Robeson County Courthouse Public Records offer residents and researchers direct access to criminal case filings, civil judgments, vital records, property deeds, and family court documents. Located at 500 North Elm Street in Lumberton, North Carolina, the courthouse serves as the central hub for legal transparency and government accountability. Services include certified criminal background checks for $25, remote document viewing via kiosks, and in-person assistance for Spanish- and Cherokee-speaking individuals through on-site interpreters. All operations follow North Carolina General Statutes and are available Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The clerk’s office also manages divorce filings, marriage licenses, domestic violence protection orders, and child custody cases. For land titles and older vital records, the Register of Deeds maintains over 150,000 entries, with electronic access to documents dating back to 1975.
How to Request Criminal and Court Records
Anyone can request criminal records from the Robeson County Clerk of Court by submitting a completed authorization form, a photocopy of government-issued ID, and the exact case number. Each certified copy costs $25 and must be paid by certified check or money order mailed to Suite 101, 500 North Elm Street, Lumberton, NC 28358. Processing typically takes five business days. The office also provides arrest reports, court dockets, and summons records. For urgent needs, in-person requests are accepted during business hours at the clerk’s desk. Remote kiosks allow users to view non-certified documents without entering the building. All criminal record searches comply with state privacy laws and require proper identification to protect sensitive information.
Accessing Vital Records and Marriage Licenses
The Register of Deeds handles birth certificates, death certificates, marriage licenses, and business registrations. As of 2023, the office maintains more than 150,000 vital record entries. Certified copies cost $5 each and can be obtained in person or by mail. Marriage license applications are processed at Room 102, 500 North Elm Street, with appointments recommended. The office also manages DBA (Doing Business As) filings, listing owner names, registration dates, and legal business identities. Older records before 1990 are available through the North Carolina Vital Records Archive after identity verification. Requests for certified copies require a valid ID and completed application form. Staff assist with locating documents and explaining filing requirements.
Property Records and Land Title Search
Robeson County property records include parcel maps, tax assessments, deeds, and mortgage documents. The online database at robeson.bislandrecords.com is updated nightly and allows searches by name, parcel number, or date range. The Register of Deeds processes about 12,000 property transfers each year. Physical records are stored at 500 North Elm Street, Room 102. Certified copies of deeds cost $5 per page. Users should verify recent filings directly with the office, as new documents may take 24–48 hours to appear online. The system includes index information for liens, easements, and title abstracts. Assistance is available by calling (910) 671-3040 during business hours.
Online Portals and Digital Access Tools
The North Carolina Judicial Branch provides a statewide portal for Robeson County court records. Users can download civil complaint forms, small claims templates, and family law packets reflecting current statutes. Traffic citations cost $10 to process, and small claims filings cost $30, payable by credit card or money order. The e-records system allows online requests for non-certified documents, typically fulfilled within five business days. For records not digitized, in-person visits to the clerk’s reading room (open 9 a.m.–5 p.m.) are required. The judicial portal also lists local court rules, procedural guides, and payment instructions. All forms are available in English and Spanish.
Disability Accommodations and Language Services
The courthouse offers full disability access, including wheelchair ramps, accessible restrooms, and assistive listening devices. On-site interpreters are available for Spanish- and Cherokee-speaking individuals during court proceedings and record requests. Requests for interpreters should be made at least 48 hours in advance by calling (910) 671-3000. Sign language interpreters can be arranged with prior notice. All public areas comply with ADA standards, and staff are trained to assist visitors with special needs. The clerk’s office provides large-print forms and audio instructions upon request.
Fees, Payment Methods, and Processing Times
Most public record requests involve a fee. Certified criminal records cost $25, vital records cost $5 per document, and property deed copies cost $5 per page. Traffic citation payments are $10, and small claims filings are $30. Payments can be made by cash, credit card, certified check, or money order at the clerk’s desk. Mail requests must use certified checks or money orders. Processing times vary: online requests take up to five business days, while in-person pickups are often same-day. Expedited service is not available. All fees support record maintenance and system upgrades.
| Service | Fee | Payment Methods | Processing Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Certified Criminal Record | $25 | Certified check, money order | 5 business days |
| Vital Record Copy | $5 | Cash, credit card, money order | Same day (in person) |
| Property Deed Copy | $5 per page | Cash, credit card, money order | 1–2 business days |
| Traffic Citation | $10 | Credit card, money order | Immediate (online) |
Public Safety and Sheriff’s Office Records
The Robeson County Sheriff’s Office publishes monthly crime reports detailing arrests, warrants, and incident summaries. These reports are available online and at the sheriff’s headquarters. Jail inmate records can be searched by name or booking number. Arrest logs include dates, charges, and release status. For background checks, the clerk’s office remains the official source. The sheriff’s department does not issue certified criminal histories. All public safety data aligns with state transparency laws and is updated weekly.
Business and DBA Filings
Businesses operating under a name other than their legal entity must file a DBA (Doing Business As) with the Register of Deeds. The filing includes the business name, owner information, address, and registration date. Records are public and searchable online. Certified copies are available for $5. The office also maintains corporate filings, trade names, and fictitious business statements. New filings are processed within three business days. Assistance is available by phone or in person.
