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Raleigh, North Carolina Public Records

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Search official government public records, criminal records, court records, and background check resources for Raleigh, North Carolina.

Official Government Sources

Raleigh Public Records Directory

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

About Raleigh

Raleigh is the capital city of North Carolina and the seat of Wake County, located in the central Piedmont region of the state. With a population exceeding 470,000 residents, Raleigh is the second-largest city in North Carolina and anchors the Research Triangle metro area alongside Durham and Chapel Hill. Founded in 1792 specifically to serve as the state capital, Raleigh is home to North Carolina State University, the North Carolina State Capitol building, and numerous state government agencies. The city is known for its oak-lined streets, historic neighborhoods, thriving technology sector, and role as part of the Research Triangle Park—one of the largest research parks in the world. Major employers include state government agencies, NC State University, WakeMed Health & Hospitals, and numerous biotechnology and software companies.

Public records for Raleigh residents are maintained by multiple agencies at the city, county, and state levels. The Raleigh Police Department handles local law enforcement records, while the Wake County Sheriff's Office provides countywide services. Court records are processed through the Wake County Clerk of Superior Court and the North Carolina court system. Property records, including deeds and tax assessments, are maintained by the Wake County Register of Deeds and Wake County Tax Administration. Vital records such as birth and death certificates are issued by the North Carolina Vital Records Office and the Wake County Register of Deeds. Under North Carolina General Statute Chapter 132 (the North Carolina Public Records Act), most government records are accessible to the public unless specifically exempted by law, ensuring transparency in municipal and county operations.

Police Department & Arrest Records

Wake County is served by several law enforcement agencies, including the Wake County Sheriff's Office and municipal police departments. The Raleigh Police Department, Cary Police Department, and Apex Police Department are some of the key city agencies. Each department has jurisdiction within its city limits, while the Sheriff's Office covers unincorporated areas. These agencies coordinate on major crimes and emergencies, often working together through task forces and joint operations. The collaboration ensures comprehensive law enforcement coverage across the county, addressing both local and county-wide issues.

Jail & Inmate Records

The Wake County Detention Center is the primary jail facility in the county. It handles the booking and processing of individuals arrested within the county. Inmates can be searched through the Wake County Sheriff's Office website, which provides an inmate lookup tool. Visitation rules are specific to this facility, requiring visitors to schedule appointments in advance and adhere to strict security protocols. The bond and bail process in North Carolina allows for the release of inmates pending trial, with bond amounts set by the court. To find someone recently arrested in Wake County, individuals can use the online inmate search tool or contact the detention center directly.

Court Records

Raleigh residents are served by multiple court levels within the North Carolina judicial system. The Wake County Courthouse, located at 316 Fayetteville Street, Raleigh, NC 27601, houses both the Wake County Superior Court (phone: 919-792-4070) and Wake County District Court (phone: 919-792-4080). Superior Court handles felony criminal cases, civil cases exceeding $25,000, and appeals from District Court. District Court processes misdemeanors, civil cases up to $25,000, family law matters (divorce, child custody, child support), juvenile cases, estates and probate, and small claims (up to $10,000). Small claims cases can be filed in the Small Claims Division of District Court at the same courthouse location. North Carolina offers a statewide online court records search through the North Carolina Judicial Branch's public portal at www1.aoc.state.nc.us/www/calendars.html, though some records require in-person requests at the Clerk of Superior Court's office. The Wake County Clerk of Superior Court, also at 316 Fayetteville Street (phone: 919-792-4200), maintains official court files, judgments, and estate records. Certified copies of court documents typically cost $3.00 for the first page and $1.00 for each additional page, though fees vary by document type. Civil filing fees range from approximately $150 for District Court civil actions to $200 for Superior Court filings, with small claims filing fees around $96.

Criminal Records

The criminal records ecosystem in Wake County includes records of felonies, misdemeanors, traffic violations, and the sex offender registry. The Wake County Clerk of Superior Court maintains court records, while the Sheriff's Office and local police departments handle arrest and incident reports. Residents can run background checks through the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation, which provides access to statewide criminal records. The North Carolina Bureau of Investigation offers fingerprint-based checks for more comprehensive background information. These records are essential for legal proceedings, employment screening, and public safety.

