Iredell County Public Records

What Are Public Records in Iredell County?

Public records in Iredell County are defined according to the North Carolina Public Records Law, N.C. General Statutes § 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."

Iredell County maintains numerous types of public records accessible to citizens, including:

• Court records (civil, criminal, probate, family court proceedings)
• Property records (deeds, deeds of trust, mortgages, liens, assessments)
• Vital records (birth certificates, death certificates, marriage licenses, divorce decrees)
• Business records (licenses, permits, fictitious business names)
• Tax records (property tax information, assessment records)
• Voting and election records (voter registration, election results)
• Meeting minutes and agendas (County Commission, advisory boards)
• Budget and financial documents (annual budgets, expenditure reports)
• Law enforcement records (arrest logs, incident reports where permitted by law)
• Land use and zoning records (permits, applications, zoning maps)

The Iredell County Register of Deeds maintains property records, vital records, and business filings. Court records are maintained by the Iredell County Clerk of Superior Court. Tax records are maintained by the Iredell County Tax Assessor's Office, while voting records are kept by the Iredell County Board of Elections.

Is Iredell County an Open Records County?

Iredell County fully complies with the North Carolina Public Records Law as established under N.C. General Statutes § 132. This statute establishes that public records shall be "the property of the people" and that "the people may obtain copies of their public records and public information free or at minimal cost unless otherwise specifically provided by law."

Under N.C.G.S. § 132-6(a), "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."

Iredell County has established procedures for requesting public records in accordance with state law. The county maintains transparency in government operations through adherence to North Carolina's Open Meetings Law (N.C.G.S. § 143-318.9), which ensures that official meetings of public bodies are open to the public.

The county's commitment to open records is reflected in its online access portals and established procedures for requesting records from various departments. County officials are trained to respond to public records requests in a timely manner as required by state law.

How to Find Public Records in Iredell County in 2026

Members of the public seeking records in Iredell County may utilize several methods to access information. The county provides both in-person and online options for obtaining various types of public records:

1. Online Access: Many records are available through the county's official website. The Iredell County public records portal provides access to numerous document types without requiring a visit to county offices.

2. Property Records: Search property records, deeds, mortgages, and plats through the Register of Deeds online database. Historical records dating back to the 1700s are available.

3. Court Records: Access court records through the North Carolina Judicial Branch website or visit the Clerk of Superior Court office in person.

4. Tax Records: Property tax information is searchable through the Iredell County tax records database.

5. Vital Records: Birth, death, marriage, and divorce certificates can be requested through the Register of Deeds office. Some restrictions apply based on state law.

6. Submit a Written Request: For records not available online, submit a written request to the specific department that maintains the records. Include:

   • Your name and contact information
   • A clear description of the records sought
   • Preferred format (paper or electronic)
   • Date range of records (if applicable)

7. In-Person Requests: Visit the appropriate county office during business hours. Staff can assist with locating and copying records.

County departments typically respond to requests within a reasonable timeframe, though complex requests may require additional processing time. Pursuant to state law, agencies must respond "as promptly as possible" to all public records requests.

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

Iredell County establishes fees for public records in accordance with N.C.G.S. § 132-6.2, which permits agencies to charge only the "actual cost" of reproduction. Current standard fees include:

• Paper copies: $0.25 per page for standard black and white copies
• Color copies: $1.00 per page
• Certified copies of vital records: $10.00 per certificate
• Recorded documents (deeds, mortgages): $2.00 for the first page, $0.25 for each additional page
• Electronic records: Provided at no cost when records are already maintained electronically and can be transmitted by email
• Special processing: Additional fees may apply for specialized requests requiring extensive staff time or resources

Payment methods accepted by most county offices include:

• Cash (in-person only)
• Personal checks
• Money orders
• Credit/debit cards (subject to processing fees)

The law provides that inspection of records, without obtaining copies, shall be free of charge. 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.

Fee waivers may be available in certain circumstances where the request serves the public interest, though such determinations are made on a case-by-case basis by the records custodian.

Does Iredell County Have Free Public Records?

Iredell County provides several options for accessing public records at no cost:

1. Free Inspection: Under North Carolina law, all public records must be available for inspection at no charge during regular business hours. Citizens may visit the appropriate county office to view records without paying fees, provided they do not request copies.

