About Craven County
Craven County is located in the Coastal Plain region of eastern North Carolina, with New Bern serving as Craven County Seat since Craven County's establishment in 1705. Named after William Craven, one of the Lords Proprietors of colonial Carolina, Craven County includes approximately 774 square miles and serves a population of around 100,000 residents. Craven County sits at the confluence of the Neuse and Trent Rivers, providing vital waterways that have shaped its economy and development for over three centuries.
- Craven County Register of Deeds office, located at 226 Pollock Street, New Bern, NC 28560, maintains property records and vital statistics.
New Bern, founded in 1710 by Swiss and German settlers, served as North Carolina's colonial capital and is home to Tryon Palace, the restored colonial governor's mansion and a major historical landmark. Craven County's geography includes coastal plains, extensive river systems, and proximity to the Croatan National Forest. Cherry Point Marine Corps Air Station represents one of the largest Marine Corps air stations in the world and significantly impacts the local economy and demographics.
Craven County Manager's office operates from 406 the local community Street, New Bern, NC 28560, coordinating county services. Craven County Tax Assessor, also located in Craven County administration building, manages property valuations and tax assessments. Craven County's unique position at the intersection of military presence, historic preservation, coastal tourism, and agricultural heritage creates a varied community balancing traditional eastern North Carolina character with modern economic development.
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement
Sheriff & Law Enforcement
Craven County Sheriff's Office is responsible for law enforcement in the unincorporated areas of Craven County. It operates Craven County jail, processes arrests, and maintains criminal records. The office is also involved in community policing and crime prevention programs. Notable divisions within the Sheriff's Office include the Criminal Investigations Division and the Narcotics Unit, which focus on solving crimes and combating drug-related offenses.
Police Departments
In addition to Craven County Sheriff's Office, several municipal police departments operate within Craven County. The New Bern Police Department, Havelock Police Department, and Vanceboro Police Department are key agencies responsible for law enforcement within their respective city limits. These departments collaborate with the Sheriff's Office on major crimes and regional safety initiatives, making sure of full coverage and response across Craven County.
Law Enforcement & Arrests
Craven County Sheriff's Office, headquartered at 411 Taberna Way, New Bern, NC 28562, provides law enforcement services to unincorporated areas and operates Craven County Detention Center. The Sheriff's Office can be reached, and maintains a website at cravensheriff.com with information about services, warrants, and community programs. Craven County Detention Center houses inmates for Craven County and provides an online inmate search tool accessible through the Sheriff's Office website, allowing the public to look up current inmates by name, booking date, or charges.
- Citizens may request arrest records by contacting the arresting agency directly or submitting a public records request to the Sheriff's Office or municipal police department.
- The Sheriff's Office maintains records of arrests, incident reports, and warrants, with non-confidential portions available upon request.
- Processing times for records requests typically range from several days to two weeks depending on the scope of the request.
Municipal law enforcement in Craven County includes the New Bern Police Department serving Craven County Seat, Havelock Police Department serving the city of Havelock, and smaller departments in River Bend and other municipalities. Arrest records in Craven County are public records subject to North Carolina General Statute § 132-1, the North Carolina Public Records Law, which requires government agencies to make public records available for inspection and copying. Booking photos and mugshots are generally available through Craven County Detention Center's online inmate lookup system, which displays booking photographs along with charge information, bond amounts, and custody status.
Some records may be restricted under state law if they involve ongoing investigations, juvenile offenders, or sensitive victim information. Cherry Point Marine Corps Air Station maintains its own military law enforcement and provost marshal jurisdiction on base property, operating separately from civilian agencies.
Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records
Criminal Records
Criminal records in Craven County cover felony, misdemeanor, traffic offenses, and the sex offender registry. Craven County Sheriff's Office and local police departments maintain these records, while the North Carolina Bureau of Investigation provides additional resources for background checks. Residents can request criminal background checks through the state system, which compiles data from various law enforcement agencies. The sex offender registry is publicly accessible, providing information on registered offenders residing in Craven County.
Arrest Records
Arrest records in Craven County are maintained by Craven County Sheriff's Office. These records are accessible to residents and attorneys who may request them under the North Carolina Public Records Law. An arrest record in Craven County typically includes the individual's personal information, details of the arrest, charges filed, and the arresting agency. Requests for these records can be made directly to the Sheriff's Office, which provides guidance on the process and any associated fees.
Jail & Inmate Records
Craven County Detention Center is the primary jail facility in Craven County. It handles the booking process for people arrested in Craven County, where they are processed and held pending trial or release. Inmate lookup services are available for the public to find information about current detainees. Visitation rules are specific to the facility, typically requiring appointments and adherence to security protocols.
Mugshots & Booking Photos
Mugshots in Craven County are taken and retained by Craven County Sheriff's Office during the booking process. These booking photos are part of the public record and can often be accessed through the Sheriff's Office website or by request. While North Carolina does not have specific laws for the removal of mugshots from public records, individuals may seek legal avenues for removal under certain circumstances. The availability of mugshots may vary based on the nature of the case and privacy considerations.
