North Carolina PUBLIC RECORDS SEARCH

North Carolina State Public Records Search Online

Public records provide valuable insights for citizens to make informed decisions. Access to them offers numerous benefits, such as verifying the legitimacy of transactions, assessing the background of potential business partners, or understanding more about one's community.

For professionals, public records serve as a reliable resource for due diligence, research, and compliance needs.

With the advent of digital technology, accessing public records has become increasingly convenient, with many records available through online portals. However, users must navigate this access responsibly and respect privacy concerns. They still need to adhere to legal guidelines for obtaining and using public information.

Under the NC Legislation Chapter 132, specific public records in North Carolina are accessible to promote openness and mandate officials' compliance with rules and regulations.

What Records are Public in North Carolina?

State, county, and municipal agencies create forms based on federal government requirements. They receive the information using these forms and maintain databases for public transactions. Thus, all documents and materials generated from these public transactions are considered public records.

What is Considered Public Information in North Carolina?

Each public record contains public information. Under existing laws, any information on records created by government agencies is public unless specifically sealed or exempted.

North Carolina Public Records Laws

To maintain the integrity of these public records, North Carolina adopts the federal Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) for national government transactions. At the same time, it has its legislation to govern and review these procedures based on existing public needs and requirements.

What is the North Carolina Public Records Law?

The NC Public Records Law provides the legal framework for public access to records created or maintained by government agencies. Its primary purpose is to guarantee that these public records are only accessible for their intended purposes. Moreover, it allows residents and businesses to obtain information promptly with minimal processing fees.

What is the FOIA in North Carolina?

In North Carolina, the FOIA (Freedom of Information Act) outlines the procedures and public access to government documents at the federal level. It allows individuals to request and obtain records unless they are specifically exempted, such as documents related to national security or confidential personal information.

Who Can Access Public Records in North Carolina?

In North Carolina, any person has the legal right to access state public records. Regardless of their status or affiliation, anyone is entitled to inspect and obtain copies of public records held by state government agencies.

North Carolina Public Records Search

The digital era has made access to public records easy, whether online or offline.

How to Find North Carolina Public Records Online

Searching for public records online in North Carolina is convenient and straightforward. Various resources and databases are available for locating public information. Below are some popular platforms for searching public records:

• State government websites: maintained by the state for the public
• Online databases: maintained by the state agencies in collaboration with accredited providers
• third-party providers: not accredited by government agencies but are a great source of public information allowed to be published without consent

Government websites and databases are usually accurate, secure, and comply with legal requirements. Although third-party providers may appear more user-friendly or faster, they often lack the authenticity of government websites.

To find a public record in NC, here is a simple process requesters can use:

• Classify the records needed and determine the agency that maintains them.
• Using the search results, individuals can submit their requests through official portals.
• Alternatively, interested parties may send written or scanned request forms through e-mail.
• Pay the necessary fees through credit or debit cards.
• Wait for the requested records.

Some agencies will provide limited information immediately, while others send the documents via e-mail.

How to Find North Carolina Public Records Offline

Online methods might be convenient and fast, but not all public records are readily available through government portals. Some records may still require offline methods such as in-person or mail requests.

Although these requests are offline, requesters may still need to use the official website to confirm where to send requests.

Below are the steps to follow:

• Determine the specific type of record required through an online search or phone call.
• Locate the appropriate records custodian.
• Submit a detailed written request for the records and provide as many details as possible for faster transactions.
• Show valid identification, especially when requesting records that may have privacy restrictions.
• Pay applicable fees for each record requested.
• Receive or wait for the records to be delivered to the requester's designated address.

While in-person visits may provide immediate access to records, the mail-in methods may take longer for the results to arrive at the requester's designated address.

Types of Public Records in North Carolina

North Carolina maintains various public records. Below are the different records that the state may make available to the public, as defined under the NC public record law:

• Court records (bankruptcy, county court)
• Vital records (birth, death, marriage, divorce)
• Criminal records (arrest, warrant)
• Property records (tax, property details)
• Public traffic/driving records (citations, points accumulated)

State of North Carolina Public Court Records

North Carolina court records include various documents and information generated during legal proceedings. However, certain records, such as sealed indictments and specific medical malpractice settlements, are exempt from disclosure.

