Mecklenburg County Public Records

What Is Public Records in The Mecklenburg County?

Public records in Mecklenburg County encompass a wide range of documents and information maintained by county government agencies that are accessible to the public pursuant to North Carolina General Statutes § 132-1. These records document official government activities, transactions, and decisions that affect county residents. The following categories of public records are maintained by Mecklenburg County agencies:

Property records including deeds, mortgages, liens, and property tax assessments available through the Register of Deeds and County Assessor's Office
Vital records such as birth certificates, death certificates, and marriage licenses (records from 1913 to present)
Court records including civil and criminal case files, judgments, and court calendars accessible via the Mecklenburg County Clerk of Superior Court
Tax records including property tax statements, payment histories, and tax maps maintained by the Office of the Tax Collector
Voter registration information and election results through the Board of Elections
Land use records, building permits, and zoning information
County budget documents, financial reports, and expenditure records
Meeting minutes, agendas, and recordings from the Board of County Commissioners and other public bodies
Environmental records including health inspections and code enforcement actions
Inmate and detention records available through the Sheriff's Department
Geographic Information System (GIS) data accessible via the County GIS Portal

Is Mecklenburg County an Open Records County?

Mecklenburg County operates as an open records jurisdiction in compliance with the North Carolina Public Records Law (N.C.G.S. § 132-1 et seq.). This statute explicitly states that "public records and public information are the property of the people" and shall be accessible for inspection by any person at reasonable times and under reasonable supervision.

The county's commitment to transparency is further codified in the Mecklenburg County Public Records Policy, which establishes that:

"It is the policy of Mecklenburg County to provide access to public records in accordance with the North Carolina Public Records Law. The County recognizes that public records and public information compiled by agencies of North Carolina government or its subdivisions are the property of the people."

The policy mandates that county departments must make public records available promptly when requested during normal business hours. Mecklenburg County has implemented a centralized Public Records Portal to streamline the request process and ensure compliance with state law.

How Do I Find Public Records in Mecklenburg County in 2025

Mecklenburg County offers multiple methods for accessing public records in 2025, with an emphasis on digital accessibility while maintaining traditional in-person options. Members of the public may utilize the following methods:

Online Portal Access: The county's centralized Public Records Request Portal allows users to submit requests electronically, track status, and receive documents digitally. This system routes requests to appropriate departments automatically.
Department-Specific Online Resources:
- Property records can be searched through the Register of Deeds online search system
- Court records are accessible via the North Carolina Judicial Branch portal
- Tax information is available through the Tax Collector's online database
- GIS and mapping data can be accessed via the County GIS Portal
In-Person Requests: Individuals may visit specific county departments during regular business hours to request and view records. Identification may be required for certain records.
Written Requests: Public records requests may be submitted in writing to the specific department or to:

Mecklenburg County Public Information Office
600 East 4th Street
Charlotte, NC 28202
Phone: (980) 314-2000
Mecklenburg County Government

Email Requests: General records requests can be submitted to publicinfo@mecknc.gov, though department-specific email addresses may be more efficient for targeted requests.

How Much Does It Cost To Get Public Records In Mecklenburg County?

Mecklenburg County assesses fees for public records in accordance with N.C.G.S. § 132-6.2, which permits charging actual costs for duplication of records but prohibits charging for inspection or examination of records. The following fee structure applies to public records requests:

Electronic Records: No charge for records provided electronically when no special programming is required
Paper Copies: $0.10 per page for standard black and white copies (8.5" x 11")
Color Copies: $0.50 per page for color copies (8.5" x 11")
Large Format Copies: $3.00 per page for oversized documents such as maps or plans
Certified Copies: Additional $5.00 per document for certified copies
Media Storage: $10.00 for CD/DVD; $15.00 for USB drive (when electronic transmission is not feasible)
Special Programming: Actual cost of staff time when extensive programming is required to extract or compile data (defined as more than 30 minutes of staff time)

Specialized records may have statutorily defined fees:

Birth certificates: $24.00 per copy
Death certificates: $24.00 per copy
Marriage licenses: $60.00 for issuance; $10.00 per copy of existing license
Recording fees for property documents: $26.00 for first 15 pages, $4.00 for each additional page

Payment may be made by cash, check, or credit card. Fees may be waived when disclosure primarily benefits the general public and request volume is reasonable.