Arrest Records

Arrest records in Wake County are maintained by the Wake County Sheriff's Office and local police departments. These records can be requested by residents and attorneys through formal applications, often requiring a fee. Arrest records typically include the individual's name, charges, arresting agency, and booking details. Under the North Carolina Public Records Law, arrest records are generally accessible to the public, although certain information may be restricted to protect privacy or ongoing investigations. The process for obtaining these records involves submitting a request to the appropriate law enforcement agency.

Public Records Access

Property and land records for Raleigh and Wake County are maintained by Wake County Tax Administration and the Wake County Register of Deeds. The Wake County Tax Administration Office, located at 301 S. McDowell Street, Raleigh, NC 27601 (phone: 919-856-5400, website: wake.gov/departments-government/tax-administration), maintains property tax assessment records searchable free online through the county's Real Estate Search portal at wake.gov/departments-government/tax-administration/real-estate. Users can search by property address, owner name, parcel ID, or subdivision to view current assessed values, property characteristics, tax history, sales history, building permits, and comparable sales. The interactive Wake County iMAPS GIS system (maps.wakegov.com) provides detailed parcel maps, zoning information, floodplain data, and aerial imagery overlaid with property boundaries. The Wake County Register of Deeds, at 301 S. McDowell Street, Raleigh, NC 27601 (phone: 919-856-5460, website: wake.gov/departments-government/register-deeds), records and maintains official documents including property deeds, deeds of trust, mortgages, liens, easements, plats, right-of-way documents, and military discharge papers (DD-214s). The Register of Deeds offers free online access to recorded land records dating back to the 1700s through their searchable database at rodcrpi.wake.gov/booksweb. Users can search by grantor/grantee name, book and page, plat name, or instrument number. Document images can be viewed and printed at no charge, though certified copies obtained in person cost $5.00 for the first page and $2.00 for each additional page.

Economy & Demographics

Raleigh's economy is characterized by a strong mix of government, education, healthcare, and technology sectors, reflecting its position as both state capital and anchor of the Research Triangle. Major employers include the State of North Carolina government (the largest employer with thousands of state employees), North Carolina State University (employing over 9,000 faculty and staff), WakeMed Health & Hospitals (over 8,000 employees), Duke University Health System, and Rex Healthcare. The technology and research sectors play crucial roles, with companies like Red Hat (now part of IBM), Cisco Systems, SAS Institute (headquartered nearby in Cary), and Lenovo maintaining significant operations in the Raleigh area. Research Triangle Park, located between Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill, hosts over 300 companies in biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, information technology, and environmental sciences. The median household income in Raleigh is approximately $66,000-$70,000, higher than both state and national averages. Recent economic development has focused on downtown revitalization, expansion of the convention center, growth in the biotechnology sector, and attraction of tech startups. Raleigh consistently ranks among the fastest-growing major cities in the United States, with population growth driven by job opportunities, quality of life, and the presence of major universities. The city's economy benefits from stability provided by government employment while experiencing innovation-driven growth from the technology and research sectors.

Law Enforcement & Arrest Records

The Raleigh Police Department, headquartered at 1 Police Plaza, Raleigh, NC 27601 (phone: 919-996-3335, website: raleighnc.gov/police), serves as the primary law enforcement agency for the city. Citizens can request police reports and incident records through the department's Records Division by visiting in person, calling, or submitting requests online through the city's website. Accident reports, incident reports, and arrest records are available under North Carolina's Public Records Law (N.C. Gen. Stat. § 132-1 et seq.), though some records may be withheld if they are part of an ongoing investigation or contain sensitive information. The Wake County Sheriff's Office, located at 330 S. Salisbury Street, Raleigh, NC 27601 (phone: 919-856-6900, website: wake.gov/departments-government/public-safety/sheriff), provides law enforcement services in unincorporated areas of Wake County and operates the Wake County Detention Center. To search for arrests and jail bookings, the public can access the Wake County Detention Center's online inmate search at wake.gov/departments-government/public-safety/sheriff/detention-center, which displays current inmates' names, booking dates, charges, bond amounts, and mugshots. North Carolina General Statute Chapter 132 governs public records requests; requesters must submit written requests identifying the specific records sought, and agencies must respond within a reasonable time. Fees may apply for copies and research time, but inspection of records is typically free.

