The Register of Deeds office issues marriage licenses, and if you want a civil ceremony, we can tell you where the magistrates are located. You may also obtain certified copies of marriage, birth or death certificates and military discharge documents recorded in Wake County.
Research Genealogy using Wake County's Vital Records.
Birth & Death Records
You may search and print copies of Wake County birth and death records for genealogy research in the Register of Deeds public vault. You may also search the online Birth and Death index. Please note images are not available online.
- Birth Records and Death Records in this office go back to October 1913.
Marriage Records
You may search and print copies of Wake County Marriage Records for genealogy research in the Register of Deeds public vault. You may also search the online Marriage index. Please note images are not available online.
- Original marriage records from 1932 to present are stored in our office.
- Original marriage records from 1800 through 1931 are stored at the
North Carolina State Archives (919-807-7350).
*These older records are available via microfilm copies at the Register of Deeds office. - Apply for a marriage license.
Notary Public Records
The Register of Deeds office administers notary public oaths for Wake County notaries and authenticates notary signatures.
Military Discharge Record - DD214
The Register of Deeds office records military separation documents known as a DD214 record.
- Military discharges have restricted public access.
- There is no fee to record or obtain a certified copy of a Military Discharge record.
- Learn More
Please call 919-856-5460 for more information or email rod.vital.records@wake.gov.