Wake County, North Carolina • Deeds and land records guide • Updated October 2026
Wake County Recorder of Deeds: Search Property Records, Office Address, Fees & Filing Steps
The Wake County Recorder of Deeds is officially called the Wake County Register of Deeds in North Carolina.
The office records and preserves deeds, deeds of trust, mortgages, satisfactions, plats and other documents affecting real estate in Wake County.
Wake County introduced a new Land Records system on April 21, 2025. The older historical search system remains available for earlier records.
This guide explains which portal to use, where to visit in Raleigh, how recording fees work and how to obtain copies or set up fraud alerts.
Wake County Register of Deeds Quick Facts
North Carolina uses Register of Deeds rather than a separate county Recorder of Deeds title.
Named as Register of Deeds on Wake County’s official land-records portal.
Suite 1700, Wake County Justice Center, Raleigh, NC 27601.
Use this number for office information, document requests and recording questions.
Monday through Friday, excluding government holidays. Confirm recording-counter deadlines.
First 15 pages for most instruments other than deeds of trust and mortgages.
Wake County has two record-search systems. The current platform launched in April 2025, while the older CRPI remains useful for documents recorded before that transition.
Start with the new system for current records. Use the historical system when researching older deeds or references.
Which Wake County Deed Search Portal Should You Use?
Wake County migrated land-record searches to a newer system in April 2025.
Searching the older portal alone can cause you to miss deeds recorded after the system change.
New Land Records Portal
The county launched this platform on April 21, 2025.
It provides access to recorded land documents through a newer records-management interface.
This is the best starting point when you need recent deeds, mortgages or other recorded instruments.
Open New Land Records SearchConsolidated Real Property Index (CRPI)
CRPI provides historical document access back to July 1785.
The older portal identifies records through April 17, 2025 as available in that system.
You can search by grantor, grantee, document type, recording date, book and page.
Open Historical CRPI SearchHow far back do Wake County deed records go?
Wake County’s historical search documentation identifies the first recorded document date as July 7, 1785.
Historical records can be valuable for researching ownership, old mortgages, estate transfers, easements and subdivision history.
Older documents may use different indexing conventions or spelling variations.
First check which portal you are using. A document recorded after the April 2025 transition may not appear in the old CRPI search.
Also try alternate name spellings, fewer search terms and a wider recording-date range.
How to Search Wake County Recorder of Deeds Records Online
Recorded deed searches work best when you know the buyer, seller, document number or approximate recording date.
A street address is more useful in the county’s property-tax system than in a grantor/grantee index.
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Open the correct records system.
Use the current Land Records portal for newer documents.
Use CRPI if you are researching older recorded instruments.
Open Current Records -
Choose a search method.
Search by party name, recording date, document type or recording reference, depending on the portal.
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Enter the grantor or grantee.
The grantor is generally the seller or person conveying an interest.
The grantee is generally the buyer or person receiving that interest.
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Review the search results.
Compare names, document type, recording date and the property’s legal description.
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Open the document image.
Read the recorded instrument rather than relying only on the index description.
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Save the recording reference.
Keep the book and page or other recording identifier for future searches and copy requests.
Grantor and grantee search examples
Search the former owner or seller when looking for a deed transferring property away from that person.
Search the buyer’s name when looking for a deed showing how that person acquired the property.
If a title report or older deed gives a book and page, use those exact references in CRPI.
Search a wider date range if the recorded date differs from the closing or signature date.
Searching subdivision and condominium maps
Wake County’s historical CRPI system uses special book prefixes for maps.
Subdivision maps generally use BM before the year. Condominium maps use CM.
For example, the county’s search help demonstrates entering BM2018 for a subdivision map recorded in a 2018 map book.
Open Official CRPI Search InstructionsHow to Find a Wake County Property Owner by Address
If you know only the street address, start with Wake County Tax Administration’s real estate search.
This system provides parcel ownership, property characteristics, assessed value, land data and related deed references.
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Open Wake County Real Estate Search.
