Manteo Public Records Directory

All links go directly to official Manteo, North Carolina government websites.

  About Manteo City Government
Annual Budget $3.2 million
Regular Meetings Public Sessions

The governing body of Manteo, North Carolina, is the Manteo Town Council, which consists of five elected members. Council members are elected at-large by the residents of Manteo and serve four-year terms. The current council includes Mayor Pro Tem Bobby Owens, Council Member John D. "J.D." Smith, Council Member Anne H. Smith, Council Member John "Johnny" S. W. McGowan, and Mayor Pro Tem Bobby Owens.

For the fiscal year 2023-2024, Manteo's approximate annual operating budget is $3.2 million. This budget supports various city services, including public safety, infrastructure maintenance, and community development initiatives.

The Manteo Town Council holds regular meetings on the first and third Wednesday of each month at 7:00 PM. These meetings take place at the Manteo Town Hall, located at 407 Budleigh Street, Manteo, NC 27954. Residents are encouraged to attend and participate in discussions regarding local governance and community issues.

  About Manteo, North Carolina

Nestled on the picturesque Roanoke Island in Dare County, Manteo captures the charm of coastal living while maintaining a rich historical legacy. Founded in 1584, the town is notable for its role in the early English attempts at colonization in America, most famously the Lost Colony. With an estimated population of approximately 1,530 people, Manteo offers a close-knit community atmosphere, bolstered by its stunning waterfront views and thriving local culture. The town is characterized by its quaint neighborhoods, including the historic district featuring lovingly restored homes, and the more modern residential areas that attract families and retirees alike. Manteo's economy is largely supported by tourism, with numerous local businesses, art galleries, and restaurants drawing visitors interested in exploring the area's history and natural beauty. Additionally, the town's location provides convenient access to the Outer Banks, making it a unique destination for those seeking outdoor activities and oceanic adventures. This vibrant, small-town feel combined with its rich history and beautiful surroundings sets Manteo apart as a distinctive community in North Carolina.

Law enforcement in Manteo is primarily the responsibility of the Manteo Police Department, which provides a range of services from patrol to community engagement initiatives. In addition, the Dare County Sheriff’s Office serves the broader county jurisdiction, offering support and resources. For those seeking arrest records, mugshots, booking records, and criminal history in Manteo, the process begins with the Manteo Police Department. Individuals can request records by visiting the police department in person or by contacting them directly via telephone or email for guidance on the specific documents needed. For records pertaining to county-level incidents, the Dare County Sheriff’s Office can also be approached to provide access to their records unit. Furthermore, the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation maintains a comprehensive state criminal repository, where individuals can request background checks and criminal history reports. This can often be done online through their dedicated website, which streamlines the process for public access to pertinent information. For those who prefer direct inquiries, the local police department and sheriff’s office can provide insights on obtaining relevant forms and documentation.

The judicial system serving Manteo is anchored by the Dare County Superior and District Courts, which handle a variety of civil and criminal matters. To obtain court records, individuals may utilize the North Carolina Judicial Branch’s online portal, which allows for easy access to case information and documents. For those seeking to acquire records in person, the Dare County Clerk of Court's office can assist with requests for court filings, judgments, and other legal documents. Vital records, such as birth, death, and marriage certificates, are available through the Dare County Register of Deeds or the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services. Requests can be made in person or by mail. Additionally, property records can be accessed via the Dare County Tax Assessor's office and may also be available through online portals for easier navigation and search capabilities. For general public records, North Carolina’s Public Records Law allows individuals to request government-held information, typically resulting in responses within 5 to 10 business days. This framework ensures that Manteo residents have access to key public data, supporting transparency and community engagement.

  Manteo, North Carolina Public Records & Government Resources

About Manteo

Founded in 1584, the historic town of Manteo sits on the picturesque Roanoke Island in Dare County, North Carolina. This coastal community of approximately 1,530 residents is known for its charming neighborhoods, thriving local culture, and rich history as the site of early English colonial attempts in America, most notably the mysterious disappearance of the 'Lost Colony.' Manteo offers visitors and residents alike stunning waterfront views, a close-knit atmosphere, and a thriving tourism industry that supports the local economy.

Police Department & Arrest Records

In addition to the Manteo, Dare County Sheriff's Office, several municipal police departments operate within the county. These include the Kill Devil Hills Police Department, Nags Head Police Department, and Kitty Hawk Police Department. Each department is responsible for law enforcement within its respective municipality, handling local crimes and community policing efforts. The Sheriff's Office and municipal police departments collaborate on major investigations and share resources to effectively address crime throughout the county.

Jail & Inmate Records

The Dare County Detention Center, located in Manteo, is the primary facility for housing individuals who have been arrested and are awaiting trial or serving short sentences. The booking process involves photographing and fingerprinting the detainee, and information about inmates can be accessed through the Sheriff's Office. Visitation rules at the facility require scheduling in advance, and visitors must adhere to strict guidelines.
The bond process in North Carolina allows for the posting of bail through cash, property, or bail bondsmen, and individuals recently arrested in Dare County can be located through the Sheriff's Office's inmate lookup service.

Court Records

The North Carolina court system, including the U.S. Bankruptcy Court and local district courts, serves the Manteo area. Residents can search for case information and access court records through the state's online portal. The Dare County Clerk of Court office also maintains local court documents and can assist with filing procedures for the Manteo community.

Criminal Records

The criminal records system in Dare County includes records of felonies, misdemeanors, traffic violations, and the sex offender registry. The Dare 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 records through the Sheriff's Office or the Clerk of Court, and the North Carolina Bureau of Investigation offers statewide criminal history checks.

