Wake County Clerk Of Court Records serve as the official repository for all civil, criminal, family, probate, and land-related legal documents in North Carolina’s largest county. Located at 300 South Salisbury Street in Raleigh, this office maintains over 250,000 active case files and provides public access through physical counters, phone lines, and the state’s NC Courts e-Access portal. Whether you need a certified copy of a judgment, a marriage license, or a criminal background check, the Clerk’s Office handles these requests during standard business hours—Monday through Friday, 8 am to 5 pm. The Justice Center’s second-floor public records desk (919-792-4005) processes inquiries by phone or online form, while the first-floor Criminal Court Background Investigation unit issues state-certified arrest records for $15 per name searched. All services follow strict data privacy rules and North Carolina public records laws.
How to Request Wake County Clerk Of Court Records
Residents can obtain court records in three ways: in person, by phone, or online. For in-person requests, visit the Justice Center at 300 South Salisbury Street, Raleigh, NC 27601. The clerk’s counter on the second floor opens at 8 am and closes at 5 pm, Monday through Friday. Bring a valid photo ID and know the case number, party name, or filing date to speed up your request. Phone inquiries go to (919) 792-4000 for general questions or (919) 792-4005 for specific record searches. For online access, use the NC Courts e-Access portal at https://www.nccourts.gov/services/online-services/e-access. This system lets users search civil, criminal, and family cases by name, docket number, or date. Certified copies cost extra and require payment before delivery. Mail requests should be sent to P.O. Box 351, Raleigh, NC 27602, with a self-addressed stamped envelope and payment via check or money order.
Types of Records Available from the Wake County Clerk of Court
The Clerk’s Office manages five main categories of legal documents. Civil records include lawsuits, contract disputes, and small claims filed in Superior or District Court. Criminal records cover felony and misdemeanor cases, arrest logs, and disposition reports issued by the Criminal Court Background Investigation unit. Family law records contain divorce decrees, child custody orders, adoptions, and protective orders. Probate records include wills, estate settlements, guardianship filings, and mental health commitments. Land and property records feature deeds, mortgages, liens, and title transfers recorded since 1771. Each file type has different access rules—some are fully public, while others require proof of relationship or court permission. All digitized records appear in the NC Courts e-Access system, but older paper files may need in-person review.
Fees and Payment Methods for Court Records
Wake County charges set fees for most record services. A standard document search costs $15 per name or case. Certified copies of judgments, marriage licenses, or arrest records also cost $15 each. Marriage license applications run $60, payable by cash, check, or money order. Credit cards are not accepted at the counter. Payment must accompany mail-in requests. Some services, like basic docket lookups on e-Access, are free. Fee waivers are available for low-income individuals with a court order. All payments go to the Clerk of Superior Court, not third-party sites. Receipts are provided for every transaction, and refunds are not issued for completed searches, even if no records are found.
Online Access: NC Courts e-Access Portal
The NC Courts e-Access portal is the fastest way to view most Wake County Clerk Of Court Records. Users create a free account at https://www.nccourts.gov/services/online-services/e-access and search by party name, case number, or filing date. The system displays civil, criminal, family, and probate cases from 1985 onward. Results show docket entries, hearing dates, and final judgments. Users can download PDFs of public documents but must pay for certified copies. The portal does not include sealed cases, juvenile records, or certain protective orders. It also excludes land records, which are managed separately by the Register of Deeds. For technical help, call (919) 890-2600 or email nccourts.help@nccourts.gov.
In-Person Services at the Justice Center
The Wake County Justice Center at 300 South Salisbury Street houses multiple record services under one roof. The second-floor clerk’s counter handles civil filings, judgment requests, and jury duty questions. The first-floor Criminal Court Background Investigation (CCBI) unit processes arrest record checks from 8 am to 4 pm. Bring two forms of ID, including one government-issued photo ID. Walk-in wait times vary—mornings are usually less busy. The building follows current health guidelines; masks are recommended but not required as of 2024. Security screening is mandatory at the entrance. Parking is available in nearby city lots, with the first hour free at the Salisbury Street deck. Staff cannot give legal advice but can explain how to read a docket or fill out a request form.
Marriage Licenses and Vital Records
Couples applying for a marriage license must appear together at the Clerk’s Office during business hours. Both parties need valid photo IDs and Social Security numbers. The license costs $60 and is valid for 60 days. No blood test is required in North Carolina. Same-sex marriages are legally recognized. The license becomes a public record once issued and can be searched online. Certified copies of marriage licenses cost $15. Birth and death certificates are not handled by the Clerk—these are managed by the NC Department of Health and Human Services. However, divorce decrees and annulments are available through the Clerk’s Office and serve as legal proof of marital status change.
