Find Birth Records in Forsyth County

Forsyth County is one of the most populous counties in North Carolina, with Winston-Salem as its county seat. The Register of Deeds office on North Chestnut Street provides birth certificates and other vital records to eligible requesters. Created in 1849 from Stokes County, Forsyth has a long history as a center of commerce and community in the Piedmont region. Residents can request records in person, by mail, or through the county's online ordering system. The office processes walk-in requests on the spot, making it convenient for those who need a copy right away.

Forsyth County Register of Deeds Office

The Forsyth County Register of Deeds is located at 201 N Chestnut Street on the second floor in downtown Winston-Salem. The office serves a large population and handles a high volume of vital records requests each year. Staff members are available to help with birth certificates, death records, marriage licenses, and other filed documents. A recorded information line at (336) 703-2701 provides basic details about services and hours after business hours.

How to Request Forsyth County Birth Certificates

Certified birth certificates from Forsyth County cost $10.00 each. Uncertified copies are available for $0.50 per copy. You can make your request in person, by mail, or online. Walk-in requests are processed right away during office hours. The office accepts cash, credit cards, debit cards, money orders, and cashier's checks.

For mail requests, you will need to include the type of record, the full name on the record, the date of birth, your relationship to the person, and your signature. Send your completed form and payment to 201 N Chestnut St., 2nd Floor, Winston-Salem, NC 27101. The Forsyth County Register of Deeds website has downloadable application forms.

Note: In-person requests at the Forsyth County office are processed immediately.

Forsyth County Online Records Portal

The county offers an online ordering system through the Permitium platform. You can submit your birth certificate request and pay with a credit or debit card from anywhere. Visit the Forsyth County online portal to begin your request. The system guides you through each step and confirms your order once payment is received.

Online requests may take a few business days to process and ship. If you need your certificate fast, visiting the office in person is the better option. The online system also handles death certificate and marriage license requests. It is available around the clock, so you can place orders outside of normal business hours.

The NC Vital Records order page provides details about the statewide ordering process for all counties, including Forsyth.

This state page explains how to order birth certificates through the North Carolina vital records system.

Eligibility for Certified Birth Copies

Forsyth County follows North Carolina vital records statutes when deciding who can get a certified copy. The law limits access to protect personal information. Here is who qualifies:

• The person named on the record (the registrant)
• Spouse, parent, sibling, child, stepchild, or step-parent
• Grandparents of the person named
• Authorized agents, attorneys, or legal representatives with proper proof
• Anyone with a legal need tied to property rights

Proof of relationship or legal authority is required at the time of your request. Bring a valid state-issued photo ID and any supporting documents that show your connection to the person on the certificate.

Birth Records History in Forsyth County

Forsyth County was carved from Stokes County in 1849. Winston-Salem has been the county seat since the county's early days. The twin cities of Winston and Salem merged in 1913, the same year North Carolina began requiring birth registration statewide. Before that date, no formal birth records exist at the county level. The Moravian community that founded Salem kept detailed church records, and these documents are among the best pre-1913 sources for birth information in the area.

For family research before 1913, you have several options. The FamilySearch Forsyth County page provides research guides and access to digitized records. Church records from the Moravian community in old Salem are especially rich sources of vital information. The State Archives of North Carolina also holds early documents from the Forsyth County area.

Other Ways to Get Forsyth Birth Certificates

Beyond the county office, you can request birth certificates through the NC Office of Vital Records. The state office in Raleigh holds records for all 100 counties. State fees are higher at $24.00 per copy, and processing times can stretch to several weeks. You can also order through VitalChek, which adds extra fees for the convenience of online ordering and credit card payment.

For the lowest cost and fastest turnaround, the Forsyth County office in Winston-Salem remains the best choice for births that happened within county lines. The county staff can often hand you your certificate within minutes of your request. This speed is hard to match through mail or online channels.

The NC Vital Records fee schedule provides a full breakdown of costs for state-level orders. Remember that VitalChek fees are separate from and in addition to the certificate fee itself. Plan your budget accordingly if you choose the online route.

Note: The state office can issue certificates for births that took place in any North Carolina county.

Nearby Counties

Forsyth County is surrounded by several Piedmont and foothills counties. Each maintains its own birth records through a local Register of Deeds office. If a birth took place across county lines, you will need to contact that county directly.