Wake County Public Records

What Is Public Records in The Wake County?

Public records in Wake County refer to documents, files, recordings, and other materials created or maintained by government agencies that are accessible to the public. These records include property documents, court records, vital statistics, tax information, and various administrative documents. Under North Carolina law, these records are generally available for public inspection unless specifically exempted by statute.

Wake County maintains an extensive collection of public records through various departments and offices. The county is committed to transparency and provides multiple avenues for citizens to access these records.

Wake County Government - Public Records Division 301 S. McDowell Street, Raleigh, NC 27601

Is Wake County an Open Records County?

Yes, Wake County is an open records county. North Carolina's Public Records Law (N.C.G.S. § 132-1) establishes that records made or received in the transaction of public business are the property of the people. This law applies to all government agencies in Wake County, making most government records available to the public.

Wake County follows these open records principles and has established procedures to facilitate public access to government information. The county maintains a dedicated public records request system to help citizens obtain the information they need.

North Carolina Department of Justice - Open Government Unit 114 W. Edenton Street, Raleigh, NC 27603

How Do I Find Public Records in Wake County in 2025

In 2025, Wake County offers multiple methods to access public records:

1. Online Portal: The county's website provides a comprehensive public records request portal where you can submit requests electronically.

2. Department-Specific Requests: Contact the specific department that maintains the records you seek.

3. Register of Deeds: For property records, marriage licenses, and birth/death certificates, visit the Register of Deeds office or their online portal.

4. Court Records: Access court records through the North Carolina Judicial Branch website or visit the Wake County Courthouse.

5. Tax Records: Property tax information is available through the Wake County Revenue Department.

Wake County Register of Deeds 300 S. Salisbury Street, Suite 1700, Raleigh, NC 27601

Wake County Courthouse 316 Fayetteville Street, Raleigh, NC 27601

How Much Does It Cost To Get Public Records In Wake County?

The cost of obtaining public records in Wake County varies depending on the type of record and the format requested:

• Electronic copies: Often provided at no cost if readily available
• Paper copies: Typically $0.10-$0.25 per page
• Certified copies: Additional fees apply (usually $5-$10 per document)
• Research fees: May apply for requests requiring extensive staff time (typically after the first 30 minutes)
• Specialized records: Some records like detailed maps or large-format documents have specific fees

The county is required to charge only the actual cost of reproduction and cannot include costs for staff time spent on routine requests.

Wake County Revenue Department 301 S. McDowell Street, Suite 3800, Raleigh, NC 27601

Does Wake County Have Free Public Records?

Yes, Wake County does provide access to many public records for free:

• Online access to property records, tax information, and many court records is available at no cost
• In-person inspection of public records is free of charge
• Many digital records can be emailed at no cost
• The county's GIS mapping system is freely accessible online
• Meeting minutes, agendas, and many administrative documents are available on the county website

While inspection is free, reproduction costs may apply as outlined in the previous section.

Wake County GIS Mapping Division 337 S. Salisbury Street, Raleigh, NC 27601

Who Can Request Public Records In Wake County?

In Wake County, public records are available to:

• Any citizen of North Carolina
• Non-residents of North Carolina
• Media organizations
• Businesses and corporations
• Nonprofit organizations
• Government agencies
• Legal representatives

North Carolina law does not restrict access based on citizenship or residency status. The requester's purpose or motivation for seeking records is generally not relevant to their right to access. However, certain specialized records may have specific eligibility requirements based on state law.

North Carolina State Archives 109 E. Jones Street, Raleigh, NC 27601

What Records Are Confidential In Wake County?

While Wake County maintains an open records policy, certain records are confidential by law:

• Personnel records (with limited exceptions)
• Ongoing criminal investigation records
• Juvenile records
• Certain medical and mental health records
• Social security numbers and other personal identifiers
• Trade secrets and confidential business information
• Attorney-client privileged communications
• Records protected by federal law (HIPAA, FERPA, etc.)
• Certain emergency response plans and security information
• Adoption records

These exemptions are defined by North Carolina General Statutes and various federal laws. The county must provide a specific legal basis when denying access to records based on confidentiality.

Wake County Human Services 220 Swinburne Street, Raleigh, NC 27610

Lookup Public Records in Wake County

For comprehensive information about public records in Wake County, please visit these official resources:

• Public Records Information | Wake County Government - Overview of public records in Wake County, including types of available records and legal framework.

• Public Records Requests | Wake County Government - Details on requesting public records, online options, and departmental contact information.

• Court Records | North Carolina Judicial Branch - Information on obtaining court records, background checks, and expunctions in North Carolina.

• Register of Deeds | Wake County Government - Services provided by the Wake County Register of Deeds, including real estate records, marriage licenses, and vital records.