Vital Records & Certificates in New Bern, North CarolinaCraven County Courthouse / Clerk of Court

In New Bern’s historic setting, vital certificates serve modern needs from passport applications for international travel to school enrollment at local institutions. Whether you’re researching colonial ancestry traced through Cedar Grove Cemetery or need documentation for federal employment, Craven County’s official records provide legal proof of life events essential for contemporary life in this storied riverside community.

Birth certificates in New Bern are issued through the Craven County Courthouse Clerk of Court at 302 Broad Street, located in the heart of downtown’s historic district. Babies born at CarolinaEast Medical Center or other area facilities have their records processed through this central office. The Craven County vital records department maintains birth documentation for all residents, whether they arrived at Broad Street or came from surrounding coastal communities. Standard processing typically takes 2-3 business days, with expedited service available for urgent passport or identification needs. The clerk’s office accepts cash, checks, and money orders for certificate fees.

Couples planning weddings at Tryon Palace Gardens, the historic Centenary United Methodist Church, or waterfront venues along the Neuse River obtain marriage licenses from the Craven County Clerk at 302 Broad Street. North Carolina requires a 72-hour waiting period between license issuance and ceremony, though this can be waived by judicial order. The downtown clerk’s office, housed in the stately courthouse near Christ Church, processes all marriage documentation for Craven County residents and those marrying within county limits.

Death certificates are processed through the Craven County Courthouse at 302 Broad Street, serving families throughout the New Bern area including Trent Woods and River Bend. Whether for insurance claims, estate settlement, or genealogical research at Cedar Grove Cemetery, certified death records require proper identification and relationship documentation. The clerk’s office maintains death records for all Craven County residents and provides both short-form and long-form certificates depending on intended use.

Divorce decree copies are available through the Craven County Courthouse on Broad Street, where family court proceedings are recorded and maintained. Former spouses and legal representatives can obtain certified copies of final divorce judgments processed through New Bern’s judicial system. Having your case number expedites the search process, though the clerk’s staff can locate records using party names and approximate dates.

Visit the Craven County Courthouse at 302 Broad Street in downtown New Bern, directly across from Christ Church and near the historic Tryon Palace complex. The clerk’s office operates Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with limited hours on court days. Street parking is available along Broad Street and nearby Pollock Street, while the courthouse provides a small parking area behind the building. Payment accepted includes cash, personal checks, money orders, and major credit cards for vital record fees.

The Craven County Courthouse is located at 302 Broad Street in downtown New Bern, easily accessible from US Highway 17 and US Highway 70.