Rockingham County Court Records Search
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Rockingham County is located in the north-central Piedmont region of North Carolina, with the county seat in Wentworth and the primary judicial facility situated in nearby Reidsville. The Rockingham County Judicial Center houses both the Superior Court and the District Court, which together adjudicate felony and misdemeanor criminal cases, civil disputes, family law proceedings, estate matters, and special proceedings. The county falls within Prosecutorial District 22 and Superior Court District 22 of the North Carolina court system. As of July 21, 2025, Rockingham County is part of the statewide eCourts initiative, meaning electronic filing, online case search, and digital record access are now available for cases filed in the county.
Individuals looking for court records in North Carolina can use several official channels, including the clerk of court’s office at the local courthouse, self-service public-access terminals, and the state’s online search tools. The NorthCarolinaCourts.us website may also help users identify publicly available court case information across the state. For Rockingham County specifically, the Clerk of Superior Court manages criminal, civil, estates, and special proceedings records, while the Register of Deeds maintains vital records and real property documents.
How to Look Up a Court Case in Rockingham County?
Rockingham County offers several methods for accessing court case information, both online and in person.
Online Case Search — eCourts Portal
Since Rockingham County went live on eCourts in July 2025, the public can search case information through Portal, the North Carolina Judicial Branch’s online case search tool. Portal allows users to look up cases by party name, case number, citation number, attorney, and other criteria. Through Portal, users can view case information, review filed documents, check hearing dates, and make payments for fines and fees using a credit card.
Self-Service Terminals at the Courthouse
Public self-service computer terminals are available at the Clerk of Court’s office inside the Rockingham County Judicial Center. These terminals allow visitors to search criminal, civil, and estates case data by defendant name, case number, or victim/witness name at no charge. Paper case files may also be reviewed at the clerk’s office upon request, and staff can provide copies for a fee.
Rockingham County Judicial Center
Address: 170 Hwy 65, Reidsville, NC 27320
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 127, Wentworth, NC 27375
Phone: (336) 634-6000
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Remote Public Access Program
For businesses and organizations needing ongoing access to statewide criminal and civil court data, the North Carolina Administrative Office of the Courts operates the Remote Public Access Program (RPA). RPA provides real-time online access to the same data available on courthouse public-access terminals, as well as bulk data extracts. Licensing costs include a $495 non-refundable monthly connection fee (which covers two user IDs and one admin ID), $70 for each additional user ID, and $0.21 per transaction. Access is governed by G.S. 7A-109(d) and (e).
Requesting Copies by Mail
Written requests for court record copies can be mailed to the Clerk of Superior Court at P.O. Box 127, Wentworth, NC 27375. Include as much identifying information as possible — full party names, case number, approximate filing date, and the specific documents needed. Payment must accompany the request by money order or certified check (personal checks are generally not accepted for mail requests).
Are Court Records Public in Rockingham County?
North Carolina law establishes broad public access to court records. Under Section 132-6 of the North Carolina Public Records Law, individuals have the right to inspect and obtain copies of public records without stating a reason for the request. The statute specifically identifies multiple categories of court records as public, including returned arrest and search warrants, criminal and civil filings, docket entries, and judgments.
Categories of Public Court Records
The following records are explicitly designated as public under G.S. 132-6 and may only be withheld if sealed by court order:
- Arrest and search warrants that have been returned by law enforcement
- Indictments, criminal summonses, and nontestimonial identification orders after service
- Judgments, orders, and decrees entered in open court
- Criminal and civil case filings, pleadings, and motions
- Records of proceedings in the Clerk’s office, including estates and special proceedings
Records Subject to Restrictions
Despite this broad presumption of access, several categories of records carry statutory confidentiality protections:
- Attorney-client privileged communications involving a governmental body — G.S. 132-1.1
- Criminal intelligence information compiled by law enforcement and records of the North Carolina Innocence Inquiry Commission — G.S. 132-1.4
- Sensitive public security information — G.S. 132-1.7
- Autopsy photographs, audio, and video recordings — G.S. 132-1.8
- Juvenile records, which are confidential under Chapter 7B of the General Statutes
- Records that have been expunged under Article 5 of Chapter 15A
- Records sealed by specific court order
- Aged or fragile records that could be damaged during handling
The Clerk of Superior Court may deny access to records that fall within a recognized statutory exception. Individuals who believe a request has been improperly denied may seek judicial review.