Historical Records and Archive Access
Records dating back to 1975 are archived in both physical and digital formats. Older vital records (pre-1990) are stored in the North Carolina State Archives and accessible via secure download after identity verification. Court transcripts, probate inventories, and appellate briefs are preserved according to state law. Researchers can request historical documents through the clerk’s office or the state archive portal. Some materials may require a formal records request form.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Requesting Records
Many requests are delayed due to missing information. Always include your full name, contact details, exact case or record number, and a clear description of the document needed. Do not send cash through the mail. Use certified checks or money orders for mailed requests. Avoid vague descriptions like “any records on John Smith”—provide dates, case types, or document names. Double-check spelling and ID copies. Incomplete forms are returned without processing.
Contact Information and Office Hours
The Robeson County Clerk of Court is located at 500 North Elm Street, Suite 101, Lumberton, NC 28358. Phone: (910) 671-3000. The Register of Deeds is in Room 102 at the same address. Phone: (910) 671-3040. Both offices operate Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The public reading room is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. For online services, visit the North Carolina Judicial Branch website or robeson.bislandrecords.com. Emergency requests should be made in person.
Frequently Asked Questions
Many people have questions about accessing public records in Robeson County. Below are answers to the most common inquiries based on official procedures and state laws.
How do I get a certified copy of my criminal record from Robeson County?
To obtain a certified criminal record, you must submit a written request to the Clerk of Court at Suite 101, 500 North Elm Street, Lumberton, NC 28358. Include a completed authorization form, a photocopy of your government-issued ID, the exact case number, and a $25 fee paid by certified check or money order. The office does not accept cash or personal checks for mailed requests. Processing takes up to five business days. Certified copies are only issued to the individual named in the record or their legal representative with proper documentation. You can also visit the clerk’s office in person during business hours for faster service. Walk-in requests may be fulfilled the same day if all requirements are met. Always call (910) 671-3000 to confirm current procedures before mailing documents.
Can I search property records online for free in Robeson County?
Yes, Robeson County provides free online access to property records through robeson.bislandrecords.com. The database includes parcel maps, tax assessments, recorded deeds, and ownership history. It is updated nightly, though recently filed documents may take 24–48 hours to appear. You can search by owner name, parcel number, or date range. The site does not require registration or fees for viewing. However, certified copies of deeds cost $5 per page and must be requested in person or by mail. For assistance, call the Register of Deeds at (910) 671-3040. The physical office is located at 500 North Elm Street, Room 102, and is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
What documents do I need to request a birth certificate in Robeson County?
To request a birth certificate, you must provide a completed application form, a valid government-issued photo ID, and a $5 fee per copy. The request can be made in person at the Register of Deeds, Room 102, 500 North Elm Street, or by mail. If mailing, include a certified check or money order—cash is not accepted. Only the person named on the certificate, their parent, legal guardian, or authorized representative with notarized consent can request a copy. Processing is typically same-day for in-person requests. For births before 1990, records are stored in the state archive and may require additional verification steps. Contact (910) 671-3040 for help with older records.
Are court records in Robeson County available to the public?
Yes, all court filings in Robeson County are considered public records under North Carolina law. This includes civil, criminal, and family court documents such as dockets, judgments, and transcripts. Records are stored both physically and digitally, with access available through the clerk’s office or the state’s e-records portal. Some sensitive information, like juvenile records or sealed cases, may be restricted. You can view non-certified documents at remote kiosks or request certified copies for a fee. The clerk’s office assists with locating files and explaining court procedures. For records not available online, in-person visits are required during business hours.
How much does it cost to file a small claims case in Robeson County?
Filing a small claims case in Robeson County costs $30. This fee covers administrative processing and is payable by cash, credit card, or money order at the clerk’s desk. You must also complete a small claims form, which is available online or at the courthouse. The form requires details about the claim, the defendant’s information, and the amount sought. Once filed, the court schedules a hearing date. Failure to pay the fee or submit incomplete forms will delay processing. For questions, call (910) 671-3000 or visit Suite 101, 500 North Elm Street, Lumberton.
Can I get a marriage license online in Robeson County?
No, marriage licenses cannot be obtained entirely online in Robeson County. Both parties must appear in person at the Register of Deeds, Room 102, 500 North Elm Street, with valid photo IDs and proof of age. The license is issued immediately and is valid for 60 days. There is no waiting period in North Carolina. The fee is $60, payable by cash, credit card, or money order. Appointments are recommended but not required. The office is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more details, call (910) 671-3040.
What should I do if my record request is denied?
If your request for public records is denied, ask for a written explanation citing the specific law or exemption used. Common reasons include incomplete forms, missing ID, or restricted records like sealed cases. You can appeal the decision by contacting the Clerk of Court supervisor or filing a complaint with the North Carolina Department of Justice. Ensure your request includes all required details and fees. If denied due to privacy laws, you may need legal authorization. Keep copies of all correspondence. For help, call (910) 671-3000 or visit the courthouse in person.
Official Website: https://www.nccourts.gov/locations/robeson-county/robeson-county-courthouse
Phone: (910) 671-3000
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m.
Address: 500 North Elm Street, Lumberton, NC 28358