Land Deeds and Property Records
While the Register of Deeds maintains original land records, the Clerk of Court holds related legal documents like court-ordered property transfers, liens from civil judgments, and foreclosure filings. These appear in the e-Access portal under civil case types. For example, a judgment lien against a property owner will show up in a civil case search. To get a full property history, users must check both the Register of Deeds website and the Clerk’s e-Access system. The Clerk does not record new deeds—only those transferred by court order. Certified copies of judgment liens cost $15 and include the case number, parties involved, and recording date.
Criminal Background Checks and Arrest Records
The Criminal Court Background Investigation (CCBI) unit provides state-certified arrest records for employment, housing, or personal use. Each report lists arrest date, arresting agency, case number, charges filed, and final disposition. Reports cost $15 per name and are only available in person at the Justice Center from 8 am to 4 pm. You must present a valid ID and complete a request form. Results are typically ready the same day. CCBI does not provide FBI background checks—those require a separate submission to the NC State Bureau of Investigation. Expungement records are not public and require a court order to access.
Jury Duty and Court Scheduling
Wake County residents summoned for jury duty register online at https://www.nccourts.gov/services/jury-service. The system confirms eligibility, schedules service dates, and allows postponements for valid reasons like medical issues or military duty. Jurors report to the Justice Center at 300 South Salisbury Street. Check-in begins at 7:30 am. Compensation is $12 per day for the first three days, then $20 per day. Employers must allow time off for jury service under state law. The Clerk’s Office manages the jury pool and sends notifications via mail. Failure to appear may result in a fine or contempt charge.
Contact Information and Office Hours
The main phone line for the Wake County Clerk of Court is (919) 792-4000. For record-specific questions, call (919) 792-4005. The Criminal Court Background Investigation unit can be reached at (919) 792-4300. All offices operate Monday through Friday, 8 am to 5 pm, except on federal holidays. Mail should be sent to P.O. Box 351, Raleigh, NC 27602. Email inquiries are not accepted for record requests due to security policies. For ADA accommodations, call (919) 792-4133 or use the TTY line at (919) 792-4000. The office does not offer weekend or evening hours.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Requesting Records
Many people delay their requests by forgetting key details. Always bring a photo ID and know the exact spelling of names or case numbers. Don’t assume all records are online—pre-1985 files may only exist on paper. Avoid third-party websites that charge extra fees; use only official NC Courts or Wake County portals. Never send cash through the mail. If requesting a certified copy, specify the purpose (e.g., employment, immigration) as some agencies require special wording. Lastly, don’t expect instant results for complex searches—allow 3–5 business days for mailed requests.
Privacy and Legal Restrictions on Court Records
Not all Wake County Clerk Of Court Records are fully public. Juvenile cases, mental health commitments, and certain protective orders are sealed by law. Divorce financial affidavits may be restricted upon request. Employers cannot access sealed records without a court order. The Clerk’s Office redacts sensitive information like Social Security numbers and minor names before releasing documents. Violating privacy rules can lead to legal penalties. Always verify what information is needed before submitting a request—some agencies accept summaries instead of full records.
How Long Are Court Records Kept?
Wake County follows North Carolina’s record retention schedule. Active civil and criminal cases are kept indefinitely. Closed cases older than 10 years are archived and may require a special retrieval request. Probate records are permanent. Land-related court orders are kept forever. Destroyed records include dismissed traffic tickets after 5 years and minor civil cases under $10,000 after 7 years. Digital backups exist for all post-1985 files. Researchers studying historical cases should contact the State Archives for pre-1900 materials.
Appealing a Denied Record Request
If the Clerk denies your record request, you have the right to appeal. First, ask for a written explanation of the denial reason. Most denials involve sealed cases or missing identification. If the issue isn’t resolved, file a complaint with the NC Office of Administrative Hearings. You may also petition the Superior Court for a review. Legal aid organizations like Legal Aid of North Carolina offer free help for low-income residents. Keep copies of all correspondence and receipts. Appeals can take 30–60 days to process.
Frequently Asked Questions About Wake County Clerk Of Court Records
Can I get court records by email? No—all certified copies must be picked up in person or mailed. The Clerk does not send sensitive documents electronically. Are divorce records public? Yes, but financial details may be sealed. The final judgment is public. How fast are background checks? Same-day if done in person before 4 pm. Do I need an appointment? No, but calling ahead helps for complex requests. Can someone else pick up my records? Only with a signed authorization letter and their ID. Is there a fee for searching? Yes, $15 per name or case, even if no records exist. What if I lost my case number? Staff can search by party name and date of birth. Are juvenile records available? No—they are sealed by state law.
