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Alamance County Public Records

What Are Public Records in Alamance County?

Public records in Alamance County are defined under the North Carolina Public Records Law § 132-1, which states that public records include "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."

Alamance County maintains numerous types of public records accessible to citizens, including:

  • Court Records: Civil, criminal, traffic, probate, and family court cases maintained by the Alamance County Courthouse
  • Property Records: Deeds, mortgages, liens, plats, and property transfers recorded by the Register of Deeds Office
  • Vital Records: Birth certificates, death certificates, marriage licenses, and divorce decrees
  • Business Records: Business licenses, permits, and fictitious business name registrations
  • Tax Records: Property tax assessments, tax maps, and payment records maintained by the Alamance County Tax Department
  • Voting and Election Records: Voter registration information and election results
  • Meeting Minutes and Agendas: County commission meetings, board proceedings, and public hearings
  • Budget and Financial Documents: County expenditures, financial reports, and audits
  • Law Enforcement Records: Incident reports, arrest logs, and jail records available through the Alamance County Sheriff's Office
  • Land Use and Zoning Records: Building permits, zoning maps, and land development plans accessible through Alamance County GIS

Each record type is maintained by specific county departments responsible for their creation, maintenance, and public access in accordance with state law.

Is Alamance County an Open Records County?

Alamance County fully complies with the North Carolina Public Records Law § 132-1, which establishes the public's right to access government records. Under this statute, public records are the property of the people, and the custodian of public records has a legal obligation to permit their inspection and examination by any person at reasonable times and under reasonable supervision.

The law specifically states: "The public records and public information compiled by the agencies of North Carolina government or its subdivisions are the property of the people. Therefore, it is the policy of this State that the people may obtain copies of their public records and public information free or at minimal cost unless otherwise specifically provided by law."

Alamance County has implemented this open records framework through its various departments, each maintaining specific procedures for public access to records under their jurisdiction. The county adheres to the state's sunshine laws, which require transparency in government operations and decision-making processes.

County officials are trained to respond to public records requests in accordance with § 132-6, which requires that records be made available "at reasonable times and under reasonable supervision." This commitment to transparency is reflected in the county's online resources and public access policies.

How to Find Public Records in Alamance County in 2026

Members of the public seeking records in Alamance County may utilize several methods to locate and obtain the information they need:

  1. Online Access: Many records are available through department-specific portals:

  2. In-Person Requests: Individuals may visit the appropriate county office during regular business hours:

    • For property records: Register of Deeds Office
    • For court records: Alamance County Clerk of Superior Court
    • For tax records: Alamance County Tax Department

  3. Written Requests: Submit a formal public records request to the specific department that maintains the desired records. Requests should include:

    • Requestor's name and contact information
    • Specific description of records sought
    • Preferred format for receiving records
    • Date range of records (if applicable)

  4. Law Enforcement Records: Requests for sheriff's reports, incident logs, and other law enforcement records can be submitted to the Alamance County Sheriff's Office either in person or through their online request system.

Pursuant to § 132-6.2(a), agencies must respond to requests "as promptly as possible." While North Carolina law does not specify a precise timeframe for response, Alamance County departments typically acknowledge requests within 3-5 business days.

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

Alamance County follows the fee structure guidelines established by North Carolina General Statute § 132-6.2, which permits agencies to charge only the "actual cost" of reproduction. Current standard fees for public records in Alamance County include:

  • Paper Copies:

    • Standard letter/legal size: $0.10-$0.25 per page
    • Large format documents (maps, plats): $3.00-$10.00 per sheet depending on size

  • Electronic Records:

    • Records provided via email: Generally no charge if records already exist in electronic format
    • Records provided on CD/DVD: $1.00-$5.00 per disc
    • Records requiring conversion from paper to digital: May incur scanning fees

  • Specialized Records:

    • Certified copies of vital records (birth, death, marriage certificates): $10.00 per copy
    • Certified copies of deeds and other land records: $5.00 for first page, $2.00 each additional page
    • Criminal background checks: $15.00-$25.00 per name search

Accepted payment methods include cash, check, money order, and credit/debit cards (in most offices). Some departments may charge additional fees for extensive use of information technology resources or clerical staff time for requests requiring more than 30 minutes to fulfill, as permitted by state law.

