That era of "Raleigh-only" access has officially come to an end.
The Haywood County Register of Deeds, joining offices across the state, has announced that North Carolina now offers improved local access to adoptive birth certificates. Under new legislative authority, Registers of Deeds are now empowered to issue certified copies of adoptive birth certificates for individuals adopted from 1971 to the present.
A Milestone for Equality in Vital Records
This change marks a significant step toward providing adoptees equal access to their records. By decentralizing the process, the state is removing barriers that previously made it harder for the adoption community to obtain the same documentation as their peers.
“This legislation is a big win for adoptees,” said Haywood County Register of Deeds Sherri Rogers. “We are grateful for a law that allows adoptees to obtain their vital records more efficiently and locally.”
Understanding the New Guidelines
While the law applies to all 100 counties in North Carolina, there are specific jurisdictional rules that residents must follow:
Location-Specific Issuance: Counties are only authorized to issue certificates for individuals who were born or adopted in that specific county. For example, the Haywood County office can only issue certificates for adoptions finalized within Haywood County.
The 1971 Rule: Local access is currently available for those whose adoption was finalized in 1971 or later.
Privacy Protections: It is important to note that original birth certificates issued prior to adoption, as well as all associated adoption records, remain sealed and are not subject to inspection or release under this law.
How to Apply
For those in the mountain region and beyond, this shift means no longer waiting on mail-in forms or making trips to the capital. However, officials urge residents to prepare before making a trip to their local office.
Before visiting, individuals should contact their respective Register of Deeds to confirm eligibility and ensure they have the proper documentation. For those whose adoptions were finalized in Haywood County, the office can be reached at (828) 452-6635.
WNCTimes