Wilson County Court Records Search

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    Wilson County is located in eastern North Carolina with its county seat in the city of Wilson. The county falls within Prosecutorial District 8, Superior Court District 8BC, and District Court District 8. Court proceedings take place at the Wilson County Courthouse, where both the Superior Court and District Court operate. The elected Clerk of Superior Court serves as the primary custodian of court records and also acts as the probate judge for estate matters in the county. Whether someone needs to check a criminal case status, obtain civil litigation documents, request a divorce judgment, or initiate an estate administration proceeding, the Clerk’s office at the courthouse is the central point of contact for most record-related requests.

    Accessing court records in North Carolina is possible through a combination of in-person visits to the clerk’s office, public self-service terminals at the courthouse, and electronic tools. NorthCarolinaCourts.us can assist users in finding publicly available court case information across the state’s trial and appellate courts. Wilson County is now part of the statewide eCourts system, which went live in the county in April 2025 as part of Track 8 of the rollout, bringing modernized case search and electronic filing capabilities to local courts.

    How to Look Up a Court Case in Wilson County?

    Several methods exist for locating court records in Wilson County, depending on whether a user needs electronic docket information, certified copies, or in-person file review.

    Online Case Search

    The North Carolina Judicial Branch operates Portal, the eCourts case search tool that allows the public to look up case information by name, case number, citation number, attorney, county, and other criteria. Portal covers criminal, civil, special proceeding, and estates cases. Wilson County is a participating county in this system. While Portal is useful for viewing case information and hearing dates, the North Carolina Administrative Office of the Courts advises that individuals conducting formal background checks should use the county clerk’s office rather than Portal.

    Self-Service Terminals at the Courthouse

    Public access computer terminals are available in the Clerk of Superior Court’s office at the Wilson County Courthouse. These terminals allow users to search criminal, civil, and estates case records by defendant name, case number, or other identifiers at no charge. Printing fees may apply.

    Wilson County Courthouse
    115 East Nash Street
    P.O. Box 1608
    Wilson, NC 27894
    Phone: (252) 206-3000

    Hours of Operation:
    Monday–Friday: 8:30 AM – 12:30 PM, 1:30 PM – 5:00 PM
    Saturday–Sunday: Closed

    Written Requests

    Individuals may also request copies of court records by mail or in person. For criminal background checks, the required form is AOC-CR-314, accompanied by the applicable fee. Civil and estates records can be requested through the clerk’s office directly.

    Electronic Filing and Service

    With the eCourts rollout, Wilson County now supports electronic filing through the File & Serve system, which allows attorneys and self-represented parties to file court documents, pay filing fees, and receive status updates electronically.

    Are Court Records Public in Wilson County?

    Most court records in Wilson County are classified as public documents. The North Carolina Public Records Act (G.S. Chapter 132) establishes the public’s right to inspect and obtain copies of records held by government entities, including court records maintained by the Clerk of Superior Court. Custodian offices are required to make these records reasonably available upon request, and copies are provided for a fee.

    Certain categories of court records are exempt from public disclosure under North Carolina statutes, court rules, or court orders. Restricted records include:

    • Grand jury proceedings — Protected under G.S. 15A-623(e), (f), and (g)
    • Medical malpractice settlement documents — Restricted under G.S. 132-1.3(a)
    • Pending arrest and search warrants — Not public until returned by law enforcement, per G.S. 132-1.4(k)
    • Records in custody of a probation officer — Generally not subject to public inspection
    • Sealed records — Court documents sealed by court order or protected by state or federal statute
    • Juvenile records — Proceedings involving minors are confidential
    • Records involving ongoing judicial or law enforcement investigations

    Confidential court proceedings such as juvenile cases and involuntary commitment hearings require a court order to obtain audio recordings. The request must be made using Form AOC-G-115. For non-confidential proceedings, copies of audio recordings can be requested using Form AOC-G-114.

    Additional information about public records requests from the Judicial Branch is available on the Request a Public Record page maintained by the North Carolina courts.

