North carolina public records North Carolina does not restrict access to genealogical copies with 25 year or greater embargo periods that limit public access. MAILING ADDRESS: 5201 Mail Service Center Raleigh, NC 27699-5201. Holland Nov 15, 2023 · Public records and public information compiled by the departments of the City of Asheville government are the property of the people. G. The main statutes that define the scope of the law are contained in Chapter 132 of the North Carolina Statutes. Report a Language Access Concern. Learn more about North Carolina’s unified court system, cases, officials, routes of appeal, and more. We are not How can I view records in criminal cases? Information about criminal cases in the North Carolina court system can be accessed by visiting a public, self-service terminal located at a clerk of court’s office in any county. S. G. Request a Public Record NC Vital Records is part of the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Public Health, and is located in Raleigh. Our guidance is organized below by subject. Records Division Email: recordsdivision@wspd. public record under North Carolina’s statute, these types of records are not public records, since they are not made in connection with the transaction of public business. Therefore, it is the policy of this State that the people may Public Records Request Resources. Find options to make a Judicial Branch records request depending on the type of record. Tax Lists and Records - The Tax Lists and Records digital collection features tax records from the holdings of the State Archives of North Carolina drawn from General Assembly, Treasurer & Comptroller, and Secretary of State records. The Freedom of Information Act (5 U. Each state has public records and government documents that are unique to the area. The bulk of the records are from the Colonial and Revolutionary War eras, but some lists date from as late as 1809. View a user’s manual for the system in which the information is stored. 704-283-3843 Public Records for North Carolina include 3,263,721 properties with a median sale price of $310,000, the average home typically offers 3-4 bedrooms and 2-3 bathrooms. Find out how to obtain court records. § 552) generally provides that any person has a right, enforceable in court, of access to federal agency records, except to the extent that COURT RECORDS . Learn types of cases, and how to search for and access court records online and in-person. Information about civil cases in the North Carolina court system can be accessed on the public, self-service terminals in the clerk of court’s office in any county. We fulfill that mandate through the Government Services Section of the State Archives . org. Social Media. to 5:00 p. Register of Deeds 201 W. This is accomplished by offering the most possible access to public North Carolina General Statutes 121 and 132 direct our agency to provide and administer records management services to state and local government and to public colleges and universities. It also affirms that public records and public information are property of the people. Contact Us. The statute provides a definition of what a public record is and outlines the method in which public records requests should be submitted. North Carolina General Statute (NCGS) § 132-1(a) defines public record(s) as “all documents, papers, letters, maps, books, photographs, films, sound recordings, magnetic or other tapes, electronic data-processing records, artifacts, or other documentary material, regardless of physical form or characteristics, made or received pursuant to law or ordinance in North Carolina’s public records law provides a broad right of access to records of public agencies. To obtain an incident report, click here to complete the request form. Also explore the different levels of North Carolina's court system, how public records work in North Carolina, and methods to expunge or seal records. Find information and services for vital records, notary, public records, and more in North Carolina. NC SAVAN Search - As part of North Carolina's commitment to support victims of crime, NC SAVAN (North Carolina Statewide Automated Victim Assistance and Notification) provides free, confidential notifications about an offender's custody status to victims, their families and their circles of support. Options may include online, by mail, or in person. North Carolina has geographic specific records, like floodplain maps, and land transfer search in Dare County. Apr 28, 2025 · Portal allows the general public and registered users to access court information online, including searching for court dates and records, and making payments for fines and fees. You do not need to fill out a public records request. Box 248 Monroe, NC 28111. Learn how to obtain various types of public records from the Judicial Branch of North Carolina, such as court records, vital records, police reports, and more. Simply click on the tiles below to explore Tourism and Travel stats in North Carolina; U — Public Records — U. Market St. Department of Environmental Quality, including the Division of Water North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality. Learn how to obtain a criminal background check for yourself or others. Use name, case number, attorney name, and suspect’s name. In accordance with G. Phone: (910) 989-3000 Hours: Monday- Friday 8:00 a. Records of federal agencies in North Carolina are not covered by the Public Records Law. Proceed to Login Records Division Phone: 336-773-7922 . Under North Carolina public records law General Statute §132 and various other statutes, certain personal or confidential information is not public, and must be redacted or protected. Stat. For more information, view About North Carolina public records law or NCAOC public records policies and procedures. Many exceptions and other laws that deal with public records can be found in other chapters. Visit our FAQ page for more information. County jail inmates, state prisoners Jan 20, 2025 · You can inspect all "public records" of North Carolina’s public agencies. Chapter 132 - Public Records. Discover a wealth of public records resources in North Carolina, offering easy access to a variety of information. Wake County must adhere to the North Carolina Public Records Law, found at N. Raleigh, NC 27603. The