Registering a Birth
When a child is born in Scotland County, the child's birth must be registered with the Deputy Registrar within ten (10) days.
Registering the birth of a child born in a hospital
If your child is born in a hospital (or birthing center) in Scotland County, the child's birth will be registered by the hospital. The hospital will give you a form called the "Working Copy." Please review this form carefully to ensure all of the information is correct. If there are any errors, let the hospital know right away so that the information can be corrected before the record is sent to Scotland County Health Department Vital Records.
Once the record has been registered, any corrections or changes will require additional fees and possible delays. If you need to make any changes after the birth certificate has been registered, please contact the North Carolina State of Vital Records at 984-236-7203. Or, visit their website to review the Changes to Birth Certificate process.
Registering the birth of a child born at home
If your child is born at home in Scotland County, your child's birth must be registered by someone who was at the birth. (A witness can be anyone 18 years or older who was at the child's birth). If a licensed midwife was at the birth, she will register the child's birth. If not, any of the following people who were present during the birth can register the child's birth:
- The child's father,
- Another relative of the child, or
- Any other person who was at the child's birth.
Scotland County's Vital Records registers home births in our office by appointment only. Appointments are available Tuesdays and Thursdays from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.. All of the following people must come to the appointment:
- The mother,
- The child, and
- The person registering the child's birth (witness - see above).
Detailed Instructions for registering a home birth
You need to:
- Fill out the Home Birth Application. You may fill out and submit the form online or you may print the form, fill it out and fax it to 910-277-2450. Once we have received the form, we will call you to schedule your appointment.
- Fil out and bring the paperwork listed below to your appointment:
- A valid photo ID for the mother and the person who is registering the birth (witness)
- Mother's Verification Checklist
- Proof of pregnancy - certification from a doctor or licensed midwife or Affidavit of pregnancy
- Affidavit of birth information for home births (certifier's statement)
- Proof of residence (see Mother's Verification Checklist above)