Rockingham County Criminal Court Records
Criminal cases in Rockingham County are divided between the Superior Court and the District Court based on the severity of the offense. The Superior Court has exclusive original jurisdiction over felony trials, while the District Court handles misdemeanors, infractions, and preliminary hearings in felony matters.
Searching Criminal Records
Criminal case data can be searched through the eCourts Portal by defendant name, case number, or citation number. The public self-service terminals at the Rockingham County Judicial Center provide the same search functionality. For cases predating the eCourts transition, records remain accessible through the terminals and through the clerk’s office.
Certified Criminal Record Search
Any person may request a certified criminal record search by name through the Clerk of Superior Court. This is a county-level search only — it does not cover records statewide. To request a search:
- Complete Form AOC-CR-314 (Criminal Record Search).
- Submit the form to the Clerk’s office with a $25.00 fee.
- In person: payment accepted by credit card, cash, money order, or certified check.
- By mail: money order or certified check only (personal checks not accepted).
Statewide Criminal History Checks
For a broader search, the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) offers statewide criminal history background checks. Individuals can request a personal review of their own record or request a background check on another person through the SBI, which requires fingerprint submission and payment of applicable fees.
Arrest and Detention Records
The Rockingham County Sheriff’s Office operates the Rockingham County Detention Center, which holds individuals awaiting trial or serving short sentences. Inquiries about current inmates can be directed to the detention center by phone.
Rockingham County Sheriff’s Office / Detention Center
Address: 130 Justice Center Drive, Reidsville, NC 27320
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 128, Wentworth, NC 27375
24/7 Non-Emergency Phone: (336) 634-3232
Detention Center Phone: (336) 634-3236
Detention Center Fax: (336) 634-3230
For individuals incarcerated in the federal system, the Federal Bureau of Prisons Inmate Locator provides a separate search tool.
Expunctions
North Carolina law allows certain criminal records to be expunged under Article 5 of Chapter 15A of the General Statutes. Once an expunction is granted, the record is removed from public databases. Information about eligibility and the process is available on the NC Courts expunctions page.
Rockingham County Civil Court Records
Civil matters in Rockingham County are handled by both the Superior Court and the District Court, depending on the amount in controversy and the nature of the claim. The Superior Court has jurisdiction over civil cases without a dollar-amount limitation, while the District Court handles cases where the amount in controversy is $25,000 or less. Small claims actions are heard in the District Court’s magistrate division.
Where Civil Records Are Maintained
The Clerk of Superior Court maintains civil case files, including complaints, answers, motions, discovery materials filed with the court, orders, judgments, and settlement documents placed on the record. The clerk’s office also maintains records of special proceedings such as foreclosures, condemnations, and partitions.
Online and In-Person Access
Civil case data is available through the eCourts Portal online and at the self-service terminals in the courthouse. A user manual for the Civil Case Processing System (VCAP) provides guidance on navigating the electronic case management system.
For RPA licensees, civil court data across all 100 North Carolina counties can be accessed through the Remote Public Access Program.
Requesting Copies
Copies of civil case documents can be obtained in person at the Clerk’s office during regular business hours (Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m.) for a per-page copying fee. Certified copies are also available upon request with additional certification fees.
Property-Related Court Records
Court records affecting real property — including foreclosure actions, partition proceedings, condemnation orders, judgments creating liens, and lis pendens filings — are maintained by the Clerk of Superior Court. Deeds, deeds of trust, and other recorded land instruments are separately maintained by the Register of Deeds and can be searched through the office’s e-Vault online search system.
Register of Deeds
Address: 170 NC Hwy 65, Suite 150, Reidsville, NC 27320
Phone: (336) 342-8820
Fax: (336) 342-6209
Real property recording fees start at $5.00 for the first page and $2.00 for each additional page for certified copies.
Rockingham County Family Court Records
Family law matters in Rockingham County — including divorce, child custody, child support, domestic violence protective orders, and equitable distribution — are adjudicated in the District Court division. The Clerk of Superior Court maintains the case files for these proceedings.
