Watauga County Court Records Search
NorthCarolinaCourts.us is not a consumer reporting agency as defined by the FCRA and does not provide consumer reports. All searches conducted on NorthCarolinaCourts.us are subject to the Terms of Service and Privacy Notice.
Watauga County is a mountain community in northwestern North Carolina with its county seat in Boone. The county falls within Superior Court District 35, District Court District 35, and Prosecutorial District 35, with both the Superior Court and District Court operating out of the Watauga County Courthouse. The Clerk of Superior Court is the official custodian of all court records generated in the county and maintains exclusive original jurisdiction over probate, estates, and certain special proceedings. Whether you need to check on a pending criminal case, retrieve a civil judgment, or request a copy of a probate filing, the Clerk’s office at the courthouse is the central point of contact.
Watauga County court records are accessible through a combination of in-person visits, mail requests, and electronic tools. The North Carolina Judicial Branch launched eCourts in Watauga County on July 21, 2025, bringing online filing, case search, and payment capabilities to the county. The eCourts Portal now allows the public to search case information by name, case number, citation, or attorney for Watauga County and other participating counties. NorthCarolinaCourts.us can also help users find court-related resources, forms, and contact information. Locally, public access computer terminals are available at the Clerk’s office in the courthouse for free self-service searches of criminal and civil case records.
How to Look Up a Court Case in Watauga County?
There are several practical ways to find court case information in Watauga County, depending on whether you need a quick online lookup or a certified copy of a court document.
Online via eCourts Portal
With the launch of eCourts in Watauga County, the Portal is the primary online search tool for court records. Users can:
- Search case information by party name, attorney name, case number, or citation number
- View case details, hearing dates, and filed documents
- Make credit card payments for fines and fees
No registration is required for basic searches. The Portal is not intended for formal background checks — those should be conducted through the Clerk’s office.
In-Person at the Courthouse
Visit the Watauga County Clerk of Superior Court’s office during business hours to access public case files. Self-service computer terminals are available for searching case records at no charge. Staff can also pull paper files for inspection. Everyone entering through the main entrance on King Street must pass through a security checkpoint. Cell phones are not permitted in courtrooms but may be brought into other offices.
Watauga County Courthouse
Address: 842 West King Street, Suite 13, Boone, NC 28607
Phone: (828) 268-6600
Fax: (828) 268-6601
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Clerk of Superior Court: Charles Haynes
Parking is available directly behind the courthouse and on Queen Street in a metered area designated for courthouse visitors. Handicap access is through the back entrance from the parking lot; ring the door buzzer for entry.
By Mail
Written requests for court records can be sent to the Clerk of Superior Court at the courthouse address. Include the case number, party names, type of record sought, and any other identifying details. Enclose a money order or certified check for applicable copy or certification fees. Personal checks are generally not accepted for certified searches.
Court Dates
To look up the date and time of an upcoming court appearance, use the Court Dates search tool on the North Carolina Judicial Branch website.
Court Forms
Statewide judicial forms are available through the North Carolina Judicial Branch Forms page. Users can filter by keyword, form number, or General Statute citation. Self-represented litigants may also use Guide & File, a free tool that walks users through preparing and filing documents for common legal actions.
Are Court Records Public in Watauga County?
Court records in Watauga County are public records under North Carolina law. General Statutes Chapter 7A-109(a) governs the maintenance and accessibility of court records maintained by the clerks of superior court. Additionally, Chapter 132 of the North Carolina General Statutes — the state’s Public Records Law — broadly defines public records as all documents created or received by government agencies in connection with official business and requires that these records be available for inspection.
Access to court records at the courthouse is generally free. Fees apply when copies are requested, with charges limited to the actual cost of retrieval and reproduction. Certified copies carry additional fees.
Certain categories of court records are exempt from public disclosure. Records that are commonly restricted in Watauga County courts include:
- Sealed records — Indictments, plea agreements, or other filings sealed by court order
- Juvenile records — Proceedings involving minors under Chapter 7B of the General Statutes are confidential
- Attorney-client privileged materials — Communications protected by the attorney-client privilege that appear within case files
- Mental health proceedings — Involuntary commitment and related records are treated as confidential
- Records where disclosure would compromise fair hearing rights — Files restricted to protect a party’s right to an impartial proceeding
Transcripts of confidential proceedings such as juvenile or involuntary commitment cases require court authorization. The appropriate request form is AOC-G-115. For audio copies of non-confidential court proceedings, use Form AOC-G-114. Individuals seeking access to records that may be restricted should contact the Clerk’s office at (828) 268-6600 to verify availability.
