Richmond County Public Records
How to Find Public Records in Richmond County in 2026
Members of the public seeking government documents, court filings, property data, and other official materials may access a broad range of publicly available information through Richmond County's network of government offices and online portals. RichmondCountyRecords.us aggregates publicly available data that may assist individuals in locating records maintained by county and state agencies. The categories of records that may be found through official channels include:
- Court records (civil, criminal, probate, and family)
- Property deeds, mortgages, and tax assessments
- Vital records (birth, death, marriage, and divorce)
- Business licenses and permits
- Voting and election records
- Law enforcement incident reports and arrest logs
- County commission meeting minutes and agendas
- Budget and financial documents
Online Access: Members of the public may search property records, deeds, and land records through the Richmond County Register of Deeds online portal. Court records are accessible through the North Carolina Courts eCourts portal. Some records require account registration prior to access.
In-Person Requests: Individuals may visit the Register of Deeds or the Clerk of Superior Court at the Richmond County Courthouse, 114 E Franklin St, Rockingham, NC 28379. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Written/Mail Requests: Written requests should be directed to the appropriate office and must include the requester's name, contact information, a description of the records sought, and the preferred format for delivery. Under N.C. Gen. Stat. § 132-6, agencies are required to respond promptly to public records requests.
Phone/Email:
- Register of Deeds: (910) 997-8250
- Clerk of Superior Court: (910) 997-8200
What Are Public Records in Richmond County?
Public records in Richmond County are defined by North Carolina state law 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. This definition is established under N.C. Gen. Stat. § 132-1, which governs public records statewide.
The following record types are maintained by Richmond County agencies:
| Record Type | Maintaining Office |
|---|---|
| Deeds, mortgages, liens | Register of Deeds |
| Civil and criminal court records | Clerk of Superior Court |
| Vital records (birth, death, marriage) | Register of Deeds / NC Vital Records |
| Property tax and assessment records | Tax Administration Office |
| Business licenses and permits | Planning & Development |
| Voting and election records | Board of Elections |
| Meeting minutes and agendas | County Manager's Office |
| Probate and estate records | Clerk of Superior Court |
| Arrest logs and incident reports | Richmond County Sheriff's Office |
| Land use and zoning records | Planning & Development |
The Richmond County Register of Deeds maintains land records, vital records, and related instruments. Court records are held by the Clerk of Superior Court.
Is Richmond County an Open Records County?
Richmond County operates in full compliance with North Carolina's open records framework, which mandates public access to government documents. Under N.C. Gen. Stat. § 132-6, every custodian of public records is required to permit public records to be inspected and examined at reasonable times and under reasonable supervision. The North Carolina Public Records Law, codified in Chapter 132 of the General Statutes, establishes the foundational right of access for all residents and non-residents alike.
As stated by the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources, "The Public Records Law gives the public the right to inspect and copy public records of state and local government agencies." This principle applies uniformly to Richmond County offices, including the Register of Deeds, the Clerk of Superior Court, the Tax Administration Office, and all other county departments.
The county does not maintain a separate local ordinance that restricts or expands upon state open records requirements. All public records policies are governed by state statute, and the North Carolina Attorney General's Office provides guidance to agencies and the public on compliance with open government laws.
How Much Does It Cost to Get Public Records in Richmond County?
The cost to obtain public records in Richmond County varies by record type and the office maintaining the records. Under state law, agencies may charge fees that reflect the actual cost of duplication, but inspection of records at a public office is not subject to a fee.
Standard Copy Fees:
| Record Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Standard paper copies | $0.05–$0.10 per page (standard rate) |
| Certified copies of vital records | $10.00 per copy (Register of Deeds) |
| Certified copies of court records | $0.25 per page + $3.00 certification fee |
| Electronic records | Actual cost of duplication |
| Deed copies | $0.25 per page |
- Inspection of records at the office is free of charge.
- Certification fees apply when an official seal or attestation is required.
- Payment is accepted by cash, check, or money order at most offices; some offices accept credit cards.
- Fee waivers are not broadly established by statute for general public records requests, though agencies retain discretion in individual cases.
The Richmond County Tax Administration Office may apply separate fee schedules for property tax records and assessment documents.
