Search Durham County Birth Certificates

Durham County offers several ways to obtain birth certificates through the Register of Deeds office. Located in downtown Durham on East Main Street, this office has served county residents since 1881. Whether you need a certified copy for a passport, school enrollment, or other personal matter, the Durham County staff can help. Online ordering, in-person visits, and mail requests are all available. Durham is home to Duke University and North Carolina Central University, giving this county a vibrant population with frequent vital records needs.

Durham County Register of Deeds

Register of Deeds Sharon A. Davis leads the Durham County office. The staff handles birth certificates, death certificates, marriage licenses, military records, and notary oaths. The office sits on the second floor of Administration Building II at 201 East Main Street. Walk-in visits are welcome during normal business hours. You can also reach the office by email at regdeeds@dconc.gov for general questions.

Getting Birth Certificates in Durham County

Certified copies of Durham County birth certificates cost $10.00 each. Uncertified copies are also available at $0.25 per copy when picked up in person or $1.00 by mail. To request a certified copy, you will need the name on the birth certificate, the date of birth, the mother's full maiden name, and your relationship to the person named. A valid state-issued photo ID is required. Expired IDs are not accepted.

The Durham County birth certificate procedures page explains every step in detail. You can apply in person, by mail, or through the online portal. In-person requests are often processed the same day.

Below is the Durham County page that outlines the steps for requesting a birth certificate copy.

This page lists required forms, fees, and ID requirements for Durham County residents.

Note: Only immediate family and authorized legal representatives can obtain certified copies under North Carolina law.

Online Birth Record Requests for Durham

Durham County provides an online portal through the Permitium system. You can place requests for birth certificates, death records, and marriage certificates from your computer or phone. Visit the Durham County online records portal to start your request. The system accepts credit and debit card payments.

The screenshot below shows the Durham County online request portal.

This system lets you submit requests and pay online without visiting the office in person.

For births that took place outside Durham County but within North Carolina, you can still request records in person. An appointment is required for out-of-county requests. No online services are available for births or deaths that happened in other counties. Call (919) 560-0480 to set up your appointment.

Who Qualifies for Durham County Certified Copies

North Carolina vital records law sets rules on who can get a certified birth certificate. In Durham County, the list of eligible requesters includes:

• Mother, father, brother, or sister of the person named
• Spouse of the person on the certificate
• Adult children of the person named
• Grandparents, if both parents are named on the certificate
• Legal guardians, case managers, or attorneys with proof of authority

Anyone else must show they have a legal reason tied to personal or property rights. Staff will ask for documentation before releasing a certified copy.

Durham County Birth Record Amendments

If you need to correct or update information on a Durham County birth certificate, the Register of Deeds can help. Amendment fees depend on the type of processing you choose. Non-expedited local processing costs $10.00. State-level processing runs $15.00 and takes six to eight weeks. A new certified copy after the change costs $10.00.

For faster results, expedited processing is available. Local expedited amendments are completed within 15 days. State expedited service costs $45.00, which covers both the processing and a certified copy within three business days. Visit the NC Vital Records amendment page for state-level forms. Common reasons for amendments include name corrections, adding a father's name, or fixing a date error. The Durham County staff can walk you through which type of amendment fits your situation.

The Durham County Register of Deeds main page is shown below.

This site provides links to all vital record services offered by the Durham County office.

Durham County History and Genealogy

Durham County was formed in 1881 from parts of Orange and Wake Counties. The city of Durham serves as the county seat. Before 1913, birth records were not required by the state. For older family records, the FamilySearch Durham County page offers useful tools. Church records, old census data, and Bible entries can also help fill in the gaps.

The State Archives of North Carolina stores many historical documents tied to Durham County. Researchers can also try the Durham County Public Health vital records page for more details on health department records. Old Bible records, tax lists, and early court papers can sometimes provide birth dates and family details that fill in the gaps before 1913.

Durham County also offers additional services beyond vital records. The office handles passport applications on Wednesdays by appointment. Real estate documents, military records, and notary oaths are also processed at this location. The Durham County government website has more details about all departments and services.

Note: Passport services are available at the Durham County office on Wednesdays by appointment only.

Nearby Counties

Durham County sits in the north-central part of North Carolina, surrounded by counties that each maintain separate vital records offices. If a birth took place across county lines, you will need to contact that county's Register of Deeds or use the state office.