Watauga County Criminal Court Records
Criminal cases in Watauga County are divided between the Superior Court and District Court based on the severity of the offense. The Superior Court handles felony trials, while the District Court processes misdemeanors, infractions, traffic violations, municipal ordinance offenses, and conducts preliminary hearings for criminal cases. Both courts are located at the Watauga County Courthouse.
Watauga County Superior Court
Address: 842 West King Street, Suite 13, Boone, NC 28607
Phone: (828) 268-6600
Watauga County District Court
Address: 842 West King Street, Suite 13, Boone, NC 28607
Phone: (828) 268-6600
Searching Criminal Case Records
Criminal court records can be searched through the following methods:
- Self-service terminals at the Clerk’s office — search by defendant name, case number, or victim/witness name at no charge
- eCourts Portal — search online at the Portal by name, case number, or citation
- In-person file review — request the paper case file from the Clerk’s office during business hours
Certified Criminal Background Checks
The Clerk of Superior Court conducts certified, single-county criminal record checks for a fee of $25 per subject. To request one:
- Complete Form AOC-CR-314
- Submit the form to the Clerk’s office
- Pay the $25 fee
| Payment Method | In Person | By Mail |
|---|---|---|
| Cash | Yes | No |
| Credit Card | Yes | No |
| Money Order | Yes | Yes |
| Certified Check | Yes | Yes |
| Personal Check | No | No |
This search covers only Watauga County records. It does not include other counties or statewide data.
Statewide Criminal Searches
The N.C. State Bureau of Investigation offers a fingerprint-based statewide criminal record search for individuals reviewing their own record. Businesses with statutory authority can also access SBI background checks. For ongoing data access, the Remote Public Access Program provides licensed users with real-time criminal and civil court data from all North Carolina counties.
Sheriff’s Office
The Watauga County Sheriff’s Office handles law enforcement and jail operations. Arrest-related inquiries can be directed to the Sheriff’s Office.
Watauga County Sheriff’s Office
Address: 184 Hodges Gap Road, Boone, NC 28607
Phone: (828) 265-7600
Jail: (828) 265-7614
The North Carolina Department of Adult Correction maintains an Offender Search tool for locating information on state prison inmates, probationers, and parolees.
Watauga County Civil Court Records
Civil litigation in Watauga County is split between the Superior Court and District Court based on the amount in controversy. The Superior Court has jurisdiction over civil cases involving more than $25,000, as well as certain special proceedings, foreclosures, condemnations, and administrative appeals. The District Court handles civil disputes of $25,000 or less, small claims, forcible entry and detainer (eviction) cases, and related matters.
Accessing Civil Records
Civil case files can be reviewed at the Clerk of Superior Court’s office during business hours. Public access terminals allow free electronic searches of civil case information. The eCourts Portal also provides online access to civil case data, including case status, parties, hearing dates, and filed documents.
For copies of civil records, visit the Clerk’s office or submit a written request by mail. Include the case number, party names, and a description of the documents needed. Enclose payment for copy fees.
Filing Civil Actions
With the launch of eCourts, attorneys are now required to eFile all court documents in Watauga County using File & Serve. Self-represented litigants may also use this system or file documents in person at the courthouse. Filing fees are automatically calculated during the eFiling process.
The Guide & File tool assists self-represented individuals in preparing documents for certain case types, walking users through each step of the filing process.
Small Claims
The Clerk of Superior Court schedules Small Claims Court in Watauga County. These cases typically involve lower-dollar disputes and follow a simplified procedure. Relevant forms can be found on the North Carolina Judicial Branch forms page.
Mediation
Watauga County participates in the District Criminal Court Mediation Program and Court-Ordered Arbitration program. Parties in civil disputes may be referred to mediation as an alternative to trial. A statewide mediator directory is available through the Find a Mediator tool.