Official Resources and Direct Links
Wake County Clerk of Court: https://www.wakegov.com/departments-government/courts NC Courts e-Access Portal: https://www.nccourts.gov/services/online-services/e-access Criminal Record Inquiries: https://www.wakegov.com/departments-government/city-county-bureau-identification-ccbi/criminal-record-inquiries Public Records Requests: https://www.wakegov.com/departments-government/communications-office/public-records-requests Jury Service Registration: https://www.nccourts.gov/services/jury-service Phone: (919) 792-4000 Address: 300 South Salisbury Street, Raleigh, NC 27601 Hours: Monday–Friday, 8 am–5 pm
Map to Wake County Justice Center
FAQ Section
Many people wonder how to get started with record requests. The process is straightforward if you know where to look and what to bring. Below are detailed answers to the most common questions about accessing Wake County Clerk Of Court Records.
How do I get a certified copy of a court judgment?
To obtain a certified copy of a court judgment, visit the Clerk’s Office at 300 South Salisbury Street during business hours. Bring a valid photo ID and the case number or full names of the parties involved. Certified copies cost $15 each and are stamped with the official court seal. They are typically ready the same day if the record is digitized. For older cases, allow 1–2 business days for retrieval from archives. You can also mail a request to P.O. Box 351, Raleigh, NC 27602, with a check for $15 and a self-addressed stamped envelope. Include the case number, parties’ names, and your contact information. Certified copies are often required for immigration, employment, or real estate transactions.
Can I search court records online for free?
Yes, basic court records are free to view on the NC Courts e-Access portal. This includes civil, criminal, family, and probate cases from 1985 to present. You can search by name, case number, or date. The system shows docket entries, hearing schedules, and final rulings. However, downloading full documents or getting certified copies requires payment. Land records are not included—use the Register of Deeds site for property searches. The e-Access portal is updated daily and accessible 24/7. No registration is needed for public searches, but creating an account saves your queries.
What documents do I need for a criminal background check?
For a criminal background check in Wake County, you must visit the Criminal Court Background Investigation unit in person at the Justice Center. Bring two forms of ID, including one government-issued photo ID like a driver’s license or passport. You’ll also need to complete a request form with your full legal name, date of birth, and reason for the check. The fee is $15 per name, payable by cash, check, or money order. Results include arrest date, charges, case number, and disposition. Reports are usually ready within one hour. This service is only for Wake County records—statewide or federal checks require a separate process.
Are marriage licenses public records?
Yes, marriage licenses issued in Wake County are public records once filed with the Clerk of Court. Anyone can request a copy by visiting the office or using the e-Access portal. The license shows the names of both parties, date of issuance, and officiant. Certified copies cost $15 and are often needed for name changes, insurance, or travel. To apply for a new license, both parties must appear together with valid IDs and pay $60. The license is valid for 60 days. Divorce decrees are also public and serve as proof of marital status change.
How long does it take to receive records by mail?
Mail requests for Wake County Clerk Of Court Records typically take 5–7 business days to process. Send your request to P.O. Box 351, Raleigh, NC 27602, with a check or money order for the required fee, a self-addressed stamped envelope, and clear details like case number or party names. Include your phone number in case staff need to clarify details. Rush processing is not available. For urgent needs, visit in person or use the e-Access portal for instant viewing. Certified copies mailed from the office take 2–3 additional days via USPS.
Can I access someone else’s court records?
You can access most adult court records in Wake County because they are public by law. However, you must provide accurate identifying information like full name, case number, or date of birth. Sealed cases, such as juvenile records or certain protective orders, are not accessible without a court order. If you’re requesting records on behalf of someone else, bring a signed authorization letter and your ID. Employers, landlords, and background check companies often request records for verification purposes. Always respect privacy—misusing court information can lead to legal consequences.
What if my record request is denied?
If your request for Wake County Clerk Of Court Records is denied, ask for a written explanation. Common reasons include sealed cases, missing ID, or incomplete information. You can appeal by contacting the NC Office of Administrative Hearings or filing a petition in Superior Court. Legal aid groups offer free assistance for low-income individuals. Keep all receipts and correspondence. Most denials are resolved by providing additional documentation or correcting errors. If the record is truly restricted, explore alternative options like summary reports or redacted versions.