About Transylvania County
Transylvania County is located in the Blue Ridge Mountains of western North Carolina, with Brevard serving as Transylvania County Seat. Established in 1861, Transylvania County covers approximately 381 square miles and has a population of around 34,000 residents. The name 'Transylvania' means 'across the woods' in Latin, reflecting its heavily forested scene. Transylvania County is renowned as the 'Land of Waterfalls,' home to over 250 waterfalls including the famous Looking Glass Falls, Sliding Rock, and Whitewater Falls.
- Key county agencies include Transylvania County Register of Deeds, located at 101 S.
Pisgah National Forest occupies a significant portion of Transylvania County, making outdoor recreation and tourism central to the local economy and culture. Transylvania County is also known for the Brevard Music Center, an internationally recognized summer music festival and educational institution. Broad Street, Brevard, NC 28712, which maintains property and land records.
Transylvania County Tax Assessor's Office, also located in the County Administration Building at the same address, handles property tax assessments and valuations. The Clerk of Superior Court, situated at 12 E. Main Street, Brevard, NC 28712, maintains court records, marriage licenses, and estate records.
Transylvania County's unique combination of natural beauty, cultural amenities, and small-town character makes it a distinctive community in the North Carolina mountains.
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement
Sheriff & Law Enforcement
Transylvania County Sheriff's Office is responsible for maintaining law and order in Transylvania County. It patrols the unincorporated areas, manages Transylvania County jail, processes arrests, and maintains criminal records. The office is committed to community policing and offers various programs, including crime prevention initiatives and community outreach.
Police Departments
In addition to Transylvania County Sheriff's Office, the City of Brevard has its own police department, the Brevard Police Department, which serves the city limits. These agencies work together to ensure public safety, coordinating on major crimes and sharing resources when necessary.
Law Enforcement & Arrests
Law enforcement in Transylvania County is primarily provided by Transylvania County Sheriff's Office, located at 63 E. Main Street, Brevard, NC 28712. The agency provides patrol services, criminal investigations, civil process service, and operates Transylvania County Detention Center.
- Citizens may request arrest records by submitting a written request to the Sheriff's Office or the appropriate municipal police department.
- Mugshots and booking photos are generally available through the jail's online inmate search system or by making a formal public records request.
- Processing fees may apply for copies of arrest reports and related documents.
Inmate searches for Transylvania County jail can be conducted through the Sheriff's Office website or by calling the detention center directly for The facility maintains current inmate rosters including booking information, charges, and bond amounts. Within Transylvania County, the Brevard Police Department serves Transylvania County Seat at 100 W. Jordan Street, Brevard, NC 28712, phone, providing municipal law enforcement services within city limits.
Rosman, Transylvania County's other incorporated town, contracts with the Sheriff's Office for law enforcement rather than maintaining a separate police department. Arrest records and booking reports are public records in North Carolina under N.C. Gen.
Stat. § 132-1, the North Carolina Public Records Law. Transylvania County does not have tribal law enforcement agencies or federal jurisdictions within its boundaries.
Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records
Criminal Records
Criminal records in Transylvania County cover felony, misdemeanor, traffic violations, and sex offender registry information. Residents can request criminal records through the Sheriff's Office or use state resources for more full checks. The North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation offers services such as fingerprint-based background checks, which are essential for employment and other legal purposes.
Arrest Records
Arrest records in Transylvania County are maintained by Transylvania County Sheriff's Office. These records include details of the arrest, charges, and personal information of the arrested individual. Residents and attorneys can request arrest records by contacting the Sheriff's Office directly, following the guidelines set forth by the North Carolina Public Records Law. The records typically contain the date of arrest, charges filed, and any court appearances scheduled.
Jail & Inmate Records
Transylvania County Detention Center is the primary jail facility in Transylvania County. It handles the booking process for people arrested in Transylvania County, where they are photographed, fingerprinted, and processed. Inmate lookup is available through the Sheriff's Office, allowing family members and legal representatives to find information about current detainees. Visitation rules are specific to the facility, with scheduled times and strict guidelines to ensure security.
- The bond and bail process follows North Carolina state law, allowing for the release of inmates under certain conditions while awaiting trial.
Mugshots & Booking Photos
Mugshots in Transylvania County are taken and retained by Transylvania 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. While there is no dedicated online portal for mugshots, requests can be made directly to the office. North Carolina does not have specific mugshot removal laws, but individuals may petition for removal under certain circumstances, such as expungement of the related charges.
Courts & Case Records
Transylvania County court system operates under North Carolina's unified judicial system. Transylvania County Courthouse, located at 12 E. Main Street, Brevard, NC 28712, houses both Superior Court and District Court divisions. The court can be contacted through the office’s website. Superior Court handles felony criminal cases, civil cases involving amounts over $25,000, and appeals from District Court. District Court manages misdemeanor criminal cases, civil cases under $25,000, traffic violations, juvenile matters, domestic relations, and estates.
