Death
General information
The Register of Deeds office issues death certificates for persons who expired in Durham County.
If the person has passed away in a different county, please contact the Register of Deeds office for that county.
The Durham County Register of Deeds office participates in the North Carolina Database Application for Vital Events (NCDAVE). This is a statewide system which permits the deeds office in each county to issue certified copies of death records for applicants expired in the state of North Carolina from August 2020 - present.
Ways to Apply
Persons applying for death certificates may do so via one of the following methods:
- In Person
- Mail in Request Form
- Letter of Request
- Online Request
Required Identification
Applicants must provide a valid (not expired and legible) photo identification:
- Driver’s license
- State Issued Identification Card
- Passport
- Military Identification
Mail in Request Form
Letter of Request
Mail a written letter of request. Attach copy of valid photo identification and enclose payment.
Letter must include:
- Name on Death Certificate
- Date of Death
- Decendent's full name
- Relationship of Applicant Requesting Certificate
- Applicant’s name, address and phone number
- Applicant’s signature
Online Request
Access the online vital records systems. Leaving Register of Deeds website and entering a third-party site.
The fee for certified copies will still be $10.00. However, additional charges apply for the convenience of online access and the option to pay with a credit or debit card.
Permitium offers:
- Notification of the receipt of the online application via automated email or optional text messaging.
- Ability to check order status.
- Enhanced security measures to ensure a secure transaction and help to protect citizens from ID theft.
Online Vital Records System:
- Requests processed on a first-come, first-serve basis
- Orders are processed Monday – Friday, 8:30 am – 4:30 pm, except holidays
- Allow 10-14 days for processing
- All requests will be reviewed and checked for accuracy. Any inaccurate information may result in your application being denied.
- All communication regarding your order will be sent via email or optional text messaging.
Who Can Apply
Persons who may obtain certified copies of birth certificates include:
- Parent
- Sibling
- Spouse
- Children
- Grandparents
- Legal Representative
- Case Manager
- Legal Guardian
- Informant Named on Certificate
- Funeral Homes
- Beneficiary on an Insurance Policy (proof required)
Proof of relationship may be required.
Fees
Certified
$10 per copy
Uncertified Via Mail
$1.00 per copy
Uncertified In Person
$.25 per copy
Acceptable Forms of Payment
- Cash
- Certified Check
- Money Order
- Debit/Credit Card
Make certified check or money order payable to Durham County Register of Deeds
Mailing Address
Durham County Register of Deeds
Attention: Vital Records Department
Post Office Box 1107
Durham, NC 27702
Amendments
For information on Amendments of Death Certificates please contact the office directly at 919-560-0493.
NC Database Application for Vital Events (NCDAVE)
The Durham County Register of Deeds office participates in the North Carolina Database Application for Vital Events (NCDAVE). This is a statewide system which permits the deeds office in each county to issue certified copies of birth records for applicants born in the state of North Carolina from 1971 – present.
Fee: $24 per certified copy (cash only)
Issuance Hours:
Monday – Friday | 8:30am – 4:00pm, except holidays
Applicants must provide a valid (not expired and legible) photo identification:
- Driver’s license
- State Issued Identification Card
- Passport
- Military Identification