Vital Records

In response to COVID-19, Vital Records death certificate processing is drop off only.
Death certificates that are dropped off before 12:00pm will be processed and sent to Register of Deed’s office after a 24-hour hold. We are currently processing Affidavits of Parentage & Home birth.

North Carolina General Statutes 130-A require that the local public health authority administer the Vital Records Program under the direction of the health director. The goal of this program is to assure vital records are filed as required by state statutes and are submitted to the North Carolina State Division of Vital Records within the required time period.

Vital Registration

The health director appoints deputy registrars to process vital records. The purpose of vital registration is to administer and enforce the General Statutes of North Carolina for Vital Statistics and related laws. The deputy registrar is responsible for the completion, maintenance, and transmittal of the following:

1. Birth Certificate / Affidavit of Parentage
2. Burial Transit Permits
3. Disinterment / Reinterment Permits
4. Home Births
5. Monthly Vital Statistics Reports
6. Notification of Death and Certificates
7. State Queries - Birth / Death Certificate
8. Supplemental Cause of Death
9. Report of Fetal Death

Additional Registration Information

It is the responsibility of the hospital to file birth certificates and funeral directors to file death certificates with local deputy registrars. 

Do you need a copy of a birth or death certificate?

Rowan County Public Health does not issue copies of a birth or death certificates. Certified copies of birth and death certificates are available at the Rowan County Register of Deeds site (704-216-8626) or from the North Carolina Office of Vital Records.