Dare County Public Records

What Are Public Records in Dare County?

Public records in Dare County encompass all documents, data, and information created or received by government agencies in the course of official business. Under North Carolina General Statutes § 132-1, "public record" is defined as all documents, papers, letters, maps, books, photographs, films, sound recordings, magnetic or other tapes, electronic data-processing records, artifacts, or other documentary material, regardless of physical form or characteristics, made or received pursuant to law or ordinance in connection with the transaction of public business by any agency of North Carolina government or its subdivisions.

Members of the public may access a broad range of record types maintained by various Dare County offices:

Court records — Civil, criminal, probate, and family court records are maintained by the Dare County Clerk of Superior Court, located at the Dare County Courthouse in Manteo.
Property records — Deeds, mortgages, liens, and recorded instruments are held by the Dare County Register of Deeds. Property assessment data is maintained by the Dare County Tax Administration Office.
Vital records — Birth, death, and marriage certificates are filed with the Dare County Register of Deeds; divorce records are held by the Clerk of Superior Court. Certified copies of statewide vital records may also be obtained through the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services.
Business records — Assumed business name (fictitious name) registrations and related filings are recorded with the Register of Deeds.
Tax records — Property tax bills, assessment records, and payment histories are administered by the Dare County Tax Administration.
Voting and election records — Voter registration data and election results are maintained by the Dare County Board of Elections.
Meeting minutes and agendas — Board of Commissioners meeting minutes, agendas, and related documents are published by the Dare County Manager's Office.
Budget and financial documents — Annual budgets, audits, and financial reports are available through the Dare County Finance Department.
Law enforcement records — Arrest logs and incident reports, where permitted by law, are maintained by the Dare County Sheriff's Office.
Land use and zoning records — Zoning maps, permits, and land use applications are held by the Dare County Planning Department. Members of the public may also access Dare County parcel data through the county's GIS mapping portal.

Is Dare County an Open Records County?

Dare County fully complies with North Carolina's statewide open records framework, which establishes a broad public right of access to government documents. Under N.C.G.S. § 132-6, every custodian of public records shall permit any record in the custodian's custody to be inspected and examined at reasonable times and under reasonable supervision by any person. The statute further provides that copies of public records shall be furnished upon request, subject to applicable fees.

North Carolina's Public Records Law operates on a presumption of openness: all government records are presumed to be public unless a specific statutory exemption applies. Dare County does not impose additional local restrictions beyond those established under state law. The county's compliance with the state's sunshine laws ensures that government meetings, deliberations, and records remain accessible to residents and non-residents alike. The North Carolina Open Meetings Law, codified at N.C.G.S. Chapter 143, Article 33C, further requires that official meetings of public bodies be open to the public, with limited exceptions.

How to Find Public Records in Dare County in 2026

Members of the public may obtain Dare County public records through several channels, depending on the record type and the custodial office involved.

In-Person Requests: Individuals may visit the relevant county office during regular business hours to inspect or request copies of records. Most offices accept walk-in requests without a prior appointment, though scheduling in advance is advisable for large or complex requests.

Written or Email Requests: Requestors may submit written requests by mail or email to the appropriate custodial office. Requests should identify the record sought with reasonable specificity, including relevant dates, names, or case numbers where applicable.

Online Access: Several categories of records are available through online portals at no cost. Property and parcel data may be searched through the county's GIS parcel mapping system. Court records and case information may be accessed through the North Carolina Judicial Branch's county court portal. The Dare County Register of Deeds also provides online search tools for recorded instruments.

Steps to Submit a Request:

Identify the custodial office responsible for the record type sought.
Gather identifying details such as full names, dates, parcel numbers, or case numbers.
Contact the office by phone, email, or in person to confirm availability and any applicable fees.
Submit a written request if required, or inspect records on-site during public counter hours.
Pay any applicable fees upon receipt of copies.

How Much Does It Cost to Get Public Records in Dare County?

Standard fees apply to the reproduction of public records in Dare County, consistent with the cost-recovery framework established under N.C.G.S. § 132-6.2, which authorizes agencies to charge fees not to exceed the actual cost of reproducing the record.

Current fees commonly assessed by Dare County offices include:

Standard paper copies: Typically $0.05 to $0.25 per page, depending on the office and document size.
Certified copies of vital records: The Register of Deeds currently charges $10.00 for the first copy and $3.00 for each additional copy of the same record requested at the same time, in accordance with state fee schedules.
Recorded instrument copies: Fees for deed and mortgage copies vary; the Register of Deeds charges per page for certified and uncertified copies.
Court record copies: The Clerk of Superior Court charges fees established by the North Carolina Administrative Office of the Courts.
Electronic records: Fees for electronic copies are assessed at actual cost of reproduction and transmission.

