Guilford County Birth Certificates

Guilford County is the third most populous county in North Carolina, and its Register of Deeds office handles a large volume of birth record requests each year. Residents and eligible family members can search for and obtain certified copies of birth certificates through two office locations in Greensboro and High Point. The county maintains birth records dating back to November 1913, covering more than a century of vital record history. Whether you need a certified copy for legal purposes or wish to explore your family history through genealogical research, Guilford County provides several ways to access birth records, including in-person visits, mail requests, and online ordering.

Guilford County Register of Deeds Offices

Guilford County is one of the few counties in North Carolina that operates two Register of Deeds office locations. The main office sits at 201 W. Market Street on the 1st Floor in Greensboro, NC 27401. A second branch is located at 325 E. Russell Ave., Room 155 in High Point, NC 27260. Both offices are open Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. You can reach the Greensboro office at 336-641-7730 and the High Point office at 336-641-7556.

The High Point branch offers the same vital record services. Its address is 325 E. Russell Ave., Room 155, High Point, NC 27260. Call 336-641-7556 for that office. Email inquiries go to guilforddeeds@guilfordcountync.gov for both locations.

How to Get Birth Records in Guilford County

There are three ways to request a certified birth certificate in Guilford County. You can visit either office in person, send a request by mail, or order online. Each method has its own steps. In-person requests require a valid photo ID such as a driver's license, state ID, or passport. You will fill out an application and pay $10 per certified copy at the counter.

Mail requests should be sent to the Register of Deeds Vital Records Section at P.O. Box 3427, Greensboro, NC 27402-3427. Include a check or money order made payable to "Register of Deeds." Your request must have an original signature. The office does not accept email or fax requests. Mail orders are typically processed within three working days. Online ordering is also available through the Guilford County vital records portal.

Note: Uncertified copies cost $0.05 each in person or $1 per page by mail.

Guilford County Birth Certificate Eligibility

North Carolina law limits who can obtain a certified copy of a birth certificate. Not just anyone can walk in and request one. The state's vital records statutes set clear rules on access.

Eligible requestors include the person named on the certificate, a spouse, parent, stepparent, sibling, child, grandparent, or grandchild. A person seeking the record for a legal determination of personal or property rights may also request a copy. Authorized agents, attorneys, and legal representatives can obtain copies on behalf of eligible parties. You must present valid photo ID with every request.

Birth Record Fees in Guilford County

Guilford County charges $10 for each certified copy of a birth certificate. This is the standard fee set across North Carolina counties. Uncertified copies are available at much lower rates. In-person uncertified copies cost just $0.05 per page. Uncertified copies by mail cost $1 per page.

Applicants age 62 and older get their first certified copy free of charge. This benefit applies only to the certificate owner. It is a great option for seniors who need their own birth record. The Guilford County birth certificate page has full details on pricing and ordering steps.

Note: Out-of-county NC births from 1971 forward are available for $24, cash only, between 8:00 AM and 4:30 PM.

Delayed Certificates and Amendments

If your birth was never registered, you may need a delayed birth certificate. Guilford County handles these cases, but the process takes extra steps. First, NC Vital Records must search their files. That search costs $24. If no record is found, you will receive a "No Record Found" letter. Then call 336-641-7730 to set up an appointment at the Guilford County office. The delayed certificate fee is $20, which includes one certified copy.

Amendments to existing birth certificates follow a different path. As of July 11, 2022, all amendments go through a new state form. Mail the completed form to the Amendments Unit at 1903 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, NC 27699-1900. The state charges $39 for amendments, payable by certified check or money order. You can learn more about the process at the NC Vital Records amendment page.

Guilford County Birth Records and Genealogy

The Register of Deeds office in Greensboro has a research center for genealogy work. Birth records go back to November 1913. Photocopies for research cost $0.05 per page. This makes Guilford County one of the more affordable places to do vital record research in the state.

The FamilySearch Guilford County page is another good starting point for family history. For births before 1913, the State Archives of North Carolina may have church records, Bible records, and other documents that can help fill in gaps.

Guilford County was created in 1771 from Orange and Rowan Counties. The county seat is Greensboro, named after General Nathanael Greene. With deep roots in the colonial era, the county has a rich set of historical records for researchers to explore.

Adoption records are not available through the Guilford County Register of Deeds. Contact NC Vital Records at 919-733-3000 for adoption-related birth certificate requests. The NC adoptions page explains the process in full.

Guilford County Vital Records Resources

The screenshot below shows the Guilford County Register of Deeds website, where residents can find contact details and office information.

This page serves as the main hub for all services offered by the Register of Deeds, including birth certificates, marriage licenses, and real estate filings.

The next image shows the Guilford County birth certificates page with step-by-step instructions for ordering.

This section of the site covers fees, required documents, and methods for obtaining a birth certificate. You can also order online through VitalChek by visiting the VitalChek website.

Nearby Counties

Several counties border Guilford County in the central Piedmont region. Each has its own Register of Deeds office for birth record requests.