Start with the NC Courts eCourts portal for court records — North Carolina is rolling out a statewide electronic court system. For criminal background checks, use the NC Department of Public Safety. For property, start with the County Tax Administration office, then the County Register of Deeds for documents. North Carolina has 100 counties.
SearchSystems.net has curated official record sources for over 27 years.
North Carolina Counties — Most Searched
Statewide Databases
These databases link to official government portals — no middleman, no fees.
Sex Offender Registry — SBI
DPS — Offender Search
Vital Records — Birth, Death, Marriage, Divorce
Business Search — SOS
How to Search North Carolina Criminal Records
One hundred counties and no free statewide criminal name search — that's the challenge with North Carolina. The eCourts system is being rolled out but isn't complete statewide. Until then, criminal case records require going to the Clerk of Superior Court in the specific county where the case was filed. The SBI (State Bureau of Investigation) at ncsbi.gov offers a $14 name-based background check — that's your fastest statewide option. The DPS offender search at webapps.doc.state.nc.us covers state inmates. The sex offender registry at sexoffender.ncsbi.gov is searchable by name, county, or zip code. For now, the $14 SBI check is the most practical statewide tool.
How to Search North Carolina Court Records
Use the NC eCourts system — Superior Court handles felonies and civil over $25,000. District Court handles misdemeanors, infractions, civil under $25,000, small claims under $10,000, juvenile, and magistrate matters. North Carolina has 100 counties across 50 judicial districts.
How to Search North Carolina Property Records
Start with the County Tax Administration office for property valuations and tax records. Then go to the County Register of Deeds for deeds, mortgages, liens, and recorded documents. Many NC counties have online property search through their GIS/tax portals. Mecklenburg and Wake counties have the best tools.
How to Get North Carolina Vital Records
For birth and death certificates, order from the NC Department of Health and Human Services, Vital Records. For marriage licenses, go to the County Register of Deeds. For divorce records, search eCourts.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I search North Carolina court records? ▼
Use the NC Courts eCourts portal at portal.nccourts.org. It provides statewide access to civil, criminal, and traffic case records across all 100 counties.
Is there a free statewide criminal search? ▼
No free statewide criminal database. The SBI offers background checks for a fee. The eCourts portal shows court case records for free.
What is the Register of Deeds? ▼
The Register of Deeds is the county official who records property deeds, mortgages, liens, marriage licenses, and birth/death certificates. Every NC county has one.
Does North Carolina have a statewide court search? ▼
NC is rolling out the eCourts system statewide for online case access, but it's not yet complete in all 100 counties. Check the NC Judicial Branch website for current availability. Many counties still require in-person or phone requests for criminal case information.
What does the Clerk of Superior Court do in North Carolina? ▼
The Clerk of Superior Court in NC has unique judicial authority — they serve as the probate judge handling estates, guardianships, and foreclosures, in addition to maintaining all court records. This dual role is unusual among states.
BBB A+ Rated