County News

Office hours
The Register of Deeds office will be open to serve the public from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. each week day except on county holidays. In addition, when the office is open, the public may search the public records from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. in the vault area. Please note that we are unable to record documents presented in person after 4:30 p.m.

Document Images
Images are available via a JAVA applet. If you don’t have the software to run JAVA, you may download a copy free at Sun's website. In many cases, your computer may already have this capability. From within the applet, you will have the capability to print or save the image(s) as a TIFF file.

Use the links below to skip directly to the appropriate topic:
Real Estate
Birth
Death
Notary
Military Discharges
Marriage
Recording Fees

What are real property documents?

Real property documents are documents that primarily deal with land in Mecklenburg County. These documents include: Deeds, Deeds of Trust(Mortgages), Restrictions, Right of Ways, Easements, Subdivision Surveys, Leases, etc.

Can the Register of Deeds add or delete names from a deed?

No. A deed is a legal document establishing property ownership. The Register of Deeds and staff are prohibited by the state of North Carolina from practicing law. Therefore, we are not permitted to alter a deed in any way. If you need to revise a deed, we suggest you consult an attorney.

I would like to add a fence around my back yard. Can the Register of Deeds provide me with an individual lot survey of my land?

No. Individual lot surveys are not recorded with the Register of Deeds. The only surveys maintained by the Register of Deeds are subdivision and condominium surveys, which show multiple lots.

Can the Register of Deeds conduct a title search of my property and tell me what liens and other documents are found?

No. The Register of Deeds does not record this information. The Mecklenburg County Clerk of Superior Courts and the Mecklenburg County Tax Department maintain information such as tax liens, judgments, and federal tax liens.

How do I locate documents myself?

If there is a specific document you are looking for, it can easily be found by knowing some basic information. However, if you need a title search and complete information on a piece of property you are advised to contact an attorney who will search all of the records required and provide you with the information collected.

Can I use an address to verify property information, including ownership?

No. Not all land in Mecklenburg County has a physical address. Register of Deeds land documents refer to land using a legal description including boundary, lot, block, and acreage information.

Can anyone access the land records maintained by the Register of Deeds?

Yes. All of the records maintained by the Register of Deeds are public records.

Is there a fee for recording documents?

Yes. For a schedule of fees, visit the Fees page on this website. Click here

I see many abbreviations used in connection with Real Estate documents. Where can I go to find out what they mean?

Abbreviations are commonly found in all Real Estate documents. The North Carolina Association of Register of Deeds publishes a list of approved abbreviation codes for role/status designations, instrument types, and property descriptions. A listing of these codes can be found on the Abbreviations page of this website.

When entering search criteria that uses a person's name, where do I enter their suffix like Jr., II, ?

The person's name suffix should be entered in the Last Name field. Do not confuse this with any role or status that the person may have such as TR for Trustee, those are entered in the Role field.

What is the date range of birth records available on this website?

Mecklenburg County birth records from 1913 to the present are available on this website.

If I was born in Mecklenburg County and adopted, is my original birth record available?

No. North Carolina law prohibits public inspection of any adoption records, including original birth records.

What is the cost of a Birth Certificate?

Certificates are $10.00 per certified copy and $1.00 per uncertified copy at the Office of Vital Records (Vital Statistics). Wallet size Birth Certificates are $7.50 for the first copy, $2.50 for the second copy and $5.00 each for additional copies for the same name on each request. We accept checks and money orders by mail payable to Mecklenburg County Health Department. We also accept cash if paying in person.

How can I obtain a Birth Certificate?

To obtain a Birth Certificate by mail, submit your request to the address listed in the General Information section for Birth and Death Records. Requests for Birth Certificates must include the full name of the person named on the certificate, their date of birth, father’s full name and mother’s full maiden name. To obtain a Birth Certificate in person you must present a valid form of identification. You may also obtain expedited service, for an additional fee, by going to http://www.vitalcheck.com

What are the acceptable forms of identification?

A Drivers License with photograph, State issued Identification Card, Passport, Military Identification Card with photograph, or a current School Identification Card with photograph.