- Certified copies of court documents cost $3.00 for the first page and $1.00 for each additional page, with additional fees for certification.
The Clerk of Superior Court, reachable, maintains all court records, estate files, special proceedings, and marriage licenses. North Carolina court records are accessible under N.C. Gen.
Stat. § 7A-109, which governs public access to court documents. Most civil and criminal case information can be searched online through the North Carolina Judicial Branch's online case search portal at ncaoc.org, though certain sensitive records such as juvenile cases and sealed files are restricted.
In-person searches are available at the Clerk's office during regular business hours, Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Transylvania County does not operate separate municipal courts, probate courts, or justice courts, all judicial matters flow through the Superior and District Court divisions. For magistrate services, including initial appearances, search warrants, and civil claims under $10,000, Transylvania County Magistrate's Office operates 24 hours a day at the courthouse and can be contacted through the office’s website. Electronic filing is available for attorneys and some pro se litigants through the state's eCourts system.
Property & Public Records
Property and land records for Transylvania County are maintained by the Register of Deeds Office, located at 101 S. Broad Street, Suite 4, Brevard, NC 28712. The office can be reached at and maintains a website at transylvaniacounty.org/register-of-deeds. The Register of Deeds preserves and provides access to real property deeds, deeds of trust, mortgages, plat maps, easements, mechanic's liens, military discharges, and vital records (births and deaths).
- Certified copies of recorded documents cost $5.00 for the first page and $2.00 for each additional page.
- The Tax Assessor maintains property valuations, tax maps, and ownership information, all of which can be searched online through Transylvania County's GIS property search system at transylvaniacounty.org/tax.
- This free online parcel viewer provides detailed property information including tax values, sales history, building characteristics, acreage, and zoning.
The office provides a free online property records search through Transylvania County website, allowing users to search by grantor, grantee, book and page, or instrument number for documents recorded from the early 1990s to present. Older records are available through in-person research or by contacting the office directly. Property tax records and assessments are handled by Transylvania County Tax Department, located at 101 S.
Broad Street, Brevard, NC 28712 Digital plat maps and aerial photography are also available through the GIS system. For official tax receipts, payment history, or detailed assessment information, citizens may visit the Tax Office in person or call.
Property revaluations in Transylvania County occur on an eight-year cycle as required by state law, with the most recent revaluation completed in 2020.
Vital Records
Vital records for Transylvania County are maintained by multiple agencies depending on the record type and date. Birth and death certificates occurring in Transylvania County are filed with the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Vital Records Section, but can also be obtained locally through Transylvania County Register of Deeds at 101 S. Broad Street, Suite 4, Brevard, NC 28712 The Register of Deeds can process requests for birth and death certificates for events that occurred in Transylvania County.
- Birth certificates cost $24.00 for a certified copy, and death certificates cost $24.00 for the first copy and $15.00 for each additional copy ordered at the same time.
- Processing typically takes 1-2 weeks for in-person or mailed requests.
- Only eligible individuals may request certified copies, including the registrant (if 18 or older), immediate family members, legal representatives, or those with a direct and tangible interest as defined by N.C.
- Valid photo identification is required for all requests.
- Marriage licenses are issued by Transylvania County Register of Deeds and cost $60.00.
Gen. Stat. § 130A-93.
Both parties must appear in person to apply, and there is no waiting period or blood test required in North Carolina. Marriage records (certificates of marriage) are also maintained by the Register of Deeds and can be requested by the parties to the marriage or other eligible persons. Divorce records are not maintained by the Register of Deeds; certified divorce decrees must be obtained from the Clerk of Superior Court at 12 E.
Main Street, Brevard, NC 28712 For statewide vital records or records from other North Carolina counties, the NC Vital Records Office in Raleigh can be contacted at or online at vitalrecords.nc.gov, where expedited online ordering is available for an additional fee.
Business & Licensing
Business records and licensing in Transylvania County are maintained by multiple agencies depending on the type of business activity. Transylvania County Register of Deeds, located at 101 S. Broad Street, Suite 4, Brevard, NC 28712, phone, records assumed business names (DBA filings) and trade names for businesses operating in Transylvania County. These filings cost $26.00 and are public record, searchable at the Register of Deeds office.
- The statewide business entity search is available free online at sosnc.gov, where users can search by business name, registered agent, or filing number to view formation documents, annual reports, and current status.
- Commercial construction projects require plan review and permitting through this office, with fees based on project valuation.
For corporations, limited liability companies, partnerships, and other formal business entities, registration occurs at the state level through the North Carolina Secretary of State, Corporations Division. Professional licenses (medical, legal, contracting, cosmetology, etc.) are issued by respective North Carolina licensing boards, not at Transylvania County level. Business privilege licenses for businesses operating within the Town of Brevard are issued by Brevard Town Hall at 95 W.