    Wilson County Criminal Court Records

    Criminal cases in Wilson County are initiated in District Court for misdemeanors and infractions, and in Superior Court for felonies. The Clerk of Superior Court’s office maintains criminal court records, including case filings, docket entries, orders, judgments, and sentencing information.

    Certified Criminal Background Check (Single County)

    To obtain a certified criminal record check for Wilson County, follow these steps:

    1. Complete and print Form AOC-CR-314.
    2. Submit the form to the Wilson County Clerk of Superior Court with a $25.00 fee.
    3. For mail requests, enclose a money order or certified check (personal checks are not accepted). In-person requests may be paid by credit card, cash, money order, or certified check.

    Mail requests should be sent to:

    Wilson County Clerk of Superior Court
    P.O. Box 1608
    Wilson, NC 27894

    This search covers only Wilson County criminal court records and is not a statewide search.

    Self-Service Non-Certified Search

    Individuals can search criminal records at no charge using public access terminals at the courthouse or by searching Portal online. These searches are not certified and are not suitable for official background check purposes.

    Statewide Criminal History through the SBI

    The North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation provides statewide criminal record searches. This service, known as “Right to Review”, requires submission of a completed fingerprint card, a copy of valid identification, and a $14.00 money order or check payable to the NC State Bureau of Investigation. Requests should be mailed to:

    NC State Bureau of Investigation
    Criminal Information and Identification Section
    Attn: Civilian Services Unit — Right to Review
    P.O. Box 29500
    Raleigh, NC 27626-0500

    Wilson County Sheriff’s Office

    The Wilson County Sheriff’s Office handles patrol, investigation, civil process, and warrant services. The Criminal Division investigates felonies and serious misdemeanors, while the Warrant Division serves criminal warrants throughout the county.

    Wilson County Sheriff’s Office
    100 East Green Street
    P.O. Box 1666
    Wilson, NC 27894
    Phone: (252) 237-2118

    Prisoner Records

    Information on individuals currently or formerly incarcerated in the North Carolina state prison system is available through the N.C. Department of Adult Correction offender search, which includes data on inmates, probationers, and parolees.

    Remote Public Access Program

    Businesses needing ongoing statewide access to criminal and civil court data may apply for the Remote Public Access (RPA) program offered by the N.C. Administrative Office of the Courts. RPA provides the same real-time data available on courthouse terminals.

    Wilson County Civil Court Records

    Civil cases in Wilson County are heard in the District Court (for matters under certain monetary thresholds, including small claims and landlord-tenant disputes) and in the Superior Court (for cases exceeding the District Court’s jurisdictional limits). The Clerk of Superior Court’s office is the custodian of civil court records, which include complaints, answers, motions, orders, and judgments.

    Searching Civil Records

    Civil case information can be accessed through:

    • Portal — Search Portal online by party name, case number, or other criteria
    • Self-service terminals — Available at the Wilson County Courthouse for searching civil, special proceeding, and estates cases at no charge
    • In-person requests — Visit the Clerk’s office at 115 East Nash Street, Wilson, NC 27894, during regular business hours

    The clerk’s office can provide copies of civil court documents for a fee. Divorce judgments, for example, are available from the clerk’s office in the county where the divorce was granted.

    Civil Case Types

    Civil matters handled in Wilson County courts include contract disputes, personal injury claims, property disputes, foreclosures, evictions, condemnations, and small claims actions. Records of court proceedings affecting real estate — including foreclosures, partitions, and liens — are maintained by the clerk’s office.

    Local Rules and Forms

    Wilson County maintains local court rules and forms that supplement statewide procedures. These can be accessed through the North Carolina Judicial Branch website. Statewide judicial forms are searchable by keyword, General Statute, or form number through the Forms section of the NC Courts website.

    Wilson County Family Court Records

    Family law matters in Wilson County — including divorce, child custody, child support, domestic violence protective orders, paternity, and adoption — are primarily handled by the District Court division of the Court. The Clerk of Superior Court’s office maintains records of these proceedings.