Courts & Case Records
Craven County courts operate within North Carolina's unified court system, with facilities located at Craven County Justice Center, 302 Broad Street, New Bern, NC 28560. Craven County Superior Court handles felony criminal cases, civil cases involving amounts exceeding $25,000, and appeals from District Court. Craven County District Court addresses misdemeanor criminal cases, civil matters under $25,000, domestic relations including divorce and child custody, juvenile matters, estate administration, and civil and criminal infractions.
- The North Carolina Judicial Branch maintains an online portal at nccourts.gov where users can search criminal and civil case records, though some detailed documents require in-person requests.
- Craven County Clerk of Court charges fees for certified copies of judgments, pleadings, and other court documents, typically $2 for the first page and $1 for additional pages, plus certification fees.
- Small Claims Court, a division of District Court, handles civil disputes up to $10,000 with simplified procedures.
- Court calendars and dockets are available online and at the courthouse, with criminal and civil sessions scheduled regularly.
- Records requests can be made in person, by mail, or by phone, with payment required before document release.
Property & Public Records
Craven County Register of Deeds, located at 226 Pollock Street, New Bern, NC 28560, maintains land records, property documents, and vital statistics for Craven County. The office can be reached at and operates a website at cravencountync.gov where citizens can access various services. The Register of Deeds records and indexes real estate deeds, deeds of trust, mortgages, satisfactions, releases, plat maps, easements, restrictive covenants, mechanic's liens, judgment liens, tax liens, and Uniform Commercial Code (UCC) filings.
- The online system provides digital images of recorded documents dating back multiple decades, with ongoing digitization of historical records.
- Document recording fees are established by North Carolina statute and typically include a base fee plus additional charges for multiple pages and parcels.
- Certified copies of recorded documents cost $5 for the first page and $2 for each additional page.
- Real estate conveyance records are public under North Carolina General Statute § 161-10, requiring the Register of Deeds to maintain and index all recorded instruments.
Craven County offers free online property record searches through the Register of Deeds website, allowing users to search by grantor/grantee name, property address, deed book and page number, or parcel identification number. Craven County Tax Assessor's office, located at 406 Craven Street, New Bern, NC 28560, phone, maintains property tax records, assessment values, and ownership information. Craven County provides an online GIS mapping system and property tax search tool at cravencountync.gov, allowing users to view parcel maps, tax values, sales history, building characteristics, and tax payment status free of charge.
Property tax bills, exemptions, and payment history are accessible through the Tax Collector's online portal. Walk-in customers can search records and obtain copies during regular business hours, Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Vital Records
Vital records for Craven County are managed through multiple offices depending on the record type and date. Birth and death certificates occurring in Craven County are available from Craven County Register of Deeds, 226 Pollock Street, New Bern, NC 28560, phone. Birth certificates cost $24 for the first copy and $15 for each additional copy ordered simultaneously, while death certificates cost $24 for the first copy and $15 for additional copies.
- Processing time for in-person requests is typically immediate if records are available, while mail requests may take two to three weeks.
- VitalChek, an authorized third-party vendor, offers online ordering of North Carolina vital records at vitalchek.com with expedited processing for an additional fee.
- Marriage licenses are issued by Craven County Register of Deeds office, requiring both applicants to appear in person with valid identification and social security numbers, paying a $60 fee.
Applicants must provide valid government-issued photo identification and demonstrate a direct and tangible interest in the record as required by North Carolina General Statute § 130A-93, which restricts access to immediate family members, legal representatives, and other authorized parties. The North Carolina State Center for Health Statistics, 225 North McDowell Street, Raleigh, NC 27603, is the central repository for vital records statewide and can provide certified copies of birth certificates from 1913 forward and death certificates from 1930 forward. North Carolina has no waiting period or blood test requirement for marriage licenses, which are valid for 60 days from issuance.
Divorce records and absolute divorce decrees are maintained by Craven County Clerk of Superior Court at 302 Broad Street, New Bern, NC 28560, as part of civil case records. Applicants seeking vital records must complete the appropriate application form, provide acceptable identification, and establish their eligibility to receive certified copies under state law.
Business & Licensing
Business licensing and registration in Craven County involves multiple agencies depending on business type and activities. Craven County Register of Deeds office at 226 Pollock Street, New Bern, NC 28560, records assumed business names (DBAs) and trade name certificates for businesses operating under names other than their legal entity name, charging a filing fee of approximately $26 for assumed name certificates.
- The Secretary of State's online database provides free searches by business name, registered agent, or SOSID number, showing entity status, formation date, principal office address, and registered agent information.
- Craven County Tax Collector requires businesses to register for local business privilege license taxes, with requirements varying by county.
- The North Carolina Department of Revenue handles state sales and use tax permits, available online at ncdor.gov.
