The Polk County Registrar of Deeds offers options for purchasing a variety of vital records online, as well as in person.
A variety of vital records recorded in Polk County can now be purchased online through this link. Please note that only vital records recorded in Polk County can be purchased through the Polk County Registrar of Deeds office.
The Polk County Registrar of Deeds office provides a standardized, permanent record of real estate ownership and transfers in Polk County. The office records deeds, deeds of trust, cancellations, plats, assumed names, powers of attorney and other miscellaneous documents related to real estate.
The Polk County Registrar of Deeds office also records and issues birth certificates, death certificates, marriage certificates, marriage licenses and military discharges and maintains the records of notary public commissions.
Vital records that may be requested online include certified and uncertified birth certificates, delayed birth certificates, certified and uncertified marriage certificates, and certified and uncertified death certificates.
If you are requesting a certified copy of your marriage license and have recently been married, please do not request a copy until 10 days after your marriage date.
Charges will apply when ordering vital records or filing assumed names. Please note the information below:
- Requests will be managed on a first-come, first-served basis.
- There are no refunds.
- Records are available back to 1913.
- Requests for information can be completed online and will be processed on normal business days during normal business hours from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.
- For requests submitted after 4 p.m., the earliest that a request can be processed and sent is the next business day.
If you choose to pick up your records in person rather than have them sent via mail, you will be required to present a valid state issued identification proving you are 18 years or older. In addition, you may elect to have your record(s) order picked up by the following persons:
- Spouse
- Brother/sister
- Child/stepchild/grandchild
- Parent/stepparent
- Grandparent
- Authorized agent, attorney or legal representative (proof required at time of pick-up)
All requests will be checked for accuracy. Any inaccurate information may result in your record not being processed. All communication with regard to your order, payment, the Registrar of Deeds office’s progress and the records delivery will be sent via email.
The Registrar of Deeds office acts as a recording office only. North Carolina General Statutes specifically prohibit the Register of Deeds or the staff from practicing law. The Registrar of Deeds office is unable to supply legal forms, provide instructions on drafting or completing forms or answer questions regarding the legal consequences of instruments filed. Consult an attorney with any legal questions.
For more information, contact the Polk County Registrar of Deeds at 40 Courthouse St. in Columbus at (828) 894-8450 or swhitmire@PolkNC.org.