Wayne County Court Records
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Wayne County is part of North Carolina's Eighth Judicial District and is served by both the Superior Court and the District Court, with the county seat in Goldsboro. The Wayne County Clerk of Superior Court maintains all court records generated within the county's judicial system, including criminal, civil, family, and probate filings. Both the Superior Court and the District Court operate from the Wayne County Courthouse at 224 East Walnut Street in Goldsboro.
You can access court records in North Carolina through the clerk of court's office, public self-service computer terminals at courthouses, and online search tools. The North Carolina Judicial Branch maintains a Portal that allows the public to search case information by name, citation number, county, and other criteria. NorthCarolinaCourts.us may also help you locate court directories and case-related resources across the state's judicial system.
How to Look Up a Court Case in Wayne County?
Case information in Wayne County can be accessed online, in person at the courthouse, or by written request.
Online Through the NC Courts Portal
The North Carolina Judicial Branch's Portal provides free online access to case information from courts statewide, including Wayne County. You can search by party name, case number, attorney name, or citation number. The Portal shows case status, hearing dates, and docket information. That said, the N.C. Administrative Office of the Courts advises that individuals performing background checks should use the county clerk's office rather than Portal for that purpose.
In Person Using Self-Service Terminals
Public self-service computer terminals are available in the Clerk of Superior Court's office at the Wayne County Courthouse. These terminals give you access to criminal, civil, special proceeding, and estates case information at no charge. A users manual for the Civil Case Processing System (VCAP) is available to guide you through the search process. You can search by defendant or party name, case number, or witness name. Non-certified copies may be viewed or emailed from these terminals without charge, though printing fees may apply.
Wayne County Clerk of Superior Court
Address: 224 East Walnut Street, Room 230, Goldsboro, NC 27530
Phone: (919) 722-6100
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
The Clerk's office asks that visitors arrive before 4:30 p.m. for new estate filings, upsetting bids, or payments, so staff has adequate time to complete the transaction.
By Mail
You can mail written requests for copies of court records to the Clerk of Superior Court at the address above. Include the case number or names of the parties involved, the title of the document you need, and payment. Mail-in payments are accepted by money order or certified check only — personal checks are not accepted. In-person payments may be made by cash, credit card, certified check, or money order.
Audio Recordings of Court Proceedings
If a court hearing was recorded, you can request copies of the audio using Form AOC-G-114 for non-confidential cases. Confidential proceedings — such as juvenile or involuntary commitment cases — require a court order, requested through Form AOC-G-115.
Are Court Records Public in Wayne County?
Under North Carolina's public records law, Chapter 132 of the General Statutes, court records are generally accessible to the public. G.S. 132-1.4(k) specifically states that court records such as returned arrest and search warrants are public unless sealed by court order. The Clerk of Superior Court is authorized to provide copies of public court records upon request and payment of the required fees.
Certain categories of records are restricted from public access or entirely exempt from disclosure:
- Records sealed by court order
- Expunged records (removed from public databases following a qualifying expunction under North Carolina law)
- Juvenile proceedings, which are confidential by statute
- Involuntary commitment and mental health proceedings
- Medical records and personal health information contained in case files
- Personal identifying data such as Social Security numbers, credit card numbers, and financial account information
- Attorney-client privileged communications included in filings
If you need access to confidential case records, you may need to petition the court. More information about the expunction process is available through the Expunctions Help Topic on the N.C. Judicial Branch website. The Remote Public Access Program offered by the Administrative Office of the Courts provides licensed ongoing access to court data for businesses, agencies, and other qualifying entities, including both real-time access and bulk data extracts.
Wayne County Criminal Court Records
Criminal cases in Wayne County are heard in both Superior Court and District Court. The Superior Court handles felony cases and appeals, while the District Court adjudicates misdemeanors, infractions, and ordinance violations. Contact numbers for the court divisions are:
| Office | Phone |
|---|---|
| Clerk of Superior Court | (919) 722-6100 |
| Superior Court Judges | (919) 722-6281 |
| District Court Judges | (919) 722-6250 |
| Magistrates | (919) 722-6270 |
Searching Criminal Records
Criminal case information can be searched at no charge on the courthouse self-service terminals or through the NC Courts Portal online. Paper case files may be viewed at the Clerk's office in the county where the case is located.
Certified Criminal Record Search (Single County)
For a certified, name-based criminal record search limited to Wayne County, complete Form AOC-CR-314 and submit it to the Clerk of Superior Court with a fee of $25. You can submit this form:
- In person with payment by cash, credit card, certified check, or money order
- By mail with payment by money order or certified check (personal checks are not accepted)
This search covers only Wayne County court records and is not statewide. Name-based searches may produce incomplete results, and fingerprint-based checks are recommended for greater accuracy.
Statewide Criminal History Through the SBI
The North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation processes fingerprint-based statewide criminal background checks for a fee of $14. To submit a request, provide a completed fingerprint card and a Right to Review form in person or by mail to:
North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation
Criminal Information and Identification Section
Attention: Applicant Unit Right to Review
P.O. Box 29500
Raleigh, NC 27626-0500
Fingerprinting assistance is available through the Wayne County Sheriff's Office:
Wayne County Sheriff's Office
Address: 207 East Chestnut Street, Goldsboro, NC 27530
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 1877, Goldsboro, NC 27533
Phone: (919) 731-1481
Fax: (919) 731-1484
Wayne County Civil Court Records
The Wayne County Superior Court has general jurisdiction over civil cases involving more than $25,000, while the District Court handles civil disputes involving $25,000 or less. Small claims cases are heard in the magistrate division of the District Court. Civil records maintained by the Clerk include complaints, answers, motions, orders, judgments, liens, foreclosures, and condemnation proceedings.
