A new North Carolina law now allows the Dare County Register of Deeds to issue certified copies of adoptive birth certificates to adoptees that were born in Dare County.

Prior to the new law, which went into effect on January 1, 2026, adoptees could only obtain copies of their adoptive birth certificates through the North Carolina Office of Vital Records in Raleigh, and the cost was approximately $50.

“I am pleased to be able to provide this service under the new law,” shared Dare County Register of Deeds Cheryl House. “This is another way our office can better serve the citizens of Dare County by meeting their vital records needs.”

Customers may now obtain a copy of their adoptive birth certificate in person at the Dare County Register of Deeds Office—located at 962 Marshall C. Collins Drive in Manteo (Room 165A)—or online at GetCertificateNow.com/Dare.

Online applicants are asked to include the word “adopted” in the comments section of their online application in order to aid the Register of Deeds staff. The cost to obtain a copy—both online or in-person—is $10. (Online requests are subject to additional processing and mailing fees). No appointment is necessary for in-person requests; walk-ins are welcome during the Dare County Register of Deeds office’s normal business hours, which are Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Under this law, certified copies of adoptive birth certificates may be issued to adoptees, the adoptee’s children, adoptive parents, adoptive siblings and the adoptee's spouse. 

It is important to note that original birth certificates issued prior to adoption, as well as all associated adoption records, will remain sealed and are not subject to inspection or release under this law.

Reminder: The adoptee must have been born in Dare County in order to obtain an adoptive birth certificate from the Dare County Register of Deeds.

DareNC.gov/RegisterOfDeeds