North Carolina Department of Public Safety is committed to transparency and will furnish all requested public records as promptly as possible. GS 132-1. ) (A list of records considered confidential is outlined in the law. Records of mayors, commissioners, overseers of the poor, schools, and state licensing and certification bureaus are examples of government sources that may give information not contained in other records. The main statutes that define the scope of the law are contained in Chapter 132 of the North Carolina General Statutes (hereinafter G. If you are performing a background checks, use the county clerk’s office not the Portal. From arrest records and property records to business licenses and death records, there are numerous records available for viewing. How can I access Civil Case Records. The State Archives of North Carolina is committed to the preservation of electronic records throughout their lifecycle, from creation to disposition. The law’s broad definition of “public records,” as interpreted by the courts, covers any record, regardless of format, made or received in the transaction of public business. (§84-4 and §84-5). Search North Carolina public public records on ThePublicIndex. For detailed information about North Carolina's Understand the process for a North Carolina Court Case Lookup. Any message and/or attachment sent through the Rowan County website is subject to North Carolina’s Public Record Law. - 5:00 p. North Carolina General Assembly. Most buildings were constructed between 1962 and 2006, with some properties dating back to as early as 1700. GETTING STARTED. C. (A list of records considered confidential is outlined in the law. 25 per page for any copies of public records. ). Some collections that contain a variety of records, such as land, history North Carolina is a unique state in that its birth, marriage, and death records are essentially public records as soon as created. Who may inspect or get copies of public records? Any person has the right to inspect, examine and get copies of public records. North Carolina Public Record Law. Search online by name, case number, attorney, and more on eCourts portal. The term "public record" refers to all documents, papers, letters, maps, books, photographs, films, sound recordings, tapes, or electronic data made or received in connection with the transaction of public business by any agency of North Carolina. 132-1. Jan 31, 2025 · The North Carolina Public Records Act, found in Chapter 132 of the North Carolina General Statutes, promotes transparency within governmental operations. CCNCTV. Under this definition, it is the subject and purpose of the record, rather than its location on a public or private medium, that governs its characterization as a public The North Carolina Administrative Office of the Courts (NCAOC) does not charge for the inspection of any public record. Police reports can be obtained from the Records Division Monday through Friday from 8:00 a. Lee Warren, Jr. North Carolina Judicial Branch – NCDPS is not the custodian of court records. Legislative Building. On-Demand Training and Resources. Warrants In North Carolina; Water Quality Database – Water Resources Data, Statistics Overview Cary has long demonstrated a strong commitment to upholding both the letter and the spirit of North Carolina’s public records laws, which include but are not limited to North Carolina General Statutes chapters 132 and 160A-168. Overview guide, training videos, FAQs, search tips, and advanced guides Apr 19, 2024 · Many records created by city, county, and state governments do not fit into the categories described in this outline. As an agency of the state of North Carolina, the University of North Carolina System Office is required to respond to requests for public records made under the North Carolina Public Records Act. As with public records in any format, proper care and handling will ensure accessibility now and into the future. Public Records Request. If you are a member of the public, enter a record number or name last, first ,middle, suffix format. Other North Carolina Public Records. Unclaimed Property – NC Treasurer; V — Public Records — V. (a) Records of criminal investigations conducted by public law enforcement agencies, records of criminal intelligence information compiled by public law enforcement agencies, and records of investigations conducted by the North Carolina Innocence Inquiry Commission, are not public records as defined by G. J. STREET ADDRESS: 214 West Jones St. To obtain an arrest report, click here to complete the request form. The General Statutes include changes through SL 2024-45. However, in 1966, Congress passed the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). Required divorce documents must be filed with the Clerk of Court in the county where either you or your spouse lives. DISCLAIMER: By North Carolina law, this office cannot prepare or assist with the preparation of legal documents. Vendor Search – North Carolina Electronic Vendor Portal; Vital Records – Public Health; W — Public Records — W. As digitization of public records has become standard over the last 30 years, governmental and third-party websites are able to offer these records online with increased reliability. 2. You must be logged in to use this application. . Find the most reliable and up-to-date resource for North Carolina public records and background check services. Chapter 132, which provides that "the public records and public information compiled by the agencies of North Carolina government or its subdivisions are the property of the people. In partnership with county registers of deeds offices, local health departments, and birthing facilities throughout the state, we are responsible for recording North Carolina vital events. Compare and choose the best option for your needs with our comprehensive and unbiased review. The N. Dare County is committed to upholding North Carolina's Public Records Act which makes clear that written materials and other information made or received by state or local government is the property of the citizens and provides a way for people to enforce their right to see government records. Public Records requests can be made to individual departments directly or you can submit a request through our feedback form. Register of Deeds Office