To obtain a certified copy of a vital record, you will need a valid state-issued ID or valid Passport.

These certificates can only be issued to:

• The subject of record
• The subject’s spouse, parent, direct ancestor or descendant, step-parent or step-child, or sibling.
• An attorney or legal representative

The cost for Certified Cleveland County Vital Records is $10.00.
If coming in to the office to get a certified copy, please have your State-Issued ID with you (No appointment necessary).

If you'd like to order online or by mail, see instructions below.
To order your Cleveland County birth, death or marriage certificate online, please visit the link below.  Please notate on the request whether you are picking up the certificate (if requested after 4PM - will be ready next business day after 9AM) or if you are having certificate mailed (if requested after 1PM it will be mailed the next business day).  

• If you are ordering 4 or more certified copies, please select pickup. 
• Orders with more than 3 requested copies, to be delivered using the regular mail, could be cancelled by the county due to excessive mailing cost.

                                                                                     
Effective 08/08/2022
             Our office will no longer issue Birth Certificates of individuals born outside of Cleveland  County.

If your birth certificate is in another NC county, please contact that county to find out how to order your birth certificate online.  

If you were adopted we will not be able to give you your birth certificate, you will need to contact NC Vital Records in Raleigh at 919-733-3000 Dial 0 for operator.

You can order your birth, death or marriage certificate through the mail.   If requesting by mail, please follow the instructions below:

***Please complete, print and sign the **VITAL RECORD REQUEST FORM and mail back with the following:

• Self-Addressed Stamped Envelope (SASE)
  • If a pre-paid overnight envelope is provided, certificate will be returned in it. 
  • If you send it via FedEx there is no additional charge for scheduling a pickup.
• Include $10.00 for each certified certificate requested.  Payment can be by Money order or Cashier’s Check made payable to Cleveland County Register of Deeds.
• Please include a photocopy of your valid state-issued ID or Driver’s License.  See list below for what is acceptable ID to obtain a certified copy of a vital record.
• Mail your request, envelope and monies to: 
  • Register of Deeds, PO Box 1210, Room 151, Shelby, NC  28151
• The physical address for overnight requests is: 
  • Register of Deeds, 311 E. Marion St, Room 151, Shelby, NC  28150

 ID of the Person Requesting a Certified Vital Record is REQUIRED

You MUST provide one of the photo IDs (photo must be clear) listed below with your request:

• Current state-issued driver’s license or non-driver photo ID card (not expired more than six months)
• Current Passport or Visa (must include photo)
• Current U.S. military ID
• Current Department of Corrections photo ID card dated within the last year
• Current student ID card with copy of transcript

We do not accept Matricular Consular cards (G.S. 15-311)

 Who may receive certified vital records?

 North Carolina law [NCGS 130A-93(c)] specifies that certified copies of certificates are available only to the following people:

• A person requesting a copy of his or her own vital records or that of the person's spouse, sibling, direct ancestor, direct descendant, stepparent, or stepchild 
• A person seeking information for a legal determination of personal or property rights or 
• An authorized agent, attorney, or legal representative of a person described above

NOTE: Proof of identity and proof of eligibility are required.

Please note that when you sign the vital records request sheet, you are affirming that all information on the sheet is correct (NCGS 130A-93, NCGS 130A-99).

PLEASE CALL WITH ANY QUESTIONS:   704-484-4834

To apply for a license to marry, please visit our How to Apply for a Marriage License Page.