Wake County court records, North Carolina, are available through several channels. At WakeCourt.us, you can find public information about court cases in this county. Additionally, records can be searched through the official online portals of the state court system, directly at the Clerk of Court's office, and through public terminals installed in the courthouse. Each of these resources provides different levels of detail—from basic case information to full copies of documents.
Wake Court System & Jurisdictions
Several courts operate in the county, and understanding their jurisdiction will help determine where to search for the needed record.
Superior Court handles serious criminal cases (felonies), large civil claims over $25,000, and appeals from District Court. This is where the most serious criminal charges are heard.
District Court covers a much wider range of cases:
- Misdemeanors (less serious crimes) and traffic violations
- Civil claims up to $25,000
- Family cases—divorces, child custody, alimony, protective orders
- Juvenile cases
Magistrate Court handles small claims up to $10,000, issues arrest and search warrants, and sets bail. Magistrates work around the clock, so some initial procedural actions take place here.
Probate matters—wills, estate administration, guardianship—are handled by the Estates Division of the Clerk of Superior Court's office. If you need a record of a probate case, contact this division.
Wake Court Calendar & Upcoming Hearings
To find out which hearings are scheduled for today, tomorrow, or this week, use the online system. The North Carolina court system publishes calendars through the NC Courts Calendars portal, where you can filter results by county, court type, and date.
Search procedure:
- Go to the calendars page on the NC Courts website.
- Select "Wake" in the county selection field.
- Specify the court type—Superior Court or District Court.
- Set the desired date or date range.
Criminal and civil case calendars are usually updated daily. However, schedule changes can occur at the last minute—if your presence at a hearing is mandatory, it's best to call the court office for confirmation.
How to Get a Copy of a Wake Court Document
There is a difference between a certified and a regular copy. A certified copy has an official stamp and the clerk's signature—it is needed for legal purposes: submission to another court, confirming a criminal record to an employer, processing an inheritance. A regular copy is suitable for personal review.
Online. Through the eCourts Services portal, you can find case information and, in some cases, download documents. The eCourts system is gradually replacing the previous VCAP portal and provides broader access to court records.
In person. Contact the Clerk of Superior Court's office at the Wake County Justice Center. Bring the case number or sufficient identifying information—the party's name, approximate date. The clerk will conduct a search and prepare copies.
By mail. Send a written request specifying the case number, document type, and contact information to the address:
Include a check or money order for the appropriate amount (see the fees section below). Indicate whether a certified copy is needed.
Some records have restricted access—juvenile cases, sealed cases, records of involuntary psychiatric hospitalization, and adoption cases are generally closed to public view.
Wake Court Records Fees & Payment
Fees for court documents in North Carolina are set at the state level according to Chapter 7A of the NC General Statutes. The court office accepts payment in cash, money orders, and, in most cases, debit or credit cards.
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Certified copy of a document | $3.00 for the first two pages + $0.25 for each additional page |
| Regular (non-certified) copy | $0.25 per page |
| Certification of a previously made copy | $3.00 |
| Record search upon request | Usually free when requested in person; mail requests may require an additional shipping fee |
| Apostille (through Secretary of State) | $10.00 |
These amounts reflect standard rates set by state statutes. Separate fees may apply to special types of documents—for example, copies of probate or family case records. Confirm the exact amount before sending a mail request by calling the office.
If you only need basic case information—hearing dates, status, party names—start with a free search on WakeCourt.us or through the eCourts portal before ordering paid document copies.