How do I get a certified copy of an older subdivision map if the online image is hard to read? – North Carolina

Short Answer

In North Carolina, a certified copy of a recorded subdivision map (plat) is usually ordered from the Register of Deeds in the county where the plat was recorded. If the online image is blurry or too low-resolution, the Register of Deeds can often make a clearer certified copy from the original plat book, microfilm, or a higher-quality scan kept in the office. State law sets a specific fee for a certified copy of a plat, and most offices can handle requests in person, by mail, or sometimes online.

Understanding the Problem

In North Carolina real estate work, the question is how to obtain a readable, certified copy of an older subdivision map when the version shown in the Register of Deeds’ online system is hard to read. The actor is the person who needs the map for a real estate purpose, and the office that issues the certified copy is typically the county Register of Deeds where the plat was recorded. The key practical trigger is that the online image quality is not good enough to rely on for boundary, easement, or lot details that must match the recorded map.

Apply the Law

Recorded subdivision maps are commonly kept as “plats” in the county Register of Deeds. A “certified copy” is a copy issued by the Register of Deeds with an official certification (often a stamp or certificate) stating that it is a true copy of what is on record. North Carolina law sets uniform fees for Register of Deeds services statewide, including a specific fee for providing a certified copy of a plat. When a plat is older and the online scan is unclear, the practical solution is to request that the Register of Deeds produce the certified copy from the best available source in the office’s records (for example, the original plat book, a better internal scan, or microfilm).

Key Requirements

Correct recording county: The request must go to the Register of Deeds in the county where the subdivision plat was recorded (not necessarily where someone lives now).
Enough recording information to locate the plat: The request should identify the subdivision/map name or the plat book and page (or cabinet/slide reference used by that county), so staff can pull the right map.
Request for certification and payment of the statutory fee: The request should clearly ask for a “certified copy,” and the requester must pay the required fee before the office issues the certified copy.

What the Statutes Say

N.C. Gen. Stat. § 161-10 (Uniform fees of registers of deeds) – Sets statewide Register of Deeds fees, including furnishing a certified copy of a plat.

Analysis

Apply the Rule to the Facts: With no case-specific facts provided, the key variable is image quality: an older plat may look unreadable online due to scanning limits, compression, or faded originals. The controlling practical step is to request a certified copy directly from the county Register of Deeds and specify that the online image is hard to read so staff can pull the best available source in the office. If the requester can provide a plat book and page, the office can usually locate the exact map more quickly and avoid pulling the wrong subdivision.

Process & Timing

Who files: The person or entity needing the map (often a property owner, buyer/seller, surveyor, or closing attorney). Where: The Register of Deeds in the North Carolina county where the plat is recorded. What: A request for a certified copy of a recorded plat, identified by subdivision name and/or plat book and page. When: Any time; there is usually no legal “deadline” to request a certified copy, but timing can matter for closings and surveys.
Locate the plat: Use the office’s index/search tools to confirm the exact reference (plat book/page, cabinet/slide, or instrument cross-reference). If the online image is unclear, request staff assistance to pull the original source in the office (book or archival copy) and reproduce it at a readable scale.
Pay fees and receive the certified copy: Pay the statutory fee for a certified copy of a plat. The office then issues the copy with its certification. Some counties can mail the certified copy or provide pickup, and some offer online ordering, but formats and turnaround times vary by county.

Exceptions & Pitfalls

Wrong county (or wrong map type): Some older “maps” appear in deed books, estate/special proceeding files, or right-of-way plan sets rather than the standard plat books. If the plat cannot be found in the plat index, ask whether a related map was recorded elsewhere.
Not asking for certification: An uncertified printout may not be accepted for certain real estate, lender, or permitting needs. The request should explicitly state “certified copy.”
Insufficient identifying details: A subdivision name alone can be incomplete if multiple phases exist. Providing book/page (or the office’s reference number), approximate recording year, and a lot number improves accuracy and speed.
Legibility limits of the original: If the original recorded plat is faded or poorly drafted, even an in-office copy may not resolve every detail. In that situation, a surveyor may need to interpret the record, look for related easements or deeds, or locate other recorded plats that clarify the linework.

Conclusion

In North Carolina, the usual way to get a readable, certified copy of an older subdivision map is to request a certified copy of the recorded plat from the Register of Deeds in the county where it was recorded. State law sets a uniform fee for a certified copy of a plat, and the office can often copy from a higher-quality source than the online image. The most important next step is to submit a certified-copy request with the correct plat book/page (or other recording reference) to the Register of Deeds.

Talk to a Real Estate Attorney

If a hard-to-read subdivision plat is delaying a closing, survey, boundary question, or permitting issue, our firm has experienced attorneys who can help sort out which recorded map controls and what to request from the county records office. 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.