Wake County Public Records in Raleigh
Wake County is the most populous county in North Carolina and home to the state capital, Raleigh. Public records are held by several Wake County offices, including the Register of Deeds, Clerk of Superior Court, Tax Administration, and Board of Elections. These departments handle property deeds, court filings, vital documents, tax data, and voter records. With over one million residents, Wake County processes a high volume of public records each year through its offices in downtown Raleigh.
Wake County Property Records
The Wake County Register of Deeds manages all land records for the county. This office records real estate deeds, liens, plats, maps, and other documents tied to property in Wake County. The Register of Deeds is at 300 S. Salisbury St., Suite 1700, in Raleigh. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Wake County launched new land records software to improve public access to property documents. The online search tool lets you look up deeds by grantor, grantee, or book and page. You can view many recorded documents from your home computer. Certified copies still require a visit or mail request.
The Wake County Tax Administration office adds another layer of property data. You can reach this office at 919-856-5400. Tax records show assessed values, land use codes, and payment history for every parcel. With rapid growth across Wake County, the tax rolls expand each year as new homes and buildings are added.
Note: Wake County property tax records are updated after each revaluation cycle, which occurs on a regular schedule set by state law.
Court Records in Wake County
The Wake County Clerk of Superior Court manages all court records for cases filed in the county. This includes criminal case files, civil lawsuits, estate proceedings, and special proceedings. Wake County handles one of the largest caseloads in the state.
You can search court records online through the NC Courts system. The eCourts Portal allows case lookups by name or case number. Civil, criminal, and traffic matters from Wake County and all other North Carolina counties are included.
For copies of full court documents, visit the Wake County courthouse or submit a written request to the clerk office. Staff can explain fees and processing times. Basic case information on the eCourts Portal is free to view.
The Wake County government website is the main portal for accessing county public records and services.
From the Wake County website, you can reach all departments and their public records search tools.
Wake County Vital Records
Vital records in Wake County include birth certificates, death certificates, and marriage licenses. The Register of Deeds issues marriage licenses and files vital documents. You can request certified copies at the office on S. Salisbury St. in Raleigh.
State-level vital records are held by NC Vital Records. Birth records from 1913 forward are on file at the state office. Death records follow a similar timeline. The Wake County Register of Deeds can point you to the right source if the record you need is held at the state level.
Note: Wake County processes a large number of marriage license applications each year due to its population size.
Wake County Elections Records
The Wake County Board of Elections maintains voter registration records and election results. These are public records under North Carolina law. You can look up voter registration data, past election results, and precinct information through the elections office.
Wake County is the largest county in the state by population, so its election records cover a significant portion of North Carolina voters. The elections office in Raleigh handles voter registration, early voting, and election day operations. Records from past elections are kept on file and available for public review.
Public Records Law in Wake County
The NC Public Records Act under Chapter 132 of the General Statutes governs access to government records. It defines a public record as any document made or received by a government agency. Wake County offices must let the public inspect and copy most records they hold.
Certain records are exempt from disclosure. These include sealed court files, medical records, and some law enforcement materials. Fees may apply for certified copies or large requests. Each Wake County department sets its own fee schedule.
You do not need to state a reason to request public records from Wake County. Simply describe the records you want. State law requires a timely response to all requests.
Wake County Register of Deeds Portal
The Wake County Register of Deeds offers one of the most robust online search tools in the state. You can search recorded documents, view images, and check filing details from your computer. The office handles deeds, liens, plats, maps, marriage licenses, notary commissions, and more.
The Register of Deeds online portal lets you search Wake County recorded documents and public records.
For certified copies, you can visit the office in Raleigh or send a request by mail. Staff at the Wake County Register of Deeds are available to help during office hours.
How to Request Wake County Records
You can submit a public records request to any Wake County office in person, by mail, by phone, or online. The county website has contact details for every department. Here are the main types of public records you can search for in Wake County:
- Property deeds, liens, plats, and maps
- Civil, criminal, and estate court case files
- Marriage licenses, birth and death records
- Property tax assessments and payment data
- Voter registration and election records
- Building permits and inspection reports
Simple requests are often filled the same day. More involved searches may take additional time. If a Wake County office denies your request, you can appeal under the North Carolina Public Records Act. The Wake County Sheriff's office can be reached at 919-856-6900 for law enforcement records.