New Hanover County Public Records

New Hanover County public records are managed by government offices in Wilmington, the county seat. This coastal county in southeastern North Carolina serves the Wilmington metro area and is one of the smallest counties by land area but one of the most populated. The Register of Deeds, Clerk of Superior Court, Tax Office, and other departments hold distinct sets of public records. Property deeds, court filings, vital records, and tax data are all part of the New Hanover County public record. State law ensures that these records are open to the public for inspection and copying.

New Hanover County Property Records

The New Hanover County Register of Deeds records all property documents for the county. Deeds, deeds of trust, plat maps, liens, and other instruments are filed here. Wilmington's busy real estate market keeps this office active with recordings every business day. Each recorded document becomes part of the permanent public record.

Property records in New Hanover County track ownership of everything from downtown Wilmington condos to beachfront homes on Wrightsville Beach and Carolina Beach. When property sells, the new deed must be recorded at the Register of Deeds. Title companies rely on New Hanover County property records to confirm ownership and check for liens before closing.

The New Hanover County website provides access to the Register of Deeds and other county departments. You may be able to search some records online. For certified copies, contact or visit the office in Wilmington. Staff can assist with finding recorded documents by owner name or document reference.

Note: New Hanover County property records include plat maps for coastal developments, subdivisions, and beach communities along the shoreline.

Court Records in New Hanover County

The New Hanover County Clerk of Superior Court maintains all court records at the courthouse in Wilmington. Civil and criminal case files are stored here and are available for public inspection. The clerk handles a large volume of cases due to the county's population.

New Hanover County court records include all documents filed in each case. Criminal records show charges, court dates, and results. Civil records document lawsuits, foreclosures, estate matters, and contract disputes. Special proceedings such as name changes and adoptions also create court records. All are public under N.C.G.S. Chapter 132, with limited exceptions.

The NC Courts website provides online access to case data for New Hanover County. Search by name or case number for free basic information. For certified copies of court documents, contact the clerk's office in Wilmington.

Note: New Hanover County processes a high volume of court cases each year, so allow extra time for complex record requests.

New Hanover County Vital Records

Birth and death certificates for events in New Hanover County are issued by the state. The North Carolina Vital Records office processes all requests. You can order online, by mail, or in person at the Raleigh office.

Marriage licenses are local records. The New Hanover County Register of Deeds issues licenses and records them after the ceremony. These marriage records are public and searchable at the office in Wilmington. Many couples choose New Hanover County for beach weddings, making it one of the more active offices for marriage licenses in the state.

Divorce records are court documents filed with the Clerk of Superior Court. Access them the same way you access other New Hanover County court records.

Requesting New Hanover County Records

Start by picking the right office. Property records are at the Register of Deeds. Court records are at the clerk's office. Tax data is at the Tax Office. Each New Hanover County department manages its own records and has its own process.

You can request records in person, by phone, or by mail. Give specific details like names, dates, and parcel or case numbers. This helps Wilmington office staff find what you need quickly. Simple requests are often filled the same day. Larger or more complex searches may take additional time.

• Select the right New Hanover County office
• Provide clear identifying details
• Ask about fees before ordering copies
• Check if online access is available first
• Plan for possible wait times at busy offices

Copy fees vary across New Hanover County departments. Certified copies are more than plain copies. Many offices in Wilmington accept cash, checks, and cards. Check with the specific office for current fees and payment options.

New Hanover County Tax Records

The New Hanover County Tax Office keeps records of property assessments and tax payments for all parcels. These public records show the owner, assessed value, tax rate, and payment history. Coastal property values in the Wilmington area can be significant, and tax records reflect these assessments.

The county conducts regular revaluations to keep assessed values in line with the market. Between revaluations, new construction and improvements are added to the tax rolls. New Hanover County tax records are useful for buyers, sellers, and anyone researching property values in the Wilmington area. Some tax data may be accessible online through the county website.

Online Access to New Hanover County Records

New Hanover County offers online access to many public records through its website. Property records, tax data, and GIS maps may be searchable from your computer. Court records are available through the NC eCourts system. The NC.gov portal connects to state databases for vital records and other services.

For records not yet online, contact the office in Wilmington. Historical government records from New Hanover County may be found at the North Carolina State Archives in Raleigh. The archives hold older records from all North Carolina counties. Researchers and genealogists use these resources for historical New Hanover County public records.

Nearby Counties

These counties are near New Hanover County. Records are filed in the county where the event took place.