Arrest Records

Arrest records in Dare County are maintained by the Dare County Sheriff's Office. These records are accessible to the public under the North Carolina Public Records Law, which ensures transparency and accountability. Residents and attorneys can request copies of arrest records by contacting the Sheriff's Office directly. A Dare County arrest record typically includes the individual's personal information, details of the arrest, charges, and the arresting agency. The process for obtaining these records may involve submitting a formal request and paying any applicable fees.

Public Records Access

The North Carolina State Archives in Manteo maintains a vast collection of historical records and genealogical resources for the local area. Residents and researchers can access birth, marriage, and death certificates through the North Carolina Vital Records office. The Dare County Register of Deeds office handles property records, land transactions, and other important real estate documents for the Manteo community.

Economy & Demographics

Manteo's economy is largely supported by its thriving tourism industry, with numerous local businesses, art galleries, and restaurants catering to visitors. Major employers in the city include the town government, the Dare County school system, and businesses in the hospitality and retail sectors. The community also has a diverse workforce spanning industries such as fishing, boating, and maritime operations.

Law Enforcement & Arrest Records

Public safety in Manteo is provided by the Manteo Police Department, which handles law enforcement and criminal record keeping for the city. The North Carolina Department of Justice also maintains statewide resources, including a sex offender registry, most wanted list, and missing persons database that are relevant to the Manteo area.

Vital Records

Obtaining birth certificates, death records, and marriage licenses in Manteo is managed through the North Carolina Vital Records office. These official documents can be requested online or by mail. The Dare County Register of Deeds also maintains local vital records for the community. Residents in need of these important personal documents can visit or contact these government offices directly.

Business & Licensing Records

The Town of Manteo's Administration and Public Works Departments oversee business-related functions, including issuing licenses, permits, and managing zoning and economic development initiatives. Local entrepreneurs and companies can work directly with these municipal offices to navigate the process of starting, operating, or expanding a business in the Manteo community.

Frequently Asked Questions

1 What is the process for someone who is arrested in Manteo, Dare County, North Carolina to go through the jail and court system?
If you are arrested in the Town of Manteo, North Carolina, you will be transported to the Dare County Jail for booking and processing. During booking, officers will record your personal information, take fingerprints and photographs, and log personal belongings. After booking, you may be held pending arraignment before the Dare County Court. Under North Carolina law, you have the right to remain silent and the right to an attorney; if you cannot afford legal representation, a public defender will be appointed. Bail may be set at arraignment depending on the charges, your criminal history, and flight risk. Criminal history records are maintained by the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (SBI). The Dare County Sheriff's Office maintains an online inmate roster at https://www.ncdps.gov/our-organization/adult-correction/prisons/inmate-search where you can look up current detainees.
The school district for Manteo, Dare County, North Carolina is the Dare County Schools. According to the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction, the district had an overall performance grade of "C" for the 2019-2020 school year. The district had a graduation rate of 87.3%, a college and career readiness rate of 57.3%, and a student growth score of 57.7%.
According to the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation, the crime rate in Manteo, Dare County, North Carolina for 2019 was 1,845.7 per 100,000 people. This is lower than the national average of 3,912.9 per 100,000 people. The most common crimes in Manteo were larceny/theft (1,039.3 per 100,000 people), burglary (541.2 per 100,000 people), and motor vehicle theft (265.2 per 100,000 people).
The Manteo Public Library in Dare County, North Carolina provides residents with access to public records and government document resources. Library cardholders can access online databases including genealogy services, historical newspapers, and North Carolina government records. The reference staff can assist with locating court records, property records, and vital records through the library's online catalog and interlibrary loan network. The library maintains materials on how to submit public records requests under the North Carolina Public Records Law, which governs access to government documents in North Carolina. The library also offers access to genealogy resources including the Manteo North Carolina Archives and Genealogy at https://archives.ncdcr.gov/. Contact the Manteo Public Library reference desk at (252) for assistance or to confirm hours and services.
The Manteo, Dare County, North Carolina Library is located at 517 Budleigh Street, Manteo, NC 27954.
Fingerprinting services for Manteo, North Carolina residents are provided at the Manteo Police Department, which serves Dare County. Fingerprinting is required for a variety of purposes, including pre-employment background checks, professional licensing (nursing, teaching, law, real estate), volunteer work with children or the elderly, immigration and naturalization applications, firearm purchases, and FBI Identity History Summary requests. To schedule fingerprinting, call the Manteo Police Department at (252) or visit in person. Bring a valid, government-issued photo ID (driver's license or passport) and any required agency forms. Fingerprint cards are typically forwarded to the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) for processing. For statewide fingerprint-based background checks, visit the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) at https://www.ncdoj.gov/public-safety-and-crime-prevention/criminal-records/.
To obtain vital records for Manteo, Dare County, North Carolina, you must contact the Dare County Register of Deeds office.

The records available from the Dare County Register of Deeds office include birth certificates, death certificates, marriage licenses, and divorce decrees. To obtain any of these records, you must provide a valid photo ID and proof of your relationship to the person named on the record. You may also be required to provide additional documentation, such as a court order or a notarized affidavit.
A background check in Manteo, Dare County, North Carolina typically includes a review of criminal history, driving records, credit history, employment verification, education verification, and sex offender registry status. Employers, landlords, and licensing boards commonly request background checks in North Carolina. Criminal background checks are processed through the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (SBI), which maintains arrest records, convictions, and disposition data for North Carolina residents. The North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) provides official criminal history checks at https://www.ncdoj.gov/public-safety-and-crime-prevention/criminal-records/. Under the North Carolina Public Records Law, individuals have the right to request their own records. Federal background checks are available through the FBI's Identity History Summary program. The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) governs how background check information may be used by employers and landlords.
  Nearby Cities in Dare County, North Carolina

Search public records in neighboring cities within the same county:

Kill Devil Hills Kitty Hawk Nags Head Southern Shores