Public court records are maintained by the NC Judicial Branch and may include the following:

• Case files: detailed documents related to civil and criminal cases
• Briefs: written arguments submitted by parties in a case
• Dockets: schedules of proceedings and case histories
• Orders and judgments: decisions made by the court
• Transcripts: verbatim records of court hearings and trials

Requesters can obtain court records through several offline and online methods, including:

• In-person requests by visiting the appropriate county court clerk's office.
• Submitting a written request to the county court where the case was filed.
• Using self-service public terminals, such as the Civil Case Processing System (VCAP) for civil cases.
• Accessing the Automated Criminal/Infractions System (ACIS), an online database available at court public terminals for criminal cases.
• Utilizing the Remote Public Access Program (RPA), which provides online access to criminal and civil data for all 100 North Carolina counties.
• Accessing the court's records system online through the eCourts portal.

Initial access to ACIS and VCAP may require the mail submission of agreements and forms to the NC Administrative Office of the Courts (NCAOC), which handles the state judicial branch's record requests and online databases.

North Carolina Public Bankruptcy Records

NC public bankruptcy records consist of financial information related to individuals, businesses, and organizations that have filed for bankruptcy. The state's federal courts manage these records, and each of the following districts in NC has a bankruptcy federal court office:

• Western District: offices in Asheville, Charlotte, Shelby, and Statesville
• Eastern District: offices in Raleigh Division and Greenville
• Middle District: offices in Winston-Salem and Greensboro.

Bankruptcy records are public and can be accessed by anyone interested, subject to certain procedures and fees.

Below is the information included in the bankruptcy records:

• Detailed bankruptcy proceedings
• Listings of the debtor's financial information on assets and liabilities
• Discharge orders on debts
• Details of the creditors
• Records of meetings with creditors during the bankruptcy process

There are several ways to access bankruptcy records in North Carolina. Public Access to Court Electronic Records (PACER) and Voice Case Information System (VCIS) provide public information to interested parties.

Moreover, interested individuals can use this number (866-222-8029 ext. 6274) to use the VCIS on all NC districts in searching for bankruptcy cases.

For mail requests, individuals can send a written request to the clerk's office where the bankruptcy was filed. The request must include detailed information about the case and be accompanied by the required fees.

Interested parties can also visit the clerk's office at the relevant bankruptcy court in the district where the case was filed. A records search costs $30, and printing documents costs $0.50 per page.

County Court Records in North Carolina

Access to court records in the counties of North Carolina can be through eCourts and their dedicated website. For those counties without eCourts yet, requesters can use the traditional way of in-person or mail requests. RPA (Remote Public Access Program) is also available since it caters to all NC counties.

In eCourts counties, North Carolina uses the eFiling (File & Serve) system, which allows attorneys and self-represented litigants to submit court documents securely online to the clerk's office.

As of this date, 38 counties have live eCourts. The NCAOC (NC Administrative Office of the Courts) aims to launch the remaining 62 counties' eCourts by the end of 2025.

North Carolina Criminal Record s

Local and state law enforcement agencies, courts, and correctional centers prepare a North Carolina criminal record. It includes information on felonies, misdemeanors, arrests, indictments, and convictions.

Below are the following details showing in an NC criminal record:

• Full name of the subject, including aliases
• Birth date, gender, race, and other identifying information
• Fingerprints and mugshot
• History of criminal offenses and indictments
• Warrants, arrest history, and conviction records

The North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) is the central repository for criminal information in the state. The SBI offers criminal background checks to both the public and authorized agencies (qualified organizations). Each request type has its rules, scope, and process, so it is important to review the details of the specific request carefully.

Criminal records can also be found on third-party aggregate sites that may offer easier access since they are not limited to geographic record availability. While third-party websites provide a convenient starting point for locating specific records, they are not accredited by the state, and the availability of records may differ.

North Carolina Public Arrest Records

North Carolina arrest records are official documents detailing the apprehension and detention of individuals by law enforcement. These records prove that a person was arrested, though they do not imply guilt for the alleged offense.

Arrest records may include the following information:

• Identity of the arrested individual (offender's name, gender, date of birth)
• Time and location
• Details of the alleged offense leading to the arrest
• Arresting officer information
• Detention details
• Name and address of the county/city jail or state detention center where the individual was booked

In North Carolina, individuals can obtain certified copies of arrest records either in person or by mail from the SBI. Local police departments and sheriff's offices may also provide access to public arrest records, but their policies can vary. Typically, there is a fee associated with requesting these records, which covers administrative costs.

For the most up-to-date and comprehensive information, contact the specific law enforcement agency or visit the North Carolina Department of Public Safety (NCDPS) website.

Meanwhile, the clerk's office of county courts offers free public access through ACIS (Automated Criminal/Infractions System) and VCAP (Civil Case Processing System), although these accounts may require a minimal fee for initial creation.