P. gov Register of Deeds 200 North Grove Street, Suite 129 Hendersonville, NC 28792 Hours of Operation Please complete this form to request a copy of an existing public record for the Judicial Branch. The law provides a very broad definition of what is a public record and stipulates that anyone can request a public record for any reason. The North Carolina Public Records Online Directory is a Portal to the Register of Deed’s, Assessor’s and Tax Collector’s offices that have developed web sites for the retrieval of available public records over the Internet. Order certificates, request records, authenticate documents, and search charities and investment advisors online. Obtaining Court Records. Choose the division, record type, description and attach files if needed. RELAY/TTY: For eCourts records, search the Portal online for case information. Therefore, it is the policy of this State that the people may obtain copies of What is a public record? According to North Carolina General Statutes Chapter 132, public records are defined as, “all documents, papers, letters, maps, books, photographs, films, sound recordings, magnetic or other tapes, electronic data-processing records, artifacts, or other documentary material, regardless of physical form or North Carolina Public Records law is found in G. Find North Carolina government offices, criminal, court, inmate, marriage, divorce, birth and death records. Phone: 910-438-4025 Address: 226 Bradford Avenue Fayetteville, NC 28301 North Carolina Fulfilling legal requirements established by the City's municipal code and North Carolina State law Ensuring that the City Council, City staff, and interested citizens are aware of issues being addressed at City Council meetings by preparing, distributing, and posting, on a timely basis, agenda materials and minutes Public records from the N. 2, the NCAOC charges a nominal fee of $0. We are dedicated to the safekeeping and maintenance of your public records and uphold the General Statutes of North Carolina by which this office is governed by. § 132 William Lee King Register of Deeds P: (828) 697-4901 Email: hcrod@hendersoncountync. Feb 15, 2019 · Under the North Carolina public records law, government records are subject to public access unless an exception says they’re not. Which government agencies must permit Under the North Carolina Public Records law, records of government are presumed to be public records unless otherwise protected. Fayetteville, NC 28301 (910) 475-3000. Its main goal is to ensure public access to records maintained by state and local government entities, fostering openness and accountability. North Carolina’s public records law, enacted in 1935, is one of the most open public records laws in the United States. NC Judicial Branch: Separation and Divorce; NC Judicial Branch: Divorce and Marriage; NC Judicial Branch: North Carolina Divorce Packet Greensboro Office Location. Vital Records – First Floor Real Estate and Recording – Second Floor Lisa Scales Cumberland County Clerk of Superior Court Cumberland County Courthouse 117 Dick St. Please note, state agencies and employees are not required to create or compile a public record that does not exist. Public Records Definition. Thank you, Renee L. 16 West Jones Street. Submit Requests. Chapter 132, which provides that “the public records and public information compiled by the agencies of North Carolina government or its subdivisions are the property of the people. Onslow County Government Center. Find online, mail, or in-person options and contact information for different agencies and offices. Request a Criminal Background Check. If drafts have been received by a government agency in the course of doing public business, they become state property and, as such, generally are considered public records. 234 NW Corridor Boulevard Jacksonville, NC 28540. As outlined in the City’s Public Records Policy, people may obtain copies of their public records and public information free or at minimal cost unless otherwise specifically provided by law. 201 North Chestnut Street Winston-Salem, NC 27101; Phone: 336 703 2700 (Live) Phone: 336 703 2700 (After Hours Recording) Fax: 336 748 3158; Email: Contact Us From documents and maps dating from the early 17th century to state and local government records created during the Civil War to online digital media and electronic records that state agencies produce today, our Division of Archives and Records, also referred to as the State Archives of North Carolina, collects and preserves historical and evidential materials related to North Carolina and Welcome to the Public Records Portal for the City of High Point, North Carolina. The information that Contact. Greensboro, NC 27401 Phone: 336-641-7556. North Carolina public records law provides a broad right of access to records of public agencies. Gen. N. NC Vital Records does not process divorce filings. Find out how to access and obtain court records, conduct background checks, and expunge criminal records in North Carolina. ) North Carolina public records were created starting in 1850 and usually include information from all 100 counties in the state. m. You can use the terminal to search for cases by defendant name, case number, or victim or witness name. The City of Fayetteville must adhere to the North Carolina Public Records Law, found at N. Submit a complaint or concern about policies or practices related to language access services. State Highway Patrol remains committed in providing excellence in public safety while remaining transparent among citizens, other organizations and members of the media. Apr 28, 2025 · Remote Public Access Program. O. 132-6. North Carolina’s public records law provides a broad right of access to records of public agencies. Chapter 132. 217 West Mar 13, 2024 · Search Public Records Resources in North Carolina. To request records regarding criminal and civil cases, police reports and traffic citations, contact the North Carolina Judicial Branch or the Clerk of Court in the county where the citation was issued. NCAOC offers access to criminal and civil court data. Request a Public Record. PHONE: 919-733-2126. Fill out the online form to request public records from the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ). jmlmdtwfcuxpiwasolafvpelfvtsaqznzhgvphdhgueogalohmonckkajyobhtuhrehlvz