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Dare County, North Carolina Public Records

Find the right office in Dare County. Court cases, deeds and parcels, sheriff and jail records, vital records and county filings, each linked to the office that keeps them, with addresses and phone numbers.

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County profile

Dare County at a glance

State
North Carolina
County seat
Manteo
Population
37,000
Area
1,562 sq mi
Founded
1870
Cities and towns
14

Dare County offices and records

Sheriff & Law Enforcement. Dare County Sheriff's Office is responsible for maintaining law and order in the unincorporated areas of Dare County.

Police Departments. In addition to Dare County Sheriff's Office, several municipal police departments operate within Dare County.

Law Enforcement & Arrests. Dare County Sheriff's Office, headquartered at 962 Marshall C. Collins Drive, Manteo, NC 27954 (252-475-5980), is the primary law enforcement agency for unincorporated areas and provides countywide services including operating Dare County Detention Center. Sheriff J.D. 'Doug' Doughtie leads the agency, which maintains a website at darenc.com/departments/sheriff where citizens can access information about services and programs. Dare County Detention Center, located at the same address as the Sheriff's Office, houses pre-trial detainees and sentenced inmates. Municipal law enforcement is provided by several independent police departments: the Kill Devil Hills Police Department (252-480-4060), the Manteo Police Department (252-473-2069), the Nags Head Police Department (252-441-6386), the Kitty Hawk Police Department (252-261-3895), the Southern Shores Police Department (252-261-4442), and the Duck Police Department (252-255-1234). Arrest records in Dare County are considered public records under North Carolina General Statute § 132-1, the North Carolina Public Records Law, which grants citizens the right to inspect and obtain copies of public records.

Criminal Records. Residents can request criminal records through the Sheriff's Office or the Clerk of Court, and the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation offers statewide criminal history checks.

Arrest Records. Arrest records in Dare County are maintained by Dare County Sheriff's Office. Residents and attorneys can request copies of arrest records by contacting the Sheriff's Office directly.

Jail & Inmate Records. The booking process involves photographing and fingerprinting the detainee, and information about inmates can be accessed through the Sheriff's Office.

Mugshots & Booking Photos. Mugshots in Dare County are taken and retained by Dare 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. The availability of mugshots may vary, and individuals seeking to view them can often do so via the Sheriff's Office website or by making a formal request.

Sales and use tax permits are obtained through the North Carolina Department of Revenue. The Outer Banks Chamber of Commerce, serving Dare County at 101 Town Hall Drive, Kill Devil Hills (252-441-8144, www.outerbankschamber.com), provides business resources, networking opportunities, and economic development information for the local business community. Dare County Tax Department, also located at 954 Marshall C. Collins Drive (252-475-5910), maintains property tax records and assessments. Elections in Dare County are administered by Dare County Board of Elections, located at 954 Marshall C. Collins Drive, Suite C, Manteo, NC 27954. The office can be reached at 252-475-5960, and information is available online at www.darenc.com/departments/board-of-elections and through the North Carolina State Board of Elections at www.ncsbe.gov. Dare County's judicial system operates through the North Carolina 1st Judicial District, with Dare County Courthouse located at 962 Marshall C. Collins Drive, Manteo, NC 27954 (252-475-5970). Building permits are issued by Dare County Inspections Department at the same address (252-475-5990), which enforces the North Carolina Building Code.

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Dare County public-records FAQs

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Where can I find mugshots or booking photos in Dare County, North Carolina?

Mugshots or booking photos in Dare County can be obtained through the Dare County Sheriff's Office. They may provide access to these records upon request, and some images might be available through their official website or through public records requests. For more detailed inquiries, visiting the Sheriff's Office in person or calling them directly would be advisable.

How do I get a criminal background check in Dare County, North Carolina?

To obtain a criminal background check in Dare County, you can contact the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (SBI). Locally, you may also visit the Dare County Clerk of Court's office to request a background check. The process typically involves submitting a request form and paying any applicable fees. Ensure you have proper identification and any necessary information about the individual whose background you are checking.

How can I look up sex offenders in Dare County, North Carolina?

You can look up sex offenders in Dare County by accessing the North Carolina Sex Offender Registry. This online database is maintained by the North Carolina Department of Public Safety and allows you to search for offenders by name, location, or proximity to a specific address. The registry provides detailed information about registered sex offenders, including their current status and any restrictions.

How do I register to vote in Dare County, North Carolina?

To register to vote in Dare County, you can register online at www.ncdot.gov/dmv, in person at the Dare County Board of Elections at 954 Marshall C. Collins Drive, Suite C, Manteo (252) 475-5960), or at various public agencies including libraries and the DMV. The registration deadline is 25 days before any election, but North Carolina also offers same-day registration during the early voting period. You must be a U.S. Citizen, North Carolina resident, at least 18 by the next general election, and not serving a felony sentence. Absentee ballot requests can be submitted online through the State Board of Elections website or by contacting the county Board of Elections.

How do I look up property records in Dare County, North Carolina?

Property records in Dare County are maintained by the Register of Deeds at 954 Marshall C. Collins Drive, Manteo (252) 475-5980). You can search land records including deeds, mortgages, liens, and plat maps for free online at www.darenc.com/departments/register-of-deeds. The Dare County Tax Department also offers a free GIS mapping system at gis.darenc.com where you can view property ownership, tax assessments, parcel boundaries, and payment history. Certified copies of recorded documents can be obtained from the Register of Deeds for statutory fees ($26 for deeds, additional pages $4 each).

How do I get a birth or death certificate in Dare County, North Carolina?

Birth and death certificates for events occurring in Dare County can be obtained from the Dare County Register of Deeds at 954 Marshall C. Collins Drive, Manteo (252) 475-5980). The fee is $24 for the first certified copy and $15 for each additional copy ordered simultaneously. You must provide valid photo ID and proof of eligibility (immediate family or legal interest). Processing is typically immediate for walk-in requests. You can also order through the North Carolina Vital Records office at vitalrecords.nc.gov or by calling 919-733-3526, though online orders through VitalChek include additional service fees.

How do I find business license records in Dare County, North Carolina?

Business name registrations (DBAs) in Dare County are filed with the Register of Deeds at 954 Marshall C. Collins Drive (252) 475-5980) and are searchable online at www.darenc.com/departments/register-of-deeds. For formal business entity registrations including LLCs and corporations, search the North Carolina Secretary of State's free database at www.sosnc.gov. Local business licenses are issued by individual municipalities or the county depending on location and business type. For zoning and building permits, contact the Dare County Planning and Inspections Departments at 252-475-5900.

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