Johnston County Public Records

What Are Public Records in Johnston County?

Public records in Johnston County are defined according to the North Carolina Public Records Law § 132-1, which states that public records include "all documents, papers, letters, maps, books, photographs, films, sound recordings, magnetic or other tapes, electronic data-processing records, artifacts, or other documentary material, regardless of physical form or characteristics, made or received pursuant to law or ordinance in connection with the transaction of public business by any agency of North Carolina government or its subdivisions."

Johnston County maintains numerous types of public records accessible to citizens:

Court Records: Civil, criminal, traffic, probate, and family court records are maintained by the Johnston County Courthouse
Property Records: Deeds, mortgages, liens, plats, and property assessments are maintained by the Johnston County Register of Deeds Office
Vital Records: Birth certificates, death certificates, marriage licenses, and divorce decrees
Business Records: Business licenses, permits, and fictitious business name registrations
Tax Records: Property tax information, assessment records, and tax maps maintained by the Johnston County Tax Office
Voting and Election Records: Voter registration information and election results maintained by the Johnston County Board of Elections
Meeting Minutes and Agendas: Records of Johnston County Board of Commissioners meetings and other county boards
Budget and Financial Documents: County financial reports, budgets, and expenditure records
Law Enforcement Records: Incident reports, arrest logs, and jail records maintained by the Johnston County Sheriff's Office
Land Use and Zoning Records: Planning documents, zoning maps, and building permits

Each record type is maintained by specific county departments, with the Register of Deeds and Clerk of Superior Court serving as primary custodians for many frequently requested documents.

Is Johnston County an Open Records County?

Johnston County fully complies with the North Carolina Public Records Act § 132-1, which establishes the public's right to access government records. Under this statute, public records are the "property of the people" and must be made available for inspection and copying unless specifically exempted by law.

The law specifically states: "The public records and public information compiled by the agencies of North Carolina government or its subdivisions are the property of the people. Therefore, it is the policy of this State that the people may obtain copies of their public records and public information free or at minimal cost unless otherwise specifically provided by law."

Johnston County government operates under the principle of transparency in accordance with North Carolina's Open Meetings Law § 143-318.10, which requires that official meetings of public bodies be open to the public with limited exceptions.

The county has established procedures for requesting public records that align with state requirements. These procedures are designed to facilitate public access while protecting confidential information as required by law. Johnston County's commitment to open government is reflected in its online records portal, which provides digital access to many frequently requested documents.

How to Find Public Records in Johnston County in 2026

Members of the public seeking records in Johnston County may utilize several methods to locate and obtain documents:

In-Person Requests:

Identify the appropriate county department that maintains the desired records
Visit the department during regular business hours
Complete any required request forms
Present identification if required for specific record types
Pay any applicable fees

Online Access:

Visit the Johnston County Online Record Search for property records
Access the North Carolina Judicial Branch website for court records
Navigate to specific department pages on the Johnston County website for other record types
Follow online instructions for searching and requesting copies

Written Requests:

Submit a written request to the appropriate department
Include specific information about the records sought
Provide contact information for response
Allow reasonable time for processing

For court records, individuals may visit the Clerk of Superior Court at the Johnston County Courthouse or use the North Carolina Judicial Branch's online resources. Property records are accessible through the Register of Deeds office both in person and online.

When requesting records, it is advisable to be as specific as possible about the information sought to facilitate efficient processing. County staff are available to assist with locating records and explaining the request process.

How Much Does It Cost to Get Public Records in Johnston County?

Johnston County assesses fees for public records in accordance with North Carolina General Statutes § 132-6.2, which permits agencies to charge only the actual cost of reproduction. Current standard fees include:

Photocopies: $0.25 per page for standard black and white copies
Certified Copies: $5.00 for the first page, $2.00 for each additional page
Large Format Documents: $3.00 per page for maps, plats, and other oversized documents
Digital Copies: $5.00 per CD/DVD when electronic records are provided on physical media
Research Fees: $10.00 per hour for requests requiring extensive staff time (exceeding 30 minutes)

Specific departments may have additional fee structures:

Register of Deeds: Recording fees vary by document type and length
Vital Records: $10.00 for birth, death, and marriage certificates
Court Records: Fees set by the Administrative Office of the Courts

Accepted payment methods include cash, check, money order, and credit/debit cards at most departments. Some online services may require credit card payment.

The county waives fees when records are inspected in person without requesting copies. Additionally, pursuant to state law, if the request is determined to be "in the public interest," certain fees may be reduced or waived at the discretion of the records custodian.

