About Davie County
Davie County is located in the northwestern Piedmont region of North Carolina, covering approximately 267 square miles. Davie County Seat is Mocksville, situated about 30 miles southwest of Winston-Salem. As of recent Census estimates, Davie County has a population of approximately 43,000 residents. Established in 1836, Davie County was named after General William Richardson Davie, a Revolutionary War hero and one of the framers of the United States Constitution.
- Davie County Register of Deeds office maintains land records and is accessible at the Government Center.
Davie County is characterized by rolling hills, agricultural lands, and scenic rural scenes along the Yadkin River, which forms much of its southern boundary. Major landmarks include historic Mocksville downtown, Cooleemee Plantation House, and portions of the Yadkin Valley wine region, which has become increasingly important to the local tourism economy. Davie County Government Center is located at 123 South Main Street in Mocksville, housing multiple county offices.
Davie County Tax Assessor's office, responsible for property valuations and tax assessments, operates from the same facility. Davie County is served by several state highways including US 601 and US 64, providing connections to major metropolitan areas. Davie County has preserved much of its agricultural heritage while experiencing steady residential growth, particularly among families seeking proximity to Winston-Salem and Charlotte while maintaining a rural quality of life.
Davie County's economy traditionally centered on agriculture and textiles, though service industries and small manufacturing have become increasingly important.
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement
Sheriff & Law Enforcement
Davie County Sheriff's Office is responsible for maintaining law and order throughout Davie County. It patrols the unincorporated areas, operates Davie County jail, and processes arrests. The office also maintains criminal records and provides various community programs meant to enhancing public safety. Notable divisions within the sheriff's office include the Criminal Investigations Division and the Community Services Division, which work together to address crime and engage with the community effectively.
Police Departments
In addition to Davie County Sheriff's Office, law enforcement in Davie County is supported by municipal police departments, including the Mocksville Police Department and the Bermuda Run Police Department. These agencies are responsible for maintaining public safety within their respective jurisdictions. They collaborate with the sheriff's office on major crimes and emergencies, making sure of a coordinated response across Davie County. Each department focuses on community policing and crime prevention initiatives tailored to their local areas.
Law Enforcement & Arrests
Davie County Sheriff's Office, headquartered at 211 North Main Street in Mocksville, NC 27028, is the primary law enforcement agency for unincorporated areas of Davie County. Davie County Detention Center, located adjacent to the Sheriff's Office, houses inmates awaiting trial or serving short-term sentences. Inmate lookup services are available through the Sheriff's Office website, providing booking information, charges, and bond amounts for current detainees.
- The Mocksville Police Department, located at 185 North Main Street, provides law enforcement services within the town limits of Mocksville, Davie County's only incorporated county with a dedicated police force.
- Citizens may request arrest records by submitting written requests to the Sheriff's Office or the appropriate municipal police department.
- Mugshots and booking photos are typically available through Davie County Detention Center's online inmate search portal, though some recent booking photos may be delayed for investigative purposes.
- Response times for public records requests typically range from 24 hours to several business days, depending on the complexity and volume of requested documents.
Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records
Criminal Records
The criminal records ecosystem in Davie County includes various types of records, including felony, misdemeanor, traffic offenses, and the sex offender registry. Residents can request criminal records through the appropriate law enforcement agency or use state-provided online portals.
Arrest Records
Arrest records in Davie County are maintained by Davie County Sheriff's Office. These records include details of the arrest, charges, and personal information of the individual. Residents and attorneys can request arrest records by contacting the sheriff's office directly, following the guidelines set by the North Carolina Public Records Law. An arrest record in Davie County typically contains the date of arrest, charges filed, and the arresting officer's information, providing a summary of the incident.
Jail & Inmate Records
Davie County Detention Center is the primary facility for housing inmates in Davie County. The booking process involves fingerprinting, photographing, and recording personal information of the arrested individuals. Inmate lookup is available through the sheriff's office, allowing family members and legal representatives to find information about detainees. Visitation rules are specific to the facility, requiring appointments and adherence to a strict schedule.
- The bond and bail process follows North Carolina's legal framework, where defendants can post bail to secure temporary release while awaiting trial.
Mugshots & Booking Photos
Mugshots in Davie County are taken and retained by Davie 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 or online databases. While North Carolina does not have specific mugshot removal laws, individuals seeking to remove their mugshots from public view may need to pursue legal avenues or contact the hosting website directly. The sheriff's office provides guidance on how to request access to these records.
