North Carolina Background Checks

North Carolina Criminal Records

The Criminal Information and Identification is part of the North Carolina Department of Justice and is responsible for obtaining and maintaining all North Carolina criminal records. These records are all based on fingerprints taken at the time of arrest.

Criminal Information and Identification acts as the state’s repository for all criminal information. They store the criminal information linked with fingerprint cards submitted from law enforcement and prison systems across North Carolina. The fingerprint information is entered into CCHF (Computerized Criminal History File) and then indexed to the FBI’s criminal files. North Carolina criminal records associated with fingerprints are available to criminal justice and approved non-criminal justice agencies only.

Individuals may use public access terminals located in any local clerk’s office. You may search for your own North Carolina criminal record or for another person’s, although only information deemed public and pertaining to that county is included. There is no charge for this service unless you need the record printed.

If you need a certified copy of your North Carolina criminal record, you must request it from the Clerk of Superior Court’s Office in the appropriate county. The fee is $25. Individuals may obtain their own complete North Carolina criminal record from SBI (State Bureau of Investigation), but must submit a fingerprint card and support the request with North Carolina law.

For additional information on obtaining North Carolina criminal records, please contact the office at the address or phone number below:

State Bureau of Investigation
Criminal Information and Identification Section
Attn. Special Processing Coordinator
P.O. Box 29500
Raleigh, NC 27626
(919) 662-4509 ext. 6332

Resource Links
North Carolina Criminal Background Checks

North Carolina Court Records

If you know the docket number for the North Carolina court record you wish to obtain, you can enter this online and retrieve the desired information instantly. If the case was filed under the Supreme Court of North Carolina on or before January 2006, it should be available through this online system. Supreme Court decisions are also available online going back to 1997. If you need North Carolina court records that are filed in the county or district court, you will need to contact the local clerk’s office for assistance finding those court records.

For additional information on obtaining North Carolina court records, please contact the office at the address or phone number below:

To search for court records online do the following:

Administrative Office of the Courts
P.O. Box 2448
Raleigh, N.C. 27602
(919) 890-1000

Resource Links
North Carolina Docket Sheet Search

North Carolina Jail Records

North Carolina Department of Corrections gives the public access to inmate information using an online search engine. You can search by name or ID number and receive status information and location of inmates incarcerated, paroled or on probation since 1972. Inmate escapes and releases are also included in the search results.

Victims of crimes are able to register with VINE (Victim Information and Notification Everyday) system to receive telephone updates and to access a toll-free number to call 24/7 for inmate information. Victims can also register for email or written notification of changes in the offender’s custody or supervision status. SAVAN is the automated system supported by the state of North Carolina that provides victims with updated custody status related to the North Carolina sheriffs and court systems.

To search for jail records online do the following:

For additional information on locating North Carolina jail records, please contact the North Carolina Department of Corrections at the address or phone number below:

North Carolina Department of Corrections
4201 Mail Service Center
Raleigh, NC 27699
(919) 716-4210

VINE Hotline
(877) 627-2826

Resource Links
North Carolina Offender Information

North Carolina Driving Records

You may obtain your own North Carolina driving record using the online service, by mail, or in person at the North Carolina headquarters in Raleigh. North Carolina driving records are available to businesses (such as insurance companies or potential employers) and government agencies, but are typically only available in a limited format so that the individual’s personal information is protected.

The fee for obtaining partial or “extract” North Carolina driving record is $8 for a 3-year record, while a complete and certified North Carolina driving record costs $11 to obtain and is typically only used for court purposes. In order to obtain a North Carolina driving record, you must provide full name, driver’s license number, social security number and date of birth. If you obtain your North Carolina driving record online, you can simply print it from your computer for your records.

For additional information on obtaining North Carolina driving records, please mail your request to the following address or use the phone number below:

NCDMV
Driver License Records
3113 Mail Service Center
Raleigh, NC 27699
(919) 715-7000

Resource Links
North Carolina Driving Record Information

Additional Resources

North Carolina Sexual Offender Registry
North Carolina Attorney General