Local Issuance of Adoptive Birth Certificates Begins in 2026

Beginning January 1, 2026, Registers of Deeds in all North Carolina counties are authorized to issue certified copies of adoptive birth certificates. Previously, adoptees could only obtain these documents through the North Carolina Office of Vital Records in Raleigh.

Under the new law, certified copies of adoptive birth certificates may be issued to the adoptee, the adoptee’s children, adoptive parents, and the adoptee’s spouse, brothers, or sisters. Original birth certificates issued prior to adoption, along with all associated adoption records, will remain sealed and are not eligible for inspection or release.

To support implementation of the law, the North Carolina Office of Vital Records will provide Adoption Security training to Registers of Deeds and their staff statewide. The training will cover proper issuance procedures, confidentiality requirements, privacy safeguards, secure record handling, and updated standards for electronic access and digitization.

State officials say the law modernizes access to vital records while continuing to protect sensitive adoption information.