Searching Civil Records
Civil case information can be searched at the public self-service terminals in the Clerk's office or online through the NC Courts Portal. The VCAP users manual provides guidance for navigating the terminal system, which stores civil, special proceeding, and estates data.
To obtain copies, visit the Clerk's office or submit a mail request to:
Wayne County Clerk of Superior Court
224 East Walnut Street, Room 230
Goldsboro, NC 27530
Include the case number or party names, the document title, and payment. Copy fees apply per the clerk's standard schedule.
Property Records
Real estate records, deeds, and plats are maintained by the Wayne County Register of Deeds. An online search portal is available for deed records. The Wayne County Tax Department also offers a basic property search tool that can be searched by owner name, parcel number, or property address. The Register of Deeds office is on the first floor of the Courthouse Annex:
Wayne County Register of Deeds
Address: 224–226 East Walnut Street, Goldsboro, NC 27533
Phone: (919) 731-1449
Fax: (919) 731-1441
Email: RegisterofDeeds@waynegov.com
Wayne County Family Court Records
Family law cases in Wayne County — including divorce, child custody, child support, domestic violence, and termination of parental rights — are heard by the District Court's family division. The Family Court Administration office can be reached at (919) 722-6260, with a fax number of (919) 722-6182.
Accessing Family Court Records
Family court records can be searched using the courthouse self-service terminals or through the NC Courts Portal. Copies may be requested in person or by mail from the Clerk of Superior Court. Include the case number or the full names of the parties involved. Certain family court records — particularly those involving juvenile matters, adoption, and domestic violence victim identification — may be confidential and subject to restricted access.
Divorce Records
Divorce judgments are maintained by the Clerk of Superior Court. To request a copy, provide the full names of the parties, the date of the divorce, and the case number. Copies can be obtained in person or by mail at the Clerk's office. A valid government-issued ID and applicable fees are required.
Marriage Records
Marriage licenses and certificates are maintained by the Wayne County Register of Deeds. Certified copies are available only to the named parties, their spouse, parent, child, sibling, grandparent, grandchild, stepchild, stepparent, attorney, or legal agent. Each certified copy costs $10. To order by mail, complete the Application for Certified Copies of Vital Records, include a copy of valid identification and a check or money order, and send to: Wayne County Register of Deeds, 224–226 East Walnut Street, Goldsboro, NC 27533. In-person payments are accepted by cash, check, or debit/credit card (with a $2 surcharge for card transactions).
Birth and Death Records
The Wayne County Register of Deeds issues certified copies of birth records for persons born in Wayne County and death records for persons who died in the county. Both cost $10 per certified copy. Uncertified copies of birth and death records are available to the general public. Certified copies are restricted to the same family members and legal representatives as marriage certificates.
Through the Statewide Issuance program, the Wayne County Register of Deeds can also issue birth certificates for individuals born in other North Carolina counties from 1971 forward. The fee for an out-of-county birth certificate is $24 ($10 for the certified copy plus $14 for the state database access).
Applications can be submitted in person, by mail (include a self-addressed stamped envelope and $1 additional if no envelope is provided), or online through the Register of Deeds website with a one-time processing fee of $5.07.
For birth records prior to 1930 or death records from before the Register's holdings, direct your request to North Carolina Vital Records. The state office charges a $24 nonrefundable search fee per three-year period searched, which includes one certified copy if a record is found. Additional copies are $15 each. Mail requests to: North Carolina Vital Records, 1903 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, NC 27699-1900, or visit in person at 225 North McDowell Street, Raleigh, NC 27603-1382. Mail payments must be made by money order, certified check, or business check payable to NC Vital Records.
Wayne County Probate Court Records
Estates, wills, guardianships, conservatorships, and trust matters in Wayne County fall under the jurisdiction of the Superior Court, administered through the Clerk of Superior Court's office. Under North Carolina law, the Clerk serves as the judge of probate for estate proceedings and special proceedings.
Searching Probate Records
Probate and estate case information can be accessed through the public self-service terminals at the courthouse or searched online via the NC Courts Portal. The VCAP system at the courthouse terminals stores estates and special proceedings data alongside civil records.
Requesting Copies
Copies of probate documents — including wills admitted to probate, letters testamentary, inventories, accountings, and guardianship orders — may be obtained in person or by mail from the Clerk's office. Provide the decedent's or ward's name, the case number if known, and payment.
Wayne County Clerk of Superior Court
Address: 224 East Walnut Street, Room 230, Goldsboro, NC 27530
Phone: (919) 722-6100
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Wills that have not yet been submitted for probate should be filed with the Clerk of Courts, not the Register of Deeds. The Clerk's office advises anyone opening a new estate to arrive before 4:30 p.m. to ensure adequate processing time. Probate records are generally public unless restricted by law or sealed by court order.