Recording Documents

Various real estate and business papers are recorded in the Register of Deeds office such as Deeds, Deeds of Trust, Assignments, Leases, Powers of Attorney, Business Names, etc. Your instrument will be kept for several days as we process it for permanent storage. Turnaround time varies depending on the volume of work at the time of recording. Instruments may be recorded in person or mailed in to our office.

How to Record a Document

Documents may be recorded in person or mailed in. DO NOT SEND CASH. We do not accept personal checks. A cashiers check or money order made payable to the Register of Deeds is required (see fees page). Mail the fee with your request to our office. A self-addressed stamped envelope will insure prompt return, or if presented in person without a stamped envelope, you may take the original recorded document with you after paying our copy fee.

Recording Standards (effective July 1, 2002 pursuant to NCGS 161-14(b))

All instruments presented for registration on paper shall meet all of the following requirements:

1. 8 ½" x 11" or 8 ½" x 14"
2. Have a blank margin of 3" at the top of the first page and blank margins of ½" on the remaining sides of the first page and on all sides of subsequent pages.
3. Be typed or printed in black on white paper in a legible font (font size no smaller than 9 points). Blanks in an instrument may be completed in pen and corrections may be made in pen.
4. Have text typed or printed on one side of paper only.
5. State the type of instrument at the top of the first page.

If an instrument does not meet these requirements, the Register of Deeds shall register the instrument after collecting the fee for non-standard documents (see fees page) in addition to all the other applicable recording fees.