What are Davidson County Public Records?
The North Carolina Freedom of Information Law defines public records as any document produced and stored in any form by and for any North Carolina government agency, whether state or local. According to state law, a government record is the people's property. Davidson County public records may be available as papers, maps, letters, tapes, films, books, images, and e-files.
People can obtain Davidson public records at a minimal cost. Under state laws, the minimal cost will refer to the actual price of making copies of the document. Although most government records are open for public inspection, some documents fall under confidential records as defined in G.S. 132-1. Classified information has partial or absolute restrictions. Examples include records that can interfere with attorney-client relationships concerning litigation for or against the state or local government, state and local tax information and billing data for public enterprises. Other records unavailable for examination or copying include trade secrets, private persons’ property records, bank statements, and financial reports.
Davidson County Crime Statistics
North Carolina's State Bureau of Investigation (NCSBI) provides end-of-the-year crime statistics for Davidson County. Based on the latest available data, the Davidson County Sheriff's Office reported 781 total index crimes in 2019, representing a 54% decrease from the previous year. Of this total, there were 64 violent crimes recorded and 717 property crimes. The county's violent crime count dipped by 46.2% from the previous year, while property crimes declined by 54.1% in the same span.
With a crime rate of 1643.4 crimes per 100,000 population in 2019, Davidson County's index crime breakdown includes one murder, five rape offenses, 13 robberies, 45 aggravated assaults, 223 burglaries, 427 larceny-thefts, 67 motor vehicle thefts, and five arson cases. These numbers represent a 22% decrease from the previous year. The county also experienced a decline in violent and property crime rates at 19.3% and 22.4%.
Are Davidson County Criminal Records Public?
Generally, Davidson County criminal records are open to the public. Under N.C. statutes, the North Carolina Department of Public Safety must release information on criminal violations when people request it, except where exempted by law. Examples of sealed criminal information include reports of criminal investigations or intelligence. Interested individuals can obtain Davidson criminal records from the North Carolina Court System, the Adult Correction website, or the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation. These departments will provide criminal background checks for a fee.
How to Obtain Davidson County Police Reports and Arrest Records?
Davidson County arrest records and police reports are available at the police department in the municipality where the event occurred. The local Police Department provides copies of arrest records and incident reports for a fee. Requesters may need to fill a form and provide a copy of a valid photo I.D. before applying to access Davidson arrest records. The local Police Departments in Davidson County include:
Davidson County Community College Campus Police
P.O. Box 1287
Lexington, NC 27293
Phone: (336) 249-8186
Denton Police Department
201 W Salisbury Street
Denton, NC 27239
Phone: (336) 859-2164
Lexington Police Department
106 N Main St
Lexington, NC 27292
Phone: (336) 243-3305
Thomasville Police Department
7 W Guilford Street
Thomasville, NC 27360
Phone: (336) 475-4260
Interested persons can also query the Davidson County Sheriff's Office to obtain incident and accident reports. Anyone in need of a Sheriff’s report can contact the office at:
Davidson County Sheriff
110 W Center Street
Lexington, NC 27292
Phone: (336) 242-2100
How to Find Sex Offender Information in Davidson County
The North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (NCSBI) maintains a central repository for registered sex offenders. People can access Davidson County sex offender information via the North Carolina Sex Offender Registry. Record seekers can search for sex offenders by providing the offender's name or Sex Registration Number, or zip code. The NCSBI also provides email and telephone alerts to registered users. With this, residents can monitor sex offenders living close to them.
How to Find Davidson County Inmate Records
The Davidson County Sheriff's Office provides an Active Jail Inmate Roster containing a list of inmates housed in the Davidson County Jail. The information on this document is open to the public under North Carolina's Freedom of Information Law. People can obtain data on incarcerated individuals, their booking information, and bail amount. Although the Sheriff updates this information regularly, there may be fewer errors or outdated information on the roster. The reason is that inmates’ data is subject to change. Record seekers can contact (336) 242-2105 for complaints and further inquiries.
How Do I Visit an inmate in Davidson County Jail?
