Forsyth County NC birth certificate requests can be submitted online, by mail, or in person at the Register of Deeds office. The process requires specific documentation, fees, and eligibility verification. Certified copies are only issued to authorized individuals under North Carolina law. This page explains every step, cost, and requirement for obtaining a birth certificate in Forsyth County, NC.
Who Can Request a Forsyth County NC Birth Certificate
Only certain people can get a certified copy of a birth certificate in Forsyth County. North Carolina General Statute 130A-93 lists who is allowed. This includes the person named on the record, their spouse, parent, child, grandparent, grandchild, sibling, or legal guardian. Legal representatives with proper documentation may also request copies. Anyone else needs written permission from an eligible person or a court order.
For adopted individuals, the process is different. Adoptees must contact the North Carolina Division of Vital Records at 919-733-3000. They need to provide the legal adoption decree, the adoptee’s birth name, and a notarized affidavit. The Register of Deeds does not issue adoption-related birth certificates.
Required Documents for a Birth Certificate Request
All applicants must provide valid identification. Walk-in visitors need a current government-issued photo ID, such as a driver’s license, passport, or state ID card. If applying for someone else, a notarized authorization form is required. This form must include the requester’s signature, relationship to the person on the record, and a copy of their ID.
Online and mail requests also require ID verification. A clear copy of a photo ID must be uploaded or mailed with the application. For minors, the legal guardian’s ID and a custodial affidavit are needed. All signatures on forms must be notarized if the request is made on behalf of another person.
How to Apply for a Forsyth County NC Birth Certificate
There are three main ways to apply: online, by mail, or in person. Each method has its own steps and processing times. Online applications are fastest, with most requests completed in three to five business days. Mail requests take longer due to delivery and processing delays.
Online Application Process
Applicants can use the Forsyth County Register of Deeds online portal. The system is powered by Permitium.com and Business Information Services. Users fill out a secure form with personal details, upload a copy of their ID, and pay the fee using a credit or debit card. The total cost is $18, which includes the certification and processing fee.
After submission, the request is sent to the state Vital Records office. A tracking number is provided. Certified copies are mailed to the address on file. Online payments are encrypted and stored securely under North Carolina privacy laws.
Mail-In Application Process
To apply by mail, download the official “Application for a North Carolina Birth Certificate” from the Forsyth County website. Fill in all fields completely. Include a copy of your ID, a notarized signature if applying for someone else, and a check or money order for $12 per certified copy.
Mail the packet to the Register of Deeds office at 201 North Chestnut Street, Winston-Salem, NC 27101. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope for return delivery. Processing takes five to seven business days after receipt.
In-Person Application Process
Visit the Register of Deeds office on the second floor of the Forsyth County Government Center. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., excluding holidays. Bring a valid photo ID and payment in cash, check, or card.
The fee is $12 for a certified copy and $0.60 for an uncertified copy. Most requests are processed the same day. Staff will verify your identity and eligibility before issuing the document.
Fees and Payment Options
The standard fee for a certified birth certificate is $12. Uncertified copies cost $0.60 each. Additional fees apply for online services. For example, VitalChek charges a $20 processing fee, while DoNotPay adds a $14 administrative search charge.
Payment methods vary by request type. Online payments accept credit cards, debit cards, and electronic checks. Mail-in requests require checks or money orders made payable to the Forsyth County Register of Deeds. In-person payments can be made with cash, card, or check.
| Service | Certified Copy Fee | Additional Charges | Total Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Register of Deeds (In-Person) | $12.00 | None | $12.00 |
| Register of Deeds (Online via Permitium) | $12.00 | $6.00 processing | $18.00 |
| VitalChek (State-Authorized) | $12.00 | $8.00 processing | $20.00 |
| DoNotPay | $10.00 | $14.00 search fee | $24.00 |
Processing Times and Delivery
Processing times depend on the request method. In-person requests are usually completed the same day. Online and mail requests take three to five business days after the office receives all documents.
Delivery options include standard mail, certified mail, and pickup. Most certified copies are sent via first-class mail. Tracking numbers are provided for online orders through VitalChek and Permitium. Expedited services are not currently available.
Birth Record Search and Index Access
Forsyth County maintains a public index of births from 1905 to the present. The database includes the child’s full name, date of birth, parents’ legal names, and place of birth. This information is searchable online through the Register of Deeds portal.
Researchers can view basic details without ordering a full certificate. However, only certified copies include sensitive data like the attendant’s signature, birth weight, and time of delivery. Access to full records is restricted to eligible individuals.
