Vital Records

The Deputy Registrar/Vital Statistics position processes certificates for all births and deaths occurring in Buncombe County. To be made aware of deaths, sources relied on are newspaper obituaries, news reports of accidents involving death, and notifications from hospitals and funeral homes.

Births occur primarily at Mission Hospitals' Memorial Campus, which is presently the only hospital in the county providing delivery care. It is the responsibility of the parent to apply for a birth certificate when a home birth/delivery has occurred in Buncombe County.

The Deputy Registrar is responsible for obtaining and preserving documentary evidence concerning all births and deaths occurring in Buncombe County that protect the legal rights of individuals and provide a sound statistical basis for health and social planning. These records (except for fetal death reports) are filed permanently in the Vital Records Branch (Raleigh, NC) and certified or verified on demand.

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  Assists in the preparation of birth certificates
• Assists in the preparation of death certificates
• Assists in the preparation of Affidavits of Parentage for children born out of wedlock (DHHS 1660).
  
  Free language assistance is also available.

Monday - Friday:
8:00am - 5:00pm

No appointments are necessary. Recommend calling (828) 250-5213 prior to arrival.

Driver's license and Social Security Card

No charge for Vital Record's services. However, certified copies of Birth & Death Certificates can be obtained through the Registrar of Deeds office for a fee.

Ralph A. Fossett, Deputy Registrar
Phone 828-250-5213
Ralph.fossett@buncombecounty.org

For a listing of county-wide programs & services offered by Buncombe County Government, please visit our Services For Adults section.