for mail delivery and processing. You can also order through VitalChek, which accepts credit cards but charges an additional service fee.

The City of Concord website provides general city information as shown below.

The city does not handle vital records directly. All birth certificate requests go through the Cabarrus County Register of Deeds office located in Concord.

Concord Birth Certificate Eligibility

North Carolina limits certified birth certificate access to certain people. The individual named on the record can always request their own certificate. Parents, legal guardians, spouses, and adult children are also eligible. Attorneys and authorized legal representatives with proper documentation may request copies on behalf of these parties.

Every request requires valid government-issued photo identification. Under NC vital records law, fraudulent applications are a felony offense. Cabarrus County takes document security seriously.

Concord History and Family Research

Concord has a storied past. The city is near the site of America's first documented gold discovery in 1799 at Reed Gold Mine. Cabarrus County was formed in 1792 and named for Stephen Cabarrus, a speaker of the NC House of Commons. The county's early settlers were primarily of German and Scotch-Irish descent.

Statewide birth registration in North Carolina began in 1913. For earlier births, researchers should check church records, cemetery records, and the Bible Records collection at the State Archives. The State Archives of North Carolina holds census records and other documents from the Concord and Cabarrus County area dating back to the late 1700s.

Today, Concord is home to Charlotte Motor Speedway and the Concord Mills shopping area. The city has grown rapidly as part of the Charlotte metropolitan area, drawing families from across the region and the country. Reed Gold Mine State Historic Site, located nearby, preserves the location where a young boy found a 17-pound gold nugget, sparking the first gold rush in the United States.

Amending a Concord Birth Certificate

If there is an error on a birth certificate, you can request an amendment. Common corrections include fixing misspelled names, adding a father's name, and updating information after an adoption. The NC Vital Records amendment page explains what documents you need and how to file. Some changes require a court order, while others can be processed with an affidavit and supporting paperwork.

Adoption-related changes are handled by the NC Office of Vital Records rather than the county office. The state issues a new certificate once the adoption process is legally complete. Contact the state office at 919-733-3000 for adoption-related requests.

Concord Certified Birth Certificate Details

A certified birth certificate from Cabarrus County includes the official seal and registrar signature. This document is valid for all legal purposes, including passport applications, insurance claims, school enrollment, and Social Security requests. If your original has been lost or damaged, the Register of Deeds in Concord can issue a replacement with the same legal standing.

Have the following information ready when you visit: the full name at birth, the date of birth, and the full names of both parents. Accepted forms of ID include a driver's license, state-issued ID card, passport, or military ID. The NC Vital Records FAQ page answers common questions about ID requirements and processing times. Concord residents born in other counties can request their certificates from the NC State Vital Records office for $24.

Cabarrus County Birth Records

All Concord birth records are maintained by Cabarrus County. The county Register of Deeds serves Concord, Kannapolis, Harrisburg, and all other communities within the county. For full details on Cabarrus County birth certificate services, visit the county page.

View Cabarrus County Birth Records

Cities Near Concord

Other cities in the Charlotte area where residents access birth records through their county offices.