Note that arrest records are distinct from police records that may contain broader details of criminal investigations.

North Carolina Warrant Records

A warrant authorizes officers to detain an individual accused of a crime or search a property. It is not evidence of guilt or innocence but an execution of probable cause to take legal action. This document may or may not confirm such probable cause.

Below are the different warrants a judge or magistrate may issue as requested by enforcement officers:

• Arrest warrants: to apprehend an individual accused of committing a crime
• Bench warrants: to arrest an individual who fails court appearance as required
• Search warrants: to search specified locations for evidence of a committed crime
• Failure to pay warrants: requested when an individual fails to pay fines or fees as ordered by the court
• DNA warrant: issued for law officers to collect samples of saliva, blood, or mucus of an individual under criminal proceedings
• Governor's warrant: issued for peace officers to arrest and hand over fugitives who fled to avoid execution

The details of a warrant contain the name of the offender or property location in cases of search warrants and the action to be taken by law enforcement.

North Carolina doesn't have a centralized repository of active warrants. Instead, these records are available at the county level. Some counties have online searches, such as Greenville County warrant searches.

North Carolina Vital Records

Vital records in NC are official proof of births, deaths, marriages, and divorces within the state. These records verify identity when resolving legal matters and are useful for public health research.

The Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) maintains these records, but some are also available at the county level through the Register of Deeds (ROD) office or the clerk of court.

Access to certain records may be restricted depending on the type and specific circumstances. Moreover, sensitive details are redacted from requested copies unless requesters have a court order to release these details.

For instance, while anyone can request uncertified copies of any vital records, certified copies often require proof of identity and eligibility.

Below are eligible persons who can request certified copies of vital records:

• Parents
• Legal guardians
• Next of kin
• Spouses or couples
• Legal representatives

Each vital record search costs $24, with or without results, and the fee is non-refundable. However, payments beyond this fee may be refunded when there is no result.

Requests for vital records can be made through online portals, mail, and in-person methods. For mail requests, requesters must submit a completed application form and send it to the address below:

North Carolina Public Birth Records

A North Carolina birth certificate is a public record. However, certain sensitive details may be redacted or blackened from uncertified copies to protect privacy. Confidential or sealed records, typically related to adoptions, are not publicly accessible and require a certified court order.

Birth certificates of adopted children are only available from the DHHS (Department of Health and Human Services).

Requesters can access birth records online, in person, or by mail through the DHHS or ROD (Register of Deeds) county office where the birth happened. Records from 1913 to the present are available at DHHS . For birth records before 1913, individuals should contact the applicable county ROD where the individual was born.

To request a birth certificate by mail or in person, requesters must complete a birth record application form and submit it together with their identification to the official address of DHHS . Note that birth-certified copies are only available to eligible persons with proof of identification.

If requesters want to expedite their request, they can send it through a reliable courier service. Fees start at $24 for the first certified copy, with additional copies available at $15 each. Online ordering of birth certificates may also expedite the process with an additional fee.

North Carolina Public Death Records

Death information in North Carolina is public, except for sensitive details such as the cause and manner of death and final disposition, which may be redacted from the requested public records.

The DHHS (Department of Health and Human Services) holds records from the year 1930 to the present. Individuals who are looking for death records before 1930 may send their requests to the State Archives of North Carolina.

To request a death certificate, requesters must complete the NC death record application form and submit it to the DHHS with the required fee and identification. The expedited process is similar to requesting birth certificates and all vital records.

North Carolina Public Marriage Records

Marriage records in North Carolina are generally public. However, certain parts, such as social security numbers, may be hidden to protect sensitive information.

Confidential and sealed marriage records are restricted to eligible requesters, including the couple, law enforcement agencies, and those with a court order.

The DHHS (Department of Health and Human Services) holds marriage records from 1962 onward. The ROD (Register of Deeds) office in each county also keeps records of marriages licensed within their jurisdiction. Additionally, it is the repository of marriage certificates that are registered before 1962.

North Carolina Public Divorce Records

North Carolina law classifies annulment, divorce, and dissolution records as public information accessible to anyone. However, to prevent misuse, requestors must provide specific identifying details such as full names, date of dissolution, and location.

Note that all or parts of a record may be sealed. In such cases, access is restricted to eligible individuals only.

The DHHS (Department of Health and Human Services) stores divorce records from 1958 onwards. Divorce records earlier than 1958 are available in the county clerk of court.

North Carolina Property Records

North Carolina property records contain information on real estate transactions, ownership, and legal claims related to properties within the state.

