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Caswell County Public Records

How to Find Public Records in Caswell County in 2026

Members of the public seeking government documents in Caswell County, North Carolina, may access a range of publicly available information through official county and state channels. CaswellRecords.us aggregates publicly available data that may assist individuals in locating records maintained by Caswell County government offices. The types of records that may be found through official sources include court filings, property documents, vital records, tax assessments, and law enforcement logs, subject to applicable exemptions under state law.

Records in Caswell County may be searched through official court resources, the Register of Deeds, the Clerk of Superior Court, public access terminals at the courthouse, and online government portals.

Online Access:

  • The Caswell County government website provides access to county department information, permit records, zoning documents, and meeting minutes.
  • The North Carolina Department of Adult Correction maintains a public records online database containing current and historical correctional information back to 1972; this database does not include county jail information.
  • The North Carolina Courts system offers online case lookup through the eCourts portal for civil and criminal case information.
  • No registration is required to inspect most publicly available online records.

In-Person Requests: Members of the public may visit the Caswell County Courthouse to inspect records at the Register of Deeds or the Clerk of Superior Court. Requestors should present a valid government-issued photo identification when requesting certified copies. Staff will direct individuals to the appropriate office based on the record type sought.

Written/Mail Requests: Written requests should include the requestor's full name, mailing address, a description of the records sought, and the preferred format for delivery. Under N.C. Gen. Stat. § 132-6, custodians are required to respond to public records requests within a reasonable time.

Phone/Email:

  • Caswell County main line: (336) 694-4193
  • Register of Deeds: (336) 694-4196

What Are Public Records in Caswell County?

Public records in Caswell County are defined under North Carolina law 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. The following record types are maintained by county offices:

  • Court records (civil, criminal, probate, and family): Maintained by the Caswell County Clerk of Superior Court
  • Property records (deeds, mortgages, liens, and plats): Maintained by the Caswell County Register of Deeds
  • Vital records (birth, death, marriage, and divorce certificates): Issued by the North Carolina Vital Records office at the state level; the Register of Deeds holds marriage records locally
  • Business records (licenses, permits, and assumed name filings): Maintained by the Register of Deeds and county planning departments
  • Tax records (property tax and assessment records): Maintained by the Caswell County Tax Office
  • Voting and election records: Maintained by the Caswell County Board of Elections
  • Meeting minutes and agendas: Published by the Caswell County Board of Commissioners
  • Budget and financial documents: Available through the county finance department
  • Law enforcement records (arrest logs and incident reports, where permitted): Maintained by the Caswell County Sheriff's Office
  • Land use and zoning records: Maintained by the county planning and zoning department

Is Caswell County an Open Records County?

Caswell County fully complies with North Carolina's open records framework. Under N.C. Gen. Stat. § 132-1, public records are the property of the people of North Carolina, and access to those records is a fundamental right. The statute provides that "the public records and public information compiled by the agencies of North Carolina government or its subdivisions are the property of the people."

North Carolina does not have a separate Freedom of Information Act; instead, Chapter 132 of the North Carolina General Statutes serves as the state's primary public records law. County agencies are required to make records available for inspection and examination during regular business hours. The North Carolina Attorney General's office provides guidance to agencies and the public on compliance with open records obligations. Caswell County does not maintain a separate county-specific public records ordinance beyond what state law requires; all county offices operate under the provisions of Chapter 132.

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

The cost to obtain public records in Caswell County varies by record type and the office maintaining the record. Under state law, agencies may charge fees that reflect the actual cost of reproducing records. The following standard fees apply at present:

Record TypeStandard Fee
Standard paper copies$0.25 per page (black and white)
Certified copies (Register of Deeds)$5.00 for the first page; $2.00 each additional page
Certified copies (Clerk of Superior Court)$0.25 per page plus $3.00 certification fee
Electronic recordsActual cost of reproduction medium
Inspection of recordsNo charge
  • Accepted payment methods at county offices include cash, check, and money order; some offices accept credit cards.
  • N.C. Gen. Stat. § 132-6.2 governs the fees that public agencies may charge for reproducing public records and limits charges to the actual cost of duplication.
  • Fee waivers are not mandated by state statute for most record types, though individual offices retain discretion to waive fees in certain circumstances.
  • Vital records obtained from the North Carolina Vital Records office carry a separate state fee schedule.