The Davidson County Sheriff's Office allows inmates to receive visitors. Visitations are on Saturdays (7:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.) and Sundays (7:30 a.m. up until 11:30 a.m.), and visiting hours depending on the inmate's pod. The visitor should first contact the jail to determine the inmate's housing unit before visiting. The county jail's physical address is:
110 W Center Street
Lexington, NC 27292
Phone: (336) 242-2140
People can also send items to inmates via mail or fund the inmate's account. Permitted items include a photograph, bible, paperback books by a book company, and letters inscribed on a regular notepad. Mail parcels are subject to investigation. The Davidson County Jail's mail address is:
P.O. Box 513
Lexington, NC 27293
Phone: (336) 242-2126
Court Records
North Carolina's trial court system includes Superior, District, and Business Courts. There are four court locations in Davidson County.
Davidson County Superior Court
110 West Center Street
P.O. Box 1064
Lexington, NC 27293
Phone: (336) 242-6701
Fax: (336) 242-6759
Davidson County Superior Court
22 Randolph Street
Thomasville, NC 27360
Phone: (336) 474-3185
Davidson County District Court
110 West Center Street
P.O. Box 1064
Lexington, NC 27293
Phone: (336) 242-6701
Fax: (336) 242-6759
Davidson County District Court
22 Randolph Street
Thomasville, NC 27360
Phone: (336) 474-3185
Are Davidson County Court Records Public?
Generally, Davidson County court records are open to the public. Under N.C. Gen. Stat. § 132-1 and N.C. Gen. Stat. § 7A-109(a), the public has the right to examine and make copies of civil and criminal court cases unless otherwise stated. However, some Davidson court records are not available to the public because they contain sensitive information. Some examples include juvenile delinquency records, civil commitment information, and any court record on child abuse.
How to Obtain Davidson County Civil Court Case Records
The Civil Division of the Davidson County Clerk of the Superior Court is the county’s civil court case records’ primary custodian. Interested individuals can access civil court case records by querying the Clerk's office by mail or in person. The Superior Court Clerk can provide certified copies of at $3 per document. The requesting party will need to provide the name(s) and case number on the record.
The Superior Court Clerk has two office locations.
Lexington Office
110 West Center Street
P.O. Box 1064
Lexington, NC 27293
Phone: (336) 242-6701
Fax: (336) 242-6759
Thomasville Office
22 Randolph Street
Thomasville, NC 27360
Phone: (336) 474-3185
How to Obtain Davidson County Criminal Court Records
People can obtain criminal court files generated from court sessions by querying the Davidson County Clerk of the Superior Court. Record seekers can choose to forward a mail to the Lexington Office or visit the Courthouse in Thomasville. The Clerk will ask for the names of the parties involved and the case number on the record. Certified copies of a criminal court record cost $3 per document at any of these locations:
Lexington Office
110 West Center Street
P.O. Box 1064
Lexington, NC 27293
Phone: (336) 242-6701
Fax: (336) 242-6759
Thomasville Office
22 Randolph Street
Thomasville, NC 27360
Phone: (336) 474-3185
What are Davidson County Vital Records?
Davidson County vital records provide information on significant events like birth, death, marriage, and divorce. In North Carolina, vital records are generally open to the public. Copies of a vital record are available at the state and county level for a fee. The Davidson County’s Register of Deeds Office and the North Carolina Vital Records Office are the two government agencies that can issue certified copies of vital records in Davidson County. Certified copies are usually confidential - the county’s Register of Deeds only processes applications from qualifying applicants. Requesters need to have a clear identity and incur reasonable fees before obtaining Davidson certified vital records. Eligible requesters include:
- The parties named on the record;
- Any person who can prove that they had a familial relationship with the registrants;
- The registrant’s spouse;
- The registrant’s biological or adopted brother or sister;
- The registrant’s parents;
- The registrant’s grandparents;
- The registrants biological or adopted son or daughter;
- The registrant’s legal ward;
- A court-empowered legal representative of the registrant’s estate;
- Any person to whom a court of sufficient jurisdiction issues a court order.
