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Birth, Death & Marriage Records

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1. Can I get copies of birth and death records?

Yes. However, you first must remit the necessary information required by law.

2. How do I file separation papers?

The Register of Deeds office does not provide legal advise; it is advisable to see an attorney. A separation agreement may be filed in our office once the document is complete and properly notarized.

3. How do I get a birth certificate if I was not born in North Carolina?

Born inside the United States

Birth certificates are maintained by each state for the people who are born in that state. Contact the county or state vital records in the state where you were born to get a copy of your birth certificate. There is a website that can help you find out where you should write for vital records across the United States. 

Born outside the United States

If you were born outside the United States and your parents were United States citizens at the time of your birth, you can write to:

U.S. Department of State
Washington Passport Agency
1111 19th Street NW

Suite 300
Washington, DC 20522-1705

4. How do I obtain a certified copy of vital record by mail?

Complete application for vital record and return the signed application, along with $10 free and a copy of your picture ID to:
Davidson County Register of Deeds
P.O. Box 464
Lexington, NC 27293

You may obtain information on obtaining a certified copy of a vital record from the Vital Records Division at the State Center for Health Statistics website.

5. How do I obtain a copy of my divorce record?

Contact the Clerk of Court.

6. How do I obtain a legal name change?

Contact the Special Proceeding Division of Clerk of Court.

7. If I was born in Davidson County and was adopted, can I obtain a copy of my birth record in Davidson County?

No. Adoption records are not available at the Davidson County Register of Deeds Office. You can contact North Carolina Vital Records at:
1903 Mail Service Center
Raleigh, NC 27699

8. What are the acceptable forms of identification?

A state or federal issued photo ID (example, driver's license or passport).

9. What is the cost of a birth, death, or marriage record?

• Certified Birth, Death, or Marriage: $10.00
• Marriage License: $60.00
• Uncertified in Person: $.0.25
• Uncertified Via Mail: $1.00

must send self addressed, stamped envelope for return

10. What steps do I take to get married?

First, the license must be purchased in North Carolina. The license is valid in any county in the State of North Carolina, but must be returned to the county in which it was issued. The license is valid for 60 days. A religious officiate or a magistrate may perform the ceremony.

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Facilities Maintenance

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1. How do I report potholes?

NCDOT is committed to repairing potholes on state-maintained roads within two business days when they are reported using the online pothole reporting system.

2. Who can I call for road draining issues?

To report a road draining issue, contact the North Carolina Department of Transportation at: drainage issues

3. Who do I contact about trash or a dead animal along the road?

The North Carolina Department of Transportation can help you with road debris or a dead animal pick up.  Contact them at their NCDOT website.

4. Who can I contact to have my street snow plowed?

When it comes to clearing roadways, NCDOT's first priority is interstates and four-lane divided primary routes (N.C. and U.S. routes) that are essential to the movement of intrastate and regional traffic.  After these roads are clear, the priority moves to clearing lower-volume primary roads, high-volume secondary roads, lower-volume secondary roads and then subdivision streets.  

NCDOT crews have designated snow and ice removal routes that they must follow. Trucks traveling on roadways but not treating them are likely headed to their designated route.  NCDOT does not remove snow and ice from sidewalks, nor does it clear driveways.  (more information)

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Library

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1. Are library cards free?

The first card is free, but if you need to replace it, there is a $3.00 charge

2. Where can I use my library card?

You can use your card at any of the Davidson County Libraries (Lexington, Thomasville, Denton, North Davidson, and West Davidson). Library cards can be obtained by visiting any of our locations and providing proof of address.

3. How do I get a library card?

Any county
or state resident or county property owner applying for a library card should present
a photo ID. If the ID does not have the current address, the applicant must
show proof of current address (examples: 
utility bill, signed lease, piece of canceled mail). The card is free
for those who do not already have an account and $3 for a replacement card.

4. How long can I keep library materials?

Most items
check out for 28 days. Exceptions include DVDs (7 days), new items (14 days)
and other specially marked materials.

5. How can I use a computer?

Library card
holders over the age of 18 and ages 11-18 with signed parent permission can use
a public computer by simply inputting their library card number in the barcode
field on any public computer and then agreeing to terms and conditions. Those
without a library card can receive a guest pass at the reference desk after
showing a photo ID. Unsettled charges on Davidson County Public Library or NC
Cardinal Consortium accounts can prevent patrons from access to public
computers.

 

6. How can I get an item at another location?

Library card
holders can request items at any Davidson County branch as well as items from
library systems participating in the NC Cardinal consortium. See a library
staff member or follow this link for video instructions.

7. How many holds can I place?

Account
holders can place a total of 25 holds on books and audiobooks and seven on
videos.

