REAL ESTATE

The Catawba County Register of Deeds office does not render legal opinions - they will answer questions about the document record only!

What are real property documents?
They are documents that primarily deal with land in Catawba County. These documents include: Deeds, Deeds of Trust (Mortgages), Foreclosures, Restrictions, Right of Ways, Easements, Subdivision Surveys, Leases, Contracts, Agreements, Fixture Filings etc. Other types of documents we keep on record are Assumed Names, Affidavits, Birth, Marriage and Death Certificates, Powers of Attorney, and Separation Agreements. Divorces and Wills are found in the Catawba County Clerk of Superior Court’s Office (828) 466-6100.

Can anyone access the land records maintained by the Register of Deeds online?
Yes. All of the records maintained by the Register of Deeds are public records except Military Discharges and can be found in our office. You may go online at www.catawbarod.org and search the real estate (only) index back to January 1, 1993 and images back to December 27, 1979. We are in the process of converting additional years of our microfilmed images to digital images and hope with each year to take this process, along with indexing, further on back. Land records in the office go back to the foundation of the county, 1842. Prior to this you would need to go to Lincoln County.

Can the Register of Deeds add or delete names from a deed?
No. A deed is a legal document establishing property ownership. The Register of Deeds and staff are prohibited by the state of North Carolina from practicing law.

Can the Register of Deeds conduct a title search of my property?
No. Laws to do anything more than record your document and or get you a copy of the document you are requesting prohibits this Office from doing a title search. We can show you how or in what book to locate the information you need, whether it is a real estate document or vital record. You will only find some of the real property exceptions in the Register of Deeds. Other types of liens such as Judgments and State and Federal Tax Liens are maintained in the Catawba County Clerk of Superior Court Office (828) 466-6100 or the Catawba County Tax Department (828) 465-8420.

Can I use an address to verify property information, including ownership?
No. This office records land documents that only refer to land using a legal description including boundary, lot, block and acreage information. To search my address you will need to contact the Tax Department at (828) 465-8420 or go online to www.catawbacounty.gov and click Real Estate Maps.

Is there a fee for recording documents?
Yes. Most of our real estate documents (deeds, deeds of trust, power of attorneys, assumed names etc.) are $14.00 for the first page and $3.00 for each additional page. The current real estate revenue stamp is $2.00 for every $1,000.00 paid for the property and YOU MUST list this amount on your deed for recording. Even when the amount is -$0-. For a more detailed fee schedule click here. You MUST also comply with North Carolina recording standards as stated in G.S. 161-14, click here to view those requirements. If an instrument does not meet these requirements, the register of deeds shall register the instrument after collecting a $25.00 nonstandard document fee as required by G.S. 161-10(a)(19) in addition to all other applicable recording fees. This office uses the standard Times New Roman font. Cash or check only is accepted for those fees. Feel free to call the office for any questions you may have of any of our recording fees.

I see many abbreviations used in connection with Real Estate documents. Where can I go to find out what they mean?
Abbreviations are commonly found in all Real Estate documents. The North Carolina Association of Register of Deeds publishes a list of approved abbreviation codes for role/status designations, instrument types, and property descriptions. A listing of these codes can be found here.

BIRTH CERTIFICATES

If I was born in Catawba County and adopted, is my original birth record available?
No. North Carolina law prohibits public inspection of any adoption records, including original birth records. You will need to contact the NC Department of Health & Human Services at (919) 733-3526 or http://vitalrecords.dhhs.state.nc.us/vr/index.html.

What if a Birth Certificate was never filed on me?
You will need to come down to the Register of Deeds Office and fill out a Delayed Birth Certificate form, which we will send to the State Office in Raleigh. You will need to produce proof of the birth and the most acceptable proof would be a certified copy of your elementary school records. We will be glad to tell you what additional proof is needed when you come in or call. The fee for this is $20.00

What if something is incorrect on my Birth Certificate?
You will need to come down to the Register of Deeds Office and fill out an Amendment form, which will send to the State Office in Raleigh. Depending on what information is incorrect on your birth certificate, proof will need to be provided. The most acceptable proof would be a certified copy of your elementary school records. We will be glad to tell you what additional proof is needed when you come in or call. The fee for this is $35.00. Cash, check, or debit card can pay for all these fees. It will take 8-12 weeks before we hear back from Raleigh. However, you may pay an additional charge of $15.00 to Office of Vital Records to have this process expedited in a three week time period. If you decided to expedite you will need to write a check directly to NC Vital Records.