Where and How to Obtain Davidson County Divorce Records
The Davidson County Clerk of Court NC can provide copies of divorce records filed before 1958. A certified copy costs $3 and is obtainable by mail or in person. Interested parties may contact the County Clerk at any of these office locations:
Lexington Office
110 West Center Street
P.O. Box 1064
Lexington, NC 27293
Phone: (336) 242-6701
Fax: (336) 242-6759
Thomasville Office
22 Randolph Street
Thomasville, NC 27360
Phone: (336) 474-3185
Davidson County divorce records are also available at the North Carolina Vital Records Office. The department can provide records of events from 1958 to the present. A certified copy costs $24, while additional copies cost $15 each. The requesting party will need to submit a completed Vital Records Application form and a copy of a valid photo I.D. by mail or in-person to:
North Carolina Vital Records
1903 Mail Service Center
Raleigh, NC 27699-1900
Where and How to Get Public Davidson County Marriage Records
Generally, uncertified copies of Davidson County marriage records are open to the public. The Davidson County Register of Deeds can issue copies of marriage certificates. Interested parties will need to complete a form online and provide a mailing address to receive the requested record. An uncertified copy costs $1, payable by a credit or debit card.
Where and How to Get Confidential Marriage Records in Davidson County
The Davidson County Register of Deeds issues certified copies of marriage records. Certified copies of a Davidson County marriage certificate are confidential. As a result, only the following people can access them:
- The parties named on the record;
- Any person who can prove that they had a familial relationship with the registrants;
- The registrant’s biological or adopted brother or sister;
- The registrant’s grandparents;
- The registrant’s parents;
- The registrant’s biological or adopted son or daughter;
- The registrant’s legal ward;
- A court empowered legal representative of the registrant’s estate;
- Any person to whom a court of sufficient jurisdiction issues a court order;
- Either party’s legal representatives.
Interested parties will need to provide a copy of a valid I.D. and complete an online form. The fee is $10 per copy, payable using a debit or credit card.
The North Carolina Vital Records Office can also provide certified copies of marriage records at $24 each. Any additional copy will cost $15. The requester will need to provide a valid I.D., complete a Vital Records Application form, and submit these documents by mail or in-person to:
North Carolina Vital Records
1903 Mail Service Center
Raleigh, NC 27699-1900
Where and How to Find Davidson County Birth Records
Davidson County birth certificates are within the Davidson County Register of Deeds' purview. Although uncertified copies are open to the public, certified copies of Davidson birth records are only available to the registrant, and the following eligible requesters:
- Any person who can prove that they had a familial relationship with the registrant;
- The registrant’s husband or wife;
- The registrant’s biological or adopted brother or sister;
- The registrant’s grandparents;
- The registrant’s biological or adopted son or daughter;
- The registrant’s parents, though fathers are only eligible if named on the record;
- The registrant’s legal guardian;
- A legal representative of the registrant’s eligible relative;
- A court empowered legal representative of the registrant’s estate;
- Any person to whom a court of sufficient jurisdiction issues a court order.
Requesters may need to also provide information on;
- The registrant’s full name at birth;
- The day the registrant was born;
- Where the registrant was born;
- The full name of the registrant’s parents at the time of birth;
- Their relationship with the registrant (if not parents).
Interested parties can apply for copies online, but access to certified copies will require a valid I.D. The fee is $1 for an uncertified copy and $10 for a certified copy.
The North Carolina Vital Records Office can also provide certified copies of a birth record from 1913 to the present. A certified copy costs $24, while extra copies will cost $15 each. Interested parties must provide a valid I.D., complete a Vital Records Application form, and submit all documents to:
North Carolina Vital Records
1903 Mail Service Center
Raleigh, NC 27699-1900
For older records, the State Library of North Carolina keeps an extensive collection of newspapers, dating back to the 18th century, on microfilm. From as far back as 1913, Davidson County Indexes to birth statistics are available in microfilm by Interlibrary Loan to state residents and on-site at the State Archives.
The North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural resources also hosts digital collections made possible by the State Archives and the State Library. The collection contains over 90,000 recent and historic photographs, manuscripts, state government publications, and other resources, some of which include Davidson birth records. The Collections are searchable and free.