Does Mecklenburg County Have Free Public Records?

Mecklenburg County provides several categories of public records at no cost to requesters. These free public records services include:

Online Property Information: The County GIS & Property Lookup portal offers free access to property ownership information, tax values, and parcel maps.
Open Data Portal: The Mecklenburg County Open Data Portal provides free access to numerous datasets including demographic information, budget data, and environmental statistics.
Court Calendars and Basic Case Information: Basic court schedules and case status information are available at no charge through the North Carolina Judicial Branch website.
Meeting Minutes and Agendas: Records of public meetings, including Board of County Commissioners meetings, are freely accessible on the county website.
Voter Registration Verification: Basic voter registration status can be checked at no cost through the Board of Elections.
Inmate Lookup: The Sheriff's Department maintains a free inmate lookup system for current detention center residents.
Public Health Inspection Reports: Restaurant and facility inspection reports are available at no charge online.
Budget Documents: Annual county budgets and financial reports are freely accessible on the county website.

Records that require extensive staff time for compilation or specialized formats may still incur fees as outlined in the county fee schedule.

Who Can Request Public Records In Mecklenburg County?

Public records in Mecklenburg County are available to all persons regardless of citizenship, residency status, or purpose of the request, in accordance with N.C.G.S. § 132-6(a). The following entities may request and receive public records:

Any individual person, regardless of age, citizenship, or residency status
Media organizations and journalists
Businesses and corporations
Non-profit organizations and advocacy groups
Educational institutions and researchers
Government agencies and officials
Legal representatives and attorneys
Incarcerated individuals (though certain practical limitations may apply)

Requesters are not required to:

State the purpose of their request
Provide identification (except for certain restricted records)
Submit requests in any particular format
Explain their interest in the records

The county may ask for contact information solely for the purpose of communicating about the request and providing the records. Mecklenburg County processes all requests without discrimination based on the identity of the requester or the purpose for which the records will be used, provided the records are not exempt from disclosure under state law.

What Records Are Confidential In Mecklenburg County?

Certain records maintained by Mecklenburg County are confidential and exempt from public disclosure pursuant to various North Carolina General Statutes and federal laws. These protected records include:

Personal Information: Social Security numbers, driver's license numbers, and financial account information are protected under N.C.G.S. § 132-1.10
Medical Records: Individual health information is confidential under HIPAA and N.C.G.S. § 130A-12
Juvenile Records: Court records for minors are generally confidential per N.C.G.S. § 7B-2901
Personnel Records: County employee personnel files have limited accessibility under N.C.G.S. § 153A-98, though certain information remains public
Economic Development Records: Information about business recruitment until formally announced (N.C.G.S. § 132-6.1)
Attorney-Client Communications: Legal advice and litigation strategy documents
Law Enforcement Records: Active criminal investigation records, intelligence information, and certain security plans
Social Services Records: Client information from the Department of Social Services is confidential per N.C.G.S. § 108A-80
Tax Information: Individual income tax returns and certain taxpayer information
Competitive Bid Information: Sealed bids prior to bid opening
Student Records: Educational records protected under FERPA
Domestic Violence Protection: Address confidentiality for victims of domestic violence
Certain Utility Customer Information: Personal identifying information of utility customers

When a record contains both public and confidential information, Mecklenburg County will redact the confidential portions and provide access to the remaining public information when feasible.

Mecklenburg County Recorder's Office: Contact Information and Hours

The Mecklenburg County Register of Deeds serves as the official recorder for the county, maintaining vital records and property documents. The office provides access to these records during the following hours and at these locations:

Mecklenburg County Register of Deeds
720 East 4th Street, Suite 100
Charlotte, NC 28202
Phone: (704) 336-2443
Mecklenburg County Recorder

Regular Office Hours:
Monday - Friday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday - Sunday: Closed
Holidays: Closed on all county-observed holidays

Services Provided:

Recording of deeds, mortgages, and property documents
Issuance of marriage licenses
Birth and death certificate copies (from 1913 to present)
Notary public oath administration
Military discharge recording
Assumed business name registration
Public record searches

North Satellite Office:
13425 Huntersville-Concord Road
Huntersville, NC 28078
Phone: (704) 336-2443
Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

The Register of Deeds maintains an online records search system that is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week through the official website. Electronic recording services are available for authorized submitters through the county's e-recording portal.