North Carolina Court Docket Records
North Carolina court docket records are public documents kept by the Clerk of Superior Court in each of the state's 100 counties. A court docket lists all case events, filings, and scheduled hearings for both District Court and Superior Court matters. You can search court docket records in North Carolina online through the eCourts Portal or in person at your local courthouse. These records cover criminal cases, civil actions, traffic matters, and more across North Carolina's entire court system.
North Carolina Court Docket Quick Facts
Find North Carolina Court Docket Records
Court docket records in North Carolina come from two main sources. The Clerk of Superior Court in each county is the official keeper of all court records. This office holds docket sheets, case files, and hearing logs for every case filed in that county. You can visit the clerk's office to view docket entries or request copies. The North Carolina Judicial Branch website serves as the main hub for all court services and links to each county's resources.
The second source is the NC eCourts Portal. This online system lets you search court docket records from any device with internet access. The Portal runs on the Odyssey system built by Tyler Technologies. It covers all counties that have gone live on eCourts. You can search by name, case number, or citation number. The Register of Actions in the Portal shows a full list of docket entries for each case. While the Portal is not the official court record, it gives you a clear view of case activity across North Carolina.
The NC Courts locations directory helps you find your local courthouse in any of the 100 counties. Each county page lists the address, phone number, and hours for that court location.
Note: The eCourts Portal Register of Actions is a summary of public docket entries and is not the official court record in North Carolina.
Search North Carolina Court Dockets Online
The NC eCourts Portal is the fastest way to look up court docket records in North Carolina. You do not need an account for basic searches. The system is free to use. It works around the clock from any web browser. You can search by party name, record number, citation number, attorney bar number, attorney name, business name, case cross reference number, or nickname. Wild cards work too. Place an asterisk after the first known name to see all matches in the North Carolina court docket system.
To search a court docket in North Carolina, you can also use the Search Hearings tool in the Portal. This lets you find upcoming court dates by case number, party name, business name, attorney name, judicial officer, or courtroom. Results show the date, time, and place of each hearing. You can check court dates without calling the clerk's office. The Court Dates search page on the NC Courts site offers a separate tool for finding scheduled appearances by defendant name or citation number across all North Carolina counties.
You can search in person too. Every clerk of court office in North Carolina has public terminals. Walk in during business hours. Use the terminal to search by name or case number. Staff can help you find what you need. There is no charge to view court docket records on the public terminal.
Court Docket Records in North Carolina
A court docket in North Carolina tracks every step of a case from start to finish. It shows when the case was filed, who the parties are, what motions were made, and when hearings took place. The docket also notes the judge assigned to the case, any orders entered, and the final outcome. North Carolina's court system has three levels: District Court, Superior Court, and the appellate courts. Each level creates its own docket entries for cases it handles. The NC Courts overview page explains how this system works.
District Court handles misdemeanors, infractions, civil cases under $25,000, and family law matters. Superior Court handles felonies, civil cases over $25,000, and appeals from District Court. Both courts maintain detailed docket records for every case. The Clerk of Superior Court in each county serves as the official keeper of these records under N.C.G.S. Chapter 132, the North Carolina Public Records Act.
Court docket records in North Carolina typically contain the following details:
- Case number and case type
- Names of all parties involved
- Filing dates and hearing dates
- Motions, orders, and judgments entered
- Judge assigned to the case
- Current case status and disposition
The Criminal Justice Information Network also supports court docket data sharing between courts, law enforcement, and corrections agencies throughout North Carolina. This network helps keep records current across the state.
North Carolina Public Records Law
Court docket records are public in North Carolina. Under N.C.G.S. § 132-1, public records include all documents made or received by a government agency while doing public business. This covers court records held by every clerk of court in the state. Any person can inspect these records. There is no citizenship or residency requirement. You do not have to be a party to the case.
Some court docket records have limits on access. Records sealed by a judge are not open to the public. Juvenile cases, certain protective orders, and unreturned criminal warrants need elevated access through the Portal. Social security numbers do not appear in public court docket results. The NC Courts public records FAQ explains what you can and cannot view.
Government agencies may not charge you to look at records. Copies cost a small fee. Standard copies run $0.25 per page. Certified copies start at $3.00 for the first page plus $0.25 for each added page. Under N.C.G.S. § 7A-109, each clerk must keep records, files, dockets, and indexes as the Administrative Office of the Courts requires.
North Carolina Court Docket at the Courthouse
You can get court docket records at any clerk of court office in North Carolina. Visit the courthouse in the county where the case was filed. Bring a valid ID. Go to the clerk's window and ask to see the docket for your case. The court records help page walks you through the full process for getting records in person.
Most courthouses are open Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Some open at 8:30 AM. Hours vary by county. Call ahead if you plan to visit. The clerk can pull up court docket records by name or case number. You can view the records for free on the public terminal. Copies cost a small fee per page. Record checks cost $25 each. The clerk can also issue certified copies if you need them for legal purposes in North Carolina.
The court records help topics page covers more details on how to request and view court docket records across North Carolina.
North Carolina Court Record Fees
Viewing court docket records online is free through the NC eCourts Portal. No charge applies to view or print documents from the Portal. In-person viewing at the courthouse is also free. Fees only apply when you request copies or formal record checks in North Carolina.
Standard fees for court docket records in North Carolina include:
- View records online or on public terminal: Free
- Standard copies: $0.25 per page
- Certified copies: $3.00 first page plus $0.25 each added page
- Record check: $25.00 per request
You can pay at the clerk's office with cash, credit or debit card, money order, or certified check. Personal checks are not accepted at most North Carolina courthouses. Online payments for fines and fees tied to court docket cases are also available through the eCourts Portal for eligible matters. The judicial forms page has all the forms you may need to request records or make formal filings in North Carolina courts.
Note: Fees can change, so call the clerk's office in your county to confirm current costs for court docket copies in North Carolina.
North Carolina Court Docket by County
Every county in North Carolina has its own courthouse and clerk of court office. The clerk keeps all court docket records for that county. The NC Courts county locations directory lists every courthouse in the state with addresses, phone numbers, and links to local resources.
Each county is part of a judicial district. Some districts cover one county. Others cover several. The district determines which Superior Court judges hear cases in that area. All 100 counties in North Carolina are part of the eCourts system, giving residents online access to court docket records from their own county and others statewide.
Browse Court Docket Records by County
Each county in North Carolina has its own Clerk of Superior Court that keeps court docket records. Pick a county below to find local contact info and resources for court docket records in that area.
Court Docket Records in North Carolina Cities
Residents of major cities look up court docket records through their county courthouse. Pick a city below to learn about court docket access in that area.