Randolph County Public Records
What Are Public Records in Randolph County?
Public records in Randolph County, North Carolina, are defined under N.C. Gen. Stat. § 132-1 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. Randolph County agencies are required to maintain and make available the following categories of public records:
- Court records — Civil, criminal, probate, and family court records are maintained by the Randolph County Clerk of Superior Court. Members of the public may access North Carolina court records through the North Carolina Judicial Branch portal, which also provides guidance on background checks and expungements.
- Property records — Deeds, mortgages, liens, and property assessments are maintained by the Randolph County Register of Deeds and the Tax Assessor's Office. The county's online property search tool allows members of the public to retrieve current assessment data.
- Vital records — Birth, death, marriage, and divorce certificates are maintained by the Randolph County Register of Deeds and the North Carolina Vital Records office.
- Business records — Business licenses, permits, and assumed name (fictitious name) filings are maintained by the Register of Deeds and the county's Planning and Development Department.
- Tax records — Property tax bills and assessment records are maintained by the Randolph County Tax Department.
- Voting and election records — Voter registration data and election results are maintained by the Randolph County Board of Elections.
- Meeting minutes and agendas — County Commission meeting minutes, agendas, and board records are maintained by the County Manager's Office and published on the county's official website.
- Budget and financial documents — Annual budgets, audits, and financial reports are maintained by the Randolph County Finance Department.
- Law enforcement records — Arrest logs and incident reports, where permitted by law, are maintained by the Randolph County Sheriff's Office. The public may view the current confined inmates log online.
- Land use and zoning records — Zoning maps, permits, and land use plans are maintained by the Randolph County Planning and Development Department. Parcel-level geographic data is accessible through the Randolph County GIS mapping system.
Is Randolph County an Open Records County?
Randolph County fully complies with North Carolina's open records framework, which establishes a broad public right of access to government documents. Under N.C. Gen. Stat. § 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 certified copies of public records shall be furnished upon request. North Carolina's Public Records Law operates on a presumption of openness: all government records are presumed public unless a specific statutory exemption applies. Randolph County agencies are bound by this presumption and may not withhold records without citing a recognized legal basis for doing so. The county also operates in compliance with North Carolina's open meetings law, which requires that meetings of public bodies be open to the public and that advance notice be provided. No county-specific ordinance currently restricts access beyond what state law permits.
How to Find Public Records in Randolph County in 2026
Members of the public may obtain Randolph County public records through several channels, depending on the record type sought.
- Online portals — Many records are currently available through the county's digital platforms, including the property search database, GIS mapping system, and the Sheriff's Office inmate log. The North Carolina Judicial Branch provides online access to court records through its statewide portal.
- In-person inspection — Members of the public may visit the relevant county office during regular business hours to inspect records on-site. No appointment is required for routine inspection, though scheduling in advance is advisable for large or complex requests.
- Written or email request — Requests may be submitted in writing to the custodial office. North Carolina law does not require a specific form for public records requests; a written description of the records sought is sufficient. Requestors should identify the record type, approximate date range, and any other details that assist in locating the documents.
- Mail requests — Certified copies of vital records and certain other documents may be requested by mail. Requestors should include a self-addressed stamped envelope and applicable fees.
- Telephone requests — Preliminary inquiries may be made by telephone to the relevant office, though formal requests for copies are typically processed in writing.
Requests should be directed to the office that serves as the custodian of the specific record type. The Register of Deeds handles deeds and vital records; the Clerk of Superior Court handles court records; the Tax Department handles assessment and tax records; and the Sheriff's Office handles law enforcement records.
How Much Does It Cost to Get Public Records in Randolph County?
Standard fees apply to the reproduction of public records in Randolph County, consistent with the fee schedule authorized under N.C. Gen. Stat. § 132-6.2, which permits agencies to charge the actual cost of reproducing records.
- Standard paper copies — Typically $0.05 to $0.25 per page, depending on the office and document type.
- Certified copies — The Register of Deeds currently charges $5.00 for the first page and $2.00 for each additional page of certified documents.
- Vital records certified copies — Birth and death certificates issued by the Register of Deeds are subject to a fee set by state schedule, currently $10.00 per certified copy.
- Electronic records — Where records are provided in electronic format, fees reflect the actual cost of duplication, which may be minimal or waived at the custodian's discretion.
- Research fees — Offices may charge for staff time when a request requires extensive research, provided such charges are disclosed in advance.
