Access Perquimans County Birth Certificates

Perquimans County holds some of the oldest records in all of North Carolina. The Register of Deeds in Hertford manages birth certificates and other vital documents for this small but historically significant county. Perquimans was one of the earliest areas settled in the state, and its records reflect that long history. If you need a birth certificate from Perquimans County, the Hertford office can help with both walk-in and mail requests. This guide covers everything you need to know about obtaining birth records from one of the state's oldest counties.

Perquimans County Vital Records Office

The Perquimans County Register of Deeds is located on Church Street in Hertford. This is where all birth certificate requests are handled. The office is open weekdays. Staff can assist with certified and uncertified copies of birth records.

For mail requests, send your inquiry to P.O. Box 74, Hertford, NC 27944. Include a money order for the fee. A certified copy costs $10. Uncertified copies are $0.25 each. The fax number is (252) 426-7443 for general inquiries, though vital record requests cannot be completed by fax alone.

Colonial Era Records in Perquimans County

Perquimans County has an extraordinary records history. The county was originally established in 1668 as Berkeley Precinct during the colonial period. Birth and marriage records date back to 1659. That is well over 350 years of documented history. Few counties in North Carolina can match this depth.

These early records are not birth certificates in the modern sense. They are entries in church registers, court minutes, and other colonial documents. The Perquimans County NCGenWeb project has compiled many of these historical sources. Researchers tracing roots in this part of the Albemarle region will find these records invaluable. The State Archives of North Carolina also holds microfilm copies of many Perquimans County documents from the colonial era.

Note: Colonial-era records may be fragile and access is sometimes limited to preserve the original documents.

How to Request Perquimans County Birth Certificates

Getting a birth certificate from Perquimans County is straightforward. You can visit the office in person or send a written request by mail. For in-person visits, bring a valid photo ID. You will need to know the full name on the certificate, the date of birth, and the parents' names.

North Carolina law restricts who can obtain certified copies of birth certificates. Under NCGS Chapter 130A, Article 4, only the registrant, a parent, a legal guardian, or certain other qualified individuals may receive a certified copy. Anyone can request an uncertified copy for genealogical or informational purposes.

• Certified copy fee: $10
• Uncertified copy fee: $0.25
• Valid photo ID required for certified copies
• Money order for mail requests
• Include return envelope with postage

The NC Vital Records ordering page describes the state-level process if you prefer to go through Raleigh instead of the county office.

Birth Records from the Perquimans County System

The county vital records system is managed through an online platform. The Perquimans County vital records portal shown below gives an overview of available services.

This portal outlines the types of vital records maintained by the Perquimans County Register of Deeds, including birth certificates.

Statewide birth registration in North Carolina started in 1913. For births in Perquimans County before that year, formal birth certificates do not exist. Instead, researchers must rely on alternative sources. Census records, church registers, and the bible records collection at the State Archives are the best options for pre-1913 documentation.

Perquimans County Genealogy Resources

Perquimans County is a hotspot for genealogical research. Its long history means there are many layers of records to explore. The NCGenWeb project for the county is a strong starting point. Local historical societies in Hertford also hold unique collections.

The NC genealogical research page provides guidance on using state-level resources. For Perquimans County specifically, early land grants, wills, and estate records can help piece together family connections that predate formal vital records. The Albemarle region's settlement history means many families in Perquimans County have been here since the late 1600s.

Note: The NCGenWeb project for Perquimans County is maintained by volunteers and may not be updated regularly.

Perquimans County's location in the Albemarle Sound region shaped its settlement patterns. Water access was critical for trade and transport. Many early families settled along the Perquimans River and its tributaries. Land records and court minutes from the colonial period often reference these waterways, and they can provide context for understanding where families lived and how they were connected. The Hertford area remains a close-knit community where local knowledge of family history is still strong.

Amending a Birth Certificate in Perquimans County

If there is an error on a Perquimans County birth certificate, you can request a correction. Minor spelling errors may be fixed at the county level with supporting documents. More significant changes, like a legal name change, require a court order. The NC Vital Records amendment page explains the full process.

Bring all supporting documents to the Register of Deeds office. Staff will review your request and let you know if it can be processed locally or needs to go through the state office in Raleigh.

Nearby Counties

Perquimans County is located in the Albemarle region of northeastern North Carolina. These neighboring counties may also hold records relevant to your search.