Main Street, Brevard, NC 28712 Rosman also requires town business licenses for businesses operating within town limits, administered by Rosman Town Hall at 100 W. Main Street, Rosman, NC 28772
Building permits, zoning approvals, and land use permits are handled by Transylvania County Planning Department at 101 S. Broad Street, Brevard, NC 28712 Transylvania County Chamber of Commerce, located at 175 E.
Main Street, Brevard, NC 28712, maintains a business directory and can be reached at or online at brevardncchamber.org, though it does not maintain official public records.
Elections & Voter Records
Elections in Transylvania County are administered by Transylvania County Board of Elections, located at 101 S. Broad Street, Suite 11, Brevard, NC 28712. The office can be reached at and maintains information at transylvaniacounty.org/elections. Voter registration in North Carolina can be completed online through the State Board of Elections at ncsbe.gov/registering, by mail using a voter registration form, or in person at the Board of Elections office, the DMV, or other designated agencies. The registration deadline is 25 days before any election.
- Requests for absentee ballots can be submitted through the state's online portal at ncsbe.gov/absentee, by mail, or in person at Transylvania County Board of Elections.
- Absentee ballot request deadlines are typically 5:00 PM on the Tuesday before Election Day, though request ballots earlier.
- Transparency in Transylvania County elections is supported by public access to voter lists, campaign finance data, and the ability to observe election processes including ballot counting.
- North Carolina law provides for public observation of voting sites and canvassing operations.
North Carolina does not offer Election Day registration for most voters, though same-day registration is available during the early voting period for those who meet eligibility requirements. To find your polling place in Transylvania County, voters can use the polling place lookup tool at ncsbe.gov/voting or contact Transylvania County Board of Elections. Transylvania County operates multiple precincts including Brevard, Cathey's Creek, Dunn's Rock, Eastatoe, Gloucester, Hogback, Little River, and Rosman.
As public records under N.C. Gen. Stat.
§ 163-82.10, voter registration lists are available for inspection and may be purchased for lawful purposes. Campaign finance reports for county-level candidates are filed with Transylvania County Board of Elections and are available for public inspection. Candidate filing information, precinct-level election results, and historical turnout data are also public records accessible through the Board of Elections office or online.
In the November 2024 general election, Transylvania County reported approximately 70% voter turnout, reflecting strong civic engagement typical of western North Carolina mountain counties. The next major election is scheduled for November 3, 2026, featuring U.S. House of Representatives races, state legislative seats, county commissioners, and other local offices.
Absentee voting by mail is available to all North Carolina voters without requiring an excuse. Early voting, also called one-stop voting, is available at designated sites in Transylvania County for approximately two and a half weeks before each election, allowing voters to register, vote, and verify their registration in a single transaction. The Board of Elections publishes early voting schedules, sample ballots, and election calendars on its website and through local media.
Economy & Demographics
Transylvania County's economy is distinctive for its heavy reliance on tourism, outdoor recreation, and the arts, supplemented by manufacturing and healthcare. Transylvania County's designation as the 'Land of Waterfalls' and its location adjacent to Pisgah National Forest make tourism and hospitality major economic drivers, supporting numerous hotels, restaurants, outdoor outfitters, and seasonal businesses. The Brevard Music Center contributes significantly to the local economy during its summer season, attracting thousands of visitors and students.
- The median household income in Transylvania County is approximately $55,000, slightly below the North Carolina state median.
Major employers include Transylvania Regional Hospital (part of Mission Health/HCA Healthcare), Transylvania County school system, and Transylvania County government itself. Manufacturing remains important, with companies like Borg Warner, Polypipe, and Silgan Containers operating facilities in Transylvania County. Key economic sectors include accommodation and food services, healthcare and social assistance, retail trade, manufacturing, and arts and entertainment.
Transylvania County has a significant retiree population, contributing to growth in healthcare services and retail. Forest products and agriculture, while historically important, now represent a smaller share of the economy, though Christmas tree farming and specialty agriculture continue. Unemployment in Transylvania County typically tracks slightly higher than state averages but remains in the 3-5% range in recent years, with seasonal variation tied to tourism.
Economic development efforts focus on sustainable tourism, attracting remote workers and retirees drawn to the mountain lifestyle, and supporting local entrepreneurship. Transylvania Economic Alliance works to recruit businesses compatible with Transylvania County's environmental and quality-of-life priorities. Broadband expansion has been identified as a critical infrastructure need to support business growth and remote work opportunities.
Transparency Score
Court Records: Yes: Online (state portal) | Property: Yes: Free Search with GIS | Arrest/Jail: Yes: Online Roster | Vital Records: Limited: In-Person or Mail Required | Business: Yes: Online (state/county) | Elections: Yes: Online | Overall Score: 8.5/10, Transylvania County provides excellent digital access to property, business, and election records, with GIS tools and online databases for most public information needs.
Official Government Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
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Cities & Towns in Transylvania County
Explore public records for 8 cities and communities in Transylvania County, North Carolina.