Where and How to Find Davidson County Death Records
The Davidson County's Register of Deeds can issue certified and uncertified copies of death certificates to requesters. Under state law, only eligible parties and law enforcement can request certified copies. However, uncertified copies are available for public inspection. Applicants who qualify to request certified copies include:
- The deceased's partner;
- The deceased's adopted or biological siblings;
- The decedent's maternal grandparents;
- The decedent's paternal grandparents (If the deceased’s father is on the record);
- The registrant’s parents, though fathers are only eligible if named on the record;
- The deceased’s adopted or biological children;
- Eligible relatives’ legal representatives;
- The deceased’s civil representative or legal guardian;
- An approved solicitor representing the estate of the deceased, if empowered by a court order;
- Anyone holding a legal order from a court with appropriate jurisdiction;
- Any individuals mentioned in the deceased's will;
- Any survivor named on the decedent's insurance policy;
- Anyone who owned or rented property with the deceased.
They must apply with the following information.
- The dead person’s full name
- The place of death
- Relationship to the dead person
- The day the person died.
Intending applicants can place an order online. They will need to upload a copy of a government-issued valid I.D. for certified copies and provide a mail address for pick-ups. The Register of Deeds will charge $1 per uncertified copy and $10 for each certified copy.
The North Carolina Vital Records Office processes requests for certified copies of a death certificate filed from 1930 to the present. To obtain a certified copy from this office, the applicant will need to complete a Vital Records Application form, make a money order or check payment of $24 ($15 copies for additional copies), and provide a valid I.D. The requesting party can apply in person or by mailing the office at:
North Carolina Vital Records
1903 Mail Service Center
Raleigh, NC 27699-1900
For older records, the State Library of North Carolina keeps an extensive microfilm collection of newspapers, dating back to the 18th century. Also, from as far back as 1913, Davidson County Indexes to death statistics are available in microfilm on-site at the North Carolina State Archives and Interlibrary Loan to state residents.
The North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural resources also hosts digital collections made possible by a partnership between the State Archives and the State Library. The records contain more than 90,000 recent and historic photographs, manuscripts, state government publications, and other resources, including Davidson death records.
Are Property Records Open to the Public in Davidson County
Davidson County property records are accessible to the county residents and non-residents. Per the North Carolina Open Records Act, any interested person or entity may request, inspect, or obtain copies of Davidson County property records. Property Records in Davidson County are obtainable through custodian offices.
Where and How to Find Property Records in Davidson County
Through the Davidson County Register of Deeds, interested parties may request and access copies of Davidson County property records. It maintains records of land and real estate transactions within the city. Also, the Register of Deeds provides online and offline access to property records via a variety of request methods. Record seekers may opt to obtain property records in person by visiting the Register of Deeds' Office at the address provided below:
Davidson County Register of Deeds Office
203 West 2nd Street
P.O. Box 464
Lexington, NC 27293
Phone: (336) 242-2150
Similarly, the Davidson County Tax Assessor’s Office maintains online and offline access to all property records in Davidson County. To get an offline copy of property records in the county, record seekers must visit the County Tax Assessor at the:
Davidson County Tax Assessor's Office
Davidson County Government Center
913 Greensboro Street
Lexington, NC 27292
Phone: (336) 242-2000
How to Look Up Davidson County Property Records
Online copies of Davidson County property records are obtainable through various online repositories maintained by the County's custodian offices. For instance, the Davidson County Register of Deeds and the Tax Assessors maintains online searchable portals where interested county residents and non-residents may obtain property documents.
Using the Register of Deeds' Real Estate Look Up platform, interested persons can conduct searches via the following selections:
- Search type
- Party type (Grantee or Grantor)
- Entity type (Human, Company, or Both).
- Property owner's full name or company's name.
In addition, record seekers must select the book type (Plat, Deeds, Division of Land, or Condo Plat) to obtain property records. Alternatively, the Davidson County Tax Assessor's online searchable portal enables record seekers to conduct searches via the following selections:
- Basic search
- Real Estate Search
- Tax Bill Search
- Sales Search
With the basic search selection, record seekers may search for property records using one of the following details:
- The property owner's name
- Parcel number
- Property address
- Zoning Classification
- Sales date and price
- PIN number
- Land units/types.
For the real estate search, record seekers must input the property owner's name, parcel number, account number, property address, and PIN number.
Location of Davidson County Property Assessor
Davidson County Tax Assessors
913 Greensboro Street
3rd Floor
Suite 303
P.O. Box 1617
Lexington, NC 27293
Phone: (336) 242-2160
Fax: (336) 242-2851
