Look Up Tyrrell County Birth Records

Tyrrell County is the smallest county by population in all of North Carolina. Located on the Albemarle Sound in the northeastern part of the state, this rural county has a deep history that reaches back to 1729. The Register of Deeds office in Columbia is the source for birth certificates and other vital records. Despite its small size, Tyrrell County has maintained continuous records since its founding. Gene P. Reynolds serves as the current Register. Birth records from 1913 onward are available for eligible requesters at the county office.

Tyrrell County Register of Deeds

The Register of Deeds office sits on Main Street in Columbia. Gene P. Reynolds leads the office. Staff handle birth certificates, death records, marriage licenses, and property deeds. The office is open weekdays and welcomes walk-in visitors.

Mailing address: P.O. Box 449, Columbia, NC 27925.

How to Request a Tyrrell County Birth Certificate

Visit the office in person with a photo ID. You must be the person named on the certificate, a parent, a legal guardian, or an authorized representative. Each certified copy costs $10. Cash, checks, and money orders are accepted.

You can also request by mail. Include the full name on the birth certificate, date of birth, place of birth, mother's maiden name, your relationship to the person, and a check for $10 payable to the Tyrrell County Register of Deeds. The state ordering page explains what to include in a mail request.

You may also email the office at genereynolds@tyrrellcounty.net with questions about your request before you visit or send your letter. Staff are responsive and helpful. This personal touch is one of the benefits of working with a smaller county office.

Note: The office opens at 9:00 AM, which is later than many other county offices in North Carolina.

Tyrrell County Birth Records Online Search

Tyrrell County offers an online search tool for vital records. The Tyrrell County Vital Records page lets you look up basic record information from home. Certified copies must still be obtained in person or by mail, but this search tool helps confirm that a record exists before you make the trip to Columbia.

The Tyrrell County vital records page provides a search interface for birth, death, and marriage records held by the Register of Deeds.

Use the online tool to verify record details before placing your order.

History of Records in Tyrrell County

Tyrrell County was created in 1729 from parts of Bertie, Chowan, Currituck, and Pasquotank counties. It is one of the oldest counties in North Carolina. The county has maintained transactions all the way back to its founding year. James Craven served as the first Register and recorded the first deed in 1736.

During the Civil War, Thomas H. Alexander saved the county's records from destruction. This act of preservation means that Tyrrell County has one of the most complete record sets of any county in the state. Statewide birth registration began in 1913 under General Statute 130A. Before that, few official birth records exist. But the county's other documents, such as land deeds and court files, offer clues for genealogists searching for earlier births.

The Bible Records collection at the State Archives can fill some gaps for pre-1913 births in Tyrrell County.

The Tyrrell County Register of Deeds homepage provides access to online record searches and office information.

The website offers quick links to vital records, land records, and other public documents.

Tyrrell County Family History Research

Despite being the least populated county in the state, Tyrrell County has rich genealogical resources. The office holds records going back nearly 300 years. The FamilySearch page for Tyrrell County provides free research tools and record guides.

• Birth records from 1913 at the Register of Deeds
• Property deeds from 1736 onward
• Marriage records and death certificates
• Census data from 1790 through 1950

The State Archives of North Carolina holds additional court records, military files, and estate papers. The genealogical research page at the state level offers a helpful overview of available materials.

Tyrrell County's unique history, including its record preservation during the Civil War, makes it a valuable resource for family historians. The county's complete set of land deeds, court records, and vital records offers a rare window into eastern North Carolina family life across nearly three centuries.

State Office Birth Certificate Orders

The NC Office of Vital Records in Raleigh can issue birth certificates for Tyrrell County or any other county. The state fee is $24. Processing takes several weeks. For faster service, VitalChek offers online ordering with expedited delivery. The amendment page covers how to fix errors on an existing certificate.

Tyrrell County's small population means the office handles fewer requests than most counties. This can work in your favor. Wait times tend to be shorter, and staff have more time to help with detailed record searches. For genealogy projects that require looking through older files, the Columbia office is a good place to start your research in person. The state FAQ page can also answer questions about eligibility and processing times for state-level orders.

Nearby Counties

Tyrrell County sits along the Albemarle Sound in northeastern North Carolina. These neighboring counties each maintain birth records at their own offices.