OPEN PUBLIC RECORDS

Because You Need to Know
North Carolina Public Records

Use this page to find court records, arrest records, and other public records in North Carolina. Each section links to the official agency or online tool that holds the records.

⚡ At a Glance

  • State courts: 100 counties across 50 judicial districts
  • Federal courts: 3 U.S. District Courts (Eastern, Middle, Western)
  • Background checks: NC SBI — Criminal Record Check
  • Records law: North Carolina Public Records Law
How to use this page: Pick the type of record you need below. Court records and arrest records each have their own section with links to the agencies that hold them. Official links go to government websites — not third-party services.

Start here: Choose the type of record you need below, then follow the link to the official source.

What You Can Find Here

⚖️ State and federal court case records
🔍 Arrest records and jail bookings by county
📋 Criminal background checks through NC SBI
🏛️ Property, vital, and other public records
What you will need:
  • Full name of the person or business
  • Case number, if you have one
  • Approximate date or location of the record

Court Records

North Carolina has 100 counties across 50 judicial districts. You can search court cases using the NC Courts eCourts system for online case information.

County-level court records include district courts and superior courts. Online case search is available through the eCourts system.

Federal Courts

Federal cases in North Carolina are handled by three U.S. District Courts:

  • Eastern District — Raleigh, Greenville, Wilmington, Elizabeth City, New Bern
  • Middle District — Greensboro, Durham, Winston-Salem
  • Western District — Charlotte, Asheville, Statesville, Bryson City

Federal court records are available through the PACER system. Some records can be viewed at no cost at federal courthouse public terminals.

⚖️ North Carolina Courts — Find Court Information 🏛️ North Carolina Judicial Branch Website

Use the official link above to access records or contact the office directly.

Arrest Records

Arrest records in North Carolina are created and held by the arresting agency. Contact the agency directly for copies.

For statewide criminal history, the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) maintains criminal records.

🔍 NC SBI — Criminal Record Check 📋 North Carolina SBI Website

Use the official link above to access records or contact the office directly.

Other Public Records

North Carolina operates under the North Carolina Public Records Law (GS §132-1). Any person can request government records. Agencies must respond promptly.

How to file a request: Write to the government body that holds the records. Include your name, contact information, and a clear description of what records you want. Requests can be sent by mail, email, fax, or hand-delivered. No special form is required.

How Records Work in North Carolina

Court records are maintained by the North Carolina Judicial Branch across 50 judicial districts. Criminal history is centralized through the NC SBI. Arrest records stay with the arresting agency unless submitted to the state system.

Many records are available online for free. Certified copies, background checks, and some older records may require a fee or in-person visit.

Counties in North Carolina

North Carolina has 100 counties. Select one below to find local court, arrest, and public records.

Frequently Asked Questions

Based on publicly available information from North Carolina state agencies and federal courts.

How do I search court records in North Carolina for free?
Visit the NC Courts website for court information and the eCourts system for online case search.
Are arrest records public in North Carolina?
Yes. Arrest records are public under the North Carolina Public Records Law. Contact the arresting agency directly — city police, county sheriff, or state agency — to request a copy.
How do I run a background check in North Carolina?
The NC SBI provides criminal record checks. Visit ncsbi.gov for details.
What is the North Carolina Public Records Law?
It is the state law that gives the public the right to access government records. Agencies must respond promptly to requests.
How many court systems does North Carolina have?
North Carolina has a unified court system with 50 judicial districts: district courts, superior courts, the Court of Appeals, and the North Carolina Supreme Court.
What this page does not show: Not all records are available online. Some require a written request, an in-person visit, or a fee. Court records and arrest data may be incomplete, delayed, or not yet entered into online systems.

This page is a guide to help you find official records — it is not the official database. All information comes from government sources. Verify details directly with the agency that holds the records.

Last updated: April 15, 2026