Registers of deeds now able to certify adoptive birth certificates
Registers of deeds across North Carolina are now authorized to issue certified copies of adoptive birth certificates for individuals who were born after 1971 and forward. This change marks a significant step forward in providing adoptees equal access to their vital records.
At this time, counties are authorized to issue adoptee birth certificates only for individuals who were born within that county.
Previously, adoptees were required to obtain their adoptive birth certificates exclusively through the State of North Carolina office in Raleigh — a process that was often time-consuming and placed additional barriers on adoptees that did not exist for other residents. With this new law, adoptees may now access their adoptive birth certificates through their local register of deeds office in the county where they were born.
“This legislation is a big win for adoptees,” said Haywood County Register of Deeds Sherri Rogers. “We are grateful for a law that allows adoptees to obtain their vital records more efficiently and locally.”
It is important to note that original birth certificates issued prior to adoption, as well as all associated adoption records, will remain sealed and are not subject to inspection or release under this law.
