About Alamance County
Alamance County is located in the north-central Piedmont region of North Carolina, covering approximately 435 square miles. Alamance County Seat is Graham, named after William Alexander Graham, a former governor of North Carolina and U.S. Senator. As of recent census estimates, Alamance County has a population of approximately 170,000 residents.
- Alamance County Register of Deeds office, located at 124 W.
Established in 1849 from portions of Orange and Guilford counties, Alamance County holds a significant place in North Carolina history as the site of the Battle of Alamance in 1771, a pre-Revolutionary War conflict between colonial militiamen and the Regulator movement. Alamance County is home to Elon University, a private institution that significantly contributes to the local economy and culture. Major municipalities include Burlington, the largest city in Alamance County, as well as Graham, Mebane, Gibsonville, and Elon.
Elm Street in Graham, maintains property records, land deeds, and vital statistics. Alamance County Tax Assessor's office handles property tax assessments and is part of the Tax Administration Department at the same Elm Street complex. Alamance County Clerk functions are handled through the Clerk of Superior Court office at Alamance County Courthouse, 109 S.
Maple Street, Graham. Alamance County's economy historically centered on textiles and manufacturing, though it has diversified in recent decades. Interstate 40 and Interstate 85 intersect near Burlington, making Alamance County a transportation hub between the Research Triangle and the Piedmont Triad regions.
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement
Sheriff & Law Enforcement
Alamance County Sheriff's Office is responsible for law enforcement in the unincorporated areas of Alamance County. It operates under the leadership of the elected Sheriff, who oversees various divisions including patrol, investigations, and community services. Notable programs include community outreach initiatives and crime prevention efforts tailored to the needs of Alamance County residents.
Police Departments
In addition to Alamance County Sheriff's Office, several municipal police departments operate within Alamance County. These include the Burlington Police Department, Graham Police Department, and Mebane Police Department, among others. Each department serves its respective city, handling local law enforcement duties and coordinating with the Sheriff's Office on major crimes. The collaboration between these agencies ensures full coverage and effective response to criminal activities across Alamance County.
Law Enforcement & Arrests
Alamance County Sheriff's Office, headquartered at 109 S. Maple Street in Graham, NC 27253, is the primary law enforcement agency for unincorporated areas of Alamance County. The agency operates Alamance County Detention Center, located at the same address, which houses pre-trial detainees and sentenced inmates. Inmate searches can be conducted online through the Sheriff's Office website, which provides current custody status, booking information, charges, and bond amounts.
- Citizens may request arrest records by contacting the law enforcement agency that made the arrest, either in person or through written request.
- Processing times for formal written requests vary but are generally fulfilled within a few business days unless the record is part of an ongoing investigation.
- Fees for copies of arrest records are minimal, typically based on copying costs.
Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records
Criminal Records
The criminal records system in Alamance County includes felony, misdemeanor, traffic offenses, and the sex offender registry. Background checks can be conducted through the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation, which provides statewide criminal history information. This system ensures that residents and employers can access necessary information for safety and employment purposes.
Arrest Records
Arrest records in Alamance County are maintained by Alamance County Sheriff's Office. These records document the details of arrests made within Alamance County, including the charges and personal information of the arrestee. Residents and attorneys can request arrest records by contacting the Sheriff's Office directly. Under the North Carolina Public Records Law, these records are generally accessible to the public unless sealed by the court. An Alamance County arrest record typically includes the date of arrest, charges, and the arresting agency.
Jail & Inmate Records
Alamance County Detention Center is the primary jail facility for Alamance County. It handles the booking process for people arrested within Alamance County, where they are photographed and fingerprinted. Visitation rules are specific to this facility, requiring visitors to schedule appointments in advance. The bond and bail process follows North Carolina state guidelines, allowing for the release of detainees upon posting bail as determined by the court.
Mugshots & Booking Photos
Mugshots in Alamance County are taken and retained by Alamance County Sheriff's Office during the booking process. These booking photos are part of the public record and can be accessed through the Sheriff's Office website or by request. While North Carolina does not have specific mugshot removal laws, individuals may petition the court for removal under certain circumstances. Mugshots are often used with arrest records for identification and legal proceedings.
Courts & Case Records
Alamance County's judicial system operates through the North Carolina court structure, with Alamance County Courthouse located at 109 S. Maple Street in Graham, NC 27253. The courthouse houses both Superior Court and District Court divisions. Superior Court handles felony criminal cases, civil cases involving amounts over $25,000, and appeals from District Court. District Court addresses misdemeanor criminal cases, civil cases under $25,000, juvenile matters, domestic relations including divorce and child custody, and estates.
