North Carolina Public Records Search

Who Do You Contact For Public Records In North Carolina?

In North Carolina, the public can access various public records by contacting the appropriate custodian of the records. For example, vital records such as birth, death, marriage, and divorce records can be obtained from the North Carolina Vital Records Office. Criminal records can be obtained from the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation. Court records can be obtained from the Clerk of Court in the county where the case was filed. Property records can be obtained from the Register of Deeds in the county where the property is located. Additionally, many government agencies have online portals where the public can access certain public records. The North Carolina Department of Public Safety, for example, has an online portal where the public can search for and obtain criminal records. It is important to note that some records may be restricted by law and may not be accessible to the public. Furthermore, certain fees and requirements may apply when requesting public records.

What Records Are Public In North Carolina?

In North Carolina, most government records are considered public unless they fall under certain exemptions. The North Carolina Public Records Law, found in North Carolina General Statutes Chapter 132, provides access to public records in the state. Citizens may request inspection or copies of any public record, regardless of format or medium, unless its access is restricted by law. Some of the public records available in North Carolina include criminal records, vital records such as birth and death certificates, court records, property records, and government contracts. However, there are certain exemptions to accessing these records, such as those containing sensitive personal information or trade secrets. Generally, any record may be redacted to protect sensitive information before it is made available to the public. North Carolina also has a law that requires public bodies to hold open meetings, known as the Open Meetings Law. This law includes all boards, commissions, and other government bodies that make decisions on behalf of the public. The meetings must be open to the public and announcements about the meetings must be posted in advance. Access to public records in North Carolina is overseen by the North Carolina Department of Cultural Resources, which maintains a public records database called the State Archives of North Carolina. Requests for public records may be submitted to the government agency that holds the record, such as the county clerk's office or the state agency responsible for a particular record. In summary, North Carolina provides access to most government records through the Public Records Law (Chapter 132) and the Open Meetings Law. Citizens may request access to a wide range of records but there are exemptions, and sensitive information can be redacted. Request can be submitted to the appropriate government agency.

How Do I Make A Change To Public Records In North Carolina?

In North Carolina, making changes to public records requires following a specific process. If you want to request changes to a public record, the first step is to contact the appropriate agency or entity that created the record. You will need to provide them with your reason for requesting the change and any supporting documentation. In some cases, the agency or entity may require you to fill out a specific form or provide additional information to support your request. After receiving your request, they will review the information and make a determination on whether to grant the change or not. If the agency or entity denies your request, you may have the option to appeal the decision. The appeal process will vary depending on the entity or agency, and you should consult with them to learn more about the specific process for filing an appeal. In addition, North Carolina has specific laws governing the confidentiality of certain records, such as medical records, educational records, and law enforcement records. If you wish to make changes to one of these types of records, you may need to follow a separate process or provide additional documentation to support your request. It's important to note that certain types of public records, such as court records and vital records, may require a court order to make changes. If you need to make changes to these records, you should consult with an experienced attorney to determine the right course of action. Overall, making changes to public records in North Carolina requires following specific procedures and working with the appropriate agency or entity. By providing clear and concise documentation to support your request, you can increase your chances of success.

North Carolina State Resources

• Governor Roy Cooper
• Secretary of State
• State Agencies
• State Personnel Directory
• Association of Counties
• Department of Social Services
• Department of Justice
• Department of Rehabilitation
• Legislative Banch
• Judicial Branch
• Census
• DMV

North Carolina State Charities