What if the one of the parents name is not on the Birth Certificate?
There are many different ways to correct this. Therefore, the best thing to do is to come down or call our office so we can explain why or how this happened. We might be able to help, but if not we will inform you to contact an attorney for further assistance.

Who may obtain a Certified Copy of a Birth Certificate?
According to NCGS 130A-93(c) & 130A-99 the certificate must be for:

1. Self
2. Spouse
3. Parent/Step-parent
4. Brother/Sister, Step-brother/Sister
5. Child/Step-child/Grandchild
6. Grandparent/Step-Grandparent
7. Funeral Services
8. Any person seeking information for legal determination of personal/property rights (proof required)
9. An authorized agent, attorney, or legal representative of the applicant (proof required)

What is the cost of a Birth Certificate?
Certificates are $10.00 per certified copy. Uncertified copies are $0.50 if you come into the office or $1.00 by mail. We accept checks and money orders by mail, made payable to Catawba County Register of Deeds. Cash is only accepted when a request is made in person. Cash and debit cards are only accepted when a request is made in person.

How can I obtain a Birth Certificate?
To obtain a Certified Birth Certificate by mail, submit your written request (including signature), which must include the full name of the person named on the certificate, the date of birth, father's full name and mother's full maiden name. Or you may click here for a printable version of our Application form which you can print out, fill in by hand the first section for birth record and the complete REQUIRED section including signature, and then mail to the Register of Deeds.  Only the person named on the birth certificate or immediate family members may request birth certificates (see above). Requestor must sign the request, provide relationship to the person named on the certificate, send a copy of a picture ID and send a self addressed stamped envelope. To obtain a Certified Certificate in person, you may click here for a printable version of our Application form which you can print out, fill in by hand the first section for birth record and the complete REQUIRED section, then bring it into the Register of Deeds office and present a valid ID. You may also contact the NC Department of Health & Human Services at (919) 733-3526 or http://vitalrecords.dhhs.state.nc.us/vr/index.html.

What are the acceptable forms of identification?
A Drivers License with photograph or State issued Identification Card. Passport, Military Identification Card with photograph, or a current School Identification Card with photograph and birth date. Agents, attorneys or legal representatives must also furnish documentation of authority in order to receive a certified certificate for an individual.

MARRIAGE LICENSES

Preparation for a Marriage License
The Work Sheet for Preparation of Marriage License Form (Click Here) can be filled out online completely. Once completed, you can bring the printed copy of the form to the Register of Deeds office for processing. Or you may submit the form online, using the "Click Here to Email This Form to the Register of Deeds Office" button at the bottom of the form. This will then bring up a normal email message and you will need to click SEND here also. Once your email has been received you will receive an email back stating such. You will also need to bring a printed copy with you when you come in to finalize you license. Please be sure to check with the Register of Deeds office in order to make sure your form was received BEFORE arriving. It is a good idea to go ahead and print out the form anyway just in case there is a problem in submitting the form.

There is also a printable version of the Work Sheet for Preparation of Marriage License Form which you can print out and fill in by hand, and then bring to the Register of Deeds Office for processing.

What is the cost of a Marriage License?
The fee for a marriage license is $60.00. This fee is payable by credit, debit cards or cash.

Can we apply for a marriage license in Catawba County and get married in another county of the state?
Yes. The marriage ceremony can be performed in any North Carolina county.

What are the hours we can apply for the license?
7:30am – 5:30pm. Between the hours of 7:30-8:00am and 5:00-5:30pm you will need an appointment.

Is a premarital physical required?
No. A physical examination is no longer required.

How long is the license valid?
It is valid as soon as it is issued and remains valid for sixty days from the date of issue.

