How can I find a recorded plat map on the register of deeds website using a plat book and page number? – North Carolina

Short Answer

In North Carolina, recorded plat maps are kept by the county Register of Deeds in a dedicated “plat book” (sometimes labeled “Plat Book,” “Map Book,” or “Book of Plats”). To find a plat online using a plat book and page number, start on the county Register of Deeds website, open the land records search, switch the document type to plats/maps, and then search by “Plat Book” and “Page” (or “Cabinet/Slide” in some counties). If the site does not offer a direct book/page search, use the image/plat index or search by subdivision name or instrument reference that cites the plat book and page.

Understanding the Problem

In North Carolina real estate records, a common question is: can a recorded plat map be pulled up online when the only reference available is a plat book number and a page number. The key decision point is whether the county Register of Deeds’ online system allows a direct “plat book/page” lookup, or whether the plat must be found by searching the plat index and then opening the correct image. This question comes up when a deed, deed of trust, survey, or closing document references a recorded plat by book and page and the goal is to view the map image that is stored in the county’s public land records.

Apply the Law

North Carolina law treats recorded plats as part of the county’s official public land records maintained by the Register of Deeds. Once recorded and indexed in the county’s plat records, the plat reference (book and page) is used as a stable locator—much like a deed book and page reference—so later documents can refer back to the map. Counties modernize records at different times and may label plat storage differently (for example, “Plat Book/Page” versus “Cabinet/Slide”), but the underlying concept is the same: the recorded plat is indexed and preserved so the public can locate it.

Key Requirements

Correct county registry: The plat must be searched in the Register of Deeds office for the county where the land is located.
Correct record locator format: The search must match the county’s format (for example, “Plat Book and Page,” or an equivalent such as “Map Book” or “Cabinet/Slide”).
Use the plat/map record type and index: Many systems separate deed searches from plat searches, so the search must be run under the plat/map index or document type to pull the image.

What the Statutes Say

N.C. Gen. Stat. § 161-21 (General index kept) – Requires the county to maintain a consolidated index of recorded real property documents in the register’s office.
N.C. Gen. Stat. § 47-30 (Plats and subdivisions; mapping requirements) – Addresses recording of plats and the requirement that recorded plats be placed in a plat book or plat file and indexed for use.

Analysis

Apply the Rule to the Facts: Because no specific county or website is identified, the practical approach is to use the plat’s “book and page” as the primary locator within the county Register of Deeds’ plat records. If the online portal includes separate tabs for “Real Estate,” “Plats/Maps,” or “Images,” the correct choice is the one that searches recorded plats and lets the user enter the plat book and page. If the portal does not accept book/page directly, the same locator can usually be reached by searching the plat index (often by subdivision name or by the deed reference that cites the plat), then opening the plat image to confirm it matches the book and page.

Process & Timing

Who searches: Any member of the public. Where: The county Register of Deeds website in North Carolina (the county where the land is located). What: The “Land Records,” “Real Estate Search,” or “Plats/Maps” search portal. When: Anytime; availability depends on each county’s imaging system and digitization.
Select the right index and fields: Choose the document type for “Plat,” “Map,” or “Subdivision Plat,” then look for search fields labeled “Plat Book” and “Page.” Some counties require leading zeros, a dash format, or a book prefix (for example, “PB” or “MB”).
Open and verify the image: After the search returns results, open the image/PDF and confirm the title block shows the same plat book and page number referenced in the deed or other document.

Exceptions & Pitfalls

Different naming conventions: A “Plat Book” may appear online as “Map Book,” “Cabinet,” “Slide,” or another local label, especially for older plats or after a county system conversion.
Not all plats are imaged the same way: Older plats may be scanned poorly, stored in multiple sheets, or indexed under a subdivision name that does not match the name used in later deeds.
Searching the wrong county or the wrong record type: A book/page reference only works in the correct county registry and usually only within the plat/map index, not the deed index.

Conclusion

In North Carolina, a recorded plat map is a public record maintained and indexed by the county Register of Deeds, commonly in a plat book or plat file. To find the map online using a plat book and page number, the search must be run in the correct county’s Register of Deeds system under the plat/map record type, using the county’s book/page (or equivalent) fields. The next step is to run a “Plat/Map” search by plat book and page in the county where the land is located.

Talk to a Real Estate Attorney

If help is needed locating a recorded plat reference for a closing, boundary concern, easement question, or title issue, our firm has experienced attorneys who can help explain 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.