State Public Records Guide
Public Records in North Carolina
Your comprehensive guide to accessing public records in North Carolina under the North Carolina Public Records Law (est. 1935).
Overview of Public Records in North Carolina
North Carolina's Public Records Law is one of the broadest in the southeastern United States, declaring that the public records and public information compiled by state and local government agencies are the property of the people. The law provides liberal access to government records and has been interpreted expansively by North Carolina courts. The state has invested significantly in making records available online, with many counties offering comprehensive digital access to property, court, and business records.
Quick Reference: Requesting Records in North Carolina
Response Time
Agencies must respond 'as promptly as possible.' While there is no specific day count mandated by statute, courts have held that unreasonable delays violate the Public Records Act.
Fees and Costs
Agencies may charge fees based on actual cost of copying and any special services required. Standard per-page fees are typically $0.05 to $0.25. Inspection of records in person is always free.
How to Submit a Request
Requests may be made orally or in writing. No specific form is required. Requesters do not need to identify themselves or explain why they want the records under North Carolina law.
Appeal Process
Requesters may file suit in superior court to compel disclosure. The court can issue injunctions and award attorney fees. The attorney general also provides advisory guidance on records disputes.
Types of Public Records Available in North Carolina
Property Records
Property records in North Carolina include deeds, mortgages, liens, plat maps, and property tax assessments. These records document real estate ownership, transfers, and encumbrances. They are typically maintained at the county level and are valuable for researching property history, verifying ownership, and conducting due diligence before purchasing real estate.
How property records work →Voter Registration
Voter registration records in North Carolina contain information about registered voters including names, addresses, party affiliation, and voting history. The availability of voter data varies based on North Carolina election law and may be subject to restrictions on permitted uses and commercial distribution.
Understanding voter records →Court Records
North Carolina court records encompass civil litigation, criminal cases, family law matters, probate proceedings, and small claims cases. These records are maintained by the state judiciary and are generally open to the public, with exceptions for sealed cases, juvenile proceedings, and certain family matters.
Guide to court records →Business Filings
Business filings in North Carolina include articles of incorporation, annual reports, trade name registrations, and UCC filings. These records are maintained by the Secretary of State and provide information about business entities operating in the state, including their registered agents, officers, and current standing.
Searching business records →Vital Records
North Carolina vital records include birth certificates, death certificates, marriage licenses, and divorce decrees. These documents are maintained by the state's vital records office and are essential for establishing identity, proving familial relationships, and handling legal matters such as estate settlements.
Vital records overview →Campaign Finance
Campaign finance records in North Carolina document political contributions, expenditures, and donor information for state and local elections. These records are maintained by the state's election commission or ethics board and are valuable for tracking political spending and identifying donor patterns.
Campaign finance explained →How to Access North Carolina Public Records
To request public records in North Carolina, submit a request to the custodian of records at the relevant agency. While written requests are recommended, they are not legally required. There is no specific statutory deadline for response, but agencies must respond as promptly as possible. North Carolina counties maintain property records through register of deeds offices, and the NC Courts provide online case searches through their eCourts system. The Secretary of State offers online business entity searches.
Online Access
North Carolina eCourts provides statewide court record access. The Secretary of State offers online business entity and UCC filing searches. Most counties maintain online GIS and property record portals.
Key Exemptions and Restrictions in North Carolina
While the North Carolina Public Records Law establishes a strong presumption that government records are open to public inspection, certain categories of information are exempt from disclosure. Understanding these exemptions is important when submitting records requests in North Carolina.
- Criminal investigation records before charges are officially filed
- Trade secrets and proprietary commercial information
- Attorney-client privileged communications involving government
- Personnel records of state employees with significant exceptions for basic employment data
- Tax return information of individuals
- Records relating to the location of combative or fighting animals
If you believe records have been improperly withheld, North Carolina provides avenues for appeal. Contact the relevant oversight body or consult our guide to filing public records requests for tips on handling denials.
Key Laws and Regulations
North Carolina Public Records Law
Enacted: 1935
North Carolina's Public Records Law is codified in North Carolina General Statutes Chapter 132. The law declares that the public records and public information compiled by agencies of state and local government are the property of the people. North Carolina courts have held that the law should be liberally construed to provide the largest possible access. The law does not set a specific response deadline, relying instead on a reasonableness standard.
Key Features of North Carolina's Records Law:
- North Carolina declares that public records are the property of the people
- The law is one of the broadest in scope among southeastern states
- North Carolina does not have a specific statutory response deadline, relying on reasonableness
North Carolina Public Records Facts
North Carolina has 100 counties maintaining local government records
The state has approximately 7.4 million registered voters
North Carolina Secretary of State maintains records for over 800,000 business entities
Mecklenburg County (Charlotte) processes hundreds of thousands of recorded documents per year
Search North Carolina Public Records
Use OpenDataUSA to find publicly available records across North Carolina. Enter a name below to search public records in NC.
Frequently Asked Questions About North Carolina Public Records
Does North Carolina have a deadline for records requests?
How do I access North Carolina court records?
Are North Carolina property records online?
How do I obtain a North Carolina birth certificate?
Related Articles
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How to search federal and state court records online, including PACER and state databases.
Property Records Explained
Research real estate ownership, deeds, tax assessments, and transaction history.
Voter Registration Lookup
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FOIA Request Guide
Step-by-step instructions for filing public records requests with government agencies.
Background Check Guide
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FCRA Compliance Guide
What the Fair Credit Reporting Act covers and how it affects people search sites.
How Public Records Work
An overview of what information is publicly available and how government records are maintained.
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Additional Resources
Disclaimer: The information on this page is provided for educational purposes and reflects publicly available information about the North Carolina Public Records Law. Laws and procedures change over time. For the most current requirements, contact the relevant oversight agency in North Carolina or consult a legal professional. OpenDataUSA is not a consumer reporting agency as defined by the FCRA. Do not use information obtained from this site for employment, tenant screening, or credit decisions.