CAN ANYONE OBTAIN INFORMATION ON FILE AT THE REGISTER OF DEEDS OFFICE?
Yes, all records filed in the Register of Deeds office are public records. Anyone can view and obtain a copy of any public document on file in the office. The only exceptions are that access to certified copies of vital records is restricted to certain next of kin and military discharges that have been on file less than 50 years are, by law, not considered public record.
ARE WILLS FILED IN THE REGISTER OF DEEDS OFFICE?
No, wills are filed in the Caldwell County Clerk of Court's Office.
CAN I OBTAIN A COPY OF MY SEPARATION AGREEMENT AND DIVORCE IN THE REGISTER OF DEEDS OFFICE?
Separation agreements can be obtained in the Register of Deeds Office, but divorces are filed in the Clerk of Court's Office.
WHAT IS A DEED?
A deed is a written instrument that, when executed and delivered, conveys title to or an interest in real estate.
DOES A DEED HAVE TO BE RECORDED?
After a deed has been drawn up, it should be recorded as soon as possible. North Carolina's race recording laws give priority to the document that was recorded first, if there are competing claims on a property. Failure to record a deed could render the transfer or mortgaging of the property impossible to prove and create numerous legal difficulties.
WHAT IF I HAVE LOST MY DEED?
If your deed is misplaced or lost, a copy may be obtained from the Register of Deeds Office and certified with the Register's official seal.
CAN I MAKE MY OWN DEED?
The answer to this question is yes, you can. However, it is highly recommended that you retain the services of an attorney as the Register of Deeds office cannot, by law, provide you with any legal advice.
HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE FOR A DEED OR OTHER DOCUMENT SUBMITTED FOR FILING TO BE RETURNED?
All documents that are recorded with the Caldwell County Register of Deeds office are scanned at time of presentation and then given back to the individual, or placed in the outgoing mail.
CAN THE REGISTER OF DEEDS OFFICE TELL ME IF I HAVE GOOD AND CLEAR TITLE TO MY PROPERTY?
No, North Carolina law prohibits the Register of Deeds from doing title searches or practicing law.
WHAT ARE EXCISE STAMPS?
A tax of $1.00 per $500.00 (more easily calculated as $2.00 per $1,000.00) of the purchase price of real estate is mandated by NC state law to be paid by the grantor or seller at the time of recording.
HOW DO I REMOVE A NAME FROM OR ADD A NAME TO MY DEED?
You will need a new deed to be drawn up and filed. It is recommended that you consult an attorney.
WHAT IS YOUR MAILING ADDRESS?
Caldwell County Register of Deeds
905 West Avenue NW
Lenoir, North Carolina 28645
WHAT ARE YOUR HOURS OF OPERATION?
The office is open from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m Monday-Friday.
Applications for marriage licenses are only accepted between 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. in order to give our staff time to process the last applicaton before 5pm.
HOW CAN I OBTAIN A CERTIFIED COPY OF A VITAL RECORD?
You may visit the Register of Deeds Office in person, online (birth, death, marriage) or request the copy by mail. If requesting a copy by mail, please send a $10.00 check or money order along with a self addressed stamped envelope to the Caldwell County Register of Deeds. In addition, the requestor must submit a copy of a government issued picture ID. To obtain a vital record in person, you must present a valid government issued picture ID and pay the fee of $10.00.
Click here for the printable Vital Records Request Form.
WHO CAN GET A CERTIFIED COPY OF MY BIRTH, MARRIAGE, OR DEATH CERTIFICATE?
Only the individual, their spouse, brother, sister, child, parent, grandparent, attorney, or legal representative may obtain a certified copy of a vital record.