Watauga County Family Court Records
Watauga County does not maintain a separate family court. Family law cases are heard by the District Court, with the Superior Court handling complex disputes and appeals. The District Court has jurisdiction over divorce, annulment, child custody and visitation, child support, alimony, equitable distribution, domestic violence protective orders, juvenile delinquency, juvenile abuse and neglect, dependency, emancipation, and termination of parental rights.
Family court records are maintained by the Clerk of Superior Court and can be accessed at the courthouse during business hours. Some family case records — particularly those involving juveniles — are confidential by statute. Access to non-public family records typically requires court authorization or proof that the requester is a party to the case.
Juvenile Records
All juvenile proceedings in North Carolina are confidential under Chapter 7B of the General Statutes. This includes delinquency, abuse, neglect, and dependency cases. The Juvenile Court Improvement Program and Guardian ad Litem program serve families and children involved in the Watauga County court system.
Domestic Violence
Domestic violence protective order petitions are filed through the District Court. The Clerk’s office can provide forms and information about filing procedures. Records in domestic violence cases are generally public, though portions may be restricted by court order for the safety of involved parties.
Child Custody and Support Mediation
Watauga County participates in the Child Custody and Visitation Mediation Program, which provides court-connected mediation for custody and visitation disputes. The Family Financial Settlement Program assists with equitable distribution and other financial matters in domestic cases.
Divorce Records
Copies of divorce judgments can be obtained from the Clerk of Superior Court in Watauga County. A certified copy of a divorce record costs $10.00 by check or money order. Requests can be made in person or by mail at:
Clerk of Superior Court
842 West King Street, Suite 13, Boone, NC 28607
Phone: (828) 268-6600
Marriage Records and Vital Records
Marriage licenses are issued by the Watauga County Register of Deeds, which also maintains birth, death, and marriage records for events occurring in Watauga County. Certified copies of vital records cost $10.00 each.
The Register of Deeds can now issue certified copies of out-of-county birth certificates for individuals born in any North Carolina county in 1971 or later. An additional $14 fee charged by the NC Office of Vital Records applies, bringing the total to $24 for out-of-county birth certificates.
Watauga County Register of Deeds
Address: 842 West King Street, Courthouse, Suite 9, Boone, NC 28607
Phone: (828) 265-8052
Fax: (828) 265-7632
Email: amy.shook@watgov.org
The Register of Deeds maintains online indexes for land records through the Real Property Index. Statewide marriage, divorce, birth, and death certificates can also be requested through North Carolina Vital Records.
Under North Carolina law, death records are accessible only to immediate family members or legal representatives of the deceased. Requesters must present valid photo identification with their application.
Watauga County Probate Court Records
Watauga County does not have a separate probate court. The Clerk of Superior Court has exclusive original jurisdiction over the probate of wills and administration of estates, as well as related special proceedings. This includes appointing executors and administrators, overseeing estate settlement, resolving disputes over wills, and handling related matters such as guardianship appointments and competence proceedings.
Types of Probate Matters
The Clerk of Superior Court handles the following probate-related proceedings:
- Probate of wills and estate administration
- Appointment of guardians for minors and incapacitated adults
- Competence proceedings
- Name changes
- Adoptions (filed as special proceedings)
- Foreclosures
- Sales of land for partition
- Condemnation of private lands for public use
The North Carolina Judicial Branch provides detailed guidance on estates and wills procedures, including information on opening an estate, filing inventories, and distributing assets.
Accessing Probate Records
Probate case records can be searched at the public access terminals in the Clerk’s office or through the eCourts Portal. Paper files are available for in-person review during business hours. To request copies by mail, write to the Clerk’s office and include the decedent’s name, estate file number (if available), and a description of the specific documents needed, along with payment for copy charges.
Clerk of Superior Court
Address: 842 West King Street, Suite 13, Boone, NC 28607
Phone: (828) 268-6600
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Estate Mediation
The Clerk Mediation Program provides mediation services for disputes arising in estate and special proceeding matters heard before the Clerk. This program can help resolve contested estate matters without the need for a full trial.
Filing Estate Documents
With eCourts now live in Watauga County, attorneys must eFile estate-related documents through File & Serve. Self-represented individuals may eFile or submit documents at the courthouse in person. The Clerk’s office can provide guidance on required forms and filing procedures for opening an estate or initiating guardianship proceedings.