These records include deeds, encumbrances, titles, property taxes, mortgages, and leases. The ROD (Register of Deeds) office in each county and the tax assessor's offices maintain them.

According to the state's statutes, North Carolina property records are public information. Interested individuals can access these records through government agencies, county courthouses, or authorized online repositories. Third-party websites also provide access to these records, though information may vary since these sites are independently operated.

Below are the key details included in property records:

• Owner's name
• Legal property description
• Parcel number
• Sale history transactions
• Mortgage details
• Tax assessments
• Zoning information
• Building permits
• Utility connections
• Environmental hazards
• Judgments against the property

North Carolina Inmate Records

North Carolina inmate records include personal and administrative details of inmates. The information may include the following:

• Name and aliases
• Age and gender
• Current and past locations
• Mugshots
• Arrests details
• Conviction
• Custody status
• State identification number (SID)
• Jail transfer details

While much of this information is publicly accessible, some records, like health information, are restricted and not available for public examination. Furthermore, records involving juveniles are generally not accessible to the public. Inmate records can be accessed online through government platforms or third-party websites.

The NC Department of Adult Corrections (DAC) offers a convenient, free Offender Search tool that allows users to locate someone in prison by name and other inmate's information. This tool also provides information on state prison probationers, parolees, captures, escapees, and absconders. Moreover, it is helpful for finding records of released inmates.

The Automated System Query (ASQ) is also available if requesters want a specialized report based on information needed and supplied.

North Carolina Public Traffic Records

North Carolina traffic records document a resident's driving history, traffic tickets, offenses, convictions, and sentencing. They are a comprehensive compilation of documents generated by the Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and courts. The NC DMV operates under the Department of Transportation (DOT).

Access to these records is restricted under the federal Driver Privacy Protection Act (DPPA) and North Carolina General Statutes 20-43.1. Names, addresses, driver's license numbers, Social Security numbers, and medical details are closed to the public.

However, eligible individuals can obtain traffic records for a fee. To access these records online, requesters must certify that they are entitled to the information under one or more permissible uses listed in the DPPA.

Eligible parties include drivers, government agencies, insurance companies, employers verifying commercial drivers' information, and private toll operations.

License Plate Lookup in North Carolina

A North Carolina license plate lookup is essential before purchasing a used vehicle. This process acts as a background check about the vehicle's history.

License plate lookup may require an in-person visit to any of the DMV (Division of Motor Vehicles) locations. Another alternative is using online third-party portals, either free or paid.

Below is the information obtained from a license plate lookup:

• Registration status
• Vehicle description
• Title information
• Market value
• Mileage and odometer readings
• Accident history

What Information is Exempt from the Public Records Act in North Carolina?

North Carolina's Public Records Act allows public access to a wide range of records but also includes specific exemptions to protect privacy, security, and sensitive information. Requesters must ensure that the records they seek do not fall under these exemptions, as some information may be redacted or entirely withheld.

Only the non-confidential portions will be released when a record contains confidential and non-confidential information.

Exemptions under the NC Public Records Act cover a variety of sensitive areas, such as the following:

• State tax details
• Legal counsel communicationsbetween an attorney and a public agency
• Criminal investigation records
• Public security information
• Records of minors
• Employee personnel files
• Trade secretsunder specific conditions
• Architects, engineers, and surveyors seals
• Economic development incentives
• Closed session meeting minutes

Other Public Records in North Carolina

Other public records are also available upon request. Some public records are already available on official government channels even without requests. Here are some of these public records:

• Business information and reports: Managed under the Department of Commerce, these reports offer insights into legitimate businesses in North Carolina. Individuals can search by business name, industry, and size.
• NC Sex Offender Registry: The SBI (State Bureau of Investigation) maintains this repository, which includes the residential addresses of sex offenders in the state. It is useful for individuals who want to be proactive about their safety.
• Voter information: This information is available to anyone who requests it, subject to applicable fees. It is free to political parties. The details in this report include precinct codes, party affiliation, and voting history.
• Environmental records: Information on environmental permits and violations, managed by the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (NC DEQ).

Frequently Asked Questions

Below are some of the frequently asked questions about public records in North Carolina:

Recent Articles

Noise Ordinances: Quiet Hours, Complaint Laws, and How to File a Noise Complaint

What Is Harboring a Fugitive and What Are the Penalties and Jail Time for It?

Are Written or Verbal Contracts Legally Binding and When Should You Use Each?

When Your Driving License Can Be Revoked and What You Can Do About It?