Agents, attorneys, or legal representatives must also furnish documentation of authority in order to receive a certified certificate on an individual.

How can I add my child’s father’s name to my child’s birth certificate? We are not married.

An Affidavit of Parentage can be processed at the Vital Records office prior to the child’s eighteenth (18) birthday. You will need to make an appointment with the Birth Registrar. Both parties must personally appear at the time of the appointment. Both parties must present a valid Drivers License or State issued Identification Card.

My child’s father and I were married after the birth of our child. We want to give the child the father’s last name and add the father’s necessary information to the birth certificate. How is this done?

This process is called a Legitimation and you will need to speak with a Vital Records Customer Service Specialist for instructions.

What does "Record Removed” or “Record Deleted" appearing in the child's name fields mean?

The indication “Record Removed” or “Record Deleted” means that these Birth records have been removed from the Mecklenburg County Vital Records office and forwarded to the State's Vital Statistic office where they are closed to public inspection by North Carolina law.

Why does my date of birth indicate that I was born on January 1, instead of my correct birth date?

In order to provide this information for you online we have consolidated Birth records from various sources. As a result, in the event data returned during a search reflects January 1st as the date of birth for a given year and it is not your correct date of birth, it will need to be verified by this office. Please complete the Birth Certificate Application form, check the verification box at the bottom of the application and mail it to the Mecklenburg County Vital Records office address listed in the General Information section. If you are requesting a copy of the certificate in addition to verification, you will need to indicate this on the form and enclose the appropriate Fee. Your request will be processed within three to four weeks.

What is the date range of death records available on this website?

Mecklenburg County death records from 1913 to 1980 and 1991 to the present are available on this website. Mecklenburg County death records from 1913 to the present are available for inspection at the Vital Records Office located at 700 East Stonewall Street

What is the cost of a Death Certificate?

Certificates are $10.00 per certified copy and $1.00 per uncertified copy at the Office of Vital Records (Vital Statistics). We accept checks and money orders by mail payable to Mecklenburg County Health Department. We also accept cash if paying in person.

How can I obtain a Death Certificate?

To obtain a Death Certificate by mail, submit your request to the address listed in the General Information section for Birth and Death Records. Requests for Death Certificates must include the full name of the deceased and the date of death. To obtain a Death Certificate in person you must present a valid form of identification. You may also obtain expedited service, for an additional fee, by going to http://www.vitalcheck.com

What are the acceptable forms of identification?

A Drivers License with photograph, State issued Identification Card, Passport, Military Identification Card with photograph, or a current School Identification Card with photograph.

Agents, attorneys, or legal representatives must also furnish documentation of authority in order to receive a certified certificate on an individual.

You have indicated that your website contains Mecklenburg County death records from 1913 to 1980 and from 1991 to present. Why have I been able to retrieve death records from 1981 to 1991?

Mecklenburg County death records from 1981 to 1991 are added to our automated system as they are requested. This is an ongoing process. Eventually all records will be added to the database.

The results of my online search contained many death records with identical certificate numbers (9999), is this certificate number correct?

No, during the upgrade to our current computer system, this number was designated to appear when the true certificate number was omitted from our previous database.

What are the requirements to obtain a marriage license?

Applicants must personally appear at the Register of Deeds office.

Each applicant must provide a photo ID that indicates the date of birth such as:

• State issued drivers license
• State issued ID card
• Passport
• Military ID
• NOTE: depending on age see additional requirements below.

A valid Social Security number or affidavit of ineligibility is required. The affidavit is available in our office or can be printed from HERE.

Effective September 1, 2009: Divorced Applicants: If the divorce was finalized within one year of applying for the license, the applicant must provide an original or certified copy of the filed divorce decree.

Applicants 18 - 20 years of age must also provide an original or certified copy of their birth certificate.

Applicants 16 - 17 years of age must also provide an original or certified copy of their birth certificate. A written consent to the marriage must be signed in person by one of the following:

• By a parent having full or joint legal custody. Picture identification and legal documents proving custody or guardianship are required.
• By a person, agency, or institution having legal custody or serving as guardian of the underage party. Legal documents proving custody or guardianship are required.