Courts & Case Records
Davie County is served by North Carolina's 22nd Judicial District, with court facilities located at Davie County Courthouse, 123 South Main Street, Mocksville, NC 27028. The courthouse houses both Superior Court, which handles felony criminal cases and civil matters exceeding $25,000, and District Court, which adjudicates misdemeanors, civil cases under $25,000, domestic matters, and juvenile cases.
- In-person record searches at the Clerk's office are free, though certified copies cost $3.00 for the first page and $1.00 for each additional page.
- Remote access to detailed case files may require payment of research fees or use of third-party services.
The Clerk of Superior Court maintains all court records and can be contacted through the office’s website. North Carolina's court system also includes magistrate courts, with Davie County Magistrate's Office operating 24/7 to handle initial appearances, bond hearings, and the issuance of criminal warrants and civil processes. Estate matters, including probate, guardianships, and estate administration, are handled by the Clerk of Superior Court's office. Case lookup services are available through the North Carolina Judicial Branch's statewide portal at www.nccourts.gov, where users can search criminal and civil cases by party name, case number, or attorney.
Under North Carolina General Statute § 7A-109, court records are presumptively public unless sealed by court order or protected by specific statutory exemptions for juvenile proceedings, certain domestic violence cases, and sealed adoption records. The courthouse also maintains a law library open to the public during regular business hours for legal research.
Property & Public Records
Davie County Register of Deeds, located at 123 South Main Street, Mocksville, NC 27028, maintains full land and property records dating back to Davie County's establishment in 1836. The office can be contacted through the office’s website, and services are available Monday through Friday during regular business hours. The Register of Deeds preserves and indexes deeds, deeds of trust, mortgages, liens, releases, plat maps, easements, rights-of-way, military discharge papers (DD-214s), and Uniform Commercial Code (UCC) filings.
- An online search portal is available through Davie County website, allowing free public access to scanned documents and indexed records, though certified copies must be obtained in person or by mail request.
- Recording fees are established by state statute: $26.00 for the first 15 pages of most documents and $4.00 for each additional page.
- A Geographic Information System (GIS) portal accessible through Davie County website provides interactive parcel mapping, ownership details, assessed values, tax history, and property characteristics.
- Certified copies of recorded documents cost $3.00 for the first page and $1.00 for each subsequent page, with additional certification fees of $3.00 per document.
Vital Records
Vital records for Davie County, North Carolina, are managed at both Davie County and state levels. Birth and death certificates occurring in Davie County may be requested from Davie County Register of Deeds at 123 South Main Street, Mocksville, NC 27028 Under North Carolina General Statute § 130A-93, birth and death certificates are available to eligible applicants including the registrant, immediate family members, legal representatives, and others with a direct and tangible interest.
- Birth certificate requests cost $24.00 for the first certified copy and $15.00 for each additional copy ordered simultaneously; death certificates cost $24.00 for the first copy and $15.00 for additional copies.
- Processing typically takes 3-5 business days for in-person requests and 2-3 weeks for mail requests.
- Online ordering of vital records is available through the North Carolina Vital Records website at vitalrecords.nc.gov, with an additional service fee for expedited processing and delivery.
The North Carolina State Center for Health Statistics in Raleigh is the central repository for all vital records statewide and can provide certified copies for events occurring anywhere in North Carolina; their contact number is. Marriage licenses are issued by the Register of Deeds office with both parties present, requiring valid photo identification and payment of a $60.00 fee; there is no waiting period, and licenses are valid for 60 days from issuance. Divorce records and final divorce decrees are maintained by the Clerk of Superior Court, as these are court proceedings rather than vital records.
Business & Licensing
Business licensing and registration in Davie County involves multiple jurisdictions and agencies depending on the type of business activity. Local business privilege licenses and zoning compliance are handled by Davie County Planning and Zoning Department at 123 South Main Street, Mocksville, NC 27028
- Building permits, electrical permits, plumbing permits, and mechanical permits are administered by Davie County Inspections Department, with fees based on project valuation.
