About Wayne County

Population 117,606 residents
County Seat Goldsboro
Established 1779
Named After Revolutionary War General
Area 557 square miles

Wayne County is located in the east-central Coastal Plain region of North Carolina, covering approximately 557 square miles. Wayne County seat is Goldsboro, which is the primary commercial and governmental hub for Wayne County's population of approximately 117,000 residents as of recent estimates. Wayne County was established in 1779 and named after Revolutionary War General Anthony Wayne, known as 'Mad Anthony' for his bold military tactics. Wayne County is strategically positioned at the intersection of U.S. Highway 70 and Interstate 795, providing excellent transportation access to both Raleigh and the North Carolina coast. Major landmarks include Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, one of the largest employers in eastern North Carolina, and the historic downtown Goldsboro district. Wayne County's economy has historically been anchored by agriculture, particularly tobacco, cotton, and hog farming, though military operations and manufacturing now play significant roles. Wayne County Courthouse is located at 224 E. Walnut Street in Goldsboro, housing various county offices. Wayne County Register of Deeds office, responsible for recording land records, operates from the same courthouse complex. Wayne County Tax Assessor's office, which maintains property valuation records, is located at 301 N. Herman Street in Goldsboro. Wayne County includes the municipalities of Goldsboro, Mount Olive, Fremont, Pikeville, and Eureka, each contributing to the diverse character of Wayne County. Wayne County's unique position as both an agricultural center and home to a major military installation creates a distinctive blend of rural traditions and military culture.

  • Wayne County Register of Deeds office, responsible for recording land records, operates from the same courthouse complex.

Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement

Law Enforcement & Arrests

  • Citizens can request arrest records by submitting written requests to the Sheriff's Office or the appropriate municipal police department where the arrest occurred.
  • Processing times for records requests vary, and fees may apply for copies.
2001 W. Grantham Street, Goldsboro, NC 27530

Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records

Jail & Inmate Records

  • The bond and bail process in North Carolina allows for the release of inmates pending trial, and information on posting bail can be obtained through the detention center.

Courts & Case Records

  • Small claims matters for disputes under $10,000 are also handled through District Court.
  • Wayne County courthouse also houses the Register of Deeds office, which records land instruments but is separate from court operations.
  • Court calendars and scheduled hearings are available through the Clerk's office and may be posted online.
224 E. Walnut Street, Goldsboro, NC 27530

Property & Public Records

Property records for Wayne County, North Carolina are maintained by the Wayne County Register of Deeds. This office maintains recorded documents including deeds, mortgages, liens, and easements for properties in Wayne County.

Vital Records

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

  • Birth certificates cost $24 for the first copy and $15 for each additional copy ordered at the same time, while death certificates follow the same fee structure.
  • Processing times vary from same-day service at the local Register of Deeds office to 10-15 business days for mail requests submitted to the state office.
  • Marriage licenses are issued by Wayne County Register of Deeds office with both parties typically required to appear in person with valid photo identification and Social Security numbers.
  • The marriage license fee is $60, and there is no waiting period in North Carolina, with licenses valid for 60 days from issuance.
  • Online ordering of vital records is available through the North Carolina Vital Records website at vitalrecords.nc.gov, though additional vendor fees apply for this convenience.
225 N. McDowell Street, Raleigh, NC 27603

Business & Licensing

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

  • Fictitious name registrations (assumed name certificates or 'Doing Business As' filings) are filed with Wayne County Register of Deeds office at as required under North Carolina General Statute § 66-68.
  • This online system provides business entity names, registration dates, registered agent information, and status (active, dissolved, withdrawn).
  • William Street, Goldsboro, NC 27530, provides business development resources and maintains a membership directory, though it does not have regulatory authority over business licensing.
308 N. William Street, Goldsboro, NC 27530

Official Government Resources

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I search for someone recently arrested in Wayne County, North Carolina?
To search for someone recently arrested in Wayne County, you can use the inmate lookup tool provided by the Wayne County Detention Center. The facility is located at 207 E. Chestnut Street, Goldsboro, NC. You can also contact the local Sheriff's Office for assistance with inmate information. Their website may offer an online portal for checking recent arrests and current inmates.
Mugshots and booking photos in Wayne County are typically available through the Wayne County Sheriff's Office. You can visit their office at 207 E. Chestnut Street, Goldsboro, NC, or check their official website for any online resources they may provide. Keep in mind that access to these photos may be subject to privacy regulations and local policies.
To obtain a criminal background check in Wayne County, you can request one through the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (SBI). Locally, you may also visit the Wayne County Clerk of Court's office at 224 E. Walnut Street, Goldsboro, NC, to inquire about the process. The SBI provides detailed instructions on their website for submitting a background check request.
You can look up sex offenders in Wayne County by accessing the North Carolina Sex Offender Registry. This registry is managed by the North Carolina Department of Public Safety and provides an online search tool to find registered sex offenders by name, address, or proximity to a specific location. The registry is updated regularly to ensure accurate information.
You can register to vote in Wayne County through the Wayne County Board of Elections at 113 E. Walnut Street, Goldsboro, or online at ncsbe.gov. North Carolina requires registration at least 25 days before an election, though same-day registration is available during early voting and on Election Day with provisional ballots. Absentee ballot requests can be submitted online, by mail, or in person at the Board of Elections office, with completed ballots due by 7:30 p.m. On Election Day.
Property records in Wayne County are maintained by the Wayne County Register of Deeds at 224 E. Walnut Street, Goldsboro, phone (919) 731-1450, for recorded land documents including deeds, mortgages, and liens. The county offers an online search system through waynegov.com where you can view recorded documents and indices. For property tax information, assessed values, and ownership data, contact the county Tax Department at (919) 731-1470 or use the county's online GIS mapping system for free parcel searches.
Birth and death certificates for events occurring in Wayne County can be obtained through the Wayne County Register of Deeds at 224 E. Walnut Street, Goldsboro, or from the North Carolina Vital Records office in Raleigh. Certified copies cost $24 for the first copy and $15 for additional copies ordered simultaneously. You must provide valid photo ID and demonstrate direct and tangible interest in the record (immediate family, legal representative, or registrant). Online ordering is available through vitalrecords.nc.gov with additional processing fees.
Business entity searches for corporations and LLCs operating in North Carolina are available online through the North Carolina Secretary of State at sosnc.gov. Fictitious name registrations (DBA filings) for Wayne County businesses are filed with the Wayne County Register of Deeds at (919) 731-1450. Local business privilege licenses within municipalities are issued by individual city finance departments, contact the City of Goldsboro or other municipal offices for licenses specific to their jurisdictions. The Wayne County Inspections Department at (919) 731-1440 handles certain permits and zoning compliance matters.

Nearby Counties

Johnston County NC Wilson County NC Sampson County NC Lenoir County NC Duplin County NC Greene County NC