Greensboro Birth Records

Greensboro is the third largest city in North Carolina and the county seat of Guilford County. Birth certificates for Greensboro residents are handled by the Guilford County Register of Deeds. The city does not maintain its own vital records office. Guilford County is unique because it operates two Register of Deeds offices, one in Greensboro and one in High Point. This guide covers how Greensboro residents can request birth records, what fees to expect, and what documents you need to bring.

Guilford County Register of Deeds in Greensboro

The Greensboro office of the Guilford County Register of Deeds is located at 201 W. Market Street on the first floor. This is the primary office for Greensboro residents seeking birth certificates. Walk-in requests are processed quickly, often while you wait.

Guilford County is the only county in North Carolina with two Register of Deeds offices. The second office is in High Point at 325 E. Russell Avenue. Both offices provide identical birth certificate services.

Greensboro Birth Certificate Costs

A certified copy costs $10. This is the standard fee across Guilford County. Uncertified copies are also available at a lower cost: $0.05 per page in person and $1.00 per page by mail. Most people need the certified version, which includes the official county seal.

Applicants age 62 and older can get their first certified copy free of charge if they are the person named on the certificate. Out-of-county births from 1971 to the present cost $24, payable in cash only. The NC fee schedule has full details on state-level charges.

Note: Out-of-county birth certificate requests require cash payment and cannot be processed by mail.

Ordering Birth Records in Greensboro

In-person requests are the fastest option. Visit the Greensboro office with your photo ID, complete the application, and pay the fee. You can usually pick up your certificate the same day.

Mail requests are accepted too. Send a written request with the full name on the certificate, date of birth, parents' names, your relationship to the person, a copy of your ID, and a check or money order for $10 to the Greensboro office address. Allow extra time for mail processing and delivery.

The Guilford County vital records page below, accessible through the county website, outlines the steps for Greensboro residents.

This page provides forms, fee details, and instructions for requesting birth certificates from the Guilford County office in Greensboro.

Birth Certificate Eligibility for Greensboro Residents

State law restricts who can request a certified birth certificate. You must be the person named on the record, a parent, legal guardian, spouse, adult child, or an authorized legal representative. Under NC General Statute 130A, proper ID is required for every request.

If you are requesting on behalf of someone else, bring documentation showing your legal authority. This may include a power of attorney, court order, or notarized letter from the person named on the certificate.

Greensboro History and Early Birth Records

Greensboro was founded in 1808 and named for General Nathanael Greene, a hero of the Revolutionary War. Guilford County itself was formed in 1771. Before statewide birth registration began in 1913, families in the Greensboro area recorded births in church registers, family Bibles, and other personal documents.

The State Archives of North Carolina holds many of these pre-1913 records. Greensboro is also home to several colleges and universities, including UNC Greensboro, NC A&T State University, and Guilford College. These institutions sometimes hold historical records useful for genealogical research in the Piedmont Triad region. The Bible Records collection at the State Archives contains handwritten entries that document births, marriages, and deaths from the colonial and antebellum periods in the Greensboro area.

What You Need for Greensboro Birth Certificates

When you visit the Guilford County office in Greensboro, bring the following information: the full name on the birth certificate, the date of birth, the city or county where the birth occurred, and the names of both parents. Having this information ready makes the process go faster. If you are unsure of some details, staff can try to locate the record with partial information.

Certified copies include the official county seal and registrar signature. These certified copies are accepted by all government agencies, including the U.S. Passport Office, the Social Security Administration, and the NC Division of Motor Vehicles. Uncertified copies do not carry the official seal and are generally used only for personal reference.

The NC Vital Records FAQ page answers common questions about ID requirements, processing times, and what to do if your certificate has been lost or damaged. Greensboro residents who were born outside Guilford County can request their certificate through the NC State Vital Records office in Raleigh for $24 per copy. This option covers births anywhere in the state from 1913 onward.

Correcting Greensboro Birth Certificates

Errors on a birth certificate can be fixed through the amendment process. Spelling corrections, name changes, and paternity additions are common requests. The NC amendment process may require supporting documents such as a court order or affidavit. Contact the Guilford County Register of Deeds at 336-641-7730 for specific guidance on your situation.

Adoption-related certificate changes are handled by the NC Office of Vital Records at the state level rather than through the county. Once an adoption is legally finalized, the state issues a new birth certificate reflecting the updated information. Greensboro residents should contact the state office at 919-733-3000 for these requests.

Guilford County Birth Records

All Greensboro birth records are managed by the Guilford County Register of Deeds. The county serves Greensboro, High Point, and all communities within its borders. For detailed information on the county's vital records services, visit the county page.

View Guilford County Birth Records

Nearby Cities

Other cities near Greensboro where residents can access birth records through their county offices include the following.