Does Caswell County Have Free Public Records?

Free inspection of public records is available in Caswell County. State law requires that custodians permit any person to inspect and examine public records during regular business hours at no charge. The distinction between free inspection and free copies is significant: members of the public may view records at no cost, but reproduction of those records is subject to the fee schedule described above.

The following resources provide free access to public records at present:

  • The Caswell County government portal provides free online access to meeting agendas, minutes, budget documents, and zoning information.
  • The North Carolina Courts eCourts system offers free online case status searches for civil and criminal matters.
  • The NC DAC public records database provides free online access to correctional records dating back to 1972.
  • The North Carolina State Archives provides free online access to digitized historical records through its digital collections.
  • In-person inspection at the Register of Deeds and Clerk of Superior Court is available at no charge during regular business hours.

Who Can Request Public Records in Caswell County?

Any person may request public records in Caswell County, regardless of residency, citizenship, or stated purpose. North Carolina's public records law does not restrict access based on the identity or location of the requestor. Specifically:

  • Requestors are not required to be North Carolina residents.
  • Requestors are not required to provide identification to inspect records, though identification may be required for certified copies or records involving personal information.
  • Requestors are not required to state the purpose of their request.
  • Corporations, organizations, and legal entities may also submit public records requests.

Certain record types carry additional access restrictions. Juvenile records, sealed court files, and records containing protected personal information require the requestor to demonstrate a legal basis for access, such as a court order or proof of identity as the subject of the record. Individuals requesting their own records from law enforcement or correctional agencies may be subject to identity verification requirements. Non-residents retain the same rights as residents under Chapter 132 of the North Carolina General Statutes.

What Records Are Confidential in Caswell County?

Not all government records in Caswell County are subject to public disclosure. North Carolina law identifies specific categories of records that are exempt from public access. The following records are currently withheld from public inspection:

  • 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 criminal investigation records: Law enforcement records compiled during active investigations are exempt to the extent that disclosure would compromise the investigation.
  • Personal identifying information: Social Security numbers, financial account numbers, and similar data are redacted from publicly released records.
  • Medical records: Protected under both state law and the federal Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).
  • Adoption records: Sealed by statute and accessible only under specific legal circumstances.
  • Child welfare and protective services records: Confidential under state child welfare statutes.
  • Personnel records: Employee personnel files are exempt from disclosure, with limited exceptions for certain employment-related information such as salary and job title.
  • Trade secrets and proprietary business information: Exempt where disclosure would cause competitive harm.
  • Security plans and critical infrastructure details: Withheld to protect public safety.

The North Carolina Attorney General's office publishes guidance on the application of exemptions under Chapter 132, including the balancing of public interest against privacy concerns.

Caswell County Recorder's Office: Contact Information and Hours

Caswell County Register of Deeds
139 East Church Street, Yanceyville, NC 27379
(336) 694-4196
Caswell County Register of Deeds

Office Hours:
Monday – Friday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Closed on state and federal holidays

Caswell County Clerk of Superior Court
139 East Church Street, Yanceyville, NC 27379
(336) 694-4171
North Carolina Courts – Caswell County

Office Hours:
Monday – Friday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Closed on state and federal holidays

Caswell County Tax Office
144 Court Square, Yanceyville, NC 27379
(336) 694-4181
Caswell County Tax Administration

Office Hours:
Monday – Friday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Caswell County Sheriff's Office
184 County Home Road, Yanceyville, NC 27379
(336) 694-4212
Caswell County Sheriff's Office

Office Hours:
Open 24 hours, 7 days a week; administrative records requests handled Monday – Friday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Caswell County Board of Elections
144 Court Square, Suite 1, Yanceyville, NC 27379
(336) 694-4182
Caswell County Board of Elections

Office Hours:
Monday – Friday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Lookup Public Records in Caswell County