8. What’s my PIN?

Unless a
patron specifies otherwise, the PIN or Personal Identification Number for most
account holders defaults to the last four digits of that person’s primary phone
number.

9. How do I check out an e-book?

The process
for checking out an e-book from the North Carolina Digital Library and the NC
Kids Digital Library differs
according to device. Please visit here for information specific to your device.

Follow this link for directions on downloading e-books through Freading.

Visit here for information on downloading e-books from NC Live.

 

 

 

10. How can I download free music?

Visit the Freegal web site and log in using the
library card number and PIN. Check your app store to download the Freegal app
for use on your mobile device.

 

11. How can I reserve space in the library for my community group?

Please
contact the branch where you would like to reserve space to determine room
availability and to obtain and sign a copy of our meeting room policy. Those
using library meeting rooms must agree to the terms and conditions as stated in
the Davidson County Public Library meeting room policy.

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Mobile Home Information

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1. Is your mobile home sitting on leased or rented property?

If so, you need to list your mobile home on a Personal Property Listing form in January each year. For questions please call 336-242-2179

2. Do you own three or more mobile homes in the same fire district?

If so, you need to list your mobile homes with the Business Listing Office. They can be reached by calling 336-242-2160.

3. Have the axels and wheels been removed from your mobile home, the title been destroyed and does your mobile home sit on property owned by you?

If so, your mobile home is automatically listed as real property and you will need to contact the appraiser for your township for any questions at 336-242-2160.

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Register of Deeds

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1. Who may obtain a certified copy of a birth, death, or marriage certificate?

Certified copies will be issued to:

• The applicant
• The applicant's spouse
• The applicant's parent / step-parent
• The applicant's brother, sister, step-brother, step-sister
• The applicant's child / step-child
• The applicant's grandparent / grandchild
• Any person seeking information for legal determination of personal or property rights
• An authorized agent, attorney or legal representative of the applicant

Identification is required from all who request a certified vital record. Uncertified copies of all vital records are open to public inspection.

2. What are the prerequisites to registration?

Payment of recording fees, tax parcel ID number, payment of the real estate excise tax (for deeds), name of draftsman (for deeds), grantee (buyer) address, and acknowledgment (notarization). Any documents conveying property require tax certification from the county tax office effective March 1, 2019. Statute GS: 161-31 Tax Office number 336-242-2160.

3. Does an instrument need to be notarized before it can be recorded?

Almost all instruments presented for recordation first must be acknowledged (notarized) before the Register of Deeds can record the instrument. Notary Publics are authorized by North Carolina law to perform this duty.  

4. Can I prepare my own deed and have it recorded?

North Carolina law allows you to prepare a Deed of Conveyance for any real property to which you have legal title. However, the conveyance of real property is a legal matter that should be given under and with the advise of legal counsel.  

5. Can a minor's name be put on a deed?

Yes. However, one should consult an attorney-at-law before doing so.

6. Do I have to be present in order to record a instrument?

No. Instruments presented for recordation can be made by anyone. The person who presents the instrument can be a party to the instrument, but it is not required by law.

7. Can I get copies of my neighbors or other person deeds and other recorded instruments?

Yes. Basically, all documents recorded are public records that are protected by the public records law. However, you first must provide the necessary fees for such before obtaining any copies.

8. If I lose or misplace my deed, how do I replace it?

The Register of Deeds is authorized by law to certify a true copy of any instrument that has been recorded in the public registry. However, the necessary fee for such first must be paid by such person requesting said instrument.  

9. What is a Real Estate Excise Tax, and who is responsible for the payment of such?

Real estate excise tax, also known as revenue stamps, is imposed by North Carolina law, and collected by the Register of Deeds at the time of recording. The tax is levied on conveyances of an interest in real estate by all persons and organizations except federal, state, county, and municipal governments and their instrumentalities. The transferor (grantor, seller) buys the tax stamp from the Register of Deeds of the county in which the land that is being sold lies. The rate of tax is $1 on each $500, or fractional part thereof, on the consideration or value of the interest or property conveyed. 

It is a misdemeanor for any transferor or his agent to willfully and knowingly fail to pay the correct amount of the tax, or for anyone to aid, abet, or direct any other persons to fail to pay.

10. Does the Register of Deeds office record instruments that are not real property, personal property, or vital records?

Yes. The following are some of the other instruments recorded in the Register of Deeds.