The Town of Mocksville separately administers business licenses for operations within town limits; inquiries should be directed to Mocksville Town Hall for Assumed name certificates (doing-business-as or DBA filings) for sole proprietorships and partnerships operating under a name other than the owner's legal name must be filed with Davie County Register of Deeds at a cost of $26.00. All corporations, limited liability companies, and other formal business entities must register with the North Carolina Secretary of State's Corporations Division; the online business registry at www.sosnc.gov allows free searches of entity names, registered agents, officers, incorporation dates, and status. Professional and occupational licenses for fields such as contractors, electricians, plumbers, and cosmetologists are regulated by state-level licensing boards rather than county offices.
Sales and use tax permits are issued by the North Carolina Department of Revenue and can be obtained through their website at www.ncdor.gov. Davie County Chamber of Commerce, located at 135 South Salisbury Street in Mocksville, provides business support services, networking opportunities, and economic development resources; their website is www.daviecounty.com.
Elections & Voter Records
Elections in Davie County are administered by Davie County Board of Elections, located at 135 South Salisbury Street, Mocksville, NC 27028. The office can be contacted through the office’s website, and information is available at www.daviecountync.gov/elections. Voter registration in North Carolina requires U.S. Citizenship, residence in Davie County for at least 30 days prior to the election, and attainment of age 18 by the date of the general election.
- Citizens may inspect or obtain copies of these records by contacting the Board of Elections, though voter registration lists require a formal request and statement of purpose.
Online voter registration is available through the North Carolina State Board of Elections website at www.ncsbe.gov, and the registration deadline is 25 days before any election. In-person registration is accepted at the Board of Elections office, Davie County DMV, and during early voting periods through same-day registration provisions. Voters can verify their registration status, find their assigned polling place, and view sample ballots through the State Board of Elections voter lookup tool.
Davie County operates multiple Election Day precincts throughout Davie County, with specific assignments based on residential address. Early voting is conducted at designated sites beginning 17 days before Election Day and concluding the Saturday before the election. In the November 2024 general election, Davie County recorded voter turnout of approximately 72%, reflecting strong civic engagement typical of presidential election years in North Carolina.
The next major election is November 3, 2026, featuring U.S. House of Representatives races, North Carolina General Assembly seats, county commissioners, school board positions, and potentially special elections or referenda. Absentee mail-in ballots may be requested through Davie County Board of Elections by submitting an absentee ballot request form available online or in person; military and overseas voters have special accommodations under the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act.
Under North Carolina General Statute § 163-1, election records including voter registration lists, absentee ballot applications, campaign finance reports, candidate filing information, and precinct-level election results are public records. Campaign finance filings for county-level candidates are maintained by Davie County Board of Elections, while state and federal candidates file with the State Board of Elections and Federal Election Commission respectively.
Economy & Demographics
Davie County's economy reflects a blend of traditional agriculture, advanced manufacturing, distribution logistics, and growing service sectors. Historically rooted in tobacco farming and textile production, Davie County has diversified significantly over recent decades. Major employers include Novant Health, which operates medical facilities in Davie County; Ingersoll Rand, a global industrial equipment manufacturer with operations in Mocksville; and Hanes Brands distribution facilities.
- Median household income in Davie County is estimated at approximately $62,000, slightly above the North Carolina state median.
Davie County's strategic location along Interstate 40 and US Highway 64 has attracted warehousing and logistics companies seeking access to the Piedmont Triad region. Agriculture remains economically significant, with poultry production, cattle operations, and vineyard cultivation contributing to the local economy; Davie County is part of the expanding Yadkin Valley wine region, which attracts agritourism visitors. The unemployment rate typically tracks close to state averages, ranging between 3.5% and 5.0% in recent years.
Small businesses, including retail, restaurants, professional services, and construction firms, form the backbone of local employment. Economic development efforts focus on attracting light manufacturing, technology companies, and professional services firms while preserving Davie County's rural character and quality of life. Davie County Economic Development Commission actively recruits businesses and supports expansion of existing enterprises.
Healthcare services, education through Davie County Schools, and local government represent significant employment sectors. Real estate development and construction have expanded due to population growth from families relocating from urban areas.
Transparency Score
Court Records: Yes: Online (State Portal) | Property: Yes: Free Search Online | Arrest/Jail: Yes: Online Inmate Lookup | Vital Records: Limited: In-Person or Mail Required | Business: Yes: Online (State Level) | Elections: Yes: Online Voter Tools | Overall Score: 8/10, Davie County provides strong online access to property records, inmate information, and election resources, with court records accessible via the state system.