Search Wake County Property
After opening: use the available property address, owner name or account search fields.
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Select the matching property.
Confirm the street address, city and parcel information.
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Review the owner and deed details.
Look for ownership information and available deed references.
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Return to the Register of Deeds.
Use the owner name or recording reference to locate the actual recorded instrument.
Tax Administration says it generally aims to update parcel ownership within 30 days after a deed is recorded.
Some updates take longer. If your new purchase has not appeared after 30 days, contact Tax Administration for follow-up.
Wake County Register of Deeds Address, Phone, Hours and Google Map
The office is located inside the Wake County Justice Center in downtown Raleigh.
Register of Deeds Office
Register: Tammy L. Brunner
Building: Wake County Justice Center
Address: 300 S. Salisbury Street, Suite 1700, Raleigh, NC 27601
Phone: 919-856-5460
Information email: rodinfo@wakegov.com
Office Hours and Mailing Address
Published hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 AM–5:00 PM
Mailing address: Wake County Register of Deeds, P.O. Box 1897, Raleigh, NC 27602-1897
Contact the office before mailing original legal documents.
Recording intake deadlines and document-submission procedures may differ from general business hours.
Google Map to Wake County Register of Deeds
Visit 300 S. Salisbury Street, Suite 1700, Raleigh, NC 27601.
Confirm parking, building entry, holiday closures and recording-counter hours before visiting.
Open Official Register of Deeds Office PageWake County Recorder of Deeds Fees in 2026
North Carolina General Statutes Section 161-10 establishes uniform Register of Deeds recording fees.
A deed and a deed of trust have different base recording charges.
First 15 pages. Additional pages cost $4 each.
First 35 pages. Additional pages cost $4 each.
Per sheet under the statewide statutory schedule.
Additional statutory fee when applicable formatting rules are not met.
$5 for the first page, plus $2 for each additional page.
Recording a qualifying satisfaction or cancellation is free under the statute.
Additional statutory charges
Extra indexing: $2 for each party requiring indexing beyond 20 parties.
Multiple instruments: generally $10 for each additional separately recordable instrument included in one document.
Additional security-instrument references: some assignments trigger a separate $10 reference fee.
Uncertified copies: charges depend on the county’s posted copy-service schedule.
Recording fee example
A standard 10-page deed generally has a $26 base recording fee before excise tax or other applicable charges.
A 17-page general instrument would have a $34 recording fee: $26 for the first 15 pages plus $8 for two additional pages.
A taxable real estate conveyance can require North Carolina excise tax in addition to the document recording fee.
How to Record a Deed in Wake County, North Carolina
Recording creates a public record of a deed, but the Recorder does not determine whether that deed provides clear legal title.
Deeds must satisfy applicable North Carolina execution, acknowledgment, tax and recording requirements.
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Confirm that the property is in Wake County.
Recording jurisdiction depends on the location of the real estate.
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Prepare the appropriate deed.
Confirm the grantor, grantee, legal description, required signatures and other transaction details.
Consult a North Carolina attorney or title professional if the deed type or ownership interest is uncertain.
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Review acknowledgment and notary requirements.
Make sure the document is properly executed and acknowledged as required by applicable law.
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Check document formatting.
North Carolina sets paper-size, margin, legibility and first-page document-title requirements.
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Determine the excise tax.
A taxable property conveyance generally requires excise tax before the deed can be recorded.
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Confirm the recording fee.
The general deed fee is $26 for the first 15 pages, subject to any additional statutory charges.
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Submit through an accepted recording method.
Contact Wake County for current paper, mail or electronic submission instructions.
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Retain the recording reference.
Save the recorded instrument information and a copy for future title, lender and property-tax questions.
Recording makes an instrument part of the public record. It does not confirm that all signatures, conveyances, liens or prior ownership issues are legally valid.
North Carolina Deed Recording Format Requirements
North Carolina General Statutes Section 161-14(b) establishes standards for many paper documents submitted for registration.
