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1. Can anyone access the information contained in the Register of Deeds Office?

Yes. All information in our Office is public record.

2. Can I obtain a copy of my Birth Certificate or Marriage Certificate from your office?

Copies of all vital records (births, deaths, and marriages) that occur in Craven County are available from the Register of Deeds Office. In order to receive a certified copy, you must be a member of the immediate family of the person whose record you wish to obtain. "Immediate family" is defined as spouse, child/stepchild, sister/brother, mother/father/stepparent, grandchild/great grandchild, or grandparent/great grandparent. If requesting copies by mail, please enclose a stamped, self-addressed envelope. A photo copy of state issued I.D. or driver's license of the person applying for the birth certificate copy must accompany the request.

If your marriage took place in Craven County prior to October 1, 2001, you may request a copy by mail or in person. On or after October 1, 2001, contact the county in which the licensed was issued. Copies are available ten days after the wedding ceremony, provided that the person who officiated at the ceremony has returned the license. To process the request, you must provide the name of both parties (including maiden name) and the date of the marriage. A certified copy of a marriage license is $10. If requesting by mail, please enclose a stamped, self-addressed envelope. A photo copy of state issued I.D. or driver's license of the person applying for the marriage license copy must accompany the request.

The cost of all certified copies of vital records is $10 per copy, or $0.25 per uncertified copy.

Get Certificate Now

Vital Records may be purchased with credit/debit card online through Get Certificate Now which is a 3rd party vendor. The vendor will charge a convenience fee of $3.50 for a total of $13.50 per certified copy.

3. How do I obtain a copy of my deed?

Craven County Land Records are available online. You can view and print them by going to the Register of Deeds page, and utilizing the Search Indexes and Deeds service located about ¾ of the way down the page. If you need assistance, please call the office at 252-636-6617 and speak to a staff member.

4. How can my business become a participant in the Thank A Vet Program?

You can complete the online form and we will provide you with a decal to show that you are a participant in the Thank A Vet program.

5. Can the Register of Deeds tell me who owns property at a specific address?

No. Property ownership by address information is provided by the Craven County Tax Department.

6. What steps do I take to get married?

First, you must acquire a marriage license at a Register of Deeds Office in North Carolina and marry within the state of North Carolina. The license is valid for 60 days. The license will expire if the parties do not marry within 60 days. An ordained minister of a religious denomination or a magistrate may perform the ceremony. For more information on obtaining a marriage license, please visit the Marriage License information page.

7. How long will online Marriage License submissions be available?

Online marriage license submissions will be available for review for 3 business days after the date of submission. Both parties must come into the office to complete the process before the end of the 3rd business day.

8. Once I have obtained a marriage license, to whom do I speak about arranging a civil ceremony?

For information regarding this, please contact a Magistrate in the Craven County Courthouse by dialing 252-639-3015 or, the Havelock Magistrate Office by dialing 252-447-3940.

9. Will a Certified Copy of my marriage license be automatically mailed to us after we get married?

No. At least one of you  will need to come into the office with your ID and $10 cash, or use our Get Certificate Now to order online by credit/debit card. The cost for ordering online with credit/debit card is $13.50 with the additional $3.50 going the the 3rd party credit card vendor.

10. How do I file separation papers?

The Register of Deeds Office does not provide legal advice; it is advisable to see an attorney to draw up the proper papers. If real estate is involved, the papers should be filed in our Office.

11. How do I obtain a copy of my divorce?

The Register of Deeds Office does not maintain divorce records. If the divorce was processed in Craven County, you may wish to contact the Clerk of Courts Office at 252- 639-3000.

12. Does the Register of Deeds provide assistance with genealogy research?

No, we are unable to help with Genealogy research. You should contact the Craven County Genealogy Society.

13. Where do I park?

There is a public parking lot directly beside the Register of Deeds Office and Tax Office Building at 226 Pollock Street in New Bern.

14. How do I obtain a copy of my discharge papers (DD214)?

You may request a form to be mailed to you that must be notarized and returned to us with a copy of your state issued identification card, state issued drivers licenses, military id, or passport or you may print the form online, have it notarized, and send to us with the above identification.