Search Davidson County Birth Records

Davidson County birth records are managed by the Register of Deeds office in Lexington. Formed in 1822 from Rowan County, Davidson County sits in the central Piedmont region of North Carolina. The office provides certified birth certificates, death certificates, marriage licenses, and military discharge records. Birth records from 1913 to the present are on file for all births that occurred within Davidson County. Residents can request copies in person at the Lexington office or use the county's online portal for added convenience.

Davidson County Register of Deeds

The Davidson County Register of Deeds is at 203 W. 2nd Street in Lexington. The office is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Along with birth certificates, the office records and issues death certificates, marriage certificates, marriage licenses, military discharges, and notary public commissions. The Davidson County government website links to all county departments and services.

The mailing address for requests sent by mail is P.O. Box 1067, Lexington, NC 27293. Use the P.O. Box address rather than the street address when sending requests through the postal service.

The screenshot below shows the Davidson County government website.

The county website provides links to the Register of Deeds and other departments.

Getting a Davidson County Birth Certificate

Certified birth certificates from Davidson County cost $10.00 each. You can request them in person at the Lexington office or through the Davidson County online portal. The online system lets you submit your request and pay from home. For in-person visits, bring a valid photo ID and be ready to complete the request form.

You will need to supply the full name on the certificate, date of birth, place of birth, mother's maiden name, father's name, your relationship to the person on the certificate, and your signature. A copy of your ID is required with every request. Accepted IDs include state-issued ID cards, driver's licenses, passports, and military IDs.

Below is a screenshot of the Davidson County online ordering portal.

The online portal streamlines the process for residents who cannot visit the Lexington office in person. Davidson County's central location in the Piedmont means residents have access to several hospitals and birthing centers across neighboring counties. Make sure you request your certificate from the county where the birth actually occurred, not just where you currently live.

Delayed Birth Records in Davidson County

Davidson County also keeps delayed birth records on file. These are separate from standard birth certificates. Delayed birth records were obtained by adults who needed to prove citizenship, qualify for Social Security, or get a passport when no original birth certificate was filed at the time of their birth. Some delayed records include handwritten supporting documents from family members and other witnesses.

Delayed birth records are filed and indexed separately from regular certificates. Ask the Register of Deeds staff about these records if you believe a delayed filing may exist for the person you are researching.

These records are an important resource for older residents and their families. Before Social Security numbers became standard, many people in rural Davidson County did not have formal birth certificates. Delayed filings helped those individuals gain access to government services and prove their identity later in life.

Note: Delayed birth records may contain different or less detailed information than standard birth certificates.

Who Can Request Davidson County Certificates

Only certain people can obtain certified copies of Davidson County birth certificates. State law defines the eligible list. The person named on the certificate always qualifies. So do immediate family members, including a spouse, parent, sibling, child, grandparent, and grandchild. Legal representatives and those with a legitimate legal interest in the record for personal or property rights purposes also qualify.

Anyone may request an uncertified copy for genealogy or personal use. The NC Vital Records FAQ page answers common questions about eligibility and the request process for all North Carolina counties.

Davidson County History and Genealogy Resources

Davidson County was formed in 1822 from Rowan County. The county seat of Lexington is well known for its barbecue tradition and hosts an annual barbecue festival. Thomasville, the other major city in the county, has roots in the furniture industry. The county covers a large part of the central Piedmont and has a rich history dating back to early European settlement.

Historical birth, marriage, and death records from 1867 to 2006 are available through FamilySearch. Marriage records are arranged by year and groom's surname. Death records are organized by year, township, and then date. Statewide birth registration started in March 1913, with general compliance reached by 1920. The FamilySearch Davidson County genealogy page is a strong starting point for family history research in the area. The NC State Archives in Raleigh also holds early Davidson County documents. Court records, land grants, and old church registries from the 1800s may contain birth information for families who lived in the Lexington and Thomasville areas before statewide registration started.

State Options for Birth Certificates

If you prefer to go through the state, the NC Office of Vital Records processes birth certificate requests for all 100 counties. The state fee is $24.00 per certified copy. You can also use VitalChek for online ordering with expedited delivery. For corrections to a Davidson County birth certificate, the NC amendment page has the required forms and instructions.

Nearby Counties

Davidson County is surrounded by several Piedmont counties. Contact the right county office if the birth you need was recorded outside Davidson County lines.