How to obtain a death certificate in North Carolina

After a loved one passes away, obtaining a death certificate is one of the most important steps that needs to be taken. This document is crucial for arranging the funeral, carrying out organ donation, executing the will, and other such actions.

The process of obtaining a death certificate varies from state to state and even from county to county. To make the process easier, we have compiled the information you need to obtain a death certificate based on your location.

If your loved one passed away in North Carolina, you may order their death certificate online, by phone, by mail, or in person. Details for obtaining a death certificate in these different ways are below:

1. Online

   To order a death certificate online, visit VitalChek, a third-party vendor with prompts that are easy to follow. You will need a form of payment (credit/debit card or electronic check).

2. By Phone

   To order a death certificate by phone, call VitalChek at (800) 669-8310. You will need a form of payment (credit/debit card or electronic check). 

3. By Mail

   To order a death certificate by mail, fill out this application and send it to the address below. Make sure to include a form of payment and copy of your photo ID as specified on the application.

   N.C. Vital Records

   225 North McDowell Street

   Raleigh, N.C. 27603

4. In Person

   Same-day walk-in service is available at the Vital Records Office in Raleigh at the address below between 8 a.m. and 3 p.m. M-F. You will need a form of payment (money order, certified check, business check, cash or credit/debit card). You will also need to present your government-issued photo ID.  

   North Carolina Vital Records

   1903 Mail Service Center

   Raleigh, NC 27699