Nash County Public Records

What Are Public Records in Nash County?

Public records in Nash County are defined according to 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."

Nash County maintains a comprehensive collection of public records that are available to citizens and interested parties. These records include:

Court Records: Civil, criminal, traffic, small claims, and family court records maintained by the Nash County Courthouse. These include case files, judgments, and court calendars.
Property Records: Deeds, mortgages, liens, plats, and property transfers dating back to 1777 when Nash County was established. These records are maintained by the Nash County Register of Deeds.
Vital Records: Birth certificates (from 1913), death certificates (from 1913), marriage licenses (from 1862), and delayed birth records. These vital statistics are maintained by the Register of Deeds office.
Business Records: Business licenses, permits, and fictitious business name registrations (also known as "doing business as" or DBA filings).
Tax Records: Property tax information, assessment records, and tax maps available through the Nash County Tax Administration.
Voting and Election Records: Voter registration information, election results, and campaign finance reports maintained by the Nash County Board of Elections.
Meeting Minutes and Agendas: Records of proceedings for the Nash County Board of Commissioners and various county boards and committees.
Budget and Financial Documents: County budgets, financial reports, audits, and expenditure records.
Law Enforcement Records: Certain police reports, arrest logs, and incident reports that are not part of active investigations.
Land Use and Zoning Records: Building permits, zoning applications, and land development plans maintained by the Nash County Planning Department.

The primary custodian for many of these records is the Nash County Register of Deeds Office, which maintains property records, vital statistics, and other important documents. Court records are maintained by the Nash County Clerk of Superior Court, while tax records are available through the Nash County Tax Administration.

Is Nash County an Open Records County?

Nash County fully adheres to the North Carolina Public Records Law, specifically § 132-1 through § 132-10, which establishes the public's right to access government records. Under this law, public records are the property of the people, and the custodian of public records has a duty to provide access to these records.

The North Carolina Public Records Law § 132-6(a) explicitly states: "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, and shall, as promptly as possible, furnish copies thereof upon payment of any fees as may be prescribed by law."

Nash County government offices comply with this mandate by providing public access to records during regular business hours. The county also follows the North Carolina Open Meetings Law (§ 143-318.9 through § 143-318.18), which requires that official meetings of public bodies be open to the public, with limited exceptions.

Nash County has implemented specific procedures for handling public records requests in accordance with state law. These procedures are designed to facilitate timely access while protecting records that are exempt from disclosure under state statutes. The county's commitment to transparency is reflected in its efforts to make many records available online through various departmental websites.

While Nash County does not have a separate county ordinance governing public records access beyond state law, all county departments are required to follow the state's public records statutes and provide reasonable access to non-exempt records.

How to Find Public Records in Nash County in 2026

Members of the public seeking access to Nash County records may utilize several methods to locate and obtain the information they need. The county currently provides multiple avenues for records access:

Online Access: Many Nash County records are available through online portals:
- Property records, deeds, and land records can be searched through the Register of Deeds online system
- Court records are accessible through the North Carolina Judicial Branch website
- Tax records and property information can be searched through the Nash County Tax Administration portal
- County Commission meeting minutes and agendas are available on the Nash County website
In-Person Requests: Individuals may visit the appropriate county office during regular business hours:
- For property records, deeds, and vital records, visit the Register of Deeds Office
- For court records, visit the Clerk of Superior Court
- For tax records, visit the Tax Administration Office
- For planning and zoning records, visit the Planning Department
Written Requests: Submit a written public records request to the specific department that maintains the desired records. Requests should include:
- Specific description of records sought
- Preferred format (paper copies, electronic files)
- Contact information for response
- Date range of records (if applicable)
Telephone Inquiries: Contact the appropriate department to determine record availability and request procedures before visiting in person.

For vital records such as birth, death, and marriage certificates, requestors must provide proper identification and may need to complete specific application forms. Some vital records requests may require proof of relationship to the person named in the record.

For court records, the Nash County Clerk of Superior Court maintains files for civil, criminal, estates, and special proceedings. Many court records can be searched using the North Carolina Judicial Branch's online case information system.

When requesting records in person, it is advisable to call ahead to confirm office hours and any specific requirements for accessing the desired records.

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

Nash County follows the fee structure established by North Carolina General Statutes for public records reproduction. Pursuant to § 132-6.2, agencies may charge only the actual cost of reproduction for public records. The current fee structure for Nash County public records is as follows:

Standard Paper Copies: $0.25 per page for black and white copies (8.5" x 11" or 8.5" x 14")
Large Format Copies: Varies by size (maps, plats, architectural drawings)
- 11" x 17": $1.00 per page
- Larger formats: Actual cost of reproduction
Electronic Records:
- CD/DVD: $1.00 per disc
- Email delivery: No charge when feasible
- Electronic records requiring extensive use of information technology resources or extensive clerical or supervisory assistance may incur additional charges based on actual labor costs

Specific Departmental Fees:

Register of Deeds:
- Certified copies of birth certificates: $10.00 per copy
- Certified copies of death certificates: $10.00 per copy
- Certified copies of marriage licenses: $10.00 per copy
- Recording fees for deeds and other instruments: Varies based on document type and length
Clerk of Superior Court:
- Certified copies of court documents: $5.00 for first page, $2.00 for each additional page
- Uncertified copies: $0.25 per page
- Criminal background checks: $25.00 per name
Tax Administration:
- Tax maps: $5.00 per sheet
- Property record cards: $1.00 per parcel

Nash County accepts payment by cash, check, money order, and credit card (in most departments). Some departments may have specific payment requirements. Electronic payments may be available for certain online services.

It is important to note that under North Carolina law, agencies may not charge for the inspection of public records, only for the cost of reproduction. Additionally, if a request requires extensive use of information technology resources or extensive clerical or supervisory assistance, the county may charge a reasonable service charge based on actual costs incurred.

