Vital Records

General Information

 Vital Records is an essential part of the Department of Public Health. This is where all birth and death records are processed for those births and deaths occurring in Sampson County. The Health Director serves as the Local Registrar. In accordance with NC General Statute 130A Article 4, all birth and death records should be filed with the Local Registrar within five days of occurrence. The Deputy Registrar receives and processes certificates, making necessary corrections with proper documentation. After being processed by the Deputy Registrar, copies of these certificates are filed with the Sampson County Register of Deeds and the original documents are submitted to NC State Vital Records Office where they are maintained. Certified copies of birth and death certificates can be obtained (for a fee) through the Sampson County Register of Deeds, which is located 126-A West Main Street, Clinton, NC 28328. For questions regarding obtaining copies, please contact the Register of Deeds office at (910) 592-8026.

Births that occur at area hospitals are registered through that medical facility. Births that occur in the presence of a certified nurse midwife are processed and submitted to the Local Registrar by the certified midwife on the mother's behalf. For births occurring at home where no certified midwife is present, the mother is responsible for registering the birth with the Local Registrar. The following information is required for this process:

• Proof of delivery or pregnancy (records of prenatal care, ultrasound, etc.)

• Valid picture, valid government issued ID, or passport

• Proof of address where birth occurred (i.e. utility bill delivered by USPS)

• Call for appointment at (910) 592-1131 and follow prompts

• Affidavit of parentage - need information listed above

Death Certificate

All deaths that occur in Sampson County must also be registered with the Local Registrar within five days. It is the responsibility of the Funeral Home (in or out of state) to file the death certificate with the Local Registrar. Forms necessary to properly process death certificates are as follows:

• The issuance of Burial-Transit Permit and disinterment/reinterment permits also fall under the jurisdiction of the local registers

• Notification of Death (DHHS 2073) (Funeral directors are responsible for filing with Local Registrar within 24 hours of taking custody of deceased; can be sent by fax: (910) 590-1050

• Burial-Transit Permit (DHHS 1184) (Required to transport deceased individuals out of North Carolina and must be obtained through Deputy Registrar during business hours or through a sub-registrar after hours)

Other Vital Records forms are available at the health department upon request. For additional information regarding vital records, please call (910) 592-1131 and follow prompts.