Divorce Records
Divorce actions in North Carolina are filed in the Superior Court division of the county where either spouse resides. The Clerk of Superior Court in Rockingham County maintains divorce judgments and related case files. Copies of divorce judgments can be obtained by visiting the clerk’s office or by submitting a written request with applicable fees to:
Clerk of Superior Court
Address: 170 Hwy 65, Reidsville, NC 27320
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 127, Wentworth, NC 27375
Phone: (336) 634-6000
Divorce certificates — distinct from divorce judgments — are available through North Carolina Vital Records at the state level.
Custody, Support, and Domestic Violence
Child custody and visitation disputes, child support proceedings, and domestic violence protective-order cases generate records maintained by the Clerk of Superior Court. Rockingham County participates in the Child Custody and Visitation Mediation Program and the Family Financial Settlement Program, both of which may produce additional documentation within the case file. Certain mediation communications and reports may be confidential and not part of the public record.
Marriage Records
Marriage licenses and marriage certificates in Rockingham County are issued and maintained by the Register of Deeds. Copies can be requested in person at the Register’s office or ordered online through the Marriage Certificate Request Form. The fee for a certified copy is $10.00 per copy. An online convenience fee of $3.50 applies to electronic orders. Marriage records in Rockingham County date back to 1867.
Birth and Death Records
Birth and death certificates are maintained by the Register of Deeds. These records are restricted under North Carolina law to eligible requesters, including the record subject, their spouse, parent, child, grandparent, grandchild, sibling, or an authorized legal representative. Applicants must provide proof of identity. Requests can be submitted using the Birth Certificate Request Form or Death Certificate Request Form. Key fees include:
| Record Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Certified copy (birth, death, or marriage) | $10.00 per copy |
| Uncertified copy | $0.25 |
| Online convenience fee | $3.50 |
Birth and death records at the Register of Deeds office date back to 1913. Records may also be obtained through the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Vital Records Division.
Rockingham County Probate Court Records
In North Carolina, probate matters are handled by the Clerk of Superior Court rather than a separate probate court. The Clerk of Superior Court in Rockingham County oversees estate administration, will probate, guardianship and conservatorship proceedings, and other special proceedings related to decedent estates and trusts.
Types of Probate Records
Records maintained by the Clerk’s office in estate and special proceedings cases include:
- Petitions for probate of wills and applications for letters testamentary
- Applications for letters of administration (intestate estates)
- Estate inventories and accountings
- Claims against the estate and objections
- Orders and decrees of distribution
- Guardianship petitions for minors and incompetent adults
- Annual guardianship accountings and status reports
- Small estate affidavits under the Summary Administration procedure
How to Search Probate Records
Estate and special proceedings case data can be searched through the eCourts Portal and at the public self-service terminals in the Rockingham County Judicial Center. The VCAP user manual covers navigation of the electronic system for estates cases.
For in-person access, individuals may visit the Clerk of Superior Court’s office during regular business hours to review estate files and request copies. The North Carolina Judicial Branch provides general guidance on the estate process through its Wills and Estates help topic page.
Requesting Probate Record Copies
Copies of probate documents — including wills filed with the court, letters testamentary, inventories, and final accountings — can be obtained from the Clerk’s office in person or by mail. Provide the decedent’s full name, the estate file number if known, and the specific documents requested. Per-page copying fees and certification fees apply.
Clerk of Superior Court (Probate/Estates)
Address: 170 Hwy 65, Reidsville, NC 27320
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 127, Wentworth, NC 27375
Phone: (336) 634-6000
Guardianship and Incompetency Proceedings
Guardianship petitions for minors and incompetent adults are filed with and adjudicated by the Clerk of Superior Court as a special proceeding. The Rockingham County Guardian ad Litem program provides court-appointed advocates for children in abuse, neglect, and dependency cases. Certain records in guardianship and incompetency cases — particularly medical evaluations and mental health assessments — may be confidential and require a court order for access.
For audio recordings of court proceedings in non-confidential cases, individuals may submit Form AOC-G-114 to the Clerk’s office. For confidential proceedings such as involuntary commitment hearings, Form AOC-G-115 must be filed with the court to obtain authorization before any transcript or recording can be released.