The North Carolina Secretary of State, located in Raleigh, maintains the statewide business registry at sosnc.gov, where citizens can search corporations, limited liability companies, limited partnerships, and other business entities registered in North Carolina. Business entity formation documents, annual reports, and amendments are filed with the Secretary of State rather than at Craven County level. The City of New Bern operates its own business licensing program through the City Clerk's office at 300 Pollock Street, New Bern, NC 28562, phone, requiring businesses within city limits to obtain city business licenses.
Professional licenses for occupations such as contractors, electricians, plumbers, and other regulated trades are issued by state licensing boards rather than county offices. Building permits, zoning approvals, and development permits are administered by Craven County Planning and Inspections Department at 406 Craven Street, New Bern, NC 28560, phone, which enforces building codes and land use regulations in unincorporated areas. The New Bern Area Chamber of Commerce, located at 316 South Front Street, New Bern, NC 28560, phone, website newbernchamber.com, provides business resources, networking opportunities, and economic development information.
Elections & Voter Records
Elections in Craven County are administered by Craven County Board of Elections, located at 406 Craven Street, New Bern, NC 28560. The office can be reached at and maintains election information at cravencountync.gov under the Board of Elections section. Voter registration in Craven County is available online through the North Carolina State Board of Elections at ncsbe.gov/registering, in person at the Board of Elections office, at the NC Division of Motor Vehicles during license transactions, or by completing a mail-in registration form.
- North Carolina law requires voters to register at least 25 days before an election to be eligible to vote in that election.
- Registered voters can verify their registration status, find their polling place, view sample ballots, and check their voting history through the State Board of Elections website voter search tool.
- In the November 2024 general election, Craven County reported approximately 57% voter turnout among registered voters, consistent with typical North Carolina coastal county participation rates.
- Senate seats, North Carolina state legislature positions, and various county offices including Board of Commissioners, Sheriff, and Register of Deeds.
- Absentee voting by mail is available to any registered voter in North Carolina who requests an absentee ballot.
Craven County operates approximately 25 Election Day polling locations across Craven County, with specific precinct assignments based on residential address. Early voting, also called One-Stop voting in North Carolina, is available at multiple sites throughout Craven County for approximately two and a half weeks before each election, allowing voters to register and vote simultaneously during the early voting period. Public election records available for inspection include voter registration lists, campaign finance reports for county candidates, candidate filing information, election results by precinct, provisional ballot reports, and election protest documents.
North Carolina General Statute § 163-82.10 governs public access to voter registration records, with certain information such as social security numbers and birth dates protected from disclosure. The next major election is scheduled for November 3, 2026, featuring U.S. House of Representatives races, potential U.S.
Voters can request absentee ballots online through the State Board of Elections website, by mail, or in person at Craven County Board of Elections office. Absentee ballot request deadlines are typically 10 days before Election Day for mail requests and closer to Election Day for in-person requests. Military and overseas voters have special provisions under the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act (UOCAVA).
Craven County election results are posted by precinct on election night and certified by the Board of Elections after the canvass period. Citizens may request election-related public records by contacting the Board of Elections office during regular business hours, with most records available for immediate inspection and copying for a nominal fee.
Economy & Demographics
Craven County's economy reflects a diverse mix of military presence, healthcare, manufacturing, tourism, and agriculture. Cherry Point Marine Corps Air Station stands as the largest employer in Craven County with over 10,000 military and civilian personnel, providing substantial economic impact through payroll, contracts, and military family spending. The air station supports aircraft maintenance, aviation operations, and is a major East Coast Marine Corps installation.
- The median household income in Craven County is approximately $52,000, slightly below the North Carolina state average, reflecting the mixed economy of military, service sector, and manufacturing employment.
- The Port of New Bern provides limited commercial shipping capabilities.
Healthcare represents another major economic sector, with CarolinaEast Health System operating CarolinaEast Medical Center in New Bern, employing approximately 2,000 people and acting as a regional healthcare hub. Manufacturing maintains a significant presence, including Hatteras Yachts, Moen (plumbing fixtures), BSH Home Appliances Corporation, and other facilities producing boats, automotive components, and consumer products. Tourism contributes substantially to the economy, driven by Tryon Palace Historic Sites & Gardens, downtown New Bern's historic district, waterfront access on the Neuse River, proximity to the Crystal Coast beaches, and recreational boating.
Agriculture remains important in rural areas, with row crops, timber, and small-scale farming operations. Unemployment rates in Craven County typically track close to state averages, ranging from 4% to 6% depending on economic conditions. Recent economic development initiatives have focused on expanding the aerospace cluster around Cherry Point, developing the New Bern Riverfront Convention Center, and attracting advanced manufacturing.
Craven County benefits from strategic location on US Highway 70 and proximity to Interstate 40, providing transportation access to Raleigh and Wilmington. Retail development along Highway 70 in the James City area serves both local People.
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 — Craven County provides strong online access to property records, court case lookups, and jail inmate information, with GIS mapping and Register of Deeds database accessibility.