Does Nash County Have Free Public Records?

Nash County provides free access to certain public records in accordance with North Carolina law. Under the North Carolina Public Records Act, all citizens have the right to inspect public records without charge, though fees may apply for copies or reproduction.

The following records are available for free inspection during regular business hours:

In-Person Inspection: All non-exempt public records may be inspected free of charge at the appropriate county office during normal business hours. This includes property records, court files, meeting minutes, and other public documents.
Online Access: Nash County provides free online access to several record types:
- Property tax records through the Nash County Tax Administration website
- County Commission meeting agendas and minutes
- County budget documents and financial reports
- Certain land records through the Register of Deeds online index (basic search functions)
- Court calendars and basic case information through the North Carolina Judicial Branch website
Public Terminals: The Register of Deeds office and the Clerk of Superior Court provide public access terminals where visitors can search records at no charge. These terminals are available during regular office hours.
Public Libraries: Nash County public libraries offer free internet access where citizens can access the county's online public records.

While inspection is free, reproduction costs apply as outlined in the fee schedule section. Additionally, some specialized searches or records requiring extensive staff time may incur service charges as permitted by state law.

It is recommended that individuals contact the specific department that maintains the desired records to confirm availability and any potential costs before visiting in person.

Who Can Request Public Records in Nash County?

Under North Carolina General Statutes § 132-6, any person has the right to request and receive access to public records maintained by Nash County. The law states that "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."

Key points regarding eligibility to request public records in Nash County:

Residency Requirements: There is no residency requirement for requesting public records in Nash County. Requestors do not need to be Nash County residents or even North Carolina residents.
Identification Requirements: For general public records, requestors are not required to provide identification or state the purpose of their request. However, for certain record types, particularly vital records, identification may be required:
- Birth certificates: Requestors must provide valid identification and may need to demonstrate they are entitled to receive the record (immediate family member, legal representative, etc.)
- Death certificates: Available to family members or those with legitimate interest
- Marriage records: Generally available to anyone, but certified copies may require identification
Business Entities: Corporations, organizations, and other business entities may request public records through authorized representatives.
Legal Representatives: Attorneys and other legal representatives may request records on behalf of clients with appropriate documentation.
Media Representatives: Journalists and media organizations have the same rights of access as other members of the public.

For records that contain confidential information, the county may require verification of identity or legal authority to access such information. This is particularly true for records containing personal identifying information, certain law enforcement records, and records protected by federal laws such as HIPAA.

It is important to note that while anyone may request public records, certain records or portions of records may be exempt from disclosure under state or federal law, as detailed in the next section.

What Records Are Confidential in Nash County?

While Nash County strives to provide access to public records, certain records are confidential or exempt from disclosure under North Carolina law. Pursuant to various provisions in the North Carolina General Statutes, the following record types are generally not available for public inspection:

Personal Information: Social Security numbers, driver's license numbers, bank account information, and other personal identifying information are protected from disclosure under § 132-1.10.
Medical Records: Health and medical records are confidential under both state law and the federal Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).
Juvenile Records: Court records involving minors under age 18 are generally confidential under § 7B-2901 and related statutes.
Sealed Court Records: Records that have been sealed by court order, including certain expunged criminal records, are not available to the public.
Ongoing Criminal Investigations: Records pertaining to active law enforcement investigations are exempt from disclosure under § 132-1.4 until the investigation is complete or prosecution is concluded.
Personnel Records: County employee personnel records are largely confidential under § 160A-168, though certain information such as name, position, salary, and date of employment is public.
Economic Development Records: Information about industrial prospects provided to the county in confidence is protected under § 132-6(d).
Attorney-Client Communications: Communications between the county and its attorneys that fall under attorney-client privilege are exempt from disclosure.
Competitive Bid Information: Sealed bids are confidential until bid opening.
Tax Information: Individual tax returns and information are confidential under federal and state law.
Adoption Records: Adoption proceedings and records are sealed and confidential under § 48-9-102.
Certain Vital Records: Birth certificates less than 100 years old and death certificates less than 25 years old have restricted access to immediate family members and those with legitimate interest.
Trade Secrets: Proprietary business information and trade secrets submitted to the county are protected under § 132-1.2.
Critical Infrastructure Information: Details about security systems, utility infrastructure, and emergency response plans may be exempt from disclosure.

When a record contains both public and confidential information, Nash County will redact (remove) the confidential portions and provide access to the remainder of the record. The county is required to cite the specific statutory exemption when denying access to records or portions of records.

Nash County Recorder's Office: Contact Information and Hours

Nash County Register of Deeds
120 West Washington Street, Suite 2092
Nashville, NC 27856
(252) 459-9818
Nash County Register of Deeds

Hours of Operation:
Monday - Friday: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday & Sunday: Closed
Holidays: Closed on all county-observed holidays

Services Provided:

Recording of deeds, mortgages, and other land records
Issuance of marriage licenses
Certified copies of birth, death, and marriage certificates
Military discharge recording
Notary public oaths and authentications
Real estate index searches

Nash County Clerk of Superior Court
234 West Washington Street
Nashville, NC 27856
(252) 462-4400
Nash County Courts

Hours of Operation:
Monday - Friday: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday & Sunday: Closed
Holidays: Closed on all state-observed holidays

Nash County Tax Administration
120 West Washington Street, Suite 2058
Nashville, NC 27856
(252) 459-9818
Nash County Tax Administration

Hours of Operation:
Monday - Friday: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday & Sunday: Closed
Holidays: Closed on all county-observed holidays

Lookup Public Records in Nash County

Court records through the North Carolina Judicial Branch

Birth, death, and marriage certificates

Nash County court locations and services

Property tax records and assessment information