Search Washington County Birth Records

Washington County birth records are kept at the Register of Deeds office in Plymouth, North Carolina. This small eastern county was created in 1799 from Tyrrell County and has land records going back to that same year. Birth registration began with the rest of the state in 1913, though some delayed birth records exist from the late 1800s. The Plymouth office handles all requests for certified copies of birth certificates. Residents can visit in person, send a request by mail, or reach the office by phone or email for guidance on the process.

Washington County Register of Deeds

The Register of Deeds office in Plymouth serves as the main point of contact for anyone who needs a Washington County birth certificate. The office is on Adams Street and is open each weekday. Staff can look up birth records by name and date. Certified copies cost $10, while uncertified copies are available for $0.25.

Mail requests should be sent to P.O. Box 1007, Plymouth, NC 27962.

Requesting a Washington County Birth Certificate

To get a birth certificate from Washington County, visit the Plymouth office with a valid photo ID. Tell the staff the full name on the record and the date of birth. They will search the files and print the certified copy for you. The process usually takes just a few minutes.

If you cannot visit in person, you can mail your request. Write a letter that includes the full name, date of birth, parents' names, and the reason for your request. Include a check or money order for $10 payable to the Washington County Register of Deeds. You can also call (252) 793-2325 or email deeds@washingtongov.com to ask questions before sending your request. The Washington County Register of Deeds page has more details about the process.

Note: Uncertified birth certificates cost only $0.25 but cannot be used for official purposes.

Washington County Vital Records Online

The Washington County Register of Deeds maintains an online presence with information about its services. Below is a screenshot from the official Register of Deeds page.

This site lists office hours, contact details, and the types of records available. It is a good first stop before visiting or mailing a request.

The county website serves as a helpful reference for anyone looking to obtain Washington County birth certificates or other vital records.

Birth Records History in Washington County

Washington County was carved from Tyrrell County in 1799. Land records have been kept since the county's founding. Marriage records date back to 1851, with marriage licenses starting in 1881. Birth records begin in 1913, matching the statewide start date. However, some delayed birth records cover events from the late 1800s.

Delayed births were filed by individuals who needed proof of birth years after the event. These records are valuable for genealogy research and can sometimes be the only official record of a person's birth. The State Archives of North Carolina can help locate additional historical documents that may support a delayed birth claim.

For births before 1913, church registers, family Bible entries, and census records serve as the primary sources. The Bible Records collection at the State Archives includes handwritten entries from families across eastern North Carolina. The genealogical research page on the state website provides additional guidance for tracing family history in Washington County and beyond.

North Carolina Birth Records Resources

The NC Office of Vital Records in Raleigh maintains copies of all birth certificates filed across the state since 1913. If the Washington County office is unable to find a record, the state office may have it. The state fee is $24 for a certified copy. Orders can be placed by mail or through VitalChek online. The amendment page covers how to correct errors on an existing birth certificate.

Washington County residents can also reach the Vital Records FAQ page for answers to common questions about eligibility, processing times, and required documents. Planning ahead is important since state-level orders can take much longer than local requests.

Genealogy Research in Washington County

Family history work in Washington County benefits from the county's strong record keeping. Land records go back to 1799, and marriage records start in 1851. These documents can supplement birth record searches for families who lived in the Plymouth area.

The FamilySearch page for Washington County provides free tools and record indexes. Census records from 1800 through 1950 can help identify family members and approximate birth dates when official records do not exist. The county's location along the Albemarle Sound made it a center of commerce in the 1800s, drawing families from across the region. Checking records in neighboring Tyrrell, Martin, and Bertie counties can sometimes reveal additional family connections for those researching Washington County roots.

North Carolina's vital records statutes under Chapter 130A define who may request a certified copy and what proof of identity is required. These rules apply to every county in the state, including Washington County.

Note: State-level processing can take 110 days or more, so plan ahead if you have a deadline.

Nearby Counties

Washington County is located in the eastern part of North Carolina. These neighboring counties may hold records for families with ties to the region.