- The Clerk of Superior Court office, reachable, maintains court records and provides access to case files.
- Some records require in-person requests at the Clerk's office.
- Certified copies of court documents cost $3 for the first page and $1 for each additional page as of current fee schedules.
- Alamance County also has magistrate judges who handle small claims cases (under $10,000), issue warrants, conduct initial appearances, and set bail.
Online case searches are available through the North Carolina Judicial Branch's public access system at www.nccourts.gov/services/search-official-court records, which allows searches by party name, case number, or attorney. Estate and probate matters are handled by the Clerk of Superior Court. Access to court records is governed by North Carolina General Statute § 7A-109 and North Carolina Rules of Civil Procedure, which establish presumptive public access to most court records unless specifically sealed by court order or protected by statute.
Certain records involving juveniles, adoption, and mental health proceedings have restricted access. The courthouse is open Monday through Friday during standard business hours, excluding state holidays.
Property & Public Records
Alamance County Register of Deeds, located at 124 W. Elm Street, Graham, NC 27253, maintains full land and property records for Alamance County. The office can be contacted at and operates a website at www.alamance-nc.com/rod. Available records include real estate deeds, deeds of trust, mortgage satisfactions, mechanic's liens, UCC financing statements, plat maps, subdivision plans, and military discharge records (DD-214s).
- The Register of Deeds office has digitized records dating back to Alamance County's formation in 1849, with online access to images of recorded instruments available through Alamance County website.
- Printing or downloading official copies requires payment, typically $2 per page for uncertified copies.
- Certified copies cost $5 for the first page and $2 for each additional page.
- Alamance County maintains a full Geographic Information System (GIS) portal that provides interactive mapping, parcel boundaries, zoning information, and aerial photography.
- Walk-in customers can request records in person during regular business hours, Monday through Friday.
The online search system is free to use and allows searches by grantor/grantee name, book and page number, instrument type, and date range. Alamance County Tax Administration office, also located at 124 W. Elm Street, maintains property tax records and assessment information.
The Tax Assessor's database is accessible online at www.Alamance-nc.com/tax, where users can search by owner name, parcel number, or property address to view tax values, assessment history, property characteristics, and tax payment status. This GIS system is available free of charge to the public and integrates with tax and deed records.
Vital Records
Vital records for Alamance County, North Carolina residents are available through multiple sources. Birth and death certificates occurring in Alamance County can be requested from Alamance County Register of Deeds office at 124 W. Elm Street, Graham, NC 27253 Birth certificates cost $24 for a certified copy, and death certificates cost $24 for the first copy and $15 for each additional copy ordered at the same time. The Register of Deeds maintains birth records from October 1913 forward and death records from January 1930 forward for events occurring in Alamance County.
- Eligible requestors include the registrant (for birth certificates), immediate family members, legal representatives, and others with court orders.
- Processing time is typically immediate for in-person requests if the record is located; mail requests usually take 7-10 business days.
- The state office maintains records statewide and offers online ordering through VitalChek with expedited processing available.
Applicants must provide valid photo identification and demonstrate a direct and tangible interest in the record as required by North Carolina General Statute § 130A-93. The North Carolina State Registrar, Division of Public Health in Raleigh, is the central repository for all North Carolina vital records and can be reached at or online at vitalrecords.nc.gov. Marriage licenses must be obtained from the Register of Deeds office in Alamance County where the marriage ceremony will take place; the license costs $60 and requires both parties to appear in person with valid identification and social security numbers.
Divorce records are maintained by the Clerk of Superior Court at Alamance County Courthouse and are part of court case files accessible under the same procedures as other civil court records.
Business & Licensing
Business license and registration records in Alamance County are maintained by several agencies depending on the type of business activity. Alamance County Register of Deeds office at 124 W. Elm Street, Graham, records assumed business names (DBAs - doing business as) and trade names for businesses operating in Alamance County. These filings cost approximately $26 and must be renewed every ten years.
- The Burlington-Alamance Chamber of Commerce, accessible at www.Burlington-Chamber.com, provides resources and networking opportunities for local businesses and maintains directories of member companies.
The North Carolina Secretary of State's office maintains the central registry for all business entities formed in North Carolina, including corporations, limited liability companies (LLCs), limited partnerships, and nonprofit organizations. The Secretary of State's business registry is searchable online at www.sosnc.gov, where users can search by business name, registered agent, or filing number to access articles of incorporation, annual reports, registered agent information, and business status. Professional licenses for occupations such as contractors, real estate agents, and healthcare providers are issued by respective North Carolina state licensing boards rather than at Alamance County level.