Fee waivers may be available when disclosure of records primarily benefits the general public, though such determinations are made on a case-by-case basis by the records custodian.

Does Alamance County Have Free Public Records?

Alamance County provides several options for accessing public records at no cost:

  • In-Person Inspection: Pursuant to North Carolina General Statute § 132-6(a), any person has the right to inspect public records at no charge during regular business hours under reasonable supervision. This applies to all county departments maintaining public records.

  • Online Resources: Several county departments offer free online access to certain records:

  • Public Access Terminals: Computer terminals are available at several county offices for public use in searching electronic records at no charge, including:

    • Register of Deeds Office
    • Clerk of Superior Court
    • County Library branches

While inspection is free, reproduction costs may apply when copies are requested. Additionally, certain specialized searches or certified copies will incur the statutory fees described in the previous section.

Who Can Request Public Records in Alamance County?

Under North Carolina General Statute § 132-6, "any person" may request access to public records in Alamance County. This broad eligibility includes:

  • North Carolina residents
  • Out-of-state residents
  • Foreign nationals
  • Organizations, businesses, and media outlets
  • Government agencies

The law specifically states that requestors are not required to disclose the purpose or motivation behind their request for most public records. County officials may not:

  • Require identification for basic record requests (though ID may be required for certain sensitive records)
  • Require explanation of why records are being requested
  • Deny access based on intended use of the records
  • Discriminate between different types of requestors

Exceptions to these general rules apply to certain record types:

  • Vital Records: Birth, death, and marriage certificates may require proof of identity and demonstration of legitimate interest or relationship to the subject of the record
  • Law Enforcement Records: Some investigative records may have restricted access based on case status
  • Personnel Records: Access to government employee records is limited by § 160A-168 and similar statutes

When requesting your own records, additional identification may be required to verify identity and prevent unauthorized disclosure of personal information.

What Records Are Confidential in Alamance County?

While Alamance County maintains a commitment to transparency, certain records are exempt from public disclosure under North Carolina law. Pursuant to various provisions in state statutes, the following record types are generally confidential:

  • Juvenile Records: Court proceedings involving minors under § 7B-2901
  • Ongoing Criminal Investigations: Active law enforcement investigative materials under § 132-1.4
  • Medical Records: Health information protected by HIPAA and state privacy laws
  • Social Services Records: Child protective services records, welfare assistance records
  • Personnel Records: Government employee records are confidential except for specific information designated as public under § 160A-168
  • Tax Information: Individual tax returns and certain tax information under § 132-1.10
  • Trade Secrets: Proprietary business information submitted to government agencies
  • Attorney-Client Communications: Legal advice and work product between county attorneys and officials
  • Student Records: Educational records protected under FERPA
  • Sealed Court Records: Records sealed by judicial order
  • Critical Infrastructure Information: Security plans, detailed utility maps, and emergency response protocols
  • Personal Identifying Information: Social Security numbers, bank account details, and other sensitive personal data under § 132-1.10

When records contain both public and confidential information, county officials will redact the confidential portions and release the remainder, as required by § 132-6(c).

Alamance County Recorder's Office: Contact Information and Hours

Alamance County Register of Deeds
118 West Harden Street
Graham, NC 27253
(336) 570-6565
Alamance County Register of Deeds

Hours of Operation:
Monday - Friday: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Closed on weekends and county-observed holidays

Services Provided:

  • Recording of deeds, mortgages, and other land records
  • Marriage licenses
  • Birth and death certificates
  • Military discharge records (DD-214)
  • Notary public oaths and authentications
  • Certified copies of vital records

Additional County Offices for Public Records:

Alamance County Clerk of Superior Court
212 West Elm Street
Graham, NC 27253
(336) 570-5200
North Carolina Judicial Branch - Alamance County

Alamance County Tax Department
124 West Elm Street
Graham, NC 27253
(336) 570-4800
Alamance County Tax Department

Alamance County Sheriff's Office
109 South Maple Street
Graham, NC 27253
(336) 570-6300
Alamance County Sheriff's Office

Lookup Public Records in Alamance County

Property records and vital records

Court records and judicial information

Geographic information and property maps

Court case searches and background checks

Property tax records and assessments

Sheriff's office records and reports

State-level criminal history information

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