Vital Records

Vital records for Raleigh residents are managed at both the state and county levels. Birth and death certificates are issued by the North Carolina State Center for Health Statistics, Vital Records Unit, 225 N. McDowell Street, Raleigh, NC 27603 (phone: 919-733-3526, website: vitalrecords.nc.gov). North Carolina law (N.C. Gen. Stat. § 130A-93) restricts access to birth and death certificates to immediate family members, legal representatives, and individuals with tangible interest. Birth certificates cost $24.00, death certificates cost $24.00, and rush processing is available for an additional fee. Vital records can be ordered online through vitalchek.com, by mail, or in person at the state office. Processing takes approximately 10-15 business days for mail orders and 3-5 days for online orders. The Wake County Register of Deeds, at 301 S. McDowell Street, Raleigh, NC 27601 (phone: 919-856-5460), also maintains birth records from 1913-forward and death records from 1913-forward that can be accessed with proper identification and proof of relationship. Marriage licenses are issued by the Wake County Register of Deeds for a fee of $60.00; couples must apply in person and the license is valid immediately with no waiting period. Marriage records dating back to the 1700s are searchable online at rodcrpi.wake.gov/booksweb. Divorce records are court documents maintained by the Wake County Clerk of Superior Court at 316 Fayetteville Street (phone: 919-792-4200), not vital records. Divorce decrees can be obtained from the Clerk's office for the standard court document fee, with records dating back decades available.

Business & Licensing Records

Business and licensing records for Raleigh involve city, county, and state requirements. The City of Raleigh does not require a general business license for most businesses, but certain activities require specific permits and licenses. The City of Raleigh Business & Special Events Licensing Office at One Exchange Plaza, Raleigh, NC 27601 (phone: 919-996-4226, website: raleighnc.gov/business) handles special licenses including alarm companies, pawnbrokers, massage establishments, fortunetellers, and special event permits. The City of Raleigh Revenue Division can assist with business-specific inquiries. Businesses operating in unincorporated Wake County may need to contact Wake County Inspections and Permits. Assumed business names (DBAs) are registered with the Wake County Register of Deeds at 301 S. McDowell Street, Raleigh, NC 27601 (phone: 919-856-5460); the filing fee is $26.00 for the first five years. Existing assumed name filings can be searched free online at rodcrpi.wake.gov/booksweb. Corporations, LLCs, and other business entities must register with the North Carolina Secretary of State, Corporations Division, 2 S. Salisbury Street, Raleigh, NC 27601 (phone: 919-814-5400). The NC Secretary of State's online business registry at sosnc.gov allows free searches by entity name, registered agent, or filing number, displaying entity status, formation date, principal office, registered agent, and annual report compliance. UCC financing statements (liens on personal property) are filed with the North Carolina Secretary of State's UCC Division and searchable online at the same portal. Commercial property tax assessments can be searched through Wake County Tax Administration at wake.gov/departments-government/tax-administration.

Elections & Voter Records

Raleigh voters are served by the Wake County Board of Elections, located at 337 S. Salisbury Street, Raleigh, NC 27601 (phone: 919-856-6240, website: wake.gov/departments-government/board-elections). North Carolina residents can register to vote online at ncsbe.gov/registering, by mail, or in person at the elections office, early voting sites, or the DMV. Voters must register at least 25 days before an election. North Carolina requires voter ID; acceptable forms include a North Carolina driver's license, a non-operator ID card issued by the NC DMV, a U.S. passport, a military ID, or a student ID from a North Carolina university. Raleigh holds municipal elections for Mayor and City Council in odd-numbered years, with the next mayoral election scheduled for November 2025 (not 2026). The Raleigh City Council consists of eight members, with five representing specific districts and three elected at-large along with the mayor. Raleigh residents vote on city, county, state, and federal races. To find their assigned polling place, voters can use the precinct lookup tool at vt.ncsbe.gov/PPLkup or contact the Wake County Board of Elections. North Carolina makes extensive election records publicly accessible, including voter registration lists (available with restrictions), campaign finance reports through the NC State Board of Elections at ncsbe.gov, candidate filings, and precinct-level election results. In the November 2024 presidential election, Wake County reported approximately 66-68% voter turnout, with over 600,000 ballots cast from the county's 900,000+ registered voters. On November 3, 2026, North Carolina voters will decide several significant races: a U.S. Senate seat (Class II, currently held by Thom Tillis, up for reelection in 2026), all 14 North Carolina U.S. House seats, and all 170 seats in the North Carolina General Assembly (50 Senate seats and 120 House seats). Wake County voters will also decide county-level positions including County Commissioners, Sheriff, Register of Deeds, and potentially school board members depending on the election cycle. North Carolina allows absentee voting by mail; voters must request an absentee ballot through the NC Absentee Ballot Portal at votebymail.ncsbe.gov or by submitting a written request to their county board of elections. Absentee ballot requests must be received by 5:00 PM on the Tuesday before Election Day, and completed ballots must be received by Election Day to be counted.