2. Online Resources: The county maintains several free online databases:

   • The Iredell County Register of Deeds offers free online searching of land records
   • Property tax records are available for free online searching
   • County Commission meeting minutes and agendas are freely accessible on the county website
   • The North Carolina Court System provides free access to basic court record information

3. Public Terminals: Computer terminals are available at county offices, including the Register of Deeds and the Clerk of Court, allowing visitors to search records at no cost.

4. Public Libraries: The Iredell County Public Library system provides free internet access where citizens can access online county records.

While inspection and many online searches are free, fees still apply for obtaining physical or certified copies of most documents as outlined in the fee schedule.

Who Can Request Public Records in Iredell County?

Under North Carolina's Public Records Law, any person may request and receive public records from Iredell County. The statute does not restrict access based on citizenship, residency, or purpose of the request. Key provisions include:

• No residency requirement: Requestors need not be residents of Iredell County or North Carolina
• No purpose requirement: Requestors are not required to state the reason for their request
• No identification requirement: For most records, identification is not required to make a request

However, certain exceptions apply:

1. Vital Records: Birth, death, marriage, and divorce certificates have restricted access under N.C.G.S. § 130A-93. Only authorized individuals (immediate family members, legal representatives, or those with a direct interest) may obtain these records, and identification is required.

2. Confidential Records: Some records contain confidential information accessible only to specific individuals or entities as defined by law.

3. Criminal Records: Complete criminal history information may require proper identification and authorization.

4. Voter Registration Records: While voter lists are public, certain information (such as Social Security numbers and dates of birth) is redacted from public copies.

When requesting your own records versus those of others, different standards may apply. For example, individuals have greater access rights to their own personnel records under N.C.G.S. § 160A-168 than members of the general public would have.

What Records Are Confidential in Iredell County?

While North Carolina law establishes a presumption of openness for public records, certain records are exempt from disclosure under state statutes. In Iredell County, the following record types are generally confidential:

• Juvenile records: Court proceedings involving minors under N.C.G.S. § 7B-2901
• Sealed court records: Including expunged criminal records, certain domestic violence cases, and records sealed by judicial order
• Ongoing criminal investigations: Law enforcement investigative files until case closure under N.C.G.S. § 132-1.4
• Personnel records: County employee records are confidential with limited exceptions under N.C.G.S. § 160A-168
• Medical records: Protected under HIPAA and state medical privacy laws
• Social Security numbers and financial account information: Protected personal identifying information
• Adoption records: Sealed under state law except by court order
• Child protective services records: Confidential under N.C.G.S. § 7B-302
• Trade secrets and proprietary business information: Protected when submitted to government agencies
• Attorney-client communications: Legal advice between county attorneys and officials
• Critical infrastructure information: Details about security systems, water systems, or other sensitive infrastructure
• Student records: Protected under FERPA and state education privacy laws

North Carolina law requires agencies to apply a balancing test in some cases, weighing the public interest in disclosure against privacy interests or potential harm from release. When records contain both public and confidential information, the county must redact confidential portions and release the remainder when possible.

Iredell County Recorder's Office: Contact Information and Hours

Iredell County Register of Deeds
203 Stockton Street
Statesville, NC 28677
(704) 878-3098
Register of Deeds

Hours of Operation:
Monday - Friday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Closed on weekends and county-observed holidays

Mooresville Office:
610 E. Center Avenue
Mooresville, NC 28115
(704) 799-4241

Hours of Operation:
Monday - Friday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Closed on weekends and county-observed holidays

Iredell County Clerk of Superior Court
226 Stockton Street
Statesville, NC 28677
(704) 832-6600
Iredell County Courts

Hours of Operation:
Monday - Friday: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Closed on weekends and state-observed holidays

Iredell County Tax Assessor's Office
201 E. Water Street
Statesville, NC 28677
(704) 878-3010
Tax Assessor's Office

Hours of Operation:
Monday - Friday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Closed on weekends and county-observed holidays

Lookup Public Records in Iredell County

Request public records from Iredell County departments and offices.

Search court records through the North Carolina Judicial Branch.

Access property records through the Iredell County Register of Deeds.

Find court locations and services in Iredell County.

Search property tax records through the Iredell County Tax Assessor's database.