The paperwork · North Carolina
Almost everything that comes after a death, from the bank to the life insurance company, asks for a certified copy. Here is what a copy costs in North Carolina, where to order it, and how many to get.
Order about 10 certified copies at the start. It costs less to buy them together than to come back for more later, and nearly every office will want an original, not a photocopy.
From the state vital records office
Cost of a certified copy:
Mail requests to: NC Vital Records 1903 Mail Service Center Raleigh, NC 27699-1903
The State office has death records beginning with 1930. Business or certified check or money order should be made payable to NC Vital Records. To verify current fees and access additional information on how to obtain copies of vital records, the telephone number is (919) 733-3000 or visit the North Carolina Vital Records website. A copy of a valid photo ID and a signed application are required for all certificate requests. See NC Vital Records’ certificate application for a list of acceptable IDs. The Register of Deeds in the county where the death occurred can provide copies of death certificates upon request.
If the family cannot afford a funeral, call the county burial assistance program before signing anything with a funeral home. Find your county on the North Carolina help page, and see what else is owed to you in the first 48 hours checklist.
Questions families ask
The state vital records office lists the cost of a certified copy as: Fees can change, so confirm on the official site before you send payment.
Most families need about 10. Banks, life insurance, Social Security, the vehicle title office, retirement accounts, and property transfers each tend to want an original certified copy, and many will not accept a photocopy.
Yes. Funeral homes file the death record for you and can usually order certified copies at the same time. If you are using a county burial program instead, ask the caseworker how copies are ordered.
Eligibility rules are set by North Carolina. Spouses, children, parents, and the executor named in the will are commonly eligible, and you may be asked for photo ID and proof of your relationship. The state office confirms the exact rules.
This page is general information, not legal advice. Costs and rules come from the official North Carolina vital records listing and can change; confirm with the office before you send payment.
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Reviewed by the Final Steps Help research team.
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