Jan62026
Real Estate Q&A Series

If a deed has multiple pages, how do I request a specific page or exhibit such as the map? – North Carolina

Short Answer

In North Carolina, the simplest way to get a clearer copy of one page of a recorded deed (including a map or exhibit page) is to contact the county Register of Deeds and request a certified or non-certified copy that identifies the exact deed book and page reference plus the specific page number or exhibit label. If the map is recorded separately as a plat, the request may need to be made using the Map Book/Plat Book reference instead of the deed book. Many offices can deliver the requested page by email, mail, pickup, or fax depending on local practice and fees.

Understanding the Problem

In North Carolina real estate records, a recorded deed can include multiple pages and attachments, such as an exhibit with a legal description or a map page. The practical question is how to ask the Register of Deeds for a readable copy of only the needed page when the online image is blurry. The decision point is whether the map is part of the deed image set or whether it was recorded and indexed separately as a plat in the county’s map records, which changes what information must be provided to obtain the correct page.

Apply the Law

North Carolina counties record deeds and related real estate instruments in the Register of Deeds office. Recorded documents are public records, and the Register of Deeds can provide copies from the official recorded version. For maps and plats, counties often maintain separate map/plat books or map records, and a deed may refer to a map rather than fully reproducing it in the deed pages. When a deed or land transfer relies on a map reference, the map page matters because it can help identify boundaries and what was conveyed.

Key Requirements

  • Identify the exact recorded instrument: Provide the county, deed book (or deed book and page), instrument number (if used), and the names of the grantor and grantee so the office can locate the correct recording.
  • Specify the exact page or exhibit: Ask for “page X of Y,” or “Exhibit A,” or “the map page attached to the deed,” so the office does not send only the first page by default.
  • Confirm whether the map is recorded separately: If the deed references a plat (for example, “as shown on Plat Book __, Page __”), request the plat from the Map Book/Plat Book records rather than the deed image.

What the Statutes Say

Analysis

Apply the Rule to the Facts: The deed is already located by deed book and page, but the online image is unreadable, especially the map page. Under North Carolina practice, the Register of Deeds is the correct office to request a clearer copy from the official recorded version, and the request should identify the instrument and the exact page or exhibit needed. If the “map page” is actually a referenced plat rather than an image embedded in the deed, the request should shift to the county’s recorded plat/map records to obtain a readable copy.

Process & Timing

  1. Who files: The requesting party (such as a law firm staff member). Where: The Register of Deeds office in the North Carolina county where the deed was recorded. What: A request for a copy of a recorded instrument, specifying deed book and page (or instrument number) and the exact page/exhibit (for example, “page 4 (map exhibit)”). When: As soon as the unreadable image is discovered, especially if the copy is needed for a closing, title review, or court deadline.
  2. Confirm whether the office can pull a higher-resolution scan, rescan the page, or print from the official record. Ask whether the map is stored as a separate plat record and, if so, request the Plat Book/Map Book page instead.
  3. Choose delivery and pay any copy/certification fees required by that county. Common delivery options include email, pickup, mail, and (in some offices) fax. The office then provides the requested page(s) as a clearer copy from the recorded record.

Exceptions & Pitfalls

  • If the deed references a plat that is recorded separately, requesting “the map page of the deed” may not work because the deed may only reference the plat rather than include it; requesting the Plat Book/Map Book page is often the fix.
  • Some online systems compress images; the official record in the office may be clearer than the web image. Asking for a “higher-resolution copy” or “rescanned copy” can avoid receiving the same unreadable image again.
  • Deed book/page systems vary by county and by time period. Providing multiple identifiers (grantor/grantee names, recording date, instrument number, and deed book/page) reduces the risk of getting the wrong document.

Conclusion

In North Carolina, a request for a specific page or exhibit from a multi-page recorded deed usually goes to the county Register of Deeds and should include the deed book and page (or instrument number) plus the exact page number or exhibit label needed. If the “map” is a separately recorded plat, the correct request is for the Plat Book/Map Book page referenced in the deed. The next step is to contact the Register of Deeds and request the specific page/exhibit as a clearer copy from the official record as soon as the need is identified.

Talk to a Real Estate Attorney

If a recorded deed image is unreadable or a map exhibit is missing or unclear, our firm has experienced attorneys who can help identify the right recorded source (deed pages versus plat records) and the fastest way to obtain a usable copy for a title review or closing timeline. 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.

Category: Real Estate Q&A Series

Author: Pierce Law

Pierce Law Group is a North Carolina law firm focused on probate administration, real estate partition matters, and surplus funds claims across North Carolina. We know these situations often come with stress, family dynamics, and time-sensitive decisions—so we prioritize clear communication, steady guidance, and a practical plan from day one. Our goal is to make a complicated process feel manageable, while protecting what matters most to you.