Bladen County Death Records
Bladen County death records are available through the county Register of Deeds and the Bladen County Health Department. Both offices play a role in how death certificates are filed and stored in the county. The Register of Deeds holds vital records going back to 1913. The Health Department helps make sure all certificates are filed correctly under state law. Residents and family members can request copies of death records from either office depending on their needs.
Bladen County Register of Deeds
The Bladen County Register of Deeds is where most people go to get a death certificate. The office has birth and death records dating back to 1913. A public vital records search tool is also available. Staff can help you find the record you need and explain the steps to get a certified copy.
Visit the Bladen County Register of Deeds page for contact details and office information.
The page shows how to reach the Bladen County Register of Deeds and what services they offer.
Death records from Bladen County are part of the statewide vital records system. Under G.S. 130A-93, the Register of Deeds must file and store all death certificates for events that take place in the county. The office can issue certified and non-certified copies to those who qualify.
Bladen County Health Department and Death Records
The Bladen County Health Department plays a key role in death record filing. Under Chapter 130-A of the North Carolina General Statutes, the Health Department ensures that all death certificates are filed properly. The Deputy Registrar, Rebecca Culbreth, oversees this work. You can reach her at 910-862-6900, extension 6231.
The Health Department also issues burial transit permits and handles disinterment and reinterment permits in Bladen County. A burial transit permit must be obtained before a body can be moved. A disinterment permit is needed to move remains from one grave to another. These permits tie directly to the death record on file in Bladen County.
View the Bladen County Health Department vital records page for more about these services.
This page details the Health Department's role in vital records for Bladen County.
Note: Burial transit permits are time-sensitive, so contact the Bladen County Health Department as soon as possible when one is needed.
How to Get Bladen County Death Certificates
You can request a death certificate from Bladen County in person or by mail. Each method requires you to provide identification and pay a fee. The standard cost for a certified death certificate is $10.00.
For in-person requests, visit the Register of Deeds. Bring a valid photo ID. Give the staff the name of the deceased and the date of death. They will search for the record. If it is found, you pay the fee and get your copy. The process is usually fast.
For mail requests, send a letter to the Bladen County Register of Deeds. Include the full name of the deceased, the date of death, your name and address, a copy of your photo ID, and your payment. A check or money order made out to the Bladen County Register of Deeds is the safest way to pay by mail. The office will mail the death record to you once it is found and processed.
Who Can Get Bladen County Death Records
North Carolina law sets rules about who can receive a certified death certificate. These rules apply to Bladen County the same as every other county. Under G.S. 130A-93.1, you must show proof of your identity and your relationship to the deceased.
Eligible requesters include:
- The surviving spouse
- A parent or adult child of the deceased
- The personal representative of the estate
- A legal guardian
- An attorney acting for an eligible party
If you do not qualify for a certified copy, the Bladen County office can still provide a non-certified version. Non-certified copies lack the official seal but contain all the same facts. They work well for genealogy research and personal records. The cost for a non-certified copy is lower than for a certified one.
Bladen County Death Records History
Bladen County has kept death records since 1913. That is when North Carolina began its statewide vital records system. Before that year, death records were not consistently kept at the county level. Some older records may exist in church logs, family papers, or at the North Carolina State Archives.
The records from 1913 to the present day cover over a century of deaths in Bladen County. These records are a valuable resource for legal needs and family history. Older records may be in different formats than modern ones. Staff at the Bladen County Register of Deeds can help you navigate the differences and find what you need.
The state vital records office at vitalrecords.nc.gov also holds copies of Bladen County death records. If the county office cannot find a record, the state may have it. Under G.S. 130A-26A, both the county and the state share the duty of keeping these records safe and complete.
Note: Death records from before 1913 are rare and may only be found in the state archives or through local historical societies in Bladen County.
Amending Bladen County Death Certificates
If you find an error on a Bladen County death certificate, you can request a correction. The type of error determines the process. Small mistakes, like a wrong middle initial, can often be fixed with a form and proof of the correct information.
Larger errors may need a court order. For example, if the cause of death needs to change, a medical professional must be involved. The rules for these changes come from G.S. 130A Article 4. The Bladen County Register of Deeds can explain the steps and direct you to the right forms. There is a fee for all amendments. Call 910-862-6900 to ask about the current cost.
State Resources for Bladen County Death Records
The North Carolina Division of Public Health maintains a central copy of all death records filed across the state. If you need a Bladen County death record but cannot reach the county office, the state office is a good backup. You can order records through the state ordering page. Forms are available at the forms page.
The North Carolina Association of Registers of Deeds maintains a list of all county offices. This is useful if you need to request death records from more than one county. The directory has contact details and links for every Register of Deeds in the state, including Bladen County.
For researchers, the North Carolina State Archives holds older vital records. These include death records from Bladen County that may not be available at the county office. The archives are in Raleigh and can be visited in person or contacted by mail.