Accepted payment methods vary by office but generally include cash, check, money order, and credit or debit card. Fee waivers may be available in limited circumstances, such as for indigent requestors or when records are sought for a public interest purpose, at the discretion of the custodial agency.

Does Dare County Have Free Public Records?

Free inspection of public records is available in Dare County, as required by state law. N.C.G.S. § 132-6 mandates that any person be permitted to inspect public records at no charge during regular business hours. Fees apply only when copies are requested.

Several categories of records are also available at no cost through official online portals:

Property and parcel data may be searched and viewed at no cost through the county's interactive GIS mapping tool.
Court case information is accessible without charge through the North Carolina court locations and services portal.
Meeting minutes, agendas, and budget documents are published at no cost on the Dare County official website.
Voter registration and election results are available through the Dare County Board of Elections and the North Carolina State Board of Elections.

Who Can Request Public Records in Dare County?

Any person may request public records in Dare County, regardless of residency, citizenship, or stated purpose. North Carolina's Public Records Law does not restrict access based on the requestor's identity or affiliation. Under N.C.G.S. § 132-6, the right to inspect and copy public records extends to all persons without limitation.

Key eligibility provisions include:

Residency: Requestors are not required to be residents of Dare County or North Carolina.
Identification: Most offices do not require requestors to provide identification for general public records requests, though identification may be required for certain sensitive record types or when requesting certified copies of vital records.
Statement of purpose: Requestors are generally not required to state the reason for their request. Custodians may not condition access on the disclosure of purpose for standard public records.
Requesting your own records: Individuals seeking records pertaining to themselves may be entitled to access additional information not available to the general public, particularly in the context of personnel or law enforcement records.
Restrictions for specific record types: Certain records, such as adoption files, juvenile records, and sealed court documents, are subject to access restrictions regardless of the requestor's identity. Authorized representatives, attorneys of record, or parties to a case may have broader access rights in those contexts.

What Records Are Confidential in Dare County?

Not all government records in Dare County are subject to public disclosure. North Carolina law establishes specific categories of exempt records that custodians are prohibited or permitted to withhold from public access. The primary exemptions are codified throughout N.C.G.S. Chapter 132 and related statutes.

The following record types are currently exempt from public disclosure, in whole or in part:

Sealed court records — Records sealed by judicial order are not accessible to the general public.
Juvenile records — Records pertaining to juveniles in delinquency or undisciplined proceedings are confidential under N.C.G.S. Chapter 7B.
Ongoing criminal investigation records — Law enforcement records compiled during active investigations are exempt to the extent that disclosure would compromise the investigation.
Personal identifying information — Social Security numbers, financial account data, and similar identifiers are redacted from public records pursuant to N.C.G.S. § 132-1.10.
Medical and health records — Protected health information is exempt under both state law and the federal Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).
Adoption records — Adoption files are sealed and accessible only under specific court-ordered circumstances.
Child welfare and protective services records — Records of the Dare County Department of Social Services relating to child protective services are confidential.
Personnel records — Employee personnel files are generally exempt, with limited exceptions for certain information such as an employee's name, position, and compensation, as provided under N.C.G.S. § 153A-98.
Trade secrets and proprietary business information — Confidential commercial or financial information submitted to government agencies may be withheld.
Security plans and critical infrastructure details — Records relating to the security of public buildings or infrastructure are exempt from disclosure.

When a record contains both exempt and non-exempt information, custodians are required to redact the exempt portions and release the remainder, consistent with the principle of maximum public access.

Dare County Recorder's Office: Contact Information and Hours

The Dare County Register of Deeds serves as the principal recorder of official documents, including deeds, mortgages, liens, vital records, and assumed business name registrations.

Dare County Register of Deeds 954 Marshall C. Collins Drive, Manteo, NC 27954 (252) 475-5560 Dare County Register of Deeds

Public counter hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., excluding state and county holidays.

Dare County Clerk of Superior Court 962 Marshall C. Collins Drive, Manteo, NC 27954 (252) 475-5200 Dare County – The North Carolina Judicial Branch

Dare County Tax Administration 954 Marshall C. Collins Drive, Manteo, NC 27954 (252) 475-5940 Dare County Tax Administration

Dare County Sheriff's Office 962 Marshall C. Collins Drive, Manteo, NC 27954 (252) 475-9090 Dare County Sheriff's Office

Dare County Board of Elections 954 Marshall C. Collins Drive, Suite 2, Manteo, NC 27954 (252) 475-5570 Dare County Board of Elections

All principal offices are generally open Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., unless otherwise posted. Members of the public are advised to confirm hours directly with the relevant office prior to visiting, as hours may vary during holidays or inclement weather.