- Accepted payment methods — Most Randolph County offices accept cash, check, money order, and credit or debit cards. Specific payment options vary by office.
- Fee waivers — Fees may be waived or reduced at the discretion of the custodial office, particularly for indigent requestors or requests determined to serve a significant public interest.
Fees vary by record type and the office processing the request. Requestors are encouraged to confirm current fees directly with the relevant office prior to submitting payment.
Does Randolph County Have Free Public Records?
Free inspection of public records is available to all members of the public under North Carolina law. Pursuant to § 132-6, no fee may be charged solely for the act of inspecting records; fees apply only when copies or certified documents are requested. The following free access options are currently available:
- In-person inspection — Any person may inspect public records at the custodial office at no charge during regular business hours.
- Online property records — The county's property search portal provides free access to assessment data, ownership history, and tax information.
- GIS parcel data — The Randolph County GIS system provides free online access to parcel maps, deed references, and geographic data compiled from recorded public documents.
- Inmate records — The Sheriff's Office publishes a free online confined inmates log updated regularly.
- Court records — Basic case information is available at no cost through the North Carolina Judicial Branch's online case lookup system.
- Meeting minutes and agendas — County Commission minutes and board agendas are published at no cost on the Randolph County official website.
Who Can Request Public Records in Randolph County?
Any person may request public records in Randolph 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. Specifically:
- Residency — Requestors are not required to be residents of Randolph County or North Carolina.
- Identification — Custodial offices generally do not require requestors to provide identification for routine public records inspection. Identification may be required for certain sensitive records or when requesting certified copies of vital records.
- Purpose — Requestors are not required to state a reason for their request under current North Carolina law. Agencies may not condition access on disclosure of the requestor's purpose.
- Non-residents — Non-residents hold the same rights of access as residents under § 132-6.
- Requesting your own records — Individuals requesting records pertaining to themselves, such as personal vital records or criminal history, may be required to provide proof of identity and, in some cases, a notarized authorization.
- Restrictions for specific record types — Certain records, such as adoption files, juvenile records, and sealed court documents, are restricted regardless of who is requesting them. Access to these records requires a court order or other legal authorization.
What Records Are Confidential in Randolph County?
Not all government records in Randolph County are subject to public disclosure. North Carolina law identifies specific categories of records that are exempt from public access. Under N.C. Gen. Stat. § 132-1.1 and related statutes, the following records are currently classified as confidential or exempt:
- 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 investigation records — Law enforcement records related to active criminal investigations are exempt to the extent that disclosure would compromise the investigation.
- Personal identifying information — Social Security numbers, financial account data, and similar personally identifiable information are redacted from public records prior to release.
- Medical records — Health and medical information is protected under both state law and the federal Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).
- Adoption records — Adoption files are sealed by statute and accessible only through court order.
- Child welfare and protective services records — Records maintained by the Department of Social Services relating to child abuse and neglect investigations 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.
- Trade secrets and proprietary business information — Confidential business information submitted to government agencies in connection with licensing or permitting may be withheld.
- Security plans and infrastructure details — Records relating to the security of public buildings, infrastructure, or emergency response plans are exempt from disclosure.
When a custodial office withholds records, it is required to identify the specific statutory basis for the exemption. Requestors who believe records have been improperly withheld may seek judicial review in the Superior Court of Randolph County.
Randolph County Recorder's Office: Contact Information and Hours
The Randolph County Register of Deeds serves as the primary recorder of official documents, including deeds, deeds of trust, plats, assumed name certificates, and vital records. The office is open to the public during standard business hours on weekdays.
Randolph County Register of Deeds 158 Worth Street, Suite 2100, Asheboro, NC 27203 (336) 318-6960 Randolph County Register of Deeds
Public counter hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Randolph County Clerk of Superior Court 176 E. Salisbury Street, Asheboro, NC 27203 (336) 328-3000 Randolph County Clerk of Superior Court
Public counter hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Randolph County Tax Department 204 E. Academy Street, Asheboro, NC 27203 (336) 318-6500 Randolph County Tax Department
Public counter hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Randolph County Sheriff's Office 727 McDowell Road, Asheboro, NC 27205 (336) 318-6699 Randolph County Sheriff's Office
Randolph County Board of Elections 1460 N. Fayetteville Street, Asheboro, NC 27203 (336) 318-6940 Randolph County Board of Elections
Public counter hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.