Beaufort County

Beaufort County is located in the Inner Banks region of eastern North Carolina, bordered by the Pamlico River to the south and the Pungo River to the east. Beaufort County seat is Washington, North Carolina, often called the 'Original Washington' as it was the first city named after George Washington. Beaufort County covers approximately 959 square miles, including significant water area, with a population estimated around 47,000 residents as of recent census data. Established in 1705, it is one of North Carolina's oldest counties, named after Henry Somerset, Duke of Beaufort. Beaufort County's economy historically centered on agriculture, timber, and commercial fishing, with phosphate mining once playing a significant role. Major landmarks include the Goose Creek State Park, the historic Bath—North Carolina's oldest incorporated town—and the extensive waterways that define Beaufort County's character. Beaufort County Register of Deeds, located at 112 West Second Street in Washington, NC 27889, maintains land records and vital statistics. Beaufort County Manager's Office operates from Beaufort County Courthouse at the same Second Street address, overseeing county operations. The Tax Assessor's Office, responsible for property valuations, is also housed in the courthouse complex. What makes Beaufort County unique is its blend of colonial history, working waterfront heritage, and proximity to the Pamlico Sound, offering both agricultural productivity and recreational opportunities. Beaufort County remains predominantly rural with strong ties to its maritime and farming traditions.

• Beaufort County Register of Deeds, located at 112 West Second Street in Washington, NC 27889, maintains land records and vital statistics.

The Beaufort County Courthouse serves Beaufort County and is located at 130 West 2nd Street in Washington. The court handles civil, criminal, family, and probate cases for the county. Court records and case filings can be requested in person or through the North Carolina online court portal.

Beaufort County North Carolina court jurisdiction is the Superior Court of North Carolina, located in Washington, NC. The court has jurisdiction over civil and criminal cases, including appeals from lower courts.

Law Enforcement & Arrests

• Written requests should be submitted to the agency's records division, and reasonable fees may apply for copies.
• Mugshots and booking photographs are typically included in booking records available through the detention center's public access terminal or online inmate search system.
• North Carolina law requires agencies to respond to public records requests within a reasonable time, though no specific timeframe is mandated by statute.

Criminal Records

• The process for obtaining these records involves submitting a request to the appropriate law enforcement agency, with certain records available online for public access.

Jail & Inmate Records

• The bond and bail process follows North Carolina state guidelines, allowing for the release of detainees pending trial under certain conditions.

Mugshots & Booking Photos

• The Clerk of Superior Court, reachable, maintains court records and provides public access to case files.
• Certified copies of court documents cost $3.00 for the first page and $1.00 for each additional page, plus applicable fees for certification.
• Marriage licenses are also issued through the Register of Deeds office rather than the court clerk in North Carolina.
• For case research or background checks, both in-person requests at the courthouse and written requests are accepted, with staff assistance available for navigating the record system.

• The Register of Deeds provides an online search portal through Beaufort County website at www.beaufortcountync.gov where users can search land records by grantor, grantee, book and page, or instrument type.
• Certified copies of recorded documents cost $5.00 for the first page and $2.00 for each additional page as established by North Carolina statute.
• The Register of Deeds also maintains military discharge papers (DD-214s), which are recorded free of charge for veterans, and these records have restricted access under federal and state privacy laws.
• For title research, the office provides public access computers and staff assistance for locating documents in the grantor-grantee index system.

Vital records for this county include birth, death, marriage, and divorce certificates issued under state vital statistics law.

• Eligible requesters include the registrant (if of legal age), parents, grandparents, adult children, spouses, legal representatives, and beneficiaries.
• Processing time for in-person requests is typically immediate if the record is readily available; mail requests may take 7-10 business days.
• Death certificates follow the same fee structure and eligibility requirements under G.S.
• § 130A-93, available from the Register of Deeds for deaths occurring in Beaufort County.
• Marriage licenses are issued by the Register of Deeds office with both parties present, requiring valid photo identification and Social Security numbers, with a $60.00 fee and no waiting period in North Carolina.

Business records, licenses, and permits for this county are processed by the County Clerk and local government offices.

• Fictitious name registrations (doing business as or DBA filings) are recorded with Beaufort County Register of Deeds at 112 West Second Street, Washington, NC 27889, at a cost of $26.00 for registration.