New Hanover County Birth Certificates
New Hanover County is home to Wilmington, the largest city on the North Carolina coast. The Register of Deeds office manages birth records for the county from two locations, making it easier for residents to access vital records without traveling far. Birth certificates have been filed here since 1913, and the county also offers passport services at the main office. Whether you are a long-time Wilmington resident or conducting family research from out of state, New Hanover County provides multiple ways to obtain the birth records you need.
New Hanover County Birth Records Quick Facts
New Hanover County Register of Deeds
New Hanover County has two office locations for the Register of Deeds. The main office is on Chestnut Street in downtown Wilmington. A satellite office operates on Government Center Drive. Both locations handle birth certificate requests during regular business hours.
| Main Office |
New Hanover County Register of Deeds 320 Chestnut Street, Suite 102 Wilmington, NC 28401 Phone: 910-798-4530 |
|---|---|
| Satellite Office |
230 Government Center Drive, Suite 180 Wilmington, NC 28403 |
| Hours | Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM |
| Website | New Hanover County Register of Deeds |
Note: The satellite office provides the same vital records services as the main office on Chestnut Street.
Obtaining Birth Records in New Hanover County
Each certified birth certificate copy costs $10. Walk-in visits are welcome at both the main and satellite offices. Bring a valid photo ID and be ready to provide the full name, date of birth, and parents' names for the record you need.
Mail requests can be sent to 320 Chestnut Street, Suite 102, Wilmington, NC 28401. Include a money order or check for $10 per copy, a written request with all details, and a photocopy of your ID. New Hanover County also supports online ordering through the NCVitals system, which lets you submit requests and pay electronically. The New Hanover County government website has links to all available services.
New Hanover County Birth Record Resources
The county government website serves as a central hub for New Hanover County services. Below is the New Hanover County government homepage.
From this site you can find department contacts, service hours, and links to online record systems.
Search New Hanover County Public Records
New Hanover County provides a public records search tool for residents and researchers. The New Hanover County public records portal gives access to multiple types of county records.
This search tool can help verify the existence of records before you make a formal request at the Register of Deeds office.
Note: Not all birth records may appear in the online index due to privacy rules on recent vital records.
Birth Certificate Ordering Through VitalChek
New Hanover County birth certificates can also be ordered through VitalChek. This service lets you place orders online with a credit card. The VitalChek page for New Hanover County walks you through the process.
VitalChek charges processing fees on top of the standard certificate fee. Expedited shipping options are available for an additional cost. This is a good choice if you need a certificate quickly and cannot visit the office in person.
New Hanover County Passport and Vital Record Services
The New Hanover County Register of Deeds office provides passport services in addition to vital records. This makes the main Chestnut Street location a one-stop destination for residents who need both a birth certificate and a passport. Passport applications and renewals are handled during regular business hours. Check with the office for current passport processing fees and photo requirements.
The combination of birth certificate and passport services is a practical convenience, especially for residents preparing for international travel. Having your birth certificate on file locally can speed up the passport application process. Call 910-798-4530 for details on available services and current wait times at the main office. The NC Vital Records FAQ page covers common questions about certified copies needed for passport applications.
History of Birth Records in New Hanover County
New Hanover County is one of the oldest counties in North Carolina. It was formed in 1729 from Craven County. Wilmington grew into a major port city, and the county became a hub for commerce and culture along the Cape Fear River. The area attracted settlers from England, Scotland, and other parts of Europe.
Before birth registration became law in 1913 under Chapter 130A of the NC General Statutes, families relied on church registers and personal records. The State Archives Bible Records collection holds some of these early documents. Wilmington's churches, with their deep histories, are also valuable sources for pre-1913 birth information.
Additional Birth Certificate Resources
Beyond the county office, several resources can help with New Hanover County birth records. The NC Office of Vital Records processes statewide requests for $24 per copy. Visit the order page for details. The State Archives holds older vital records and genealogical materials. For those tracing family lines, the NC genealogical research page provides step-by-step guidance.
Wilmington's rich history as a port city means that many families have deep roots in New Hanover County. Church records from historic congregations, land deeds, and maritime records can all supplement birth certificate research. The county's two office locations make it convenient for residents across the area to access vital record services without long travel times. Whether you visit the Chestnut Street main office or the Government Center Drive satellite location, you will receive the same level of service for your birth certificate request.
Nearby Counties
New Hanover County is located on the southeastern coast of North Carolina, bordered by a small number of neighboring counties.