Search Wake County Civil Court Records
Wake County civil court records are managed by the Clerk of Superior Court in Raleigh, North Carolina. As the state capital county and one of the largest in North Carolina, Wake County processes a high volume of civil cases each year. These records cover lawsuits, contract disputes, property claims, small claims, and other civil matters. You can search Wake County civil court records online through the NC eCourts portal, in person at the courthouse, or by mail. The Clerk's office provides public access terminals and staff who can help you find what you need. This page explains each method in detail.
Wake County Clerk of Superior Court
The Wake County Clerk of Superior Court oversees all civil court records in the county. The office is in Judicial District 10, which covers Wake County alone. You can reach the courts at 919-792-4000. Hours run Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM.
Wake County has two main court buildings. The Wake County Courthouse handles all civil matters except marriages. The Wake County Justice Center deals with criminal cases and marriage ceremonies. If you need civil court records, go to the courthouse. A building directory inside can point you to the right office.
The image below shows the Wake County page on the NC Judicial Branch website.
This page lists court locations, phone numbers, and links to Wake County civil court records search tools.
How to Search Civil Court Records
Wake County was among the pilot counties for the NC eCourts system launched in February 2023. This means the county has full online case search through the NC eCourts Portal. Select Wake County from the jurisdiction list. Then search by case number, defendant name, or attorney. No account is needed for basic lookups.
The Wake County Courts Portal also links to the eCourts system. It lists self-service terminal locations where you can search for free. At these terminals, you can look up cases by party name, case number, or victim and witness name. Staff at the courthouse can pull paper files from the vault if you have a case number.
Mail requests are another option. Write to the Clerk of Superior Court with the case details you know. Include payment for any copies. The office will send back what it finds.
Below is a view of the Wake County Courthouse page with building and contact details.
Check this page for directions and parking before visiting the courthouse in Raleigh.
Note: The eCourts portal caps results at 200 per search, so narrow your terms to find specific cases.
Types of Civil Court Records Available
Wake County courts produce a wide range of civil records. The type of document depends on the case. Every civil case starts with a complaint or petition. The other side files an answer. Motions ask the court to act on specific issues. Orders and judgments come from the judge.
Records you can find in Wake County include:
- Civil complaints, summons, and petitions
- Final judgments and court orders
- Small claims filings and magistrate decisions
- Liens, judgment abstracts, and foreclosure filings
- Motions, briefs, and discovery materials
Docket sheets track each action in a case. Court calendars show scheduled hearings. Both are public records. The Clerk keeps most civil case files for at least ten years after the case closes.
Wake County Civil Records Access
North Carolina law protects the right to view court records. Under N.C.G.S. Chapter 132, most civil files are open to the public. You do not need to give a reason. Photo ID is not required but can help speed things up at the counter.
Wake County follows the statewide rules set by the Administrative Office of the Courts. The Wake County government website has links to court services, including Family Court Administration and self-help packets for domestic cases. The Trial Court Administrator's Office can answer questions about court procedures.
The image below shows the Wake County Justice Center page, which handles criminal and marriage matters separately from civil court records.
Civil court records are kept at the main courthouse, not the Justice Center.
Fees for Copies of Court Records
Viewing records at the Wake County courthouse is free. Copies carry a small charge. Uncertified copies cost $0.25 per page. Certified copies are $5.00 plus $0.25 per page. These fees are set by state law and apply across all North Carolina courts.
Pay at the Clerk's window. For mail requests, send a check or money order. The Clerk will tell you if more payment is needed. Large requests that take extra staff time may cost more under state guidelines for obtaining court records.
Note: Certified copies carry a court seal and are accepted in legal proceedings across the state.
Wake County Court System Details
Wake County has one of the busiest court systems in North Carolina. Raleigh serves as both the county seat and the state capital. The county runs Superior Court, District Court, and Administrative Traffic Court. Family Court Administration handles domestic matters. File It Yourself packets are available for people who want to handle their own domestic cases.
The Wake County government website links to local court resources and administrative tools. Public self-service terminals sit in several locations around the courthouse complex. These terminals give free access to the same databases the Clerk's staff uses.
Below is a view of the Wake County government site with links to court and county services.
The county site is a good starting point for finding phone numbers, forms, and office locations.
Nearby Counties
If you need civil court records from areas around Wake County, check these neighboring counties.