Does Johnston County Have Free Public Records?

Johnston County provides free access to certain public records in compliance with North Carolina law. Members of the public may inspect records without charge during normal business hours at the appropriate county office. According to § 132-6(a) of the North Carolina General Statutes, "Every custodian of public records shall permit any record in the custodian's custody to be inspected and examined at reasonable times and under reasonable supervision by any person, and shall, as promptly as possible, furnish copies thereof upon payment of any fees as may be prescribed by law."

Free public records resources in Johnston County include:

Online Property Records: Basic property information is available at no cost through the Johnston County Register of Deeds online portal
Meeting Minutes and Agendas: Available on the Johnston County government website
County Budget Documents: Accessible online at no charge
Voter Registration Verification: Basic voter information can be checked online for free
Court Calendars: Available through the North Carolina Judicial Branch website

The Johnston County Public Library also provides free public access computers where residents can access online county records without charge. While inspection is free, fees may still apply for copies, certified documents, or records requiring extensive staff time to compile.

Who Can Request Public Records in Johnston County?

Under North Carolina's Public Records Law, any person may request public records from Johnston County government offices. The law states that public records shall be made available "at reasonable times and under reasonable supervision by any person." This broad eligibility extends to:

North Carolina residents
Out-of-state residents
Foreign nationals
Organizations, businesses, and associations
Media representatives
Government agencies

Requestors are not generally required to:

State the purpose of their request
Provide identification (except for certain restricted records)
Demonstrate a "need to know" or special interest in the records

However, specific record types may have restricted access under state or federal law. For example:

Vital Records: Birth, death, and marriage certificates may require proof of relationship or legal interest pursuant to § 130A-93
Adoption Records: Access is limited to parties directly involved
Juvenile Court Records: Generally confidential with limited exceptions
Medical Records: Protected under HIPAA and state privacy laws

When requesting one's own records, identification is typically required to verify identity and prevent unauthorized disclosure of personal information. The Johnston County Sheriff's Office and other law enforcement agencies may have additional verification requirements for certain records requests.

What Records Are Confidential in Johnston County?

Johnston County maintains certain records as confidential in accordance with state and federal laws. Under North Carolina General Statute § 132-1.2 and related provisions, the following records are exempt from public disclosure:

Personnel Records: Employee files are confidential under § 153A-98, though limited information such as name, position, and salary is public
Social Security Numbers and Personal Identifying Information: Protected from disclosure
Juvenile Records: Court and law enforcement records involving minors
Ongoing Criminal Investigations: Records that would jeopardize investigations or prosecutions
Medical Records: Health information protected under HIPAA and state law
Trade Secrets: Proprietary business information submitted to county agencies
Attorney-Client Communications: Legal advice and work product
Tax Information: Individual tax returns and related documents
Sealed Court Records: Documents sealed by judicial order
Adoption Records: Sealed except by court order
Certain Economic Development Records: Information about business recruitment until formally announced
Critical Infrastructure Information: Details about security systems, utility vulnerabilities, or emergency response plans
Certain Law Enforcement Records: Information that would identify confidential informants or undercover officers

The county applies a balancing test when records contain both public and confidential information, redacting protected information while releasing the remainder when possible. Confidentiality determinations are made by the records custodian in consultation with the county attorney when necessary.

Johnston County Recorder's Office: Contact Information and Hours

Johnston County Register of Deeds
207 East Johnston Street, Suite 209
Smithfield, NC 27577
Phone: (919) 989-5160
Johnston County Register of Deeds

Hours of Operation:
Monday - Friday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Closed on weekends and county-observed holidays

The Register of Deeds Office serves as the official repository for vital records and land transactions in Johnston County. This office maintains and provides access to:

Real estate documents (deeds, mortgages, liens)
Marriage licenses
Birth and death certificates
Military discharge papers
Notary public commissions
Assumed business names (DBAs)

Services available at the Register of Deeds Office include:

Recording of legal documents
Issuance of certified copies
Document research assistance
Marriage license applications
Online access to digitized records

The office accepts cash, checks, money orders, and credit cards for payment of fees. Customers seeking certified copies of vital records should bring proper identification. The Register of Deeds maintains a public search area where individuals may conduct research during regular business hours.

For court-related records, please contact:

Johnston County Clerk of Superior Court
207 East Johnston Street
Smithfield, NC 27577
Phone: (919) 209-5400
Johnston County Courthouse

Hours of Operation:
Monday - Friday: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Closed on weekends and state holidays