A nonconforming instrument may trigger an additional $25 fee, subject to statutory exceptions.
Paper size: 8.5 × 11 inches or 8.5 × 14 inches.
First-page top margin: leave 3 inches blank for recording information.
Other margins: leave at least one-half inch on the remaining sides and subsequent pages.
Print: black text on white paper.
Font: legible text. A font of at least 9 points is statutorily considered legible.
Page sides: use one-sided printing.
Document title: identify the type of instrument at the top of the first page below the blank margin.
A document that does not meet a formatting standard is not automatically invalid, but it may require the additional statutory fee.
Certain documents and circumstances are exempt from these requirements. Check the statute when the situation is unusual.
Read North Carolina G.S. 161-14Wake County Deed Excise Tax in 2026
North Carolina imposes an excise tax on many real estate conveyances under G.S. 105-228.30.
The statutory rate is $1 for every $500, or fractional part of $500, of taxable consideration or value.
This is equivalent to $2 per $1,000 for transactions where the value divides evenly into $500 increments.
Example: $350,000 taxable property transfer
Illustrative property transfer value.
$350,000 divided by $500, multiplied by $1.
Assuming a qualifying general instrument of 15 pages or fewer.
In this example, the combined excise tax and basic recording charge would be $726 before any additional fees.
Are all deed transfers taxable?
No. North Carolina G.S. 105-228.29 identifies statutory exemptions.
Some transfers involving gifts, inheritance, operation of law or no consideration may be exempt if the statutory conditions are met.
Review the applicable statutory exemption and transaction details before submitting the document.
North Carolina generally makes the transferor responsible for paying applicable excise tax before recording.
How to Get a Wake County Deed Copy or Certified Document
Wake County provides access to recorded instrument images through its public records systems.
A regular downloaded image may be suitable for research, but a bank, court or other institution may require a certified copy.
Certified copy fees
North Carolina G.S. 161-10 sets the standard certified-copy fee at $5 for the first page and $2 for each additional page.
Base certification and first page.
$5 for the first page plus $4 for two more pages.
$5 for the first page plus $8 for four more pages.
What information should you provide?
Document type: deed, deed of trust, mortgage satisfaction or another instrument.
Parties: grantor and grantee, when known.
Recording date: exact or approximate.
Book and page: include these if available.
Copy type: specify certified or uncertified.
Return information: provide contact and mailing details requested by the office.
Mailing a copy request
The county lists the following Register of Deeds mailing address:
Wake County Register of Deeds
P.O. Box 1897
Raleigh, NC 27602-1897
Confirm the current request form, accepted payment methods and delivery instructions before mailing your order.
The Register of Deeds also handles birth, death and marriage records. Those services have different applications, eligibility rules and fees.
Do not use the vital-record certificate order system to request a real estate deed.
Wake County Property Fraud Alert: How to Register
Wake County Register of Deeds provides a free property fraud alert service.
The service sends email notifications when a newly recorded document contains a name registered for monitoring.
It can help property owners notice suspicious deeds or other recorded instruments.
Important 2025 system change
Wake County moved to a new Land Records platform in April 2025.
Property owners who registered under the earlier fraud alert system were advised to register again for the newer system.
- Open the current Land Records portal. Open Wake County Land Records
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Accept the disclaimer.
Read and accept the terms before entering the records-management system.
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Find the Fraud Alert registration feature.
Follow the current portal’s registration instructions.
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Register names to monitor.
Use the names associated with your property or registered business.
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Monitor your email alerts.
Review unfamiliar recordings and contact the appropriate authorities if fraud is suspected.
The service notifies users after certain documents are recorded. It does not automatically block, cancel or remove an instrument.
If an alert concerns a suspicious deed, contact the Register of Deeds and a North Carolina real estate attorney promptly.
Fraud Alert assistance: rod.docrecordingalert@wake.gov
Wake County Electronic Recording (eRecording)
Electronic recording allows authorized submitters to deliver real estate documents to the Register of Deeds electronically.