    Divorce Records

    Copies of divorce judgments can be obtained from the Clerk of Superior Court’s office at the Wilson County Courthouse. In-person requests can be made during regular business hours at:

    Wilson County Courthouse
    115 East Nash Street
    Wilson, NC 27894
    Phone: (252) 206-3000

    Divorce certificates (verification of a divorce event) are also available from the NC Office of Vital Records. To request a divorce certificate by mail, complete the application form in English or Spanish and submit it with a $24.00 fee (money order or check) to:

    North Carolina Vital Records
    ATTN: VC Certificate Orders
    1903 Mail Service Center
    Raleigh, NC 27699-1900

    Additional copies of a divorce certificate cost $15.00 each. In-person requests require an appointment at the Vital Records office at 225 North McDowell Street, Raleigh, NC 27603.

    Custody and Mediation

    Wilson County participates in the statewide Child Custody and Visitation Mediation Program and the Family Financial Settlement Program. These programs help parents resolve custody and financial disputes outside of the courtroom.

    Marriage Records

    The Wilson County Register of Deeds is the custodian of marriage records from 1855 to the present. Certified copies can be requested through the Register’s online request portal. Marriage certificates are issued only to the record subject, close family members (spouse, parent, or child), or an authorized attorney. Fees are $10.00 for a certified copy and $1.00 for an uncertified copy.

    Couples seeking a marriage license must complete an application and call (252) 399-2935 to schedule an appointment. Only the marriage couple needs to be present.

    Birth and Death Records

    The Register of Deeds maintains Wilson County birth records from 1913 to the present. Birth certificates are restricted to the record subject, family members, and authorized agents. Requests can be submitted through the Register’s online portal for birth certificates or death certificates. Death records are available to the deceased’s close family, authorized attorneys, and licensed funeral directors.

    The NC Office of Vital Records also provides birth and death certificates statewide. Mail-in requests require a completed application (birth in English or Spanish; death in English or Spanish) and a $24.00 fee, with additional copies at $15.00 each.

    Register of Deeds Office
    101 North Goldsboro Street
    P.O. Box 1728
    Wilson, NC 27894
    Phone: (252) 399-2936
    Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM (appointments recommended for vital records amendments)

    Wilson County Probate Court Records

    In North Carolina, probate matters fall under the jurisdiction of the Clerk of Superior Court, who serves as the probate judge. The Wilson County Clerk’s office handles the probating of wills, issuance of letters testamentary and letters of administration, estate inventories, guardianship proceedings, and trust matters.

    Beginning the Estate Administration Process

    To open an estate in Wilson County, the applicant should visit or contact the Clerk of Superior Court and bring:

    1. The original will (if one exists)
    2. A certified death certificate
    3. A completed application and preliminary inventory of the decedent’s property
    4. A $120.00 filing fee

    Estate administration forms are available at the clerk’s office or through the NC Courts estate forms page. The Clerk’s office may accept walk-in visitors or require appointments — individuals should call (252) 206-3000 to confirm.

    Small Estates

    Not all estates require full administration. Smaller estates may qualify for simplified processes, including collection by affidavit using the Affidavit for Collection of Personal Property of Decedent form. When the surviving spouse is the sole heir or devisee, summary administration may be available as a streamlined alternative. A detailed overview of decedent estate procedures is available in the Decedent Estate Procedures pamphlet published by the North Carolina courts.

    Searching Probate Records

    Probate and estates case information can be searched through Portal or on the self-service terminals at the Wilson County Courthouse. A decedent’s will becomes a public record after it is filed with the clerk following the decedent’s death, and any person may view it or request a copy for a fee. Paper files can be reviewed in person at the clerk’s office at 115 East Nash Street, Wilson, NC 27894.

    Guardianship

    The Clerk of Superior Court also handles guardianship proceedings, including the appointment of guardians for minors and incapacitated adults. The Guardian ad Litem program operates in Wilson County to represent the interests of children involved in court proceedings.