Sales tax permits and certificates of registration are issued by the North Carolina Department of Revenue. Building permits, zoning approvals, and certificates of occupancy are handled by Alamance County Planning and Inspections Department, located at 201 W. Elm Street in Graham
The department maintains records of building permits, inspections, and land use approvals. Local business licenses may be required by individual municipalities within Alamance County; the City of Burlington, for example, requires business licenses for certain activities within city limits.
Elections & Voter Records
Elections in Alamance County are administered by Alamance County Board of Elections, Suite 201, Burlington, NC 27215. The office can be reached at and maintains a website at www.alamance-nc.com/elections. Voter registration in Alamance County can be completed online through the North Carolina State Board of Elections website at www.ncsbe.gov, in person at the Board of Elections office, at the North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles when obtaining or renewing a driver's license, or by mail using a voter registration form. The registration deadline is 25 days before any election.
- North Carolina offers same-day registration during the early voting period, allowing eligible citizens to register and vote simultaneously at early voting sites.
- Election transparency is supported by public access to vote totals, audit reports, and campaign finance disclosures, all available through the Board of Elections office and online portals.
Voters can verify their registration status and find their polling place by using the voter search tool on the State Board of Elections website or by contacting Alamance County Board of Elections directly. Public election records in Alamance County include voter registration lists, campaign finance reports filed by candidates and political committees, candidate filing information, and precinct-level election results. These records are accessible under North Carolina General Statute § 163-82.10 and § 132-1, the Public Records Law.
Alamance County voter turnout in the November 2024 general election was approximately 67%, consistent with statewide presidential election participation rates. The next major election is scheduled for November 3, 2026, featuring U.S. House of Representatives races, one U.S.
Senate seat, North Carolina state legislative seats, and various county offices. Absentee voting by mail is available to all registered voters in North Carolina; requests for absentee ballots must be submitted to Alamance County Board of Elections, with the completed ballot returned by mail or in person by 7:30 PM on Election Day. North Carolina also offers early voting at multiple locations throughout Alamance County, typically beginning 17 days before Election Day and ending the Saturday before the election.
Economy & Demographics
Alamance County's economy has evolved significantly from its historical foundation in textile manufacturing to a more diversified base including advanced manufacturing, logistics, education, and healthcare. Major employers in Alamance County include Elon University, which employs over 1,500 faculty and staff; Alamance Regional Medical Center, a key healthcare provider; LabCorp, which operates a major pharmaceutical development facility in Burlington; and various manufacturing companies.
- The median household income in Alamance County is approximately $54,000, slightly below the North Carolina state average.
The textile industry, which dominated the local economy throughout the 20th century, has declined substantially, though some specialty manufacturers remain. Alamance County's strategic location at the intersection of I-85 and I-40 has attracted significant logistics and distribution operations, with numerous warehouses and distribution centers serving regional and national markets. Agriculture remains a component of the rural economy, with livestock operations, tobacco, corn, and soybeans among the products.
The unemployment rate in Alamance County typically tracks close to the state average, fluctuating between 4-5% in recent years depending on economic conditions. Economic development initiatives have focused on attracting advanced manufacturing, technology companies, and using the educated workforce from Elon University. Alamance County Industrial Facilities and Building Reuse Fund has supported redevelopment of former textile mill properties.
Retail and service sectors are concentrated in Burlington, which is the commercial hub for Alamance County. Alamance County government and local municipalities actively recruit new businesses through tax incentives and infrastructure improvements coordinated by Alamance County Economic Development office.
Transparency Score
Court Records: Yes: Online | Property: Yes: Free Search | Arrest/Jail: Yes: Online | Vital Records: Limited: In-Person/Mail Required | Business: Yes: Online (State) | Elections: Yes: Online | Overall Score: 8/10, Alamance County provides strong digital access to property records, court cases, and inmate information, with GIS mapping and searchable databases for most public records.
Official Government Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I search for someone recently arrested in Alamance County, North Carolina?
Where can I find mugshots or booking photos in Alamance County, North Carolina?
How do I get a criminal background check in Alamance County, North Carolina?
How can I look up sex offenders in Alamance County, North Carolina?
How do I register to vote in Alamance County, North Carolina?
How do I look up property records in Alamance County, North Carolina?
How do I get a birth or death certificate in Alamance County, North Carolina?
How do I find business license records in Alamance County, North Carolina?
Cities & Towns in Alamance County
Explore public records for 10 cities and communities in Alamance County, North Carolina.