It is often used by title companies, settlement attorneys, lenders and professional document submitters.
eRecording does not eliminate the need to satisfy North Carolina recording, acknowledgment and tax requirements.
Before submitting electronically
Confirm eligibility: check whether your document type can be submitted electronically.
Review formatting: ensure the document meets current county and state requirements.
Check excise tax: determine whether the conveyance is taxable.
Use an accepted provider: verify the county’s currently approved eRecording arrangements.
Keep confirmation: save the recording receipt and instrument reference.
Common Wake County Deed Search and Recording Problems
My new deed is not in the old search portal: use the newer Land Records system launched in April 2025.
I know only the property address: use Wake County Real Estate Search to identify the owner and deed reference.
I cannot find a name: try alternate spellings, former names or fewer search characters.
My subdivision map is missing: use the BM prefix for subdivision maps or CM for condominium maps in historical CRPI searches.
My tax record still shows the seller: allow time for the ownership update. Wake County aims for 30 days, although it can take longer.
My document has incorrect margins: review G.S. 161-14(b) and the possible additional $25 nonstandard fee.
My lender says the mortgage was paid: search for a recorded satisfaction or cancellation. Contact the lender if it is missing.
I need a certified deed: request certification rather than using a regular downloaded image.
I received an expensive deed-copy letter: compare the offer with official county copy fees before paying a private company.
I received a suspicious fraud alert: review the instrument and promptly contact the Register of Deeds and appropriate legal authorities.
The county’s search disclaimer explains that the index is a guide to recorded documents.
Always review the actual document. Use a title professional when legal ownership, liens or property rights are at issue.
Wake County Recorder of Deeds FAQs
What is the official name of the Wake County Recorder of Deeds?
The office is officially called the Wake County Register of Deeds. North Carolina uses this title for its county recording offices.
Who is the Wake County Register of Deeds?
Tammy L. Brunner is identified as the Wake County Register of Deeds on the county’s official records portal.
Where is the Wake County Register of Deeds office?
The office is in the Wake County Justice Center at 300 S. Salisbury Street, Suite 1700, Raleigh, NC 27601.
How do I search Wake County deeds online?
Use Wake County’s current Land Records portal for recent documents. The older CRPI search remains available for historical deeds and records.
How far back do Wake County deed records go?
The historical CRPI documentation identifies recorded documents beginning July 7, 1785.
How much does it cost to record a deed in Wake County in 2026?
Most general deeds cost $26 for the first 15 pages and $4 for each additional page. Excise tax and other applicable charges are separate.
What is the recording fee for a deed of trust in Wake County?
North Carolina’s uniform fee is $64 for the first 35 pages of a deed of trust or mortgage, plus $4 for each additional page.
How much is a certified Wake County deed copy?
The statutory fee is $5 for the first page plus $2 for each additional page.
Why does my Wake County tax record still show the previous owner?
Wake County Tax Administration aims to update ownership within 30 days after recording, but some updates take longer. Contact Tax Administration if the record remains outdated.
Does Wake County offer free property fraud alerts?
Yes. Wake County Register of Deeds provides free recorded-document notifications. Property owners were advised to re-register when the new Land Records system launched in April 2025.
Official Wake County Register of Deeds and North Carolina Resources
Use these government-operated sources to verify records, recording procedures, fees and local office details.
Independent Public Records, Legal and Privacy Notice
This is an independent informational guide. It is not the official website of Wake County, the Wake County Register of Deeds or any North Carolina government office.
Office hours, submission methods, fees, search systems and applicable legal requirements may change. Confirm current information directly with the appropriate government office before acting.
This article is not legal advice, a title examination or a determination of ownership. A recorded document does not automatically establish clear title or the absence of liens.
Public records may contain personal information. Do not use recorded property information for employment screening, tenant screening, credit eligibility, insurance underwriting or other decisions regulated by the Fair Credit Reporting Act.
This website is not a consumer reporting agency under the FCRA.