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Wilkes County, North Carolina Public Records

Find the right office in Wilkes 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

Wilkes County at a glance

State
North Carolina
County seat
Wilkesboro
Population
65,432
Area
757 sq mi
Founded
1777
Cities and towns
12

Wilkes County offices and records

Sheriff & Law Enforcement. Wilkes County Sheriff's Office is responsible for maintaining law and order across Wilkes County, particularly in unincorporated areas.

Police Departments. Law enforcement in Wilkes County is provided by Wilkes County Sheriff's Office and municipal police departments, including the North Wilkesboro Police Department and the Wilkesboro Police Department.

Law Enforcement & Arrests. Wilkes County Sheriff's Office, headquartered at 713 East Main Street, Wilkesboro, NC 28697, is the primary law enforcement agency for unincorporated areas of Wilkes County. Arrest records in Wilkes County are considered public records under North Carolina General Statute § 132-1, the Public Records Law, which mandates that public records shall be open for inspection by any person unless specifically exempted.

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

Mugshots & Booking Photos. Mugshots in Wilkes County are taken and retained by Wilkes 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 website or by submitting a formal request.

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Wilkes County public-records FAQs

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

Mugshots and booking photos in Wilkes County, North Carolina, are typically available through the Wilkes County Sheriff's Office. You can visit their office in person or check their official website for an online portal that may provide access to recent booking photos. It's important to note that availability can vary based on privacy laws and the status of the case.

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

To obtain a criminal background check in Wilkes County, North Carolina, you should contact the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (SBI). Locally, you can also request a background check through the Wilkes County Clerk of Court. The process typically involves submitting a request form and paying a fee, and it may require fingerprinting for verification.

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

You can look up sex offenders in Wilkes County, North Carolina, by accessing the North Carolina Sex Offender Registry. This registry is managed by the North Carolina Department of Public Safety and provides a searchable online database. You can search by name, address, or geographic area to find registered sex offenders in Wilkes County.

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

Wilkes County residents can register to vote through the Wilkes County Board of Elections at 110 North Street, Suite 200, Wilkesboro, NC 28697, by phone at (336) 651-7346, or online at www.ncsbe.gov/registering. Registration must be completed at least 25 days before any election, and you must be a U.S. Citizen, North Carolina resident, and 18 years old by the general election date. The county offers early voting beginning 17 days before Election Day and absentee by-mail ballots for any registered voter who requests one through the Board of Elections.

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

Property records in Wilkes County are maintained by the Register of Deeds at 110 North Street, Suite 101, Wilkesboro, NC 28697, phone (336) 651-7333, which holds deeds, mortgages, liens, and plat maps, with online access available through a subscription service. The Wilkes County County Tax Assessor at 203 North Bridge Street provides a free online GIS parcel viewer at www.wilkescounty.net that allows searching by owner name, address, or parcel number to view property boundaries, tax values, and assessment information. Both offices are open Monday through Friday during regular business hours for in-person searches and certified copy requests.

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

Birth and death certificates for events occurring in Wilkes County can be requested from the Wilkes County Register of Deeds at 110 North Street, Suite 101, Wilkesboro, NC 28697, phone (336) 651-7333. Certified copies cost $24 for birth certificates and $24 for the first death certificate ($15 for additional copies ordered simultaneously), with immediate processing for in-person requests if the record is available. Only eligible persons such as the registrant, immediate family members, or legal representatives may obtain certified copies, and valid photo identification is required. Alternatively, vital records can be ordered online through the North Carolina State Center for Health Statistics at www.ncvitalrecords.com with expedited processing options available.

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

Business license records in Wilkes County can be accessed through the Wilkes County Tax Office at 110 North Street, Wilkesboro, NC 28697, phone (336) 651-7333, which administers local business privilege licenses. For formal business entities such as corporations and LLCs, use the free North Carolina Secretary of State business entity search at www.sosnc.gov to find registration information, registered agents, and annual reports. Assumed name certificates (DBAs) for sole proprietorships and partnerships are filed with the Wilkes County Register of Deeds and can be searched at their office or through their online records system.

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