Hoke County

Hoke County is located in the south-central region of North Carolina, part of the Sandhills region characterized by rolling hills and sandy soil. Established in 1911 from portions of Cumberland and Robeson counties, Hoke County was named after Confederate Major General Robert F. Hoke. Hoke County seat is Raeford, which is the primary governmental and commercial center. Hoke County includes approximately 391 square miles and has a population of approximately 55,000 residents as of recent estimates, making it a moderately sized county within the state. Hoke County is home to Fort Liberty (formerly Fort Bragg), one of the largest military installations in the world, which significantly influences the local economy and demographics. Major landmarks include Hoke County courthouse located at 227 North Main Street in Raeford and various recreational areas. Hoke County Register of Deeds office maintains land records and is located at 227 North Main Street, Suite 108, Raeford, NC 28376. Hoke County Tax Assessor's office, responsible for property valuations, operates from the same government complex. The Clerk of Superior Court office handles court records and estate matters from 227 North Main Street. What makes Hoke County unique is its diverse population, including a significant Lumbee Native American community, and its close relationship with the military presence at Fort Liberty, which shapes employment patterns, housing development, and community character throughout Hoke County.

• Hoke County Register of Deeds office maintains land records and is located at 227 North Main Street, Suite 108, Raeford, NC 28376.

Hoke County North Carolina Court is located at: Hoke County Courthouse 414 West Edinborough Avenue\nRaeford, NC 28376 Phone: 910-875-8751
Fax: 910-875-8752

Hoke County North Carolina court jurisdiction is located in Raeford, NC. This jurisdiction covers all civil, criminal and juvenile court matters in the county as well as magistrates' orders of distress.

Law Enforcement & Arrests

• The Raeford Police Department provides municipal law enforcement services within the city limits of Raeford and can be contacted for The department operates from 120 West Elwood Avenue, Raeford, NC 28376.
• Citizens may request arrest records from the arresting agency or the Sheriff's Office, though certain information may be redacted for ongoing investigations or juvenile matters.
• Mugshots and booking photographs are typically included in booking records and are available through direct requests to the detention center or the Sheriff's Office records division.

Jail & Inmate Records

• The Clerk of Superior Court office, reachable, maintains court records, processes estate matters, and handles special proceedings.
• Certified copies of court documents require a fee, typically $3.00 for the first page and $1.00 for each additional page, plus a certification fee.
• Hoke County also has magistrates who handle initial appearances, issue warrants, set bail, and conduct small claims trials under $10,000.
• The magistrate's office operates 24 hours a day to handle urgent matters such as domestic violence protective orders and criminal process.

• Some document images may be available for viewing at no charge, though certified copies require fees of $5.00 for the first page and $3.00 for each additional page.
• The GIS system provides detailed parcel information including acreage, zoning, building characteristics, and sales history.
• Citizens requesting certified copies of deeds or other recorded documents can do so in person at the Register of Deeds office or by mail with proper identification and payment.

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

• Processing time for in-person requests is typically immediate if records are on file; mail requests may take 2-4 weeks.
• The North Carolina Vital Records office in Raleigh provides statewide access to birth records from October 1913 forward and death records from January 1930 forward.
• Their website at vitalrecords.nc.gov offers online ordering through VitalChek, an authorized third-party vendor, with expedited service available for additional fees.
• Marriage licenses in Hoke County are issued by the Register of Deeds office with a $60.00 fee; both parties must appear in person with valid identification and Social Security numbers.
• Certified copies of divorce decrees can be requested from the Clerk's office with proper identification and payment of applicable fees.

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

• Hoke County Chamber of Commerce, located in Raeford, provides business support services, networking opportunities, and economic development information, though it does not maintain official business license records.