Winston-Salem residents frequently need vital records for Wake Forest University enrollment, employment at Research Triangle companies, passport applications for international business travel, professional licensing in North Carolina’s healthcare and education sectors, and real estate transactions in the growing Piedmont Triad housing market. The Twin City’s diverse economy and educational institutions create regular demand for certified documentation throughout Forsyth County.
Vital Records & Certificates in Winston-Salem, North CarolinaForsyth County Register-Deeds
Get birth certificates, marriage licenses, death certificates, and divorce records from the Forsyth County Register-Deeds. We also offer expedited passport services for Winston-Salem residents with 3-day processing.
❓ Why You Need These Certificates
🛂 Need This Certificate for a Passport?
Most Winston-Salem residents need their birth or marriage certificate for passport applications. Let us handle both together in one process.
Birth Certificates in Winston-Salem, North Carolina
Winston-Salem residents obtain birth certificates through the Forsyth County Register of Deeds at 201 N Chestnut Street in downtown Winston-Salem. Whether born at Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center, Novant Health Forsyth Medical Center, or other Triad-area hospitals, all births within Forsyth County are documented through the Register of Deeds office. North Carolina birth certificates cost $24 for certified copies, with expedited processing available for urgent needs such as passport applications, college enrollment, or employment verification. The office maintains both historical and current records, serving the Twin City’s growing population with efficient vital record services.
Requirements
Valid government-issued photo identification, completed birth certificate application, proof of relationship, and payment
Who Can Request
The person named on the certificate, their parent/legal guardian, spouse, child, grandparent, sibling, or authorized legal representative with proper documentation.
Processing Time
Common Uses
- ✓ Passport applications
- ✓ Driver’s license/State ID
- ✓ Social Security card
Marriage Licenses in Winston-Salem, North Carolina
Couples planning weddings at Winston-Salem’s beautiful venues such as Reynolda Gardens, the Historic Brookstown Inn, or outdoor ceremonies at Tanglewood Park must obtain marriage licenses from the Forsyth County Register of Deeds office at 201 N Chestnut Street. North Carolina marriage licenses cost $60 and remain valid for 60 days from issuance. The state requires both parties to appear in person with valid identification, and there is no waiting period once the license is obtained, allowing couples to marry immediately anywhere within North Carolina’s borders.
Requirements
Both parties must appear with valid photo ID, Social Security numbers, and certified divorce decrees if previously married
Popular Wedding Venues
Waiting Period
For Passport Name Change
Need to update your passport with your new married name? We can help expedite the process.
Update Passport with New Name →Death Certificates in Winston-Salem, North Carolina
Death certificates for Winston-Salem residents are processed through the Forsyth County Register of Deeds at 201 N Chestnut Street downtown. These crucial documents are required for life insurance claims, Social Security benefits, estate settlements, and financial account closures following deaths in the Twin City area. Forsyth County issues certified death certificate copies for $24 each, with expedited processing available when urgent documentation is needed for legal or financial proceedings.
Requirements
Government-issued photo ID, relationship documentation or legal authority, and applicable fees
Who Can Request
Spouse, parent, child, sibling, grandparent, legal representative of the estate, funeral director, or anyone with a documented legal or personal interest.
Processing Time
Special Instructions
Divorce Decrees in Winston-Salem, North Carolina
Certified copies of divorce decrees for Winston-Salem residents are obtained through the Forsyth County Superior Court Clerk’s office in the courthouse complex downtown. These legal documents serve as proof of marital status dissolution and are essential for remarriage applications, name change procedures, and property ownership modifications. Court personnel can locate divorce files using case numbers, party names, and approximate filing dates to provide accurate certified documentation.
Requirements
Valid identification, case information when possible, and court-determined fees
Processing Time
Special Notes
📄 Reverting to maiden name?
You’ll need your divorce decree to update your passport with your previous name.
Name Change Process →How to Order Certificates in Winston-Salem, North Carolina
Visit the Forsyth County Register of Deeds office at 201 N Chestnut Street in downtown Winston-Salem during regular business hours, Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The office is located in the Forsyth County Government Center with convenient parking available in the adjacent county parking deck and nearby street parking along Chestnut Street and surrounding downtown blocks. Payment is accepted in cash, personal checks made payable to ‘Forsyth County Register of Deeds,’ money orders, and major credit cards for all vital record transactions.
In Person
⏱️ Same Day
By Mail
⏱️ 2-3 Weeks
Online
⏱️ 1-2 Weeks
🏛️ Forsyth County Register-Deeds
Address
201 N Chestnut St, Winston-Salem, NC 27101, United States
Phone
Website
Office Hours
Get Directions to Forsyth County Register of Deeds
Located at 201 N Chestnut Street in downtown Winston-Salem’s Government Center, easily accessible via Business 40 or US 52. Free parking available in the county deck adjacent to the building.
⚖️ Government vs. Expedited Service
Choose the option that best fits your timeline
| Feature | Forsyth County Clerk (Government Service) | PassportsAndVisas.com (Expedited Service) |
|---|---|---|
| Processing Time | Same day (in-person) 2-3 weeks (mail/online) | 3 days guaranteed |
| Certificate + Passport | ✗ Separate processes | ✓ One-stop service |
| Personal Account Manager | ✗ Not available | ✓ Dedicated support |
| Error Checking | ✗ Your responsibility | ✓ Expert review |
| Tracking | ✗ No tracking | ✓ Real-time updates |
Need to Renew Your Passport?
Got your marriage certificate for name change? Complete your passport renewal in minutes online. We serve Winston-Salem residents with 3-day expedited service.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about certificates in Winston-Salem, North Carolina
Where do Winston-Salem residents get birth certificates in Forsyth County?
▼What are the business hours for Forsyth County Register of Deeds in Winston-Salem?
▼How much do birth certificates cost in Winston-Salem, North Carolina?
▼Is there free parking available at the Forsyth County Government Center?
▼How long are marriage licenses valid in North Carolina?
▼Can I get same-day service for vital records in Winston-Salem?
▼What payment methods are accepted at Forsyth County Register of Deeds?
▼Do I need an appointment for vital records at Forsyth County office?
▼Where can Winston-Salem couples get married after obtaining their license?
▼What ID is required for marriage license applications in Winston-Salem?
▼Ready to Get Your Certificate & Passport?
Whether you need just a certificate or a complete passport service, we’re here to help Winston-Salem residents get what they need quickly and easily.
📋 Just need the county clerk office?
🏛️ Visit Forsyth County Clerk WebsiteHours: Monday-Friday 8AM-8PM EST, Saturday 10AM-6PM EST
Emergency Service: Available 24/7 for urgent passport needs