Does Richmond County Have Free Public Records?
Free inspection of public records is available to any member of the public at the offices that maintain those records. North Carolina law requires that custodians permit inspection at no charge during regular business hours. The distinction between free inspection and free copies is significant: while viewing records in person carries no fee, obtaining physical or electronic copies is subject to the duplication fees described above.
The following resources provide free access to certain records online:
- The North Carolina Courts eCourts portal provides free online access to certain court case information.
- The Richmond County Register of Deeds online search allows free viewing of recorded land documents.
- The North Carolina State Archives provides free access to historical county records, including probated wills and estate documents dating to the colonial period.
- The North Carolina Board of Elections provides free access to voter registration and election data online.
Members of the public who are subject to reentry from the state correctional system may access records relevant to their status through the North Carolina Department of Adult Correction reentry resources, which includes guidance on obtaining public records in Richmond County.
Who Can Request Public Records in Richmond County?
Any person may request public records in Richmond County, regardless of residency, citizenship, or stated purpose. North Carolina's Public Records Law does not require requesters to be state residents, to provide identification, or to explain the reason for their request. This broad access right is established under Chapter 132 of the North Carolina General Statutes.
Key eligibility provisions include:
- Residency: Not required. Non-residents retain the same access rights as residents.
- Identification: Not required for most records. Certain sensitive records may require identification to verify eligibility.
- Purpose: Requesters are not obligated to state a purpose for most public records requests.
- Age: No minimum age is established by statute for public records requests.
Individuals requesting their own records—such as personal court records, tax records, or vital records—follow the same process as any other requester, though additional identification may be required to obtain certified copies of vital records. Requests for records pertaining to other individuals are subject to the same access rights, except where specific exemptions apply to protect personal privacy.
As noted by the North Carolina Attorney General's Office, "A person does not have to give a reason for requesting public records, and a government agency cannot require a person to identify themselves before allowing inspection of public records."
What Records Are Confidential in Richmond County?
Certain categories of records are exempt from public disclosure under North Carolina law. N.C. Gen. Stat. § 132-1.1 and related statutes identify the following as confidential or restricted:
- Sealed court records: Records sealed by judicial order are not available for public inspection.
- Juvenile records: Records pertaining to juveniles in delinquency or dependency proceedings are confidential under N.C. Gen. Stat. § 7B-3000.
- Ongoing criminal investigations: Law enforcement records compiled for law enforcement purposes are exempt while an investigation is active.
- Personal identifying information: Social Security numbers, financial account numbers, and similar data are redacted from public records.
- Medical records: Protected under both state law and the federal Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).
- Adoption records: Sealed by statute and accessible only under specific legal circumstances.
- Child welfare and protective services records: Confidential under state and federal child protection laws.
- Personnel records: Employee personnel files are exempt from disclosure, with limited exceptions for certain employment-related information.
- Trade secrets and proprietary business information: Exempt when submitted to government agencies under confidentiality protections.
- Security plans and critical infrastructure details: Exempt to protect public safety.
Agencies apply a balancing test in some cases, weighing the public interest in disclosure against the privacy interests of individuals named in the records.
Richmond County Recorder's Office: Contact Information and Hours
Richmond County Register of Deeds 114 E Franklin St, Rockingham, NC 28379 (910) 997-8250 Richmond County Register of Deeds
Office Hours: Monday – Friday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM Closed on state and federal holidays.
Richmond County Clerk of Superior Court 114 E Franklin St, Rockingham, NC 28379 (910) 997-8200 Clerk of Superior Court – Richmond County
Office Hours: Monday – Friday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Richmond County Tax Administration Office 114 E Franklin St, Rockingham, NC 28379 (910) 997-8279 Richmond County Tax Administration
Office Hours: Monday – Friday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Richmond County Sheriff's Office 1302 Fayetteville Rd, Rockingham, NC 28379 (910) 997-8181 Richmond County Sheriff's Office
Office Hours: Monday – Friday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Richmond County Board of Elections 108 S Hancock St, Rockingham, NC 28379 (910) 997-8218 Richmond County Board of Elections
Office Hours: Monday – Friday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM