Buncombe Public Records Guide
Buncombe County serves the Asheville metropolitan area in western North Carolina. The county has maintained public records since 1791 and holds a large volume of property deeds, court filings, vital records, and tax documents. As the largest county in the region, Buncombe County handles a high demand for record searches and copies. The Register of Deeds, Clerk of Superior Court, and Tax Administration offices are the main points of access. This page covers the key types of Buncombe County public records and how to find them.
Buncombe County Property Records
The Buncombe County Register of Deeds is the official filing point for all property transactions. Deeds, mortgages, liens, plats, and maps are recorded here. Property records in Buncombe County date back to 1791. The Asheville area's strong real estate market means the office processes a large number of filings each year.
Tax records for Buncombe County are held by the Tax Administration office. You can search by owner name, address, or parcel ID. Records show assessed value, land use class, tax rate, and payment history. All property tax data is public and open for review at no cost. Online search tools may be available on the county website.
Buncombe Court Records Access
The Buncombe County Clerk of Superior Court manages all court records. Criminal cases, civil lawsuits, estate matters, and special proceedings are stored at the courthouse in Asheville. You can search case data through the NC eCourts Portal, which covers every county in North Carolina.
Criminal records show charges, case outcomes, and sentencing. Civil records track lawsuits, judgments, and claims. Estate files include wills, probate filings, and guardianship records. The NC Courts help page explains how to request copies and what fees apply.
Note: Buncombe County's large population means its court system handles a high volume of cases each year.
Vital Records in Buncombe
The Buncombe County Register of Deeds issues marriage licenses and files death certificates. Marriage records go back to 1791. Birth records from 1913 forward are held at the state level by NC Vital Records. You can request certified copies at the county office in Asheville.
Fees apply for certified copies. Valid ID is required. Staff at the Register of Deeds can help you locate records and complete the request process. For older vital records not on file at the county, check with the NC State Archives.
Buncombe County Records Website
The Buncombe County government website is the central online portal for county services and public records.
From this site you can find links to the Register of Deeds, Clerk of Court, Tax Administration, and other departments that hold Buncombe County public records.
Buncombe Public Records Under NC Law
The NC Public Records Act ensures broad access to government documents in Buncombe County. Under Chapter 132, most records made or received by a public office are open for inspection. This includes emails, contracts, meeting minutes, and filed documents. Some records are exempt, including sealed court files and protected personal information.
You can submit a request to any Buncombe County office. No special form is needed. Requests can be made in person, by mail, or by phone. Written requests are best for clarity. The office must respond in a reasonable time. If a request is denied, Legal Aid of North Carolina provides free assistance.
Historical Buncombe County Records
Buncombe County's records since 1791 offer a deep view of western North Carolina's history. Early land grants, court minutes, tax rolls, and estate inventories are among the oldest documents. The NC State Archives holds many of these historical records in both physical and digital form.
Genealogists and historians value Buncombe County records for tracing family lines and settlement patterns in the mountains. Marriage bonds, wills, and deeds from the late 1700s and early 1800s reveal connections among early settlers in the Asheville area. The county has experienced growth and boundary changes, but its core records remain intact.
Buncombe County also serves as a regional hub for public services. Community Engagement Markets and other outreach programs help connect residents with county resources, including public records offices. These programs make it easier for people to learn about and access the records they need.
Note: Buncombe County's central role in western North Carolina means its records often overlap with those of surrounding mountain counties.
State Resources for Buncombe
State agencies complement the records maintained by Buncombe County. The NC SBI runs a statewide criminal records system. The NC Secretary of State holds business filings. Together with local records, these state sources give you full coverage of public records in the Buncombe County area.
- Criminal history data from the NC SBI
- Business and corporate filings at the Secretary of State
- Historical government documents at the NC State Archives
- Statewide vital records through the NC Vital Records office
- Court case lookups via the eCourts Portal
Each agency has its own website, hours, and fee schedule. Check before you visit or submit a request to save time.
Buncombe County Records at the Register of Deeds
The Register of Deeds in Buncombe County files a wide range of documents. Land deeds and plats are the most common. The office also records maps, liens, and powers of attorney. Notary oaths are kept here. Marriage licenses are issued at this office as well. Staff in Asheville can help with any search or filing request.
Fees for copies follow state rules. Plain copies cost a small amount per page. Certified copies cost more. You can pay with cash or check at the office. The high volume of real estate filings in the Asheville area means the office stays busy. Call ahead to check wait times. Early morning visits tend to be the fastest.
For court file copies, visit the Clerk of Superior Court. Use the NC eCourts Portal to find your case number first. Then ask the clerk for the copies you need. Fees are posted on the NC Courts website. Most requests are ready the same day.