Police Reports and Arrest Records
The Durham Police Department provides law enforcement services for the city. It also serves as the central storage and administering area for records and police information, including criminal reports, arrest records, and accident reports.
Who Can Request a Police Report
In compliance with state laws, access to some police reports may be restricted to only authorized applicants. Requests can be made by witnesses or victims of a crime, insurance carriers, or legal representatives of victims. Requests for juvenile information will require the permission of the presiding judge of the juvenile court.
How to Obtain Public Police Records
Interested parties can request records using the public records request link For walk-in and mailing options, individuals should send their letters of inquiry or request to the Public Affairs office located at:
Office of Public Affairs
101 City Hall Plaza
Durham, NC 27701
Applicants will have to indicate if they would like to have their requested orders mailed to them, or held at the records office for pick up.
How to Obtain Sex Offender Information
The Durham County Sheriff's Office runs a unit that monitors registered sex offenders in the county, conduct investigations, and apprehend offenders in violation of the conditions of the registry. In addition, the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation provides public access to a listing of registered sex offenders via a searchable online registry. Results can be expanded to include convicted offenders who are still held in correctional inmate facilities. Requestors can search for registered offenders by name, geographic coordinates (longitude and latitude), or by address. Members of the public can also conduct searches using a known sex registration number.
How to Find Inmate and Jail Information
The Durham County Sheriff’s Office manages the records of inmates held in correctional facilities within Durham and the rest of the county. The office also provides a public inmate population search tool that members of the public can use. Interested parties can conduct searches using the subject’s full name and date of birth, or by booking number, permanent number, state or county ID.
Court Records
Part of North Carolina’s unified court system, Durham houses multiple courts including a district court and superior court. Residents can search for court information using the online search platform provided by the North Carolina Judicial Branch. Interested parties can search for court dates by defendant name or citation number. The court also provides online access to civil and criminal court data filed in Durham via it’s Remote Public Access Program (RPA). Residents can also view or obtain court records by visiting any of the following courthouse locations where the case was filed.
Durham County Court House
510 S Dillard St,
Durham, NC 27701
Durham County Criminal District Court
510 S Dillard St,
Durham, NC 27701
Durham County Court House
512 S Dillard St,
Durham, NC 27701
Durham County Teen Court
900 Broad St,
Durham, NC 27705
Durham County Family Court
510 S Dillard St,
Durham, NC 27701
Criminal Superior Court
510 S Dillard St,
Durham, NC 27701
Vital Records
Vital records can be obtained at the county and state level. Eligible members of the public may apply for birth certificates, death certificates, and records of domestic partnership or dissolutions. Applicants may be restricted from obtaining certified records without the right documentation.
How to Find Divorce Records
Records of divorces granted in Durham can be obtained by contacting the Clerk of the Superior Court for 14th Judicial District of Durham County at (919) 808-3000. The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services manages and provides records for divorces that occurred within the state of North Carolina. To obtain records, requesters must submit a completed divorce certificate form with the appropriate fee. The office charges $24 for the first copy of the certificate and $15 for each additional copy. Requests should be sent to the:
North Carolina Vital Records
1903 Mail Service Center
Raleigh, NC 27699-1900
Acceptable forms of payment include money orders, certified check, or business check.
How to Find Marriage Records
Certified copies of marriage records can be obtained at the Office of the Register of Deeds. Requests may be made at, 201 East Main Street, Second Floor, Administration Bldg. 2, Durham, North Carolina 27701. Request can also be made via mail by sending a written request and completed application form to:
Durham County Register of Deeds
Vital Records
P.O. Box 1107
Durham, NC 27702
How to Obtain Birth and Death Records
The Durham County Register of Deeds office is tasked with the responsibility of issuing birth and death certificates. These records are managed and made available on request to authorized individuals. Interested parties can requests for certificates online by filling out a birth certificate request form or death certificate request form.
Requesters can also submit applications in person or by mail using a completed vital records application for certified copies form. Applicants will have to indicate if they would like to have their requested orders mailed to them, or held at the records office for pick up. Requests for records maintained by the courts should be submitted by mail to:
Durham County Register of Deeds
Vital Records
P.O. Box 1107
Durham, NC 27702
All requests must include a copy of a valid form of picture I.D, such as a driver’s license, passport, military identification card or state identification card. Records can only be released to individuals who qualify for eligibility, such as the parents, legal guardian, child or legal representative.