Legal Requirements and Fraud Prevention
North Carolina law strictly regulates birth certificate requests. Statute 130A-26A makes it a felony to fraudulently obtain a vital record. Penalties include up to three years in prison and a $10,000 fine. Using fake IDs or false information can lead to criminal charges and permanent loss of eligibility.
The Register of Deeds verifies every application. Staff check IDs, confirm relationships, and validate signatures. All transactions are recorded in an electronic ledger. Suspicious requests are reported to state authorities.
Special Cases: Adoptions, Minors, and Legal Guardians
Adopted individuals cannot get their original birth certificate from the county. They must contact the North Carolina Division of Vital Records. The state office requires a court order, adoption decree, and notarized affidavit. Processing may take longer than standard requests.
For minors, only legal guardians or parents can request a birth certificate. A custodial affidavit and guardian ID are required. If custody is shared, both parents may need to sign the form. Court-appointed guardians must provide official documentation.
Online Services and Third-Party Providers
Several online platforms help with birth certificate requests. VitalChek is the only state-authorized vendor for certified copies. It charges $20 and provides tracking. DoNotPay offers a streamlined process for $24 total but is not affiliated with the government.
Vital Records Online allows users to fill out forms from home. The fee is $12 for a certified copy, plus mailing costs. Permitium.com handles payments and technical support for the county’s online system. Business Information Services manages the search portal and customer support at 866-604-3680.
Contact Information and Office Location
The Forsyth County Register of Deeds is located at 201 North Chestnut Street, Winston-Salem, NC 27101. The office is on the second floor of the Government Center. Phone: 336-703-2700. Email inquiries can be sent through the official website.
Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The FAQ page answers common questions about eligibility, forms, and fees. For technical issues with online services, call BIS support at 866-604-3680.
Frequently Asked Questions
Many people have similar questions about birth certificates in Forsyth County. Below are the most common inquiries with clear, direct answers based on current policies and procedures.
Can I get a birth certificate for my grandparent?
Yes, if you are a direct descendant or have legal authorization. Grandchildren are eligible under Statute 130A-93. You must provide proof of relationship, such as a birth certificate showing the family link. A notarized affidavit may be required if applying by mail. Processing takes three to five business days. If the grandparent was born outside Forsyth County, contact the correct county or state office.
How long does it take to get a birth certificate by mail?
Mail requests take five to seven business days after the office receives your complete application. This includes time for document review, processing, and return mailing. Delays can occur if forms are incomplete or IDs are unclear. To avoid delays, double-check all information, include a copy of your ID, and use a self-addressed stamped envelope. Tracking is not available for standard mail, so consider online or in-person options for faster service.
What if I don’t have a photo ID?
If you lack a government-issued photo ID, you may use two alternative documents. Acceptable substitutes include a utility bill, bank statement, Social Security card, or voter registration card. Both must show your current name and address. The Register of Deeds will review these on a case-by-case basis. If approved, you can proceed with the request. For mail-in applications, include copies of both documents. In-person visits may require additional verification.
Can I request a birth certificate for someone who died?
Yes, but only certain people can request a death-related birth certificate. Eligible individuals include immediate family members, legal representatives, or those with a court order. You must provide proof of relationship and the deceased person’s full name and date of birth. The process is the same as for living individuals. Certified copies will be marked “for genealogical purposes” if the person is deceased. This helps prevent misuse of sensitive records.
Is there a discount for seniors or low-income applicants?
No, Forsyth County does not offer fee waivers or discounts for birth certificate requests. The $12 fee for certified copies is set by state law and applies to all applicants. However, some nonprofit organizations or legal aid groups may assist with fees in special cases. Contact local social service agencies for possible support. The county cannot reduce or waive fees, even for financial hardship.
What happens if my application is rejected?
If your application is denied, you will receive a written explanation. Common reasons include invalid ID, incomplete forms, or lack of eligibility. You can correct the issue and resubmit the request. There is no penalty for reapplying. If you believe the denial was incorrect, contact the Register of Deeds at 336-703-2700. You may also request a review by the office director. All decisions are based on North Carolina statutes and cannot be overridden without legal documentation.
Can I get a birth certificate if I was born in another state?
No, Forsyth County only issues birth certificates for people born within the county. If you were born in another state, contact that state’s vital records office. For example, someone born in Virginia should apply through the Virginia Department of Health. The Forsyth County Register of Deeds cannot process out-of-state requests. However, they can help with genealogical research if the person later lived in Forsyth County.