How to Obtain a Birth Certificate From Durham, NC in 5 Minutes

Many people find themselves needing copies of their birth certificates throughout life since it is the first and primary source of identification given to people when they enter the world as babies. While the original document will always be on file in a state's vital records office, it's still easy for individuals to lose and misplace the copy of their birth certificate. There are countless incidents where people don't even realize they (or their parents) have lost their birth certificate until it's time to get an official document like a driver's or marriage license. Luckily, DoNotPay has this guide to procuring a , as easy as possible.

Besides state-specific requests like finding birth certificates in Durham, NC, DoNotPay has compiled the ultimate resources on birth certificates (including what happens when newborns receive one), where to get them, how to apply for them, and other important issues that may arise when looking for how to find a copy of one.

In replacing lost birth certificates, many have questions about the processing time, how to get them online, how to get them for passports, and how to get a new one quickly.

Whether the questions are about a Durham County birth certificate or anything about birth certificates, DoNotPay is ready to help.

Understanding Authorized and Informational Birth Certificates in Durham, NC

When people are searching for a copy of their birth certificate, they may not know that the original is kept and stored in locked government facilities where important vital records are stored by states. If someone is required to produce their birth certificate, it means they need a copy of the original document from the government office closest to their place of birth.

When requesting a , there are two different kinds (authorized birth certificates and informational birth certificates), and each serves different purposes.

Here's when you need to request an authorized birth certificate:

Authorized and certified copies of birth certificates are the most secure documentation available to the public.
Authorized certified copies are eligible as forms of government-issued identification.
It means these copies are only available to the person in question who requests one, their close family members, people with Power of Attorney, and some government officials.
The reason why this document is restricted is that it is a type of identification and issuing it without any precautions elevates the risk of fraud.
An authorized birth certificate from Durham, NC, will bear a stamp and the original notarization that took place when the individual was born.
Authorized birth certificates can be notarized again, but all would include the official state seals and registration data bestowed upon them by the county.
If you need a government-issued ID for a passport, marriage license, adoption, divorce, or other official records kept by the state, then you will likely need the authorized copy.

Understanding informational birth certificate copies:

There are times when people want official documentation for purposes besides record-keeping, such as conducting historical or genealogical research.
In this case, most people request information on birth certificates, which do not have to be about them, can include requests for data about distant relatives and aren't restricted to family members.
An informational birth certificate will give general information about the individual, such as concrete data about their date of birth, where they were born, and the name(s) of their parent(s).
Informational birth certificates are generally stamped as "informational copy" to indicate that it is different from a certified copy.
Informational birth certificates may not contain the original notary's signature.
Informational birth certificates cannot be used to obtain identification or serve as official documents that assist in getting additional forms of identification.
Some data on a birth certificate is considered confidential and unavailable on informational copies.

Who Can Get a Birth Certificate Copy in Durham, NC?

There are two different types of birth certificate copies that the public can request, which would be either an authorized or informational copy of the birth certificate.

Approved Authorized Birth Certificate Requestors

To get an authorized birth certificate copy, the person requesting it must be the owner of the birth certificate (i.e. it is their birth certificate), an immediate family member (such as their parents or guardians), someone with Power of Attorney, or government officials acting within their job capacity.

There are many restrictions on who has access to authorized, certified copies of birth certificates to prevent fraud.

Approved Informational Birth Certificate Requestors

If you do not fit any of the above criteria, then it is still possible to request a copy of an informational birth certificate. It may not contain all the data or be used as a type of identification, but these are more publicly available.

How Much Does It Cost to Get a Copy of a Birth Certificate in Durham, NC?

Durham County charges $10.00 for certified copies and $0.25 for uncertified copies. There may be an additional cost for any expedited shipping and handling requests.

What Documents Do I Need to Get a Copy of a Birth Certificate in Durham, NC?

Since birth certificates are valuable vital records, it does require authentication and proof of identity. The state requires a completed application form where the individual furnishes details about themselves and their origins. They must also provide identification.

Here's what types of identification North Carolina accepts for birth certificate requests:

It has to be a photo ID that's valid and has a picture of the individual.
Driver's licenses from NC are acceptable.
North Carolina state ID cards also work.
Driver's licenses from other US states are also valid.
Official State Identification Cards from other US states are also honored.
United States passports.
Overseas passports.

Order a Birth Certificate From Durham, NC Using DoNotPay

While it's certainly possible to order birth certificates online, by mail, or by otherwise contacting The North Carolina Department of Health, it's far easier to let DoNotPay do the legwork. Save yourself time and let DoNotPay handle the bureaucratic details.

How to use DoNotPay to get a in 8 simple steps:

Go to the Birth Certificates product on DoNotPay.
Select who the certificate is for (you or a loved one). If you are requesting a copy of someone else's certificate, enter their personal details, and upload evidence that proves your relationship.
Enter the location you or your loved one was born in, so we can complete the form specific to your state.
Enter the name(s) of the parent(s) as displayed on the certificate.
Indicate what you will be using this certificate for, and choose whether you need an authorized or certified copy.
Enter your contact information and shipping address. Upload copies of your government-issued identification, such as a driver's license.
Choose whether you would like to electronically sign this form or not. Once we generate the form, verify that all of the information is correct.
If you need the document to be notarized, schedule a notarization appointment using our Notary product. Otherwise, proceed to our Mail Checks product and let DoNotPay mail-in your request form with a check on your behalf.