Vital Records

Note: Our offices are not open to the public. The Register of Deeds office handles all in-person business and is the place to contact for birth and death certificates. 

Get a Birth or Death Certificate

If you need a certified birth or death certificate, use the Orange County Register of Deeds’ online portal, Get Certificate Now . Once your order is complete, the Register of Deeds office will mail the documents to you.

If you want to order or pick up the certificates in person, visit:

Orange County Register of Deeds

For more information, questions, or amendments about birth or death certificates, contact the Register of Deeds:

• Call: (919) 245-2700
• Email: RODVitalsRequest@orangecountync.gov
• Visit the Register of Deeds webpage

Registros Vitales del Departamento de Salud

Nota: El personal de Registros Vitales del Departamento de Salud ofrece servicios por correo electrónico, teléfono o fax. La Oficina del Registro Civil (Register of Deeds) es donde debe comunicarse para certificados de nacimiento y defunción.

Obtener un Certificado de Nacimiento o Defunción

Si necesita un certificado de nacimiento o defunción, puede solicitarlo en línea a través del Get Certificate Now . Una vez que complete su solicitud, la oficina del Registro Civil le enviará los documentos por correo.

Si desea solicitar o recoger los certificados en persona, visite:

Registro Civil del Condado de Orange (Register of Deeds)

Edificio Gateway Center
228 S Churton Street, 3er piso
Hillsborough, NC 27278
Ubicación en Google Maps

Para más información o preguntas sobre certificados de nacimiento o defunción, comuníquese con el Registro Civil:

• Teléfono: (919) 245-2700
• Correo electrónico: RODVitalsRequest@orangecountync.gov
• Visite la página web del Registro Civil

Why does the Health Department have a Vital Records Office?

Orange County Health Department follows vital records procedures as outlined in the North Carolina General Statutes (NCGS) §130A and related Administrative Code. Maintaining all death and birth registrations within Orange County is a core function of the Health Department. These are permanent legal documents concerning an individual’s vital status. As such, it is imperative that the processing of the information is both accurate and prompt. 

Our office helps the general public with the following applications

Affidavits of Parentage

This is a legal document used by unmarried parents to voluntarily establish the legal father of a child. Affidavits of Parentage can be completed by visiting the NC Vital Records website or by downloading the electronic form.

Green Burial Applications

Assisting individuals in registering deaths without the involvement of a funeral home. In such cases, the Orange County Health Department serves as a "Non-Licensed Funeral Home."

To apply, call (919) 245-2404 or email OCHDvitalrecords@orangecountync.gov

Disinterment and Reinterment Permits

Required whenever a grave is disturbed. Our team collaborates with the funeral home and next of kin to finalize the necessary documentation.

To apply, download the form. Email the completed form to   OCHDvitalrecords@orangecountync.gov

Homebirth Certificates (For children under 1 year old)

If the baby was born outside of a medical facility, follow these steps to apply for the child’s birth certificate.

Homebirth with a Midwife

• Download and fill out the Parent’s Worksheet. Your midwife can help with pages 5–8.
• Email or fax the completed application to our office.
  Email:OCHDvitalrecords@orangecountync.gov
  Fax: (919) 644-3007
• Once the form is processed, the mother will receive a Mother Verification of Facts form, and the midwife will receive a Homebirth Certification document.

Homebirth without a Midwife

• Download and fill out the Parent’s Worksheet.
• List the name of the person who delivered the baby under Attendant/Certifier Information (page 7).
• Mail or fax the completed worksheet to our office.
  Mail: Orange County Health Department, Attention: Vital Records, 300 W. Tryon St., Hillsborough, NC 27278
  Fax: (919) 644-3007

Required Documents

• Proof of residence (e.g., mail or driver’s license)
• Mother’s valid state-issued ID
• Father’s valid state-issued ID (if listed on the birth certificate)
• Proof of pregnancy (ultrasound, confirmation letter, or notarized statement from a pediatrician)

You’ll be notified when you can pick up copies of the birth certificate at the Orange County Register of Deeds office.

We assist funeral home directors with

Burial Transit Permits

A Burial Transit Permit is required if your funeral home needs to transport a body that is not stored at a medical examiner's office to a location outside of North Carolina, follow these steps:

• Download the Burial Transit Permit application. 
• Complete the form and Please fax your request to our office, (919) 644-3007 or send it to us via email: OCHDvitalrecords@orangecountync.gov
• We will sign the form and return it to you. If the body is leaving the country, you must have the original form. We will work with you to schedule to pick up the form at our office.
• If you need help with a Burial Transit Permit on a weekday before 8am or after 5pm, or on the weekend, please contact one of the Orange County sub-registrars for help: 

Letters of Non-Contagious Disease

 In North Carolina, a Letter of Non-Contagious Disease is often required to transport human remains, especially when shipping them out of the country, and certifies that the deceased did not have any contagious diseases at the time of death. The letter is typically issued by the Health Director. 

To request a letter email: OCHDvitalrecords@orangecountync.gov

Contact

Mailing Address
Orange County Health Department
Attention: Vital Records
PO Box 8181
Hillsborough, NC 27278

Telephone: (919) 245-2404
Fax:  (919) 644-3007
Email: OCHDvitalrecords@orangecountync.gov