Wilkes County Birth Records

Wilkes County birth certificates are handled by the Register of Deeds office in Wilkesboro, North Carolina. The county was formed in 1778 from Surry County and the Washington District. Birth records on file begin in 1913, when statewide registration started. Most births in the county take place at Wilkes Regional Medical Center, and those records are filed with the Register of Deeds. The office also has a Deputy Registrar who specifically handles vital records processing. Whether you are a resident or reaching out from another state, the Wilkesboro office can help you get the birth certificate you need.

Wilkes County Register of Deeds Office

The Register of Deeds office is located inside the courthouse complex on Courthouse Drive in Wilkesboro. The office handles birth, death, and marriage certificates along with land records and other legal documents. Walk-in visits are the fastest way to get a certified copy of a birth certificate.

The Deputy Registrar handles vital records requests and can be reached at (336) 651-7450 for questions about certificates or processing times. The office serves all of Wilkes County and the surrounding communities.

How to Get a Wilkes County Birth Certificate

To request a birth certificate in person, go to the Wilkesboro office with your photo ID. Provide the full name on the record and the date of birth. The staff will look up the record and print a certified copy for you. Payment is required at the time of the request.

Mail requests are also accepted. Write a letter with the full name, date of birth, parents' names, and your reason for the request. Include a check or money order for the copy fee. Send it to 500 Courthouse Drive, Suite 1000, Wilkesboro, NC 28697. Allow one to two weeks for delivery. You can also order from the state vital records office or through VitalChek for an additional fee.

Wilkes County Vital Records Information

The county maintains a dedicated page for vital records information. Below is a screenshot of the Wilkes County vital records page.

This page includes details about fees, required documents, and how to submit your request. It covers birth, death, and marriage records along with the amendment process. Review the page before your visit to make sure you have all the necessary identification and information ready.

Home Birth Certificates in Wilkes County

Most Wilkes County births occur at Wilkes Regional Medical Center, where the hospital files the birth record with the county. Home births follow a different process. Parents who have a child at home must apply for a birth certificate directly with the Register of Deeds.

The application for a home birth certificate requires specific documents, including proof of the birth and the identity of the parents. The Deputy Registrar at (336) 651-7450 can walk parents through the steps. This process ensures that every child born in Wilkes County gets an official record on file, regardless of where the birth took place. Home birth registrations must be completed within a set time frame, so contact the office as soon as possible after the birth.

Note: Home birth certificate applications may take longer to process than hospital births.

Genealogy and Wilkes County Birth Records

Wilkes County has a long history that draws genealogy researchers from across the nation. The county was one of the largest in western North Carolina when it was formed in 1778. Over time, parts of Wilkes were carved off to create newer counties, including Watauga in 1849. This means that some early family records may now sit in neighboring county offices.

The Register of Deeds in Wilkesboro holds marriage records, death certificates, and land deeds alongside birth records. These complementary records can help fill in family details that a single birth certificate might not show. Census records from 1790 through 1950 are also available through the State Archives and can help confirm family details across multiple generations.

The FamilySearch Wilkes County page lists available records and explains how to access them. The State Archives of North Carolina is another key resource for older documents. Bible records, church rolls, and census data can all help piece together a family story when official birth records do not exist.

North Carolina State Birth Records

The NC Office of Vital Records holds copies of all birth certificates filed in the state since 1913. If the Wilkes County office cannot find a record, the state office may have it. The state charges $24 for a certified copy, and processing often takes more than 110 days.

Under North Carolina General Statutes Chapter 130A, only authorized individuals can request a certified birth certificate. This includes the person named on the record, parents, legal guardians, and court-appointed agents.

Corrections and amendments to Wilkes County birth certificates can be handled through the state amendment page. The Bible Records collection at the State Archives provides a valuable resource for those researching births before 1913 in the Wilkes County area. The genealogical research page offers further guidance on how to access these older records.

Nearby Counties

Wilkes County is located in the foothills of northwestern North Carolina. These adjacent counties may hold birth records for families with ties to the area. Checking multiple county offices is a smart strategy for genealogy research.