Is a premarital physical required?

No. A physical examination is no longer required.

What is the cost of a Marriage License?

Effective September 1, 2009: The fee for the license application is $60.00 - Cash, Check (electronically processed), Visa, MasterCard and Discover.
(Fee disbursement: $30 Domestic Violence programs, $5 Children’s Trust Fund, $25 Mecklenburg County general fund)

Are there any additional fees I should be aware of?

You have the option to pre-purchase certified copies when you apply for your marriage license. You may also purchase a non-certified souvenir certificate. The fees are as follows:

• $10.00 for each (1) 8 ½ x 11 image certified copy
• $7.50 for one (1) laminated wallet size, or $10.00 for two (2)
• $3.00 for each (1) souvenir certificate

Would you like to fill out this form on line? Click HERE.

Can we apply for a marriage license in Mecklenburg County and get married in another county in North Carolina?

Yes. The marriage license may be used anywhere in the state of North Carolina, but must be returned to and filed in the county of issuance.

How long is the license valid?

The license is good immediately upon issuance and is valid for 60 days.

Can the marriage application be completed prior to applying for the marriage license?

To speed up the application processing time, you may print out the marriage application HERE and bring the completed form with you when you apply for your marriage license. OR Would you like to fill out the application form on line? Click HERE. The application information will be held for 30 days at the Register of Deeds office*.

*NOTE:

• If you choose to fill out an application online, we will need a completed Ceremony Worksheet. You can print that out HERE or fill one out in our office when you apply for your marriage license.
• Please remember to bring your photo ID and any other documentation listed in the "requirements to obtain a marriage license" section above.

Can you apply for a marriage license after the marriage ceremony has taken place?

No. A marriage ceremony cannot take place unless a valid marriage license has been issued.

What are the days/times I can apply for a marriage license ?

Marriage licenses are issued between the hours of 7:00 am and 6:00 pm, Monday through Friday, excluding holidays. Please arrive prior to 5:30 pm to allow time for processing. Extended wait times are during lunch and at the end of the day.

What should I do if I am interested in having a Mecklenburg County Magistrate perform my marriage ceremony?

Information regarding times and locations can be viewed by clicking HERE.

How do I obtain certified copies of my marriage license?

You can obtain certified copies of your marriage license three different ways:

• Pre-pay for certified copies when you apply for your marriage license.
• Request copies in person
• Submit a request by mail. Please click HERE for a mail request form.

Please note that certified copies cannot be issued until the marriage license has been returned by the officiant. The fees are as follows:

• $10.00 for one (1) 8 ½ x 11 image certified copy
• $7.50 for one (1) laminated wallet size, or $10.00 for two (2)

How long will it take to receive a pre-purchased certified copy of a marriage license?

The Officiant is required to return both completed copies of the marriage license within 10 days of the ceremony. Certified copies can only be issued after return of the completed license.

How do I change my name?

The applicant is responsible for changing their name. You may wish to contact your local Department of Motor Vehicles and the Social Security Administration for information.

Is there a cost for filing my Military Discharge?

No. There is no fee for filing a military discharge. Certified copies of military discharge documents are free to military veterans.

What do I need to record a Military Discharge?

The entire original DD214 is required.

What are the requirements for becoming a Notary Public?

• An applicant must be at least eighteen (18) years of age.
• An applicant must reside in this state or if a nonresident, be employed in this state.
• An applicant must satisfactorily complete a course of study that is approved by the Secretary of State consisting of not less than three hours nor more than six hours of classroom instruction provided by a community college in North Carolina (for Mecklenburg County, CPCC), unless the person is a licensed member of the Bar of this state.
• An applicant must submit an application containing no significant mis-statement or omission of fact.
• Any person who has been found guilty of treason or any other felony against this State, the United States, any other state, or any person who has been found guilty of corruption or malpractice in any office, or any person who has been removed from any office by impeachment will not qualify.