Public Records Transparency Score

Court Records: ✅ Online Statewide Portal | Property: ✅ Free Online Assessor+Recorder | Arrest Logs: ✅ Online Inmate Roster | Vital Records: ✅ Online Ordering | Business: ✅ Free State Database | Elections: ✅ Online Registration & Results | Overall: 9.2/10 — Wake County and North Carolina provide exceptional public records access with comprehensive online portals for property records, court cases, inmate searches, vital records ordering, business entity searches, and election information, representing one of the most transparent government systems in the United States

Frequently Asked Questions

1
What is the process for someone who is arrested in Raleigh, Wake County, North Carolina to go through the jail and court system?
If you are arrested in the City of Raleigh, North Carolina, you will be transported to the Wake 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 Wake 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 Wake 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.
2
What are the school district and education performance data for Raleigh, Wake County, North Carolina?
The school district for Raleigh, Wake County, North Carolina is the Wake County Public School System (WCPSS). According to the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction, the WCPSS had an overall performance score of 81.2 out of 100 for the 2019-2020 school year. This score is based on a variety of factors, including student achievement, student growth, and graduation rate.
3
What are the crime statistics for Raleigh, Wake County, North Carolina?
According to the Raleigh Police Department, the total number of reported crimes in Raleigh, Wake County, North Carolina in 2019 was 28,945. Of those reported crimes, there were 1,845 violent crimes, including 24 homicides, 1,072 aggravated assaults, 645 robberies, and 104 rapes. There were also 27,100 property crimes, including 4,845 burglaries, 19,945 larcenies, and 2,310 motor vehicle thefts.
4
What publicly accessible records can be obtained from the Raleigh, Wake County, North Carolina Library?
The Raleigh Public Library in Wake 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 Raleigh North Carolina Archives and Genealogy at https://archives.ncdcr.gov/. Contact the Raleigh Public Library reference desk at (919) for assistance or to confirm hours and services.
5
Where is the Raleigh, Wake County, North Carolina Public Library located?
The Raleigh, Wake County, North Carolina Library is located at:

4016 Carya Drive
Raleigh, NC 27610
6
Where is the nearest fingerprinting office located in Raleigh, Wake County, North Carolina?
Fingerprinting services for Raleigh, North Carolina residents are provided at the Raleigh Police Department, which serves Wake 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 Raleigh Police Department at (919) 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/.
7
What are the requirements for obtaining vital records from Raleigh, Wake County, North Carolina, and what information is provided in the records?
To obtain vital records from Raleigh, Wake County, North Carolina, you must contact the Wake County Register of Deeds office.

The vital records available from the Wake County Register of Deeds office include birth certificates, death certificates, marriage licenses, and divorce decrees. To obtain a birth certificate, you must provide the full name of the person on the certificate, the date of birth, the place of birth, and the parents' names. To obtain a death certificate, you must provide the full name of the deceased, the date of death, and the place of death. To obtain a marriage license, you must provide the full names of both parties, the date of the marriage, and the place of the marriage. To obtain a divorce decree, you must provide the full names of both parties, the date of the divorce, and the place of the divorce.
8
About background check
A background check in Raleigh, Wake 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.
Last reviewed: Mar 25, 2026 Updated: Mar 25, 2026