• Armed forces discharges
• Assessments of water and sewer authorities
• Assumed name certificates
• Bankruptcy records
• Corporation records (prior to July 1, 1990)
• Exemption orders
• Farm names
• Farmland districts
• Grave removals
• Historic landmarks
• Historic properties
• Inheritance and estate tax waiver
• Land titles (torrens)
• Limited partnerships
• Mortgages in lieu of bonds
• Official bonds
• Strays
• Timber marks
• Waste disposal
• Will renunciations

11. Can I request that a copy of an instrument be mailed to me?

Yes. However, the necessary fee first must be paid before this service can be provided (copy fee).

12. Can I get copies of birth and death records? Yes. However, you first must remit the necessary information required by law. What is the cost?

Certified Birth, Death, or Marriage:  $10.00
Uncertified via mail Must send self-addressed, stamped envelope for returning request; :  $1.00
Uncertified in person:  $.0.25
Marriage License: $60.00; $10 additional for certified copy

13. If I was born in Davidson County and was adopted, can I obtain a copy of my birth record in Davidson County?

No.  Adoption records are not available at the Davidson County Register of Deeds office.  You can further assistance by contacting NC Vital Records.

NC Vital Records
1903 Mail Service Center
Raleigh, NC  27699

14. How do I get a birth certificate if I was not born in North Carolina?

Born inside the United States:  Birth certificates are maintained by each state for the people who are born in that state.  Contact the county or state vital records in the state where you were born to get a copy of your birth certificate.  There is a Web site that can help you find out where you should write for vital records across the United States.  Born outside the United States:  If you were born outside the United States and your parents were United States citizens at the time of your birth, you can write to--

US Department of State
Washington Passport Agency
1111 - 19th Street NW, Suite 300
Washington, DC 20522-1705

15. How do I obtain a copy of my divorce record?

Contact the Clerk of Court

16. How do I obtain a legal name change?

Contact the Special Proceeding Division of Clerk of Court

17. What are the acceptable forms of identification?

A state or federal issued photo ID (example, driver's license or passport).

18. What steps do I take to get married?

First, the license must be purchased in North Carolina.  The license is valid in any county in the State of North Carolina, but must be returned to the county in which it was issued.  The license is valid for sixty (60) days.  A religious officiate or a magistrate may perform the ceremony.

19. How do I file separation papers?

The Register of Deeds office does not provide legal advise; it is advisable to see an attorney.  A separation agreement may be filed in our office once the document is complete and properly notarized.

20. How do I obtain a certified copy of vital record by mail?

Complete application for vital record and:
Return the signed application, along with $10 fee, a copy of your picture ID and a self-addressed stamped envelope to:

Davidson County Register of Deeds
PO Box 464
Lexington, NC 27293

You may obtain information on obtaining a certified copy of a vital record from the Vital Records Division
at the State Center for Health Statistics web site:
http://vitalrecords.dhhs.state.nc.us/vr/requests/

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Social Services - Guardianship

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1. Who is an Incompetent Adult?

"The term `incompetent adult' means an adult or emancipated minor who lacks sufficient capacity to manage the adult's own affairs or to make or communicate important decisions concerning the adult's person, family, or property whether the lack of capacity is due to mental illness, mental retardation, epilepsy, cerebral palsy, autism, inebriety, senility, disease, injury, or similar cause or condition." [G. S 35A-1101(7)]

2. Who can petition the court for a Guardianship hearing?

Anyone (individual, agency, residential or medical facility, et al.) may file a guardianship petition with the Clerk of Superior Court.

3. What are alternatives to Guardianship?

Less restrictive means to protect the disabled adult should be considered before a guardianship petition is filed. Needs may be met by a representative payee, an attorney-in-fact, a health care agent acting under a durable power of attorney or family and friends.

4. How does the court decide whom to appoint as Guardian?

The preferred priority for guardian is:

• An individual (family member, friend or other person)
• A corporation or organization whose charter permits appointment of guardian of the person
• A disinterested public agent (e.g. Departments of Social Services)

5. Is the Guardian financially responsible for the ward?

A guardian is not required to contribute financially toward the support of the ward and is not liable for the ward's debts. However, the ward's own resources should be used wisely for the needs of the ward.

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Transportation

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1. How do I track my bus?

DCTS utilizes GMV Syncromatics to track our buses along the routes.   Click here to select your Route and Bus.

2. How much does it cost to ride?

There is no cost to ride DCTS. All transfers are also free.

3. Does my child need a car seat to ride?

Yes. Children are to be properly restrained in an age, weight, and height appropriate restraint.

4. Can the buses accommodate wheelchairs?

Yes, all vehicles are wheelchair accessible.

5. What should I do if my stop is not on the route?

DCTS will deviate up to 1/4 mile off of the bus route for passengers. Please call 336-883-7278 an hour in advance to make a request or check if your stop is in deviation range.