Short Answer

In North Carolina, you retrieve deeds and related land records from the county Register of Deeds. If a book-and-page image is not online, request staff to pull the pre-digital index or microfilm and provide certified copies for a statutory copy fee. To file a document, present the original or a certified copy that meets formatting rules and pay the statutory recording fee. If the property is a manufactured (mobile) home, confirm whether it is titled with the DMV or recorded as real property because that changes where the record lives and how you file.

Understanding the Problem

In North Carolina probate, you need to retrieve a deed using a known book and page and, if needed, file documents with the county Register of Deeds. You are the decedent’s child seeking the record after online searches returned nothing for a mobile home at a known address in a specific county. You want clear steps and fees to get certified copies and to record any follow-up documents.

Apply the Law

North Carolina’s Register of Deeds maintains land records; older deeds may not be digitized and require staff to check grantor–grantee indexes, microfilm, or pre-index books. Certified copies and recording are governed by statutory fees. Manufactured homes are typically titled through the DMV unless the title was canceled and the home was converted to real property; that status determines whether you’ll find a deed in land records or a DMV title. When a decedent’s will or probate affects title, a certified copy can be recorded in the county where the land lies to clarify the chain of title.

Key Requirements

• Confirm property type: Determine if the manufactured home is still titled through DMV (personal property) or was converted and recorded as part of the real estate (real property).
• Retrieve the record: Give the Register of Deeds the book and page, owner names, and parcel ID; ask staff to pull pre-digital records if no online image appears; request certified copies.
• File correctly: Submit an original or certified copy that meets formatting rules and includes a complete legal description; pay the recording fee at presentation.
• Know the fees: Copy and recording charges are set by statute; deeds may also require excise tax, while non-conveyance filings typically do not.
• Estate overlay: If title flows through a will or estate, record a certified copy of the will and probate order in the county where the land is located to align the record with the decedent’s death.

What the Statutes Say

• North Carolina Gen. Stat. § 161-10 (Register of Deeds fees) – Sets recording and copy fees for land records and certified copies.
• North Carolina Gen. Stat. § 20-109.2 (Manufactured home title cancellation) – Explains canceling a manufactured home title to convert it to real property.
• North Carolina Gen. Stat. § 47-20 (Recording to protect title) – Unrecorded instruments are generally not valid against creditors and purchasers.
• North Carolina Gen. Stat. § 41-56(d) (TBE in manufactured homes) – Addresses tenancy by the entirety ownership of a manufactured home.

Analysis

Apply the Rule to the Facts: Your online search likely failed because older deeds or related filings are not fully digitized, or because the manufactured home was never converted to real property. Ask the Register of Deeds to pull the book and page from pre-index records and issue certified copies. Also verify with DMV whether the home still has a title; if so, its ownership won’t appear in land records. If someone is interfering with the property, you may need an estate opened to obtain authority to act and, if necessary, court orders.

Process & Timing

1. Who files: You or your attorney. Where: County Register of Deeds (land records) and, if needed, the Clerk of Superior Court (probate). What: Retrieval request for certified copies; and, if filing, an original or certified document (e.g., certified copy of will and probate order; deed; affidavit tied to a manufactured home conversion). For DMV-titled homes, use DMV forms (for example, MVR‑1 title application; MVR‑180 odometer disclosure) with the Division of Motor Vehicles. When: Certified copy and recording are typically same-day in person; mailed or eRecorded submissions vary by county.
2. Ask the Register of Deeds to search grantor–grantee indexes, tract indexes, and pre-digital books or microfilm for the book/page you have; request plain or certified copies. Many offices can email unofficial images and mail certified copies once fees are paid.
3. To record, present your document at the Register of Deeds, pay the statutory recording fee (and any required excise tax for deeds). You’ll receive a receipt and an instrument number or book/page once indexed.

Exceptions & Pitfalls

• Manufactured home status matters: If the DMV title was never canceled, there may be no deed for the home in land records; check with the DMV and the Register of Deeds.
• Name and indexing issues: Use full legal names, prior names, and parcel IDs; “address-only” searches can miss older or pre-index records.
• Document standards: Nonstandard formatting can trigger rejection or added fees; follow local Register of Deeds submission rules.
• Excise tax: Deeds that convey ownership may require state excise tax; confirm before submitting to avoid delays.
• Tampering or disputes: If someone interferes with estate property, you may need to open an estate and seek orders through the Clerk of Superior Court to take possession or recover property; title or possession disputes may be transferred to Superior Court.

Talk to a Probate Attorney

If you’re dealing with a missing deed image, a manufactured home title question, or you need to record estate documents, our firm has experienced attorneys who can help you understand your options and timelines. Call us today at [919-341-7055].

Disclaimer: This article provides general information about North Carolina law based on the single question stated above. It is not legal advice for your specific situation and does not create an attorney-client relationship. Laws, procedures, and local practice can change and may vary by county. If you have a deadline, act promptly and speak with a licensed North Carolina attorney.