Can I obtain certified copies of missing deeds from the county recorder’s office? – North Carolina

Short Answer

Yes. In North Carolina, the Register of Deeds in the county where the property is located can provide certified copies of any deed that was recorded there. You’ll need enough information to locate the record (for example, book and page or the instrument number) and you must request a “certified copy.” The office certifies what is on file but cannot change or fix errors in the recorded deed.

Understanding the Problem

You want to know if, in North Carolina, you can get a certified copy of a missing deed from the county office that keeps land records. The decision point is: can the Register of Deeds issue a certified copy of a deed for your property, and what does that certification do? One copy of a deed is missing.

Apply the Law

North Carolina records real estate documents with the Register of Deeds in each county. If a deed was recorded, the Register can issue a certified copy that serves as an official copy of that public record. Certified copies are typically accepted by courts, lenders, and closing attorneys because they are authenticated by the Register. The Register of Deeds does not give legal advice, interpret legal descriptions, or correct errors; corrections are handled by recording new documents (often a corrective deed) prepared and signed by the appropriate parties.

Key Requirements

• Recorded in the right county: The deed must have been recorded with the Register of Deeds in the county where the land lies.
• Enough detail to find it: Provide book and page, instrument/recording number, and/or grantor–grantee names; a parcel ID or property address also helps.
• Ask for certification: Request a “certified copy” (not just a plain copy) and pay the applicable copy and certification fees.
• Request method: Order in person, by mail, or online if the county offers e-certified documents.
• Limits on the Register: The office certifies what is recorded; it does not research chain of title, interpret legal descriptions, or fix deed errors.

What the Statutes Say

• N.C. Gen. Stat. § 161-10 (Register of Deeds fees) – sets fees for copies and certifications of recorded instruments.
• N.C. Gen. Stat. § 8C-1, Rule 902 (Self-authentication) – certified copies of public records are self-authenticating in court.
• N.C. Gen. Stat. § 47-14 (Effect of registration) – recording governs notice and priority of real estate instruments.

Analysis

Apply the Rule to the Facts: Because one deed copy is missing, you can request a certified copy from the Register of Deeds in the county where the property sits, using names and any book/page or instrument numbers you have. If the land descriptions on different deeds don’t match, the Register cannot interpret or correct them. A corrective deed or other recordable document, prepared and signed by the right parties and then recorded, is the standard way to fix description issues.

Process & Timing

1. Who files: Any member of the public. Where: The county Register of Deeds where the property is located. What: Request a “certified copy” of the deed (use the county’s online order portal or a “Copy Request/Certified Copy” form if provided on the Register’s website). When: No statutory deadline; in-person requests are often fulfilled the same day, while mail and online requests typically take several business days.
2. After you submit the request and pay fees, staff locate the deed using the index (by names, book/page, or instrument number) and produce a certified copy. Some counties offer e-certified PDFs with security features.
3. You receive the certified copy by pickup, mail, or electronic delivery (depending on county options). Keep it with your records; share it with your closing attorney or title professional if you are resolving title discrepancies.

Exceptions & Pitfalls

• Deed never recorded: If the deed was never recorded, the Register of Deeds cannot produce or certify it. You may need to locate the original and record it, or address title through a new instrument.
• Wrong county: Deeds are maintained by the county where the land lies. If the property spans counties, check each Register of Deeds.
• Insufficient info: Without names, dates, or a book/page or instrument number, staff may not locate the record. Gather as much identifying information as possible.
• Description errors: The Register cannot correct legal descriptions. Corrections usually require a properly executed corrective deed or other recordable instrument.
• No legal advice: County staff can explain how to request copies, but they will not interpret deeds or advise on title issues—consult a North Carolina real estate attorney.

Talk to a Real Estate Attorney

If you’re dealing with missing deed copies or mismatched legal descriptions, 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.