How can I complete my work sheet for a marriage license online?
The Register Of Deeds is pleased to announce the ability for citizens to complete online the paperwork for requesting a Certified Copy Of A Vital Record, and also the ability for citizens to complete online the Work Sheet For Preparation Of Marriage License Form.  These forms are Adobe Acrobat forms and will require you to have the free Adobe Acrobat Reader software version 7.0 or greater installed on your computer in order to use them. 

The Work Sheet for Preparation of Marriage License Form (click here) can be filled out online completely.  Once completed, you can bring the printed copy of the form to the Register Of Deeds office for processing.  OR you may submit the form online, using the “Click Here to E-Mail This Form to the Register of Deeds Office” button at the bottom of the form.  You will also need to bring a printed copy with you when you come in to finalize your license.   Please be sure to check with the Register Of Deeds office in order to make sure your form was received BEFORE arriving.  It is a good idea to go ahead and print out the form anyway just in case there is a problem in submitting the form.

There is also a printable version of the Work Sheet for Preparation of Marriage License Form which you can print out and fill in by hand, and then bring to the Register Of Deeds Office for processing.

What are the requirements to obtain a marriage license?

All Ages:

1. Both BRIDE and GROOM must personally appear at the Register of Deed office.
   • Both BRIDE and GROOM must present a valid government picture ID card (driver's license, State ID, passport/VISA). A Matricular Consular or an Instituto Federal Electoral will be accepted as long as our translator is present or a translation is presented.
   • Both BRIDE and GROOM must provide a valid Social Security Number by presenting your Social Security Card or a permanent record showing your social security number (Example: Insurance card; a signed printout from the SSA that shows your name and number; Check stub with company name, your name and SS number; Tax return; DD214 or W-2 form)
     • If you do not have a Social Security Number a notarized affidavit that indicates that you are not eligible for one can be picked up at our office.
     • You will then need to provide a certified birth certificate that is translated into English and notarized
2. Hospital records or photocopies of required documents will not be accepted in place of original documents unless other wise indicated.
3. If applicable, Both BRIDE and GROOM will need to provide a filed copy (does not have to be certified) of their divorce papers or the death certificate of their previous spouse if recorded in North Carolina. Please NOTE if divorce took place prior to 1988, allow time for Clerk’s Office to retrieve copy from Raleigh. If the divorce or death took place OUT of STATE, then a CERTIFIED COPY is required. This only applies to your last marriage and is required regardless of how long ago this happened. You will find this change across the state because it’s important and necessary to know that the divorce has been properly finalized. These documents can be found in the county and state or country that the death or divorce took place. Sorry for the inconvenience this will cause, but the following websites will be able to assist you in locating your information.
   • IN the STATE of NORTH CAROLINA death certificates are recorded in the Register of Deeds’ Offices in which information can be found at http://www.ncard.us At the Welcome statement click on “please click here”
   • IN the STATE of NORTH CAROLINA divorces are recorded in the Clerk of Court’s Offices in which information can be found at http://www.nccourts.org/County Click on the county you need and then to the left click on Court Telephone Directory.
   • OUT of STATE offices for either can be located at http://www.vitalrec.com

If you are 16 or 17 years of age, in addition:

1. You must present a certified Birth Certificate.
2. The parent or legal guardian must also be present and present legal documentation to prove that they are the parent or legal guardian. You may be required to produce certified copy of court orders.

If you are 14 or 15 years of age, in addition:

1. You are required by law to have a court order authorizing us to issue a marriage license.

What is the cost of a Marriage Certificate?
Certificates are $10.00 per certified copy and $1.00 per uncertified copy by mail. We accept cashier checks and money orders by mail payable to Catawba County Register of Deeds. We accept cash, credit or debit if paying in person.

How can I obtain a Marriage Certificate?
By mail:

A written request (including signature), which must include the full name of Groom, full MAIDEN name of Bride named on the certificate, and their date of marriage. Or you may click here for a printable version of our Application form which you can print out, fill in by hand the third section for marriage record, complete REQUIRED section including signature, and then mail to the Register of Deeds. For a form you can fill out electronically click here. Once completed, however, you must print out a copy of your completed form, then sign and date it, before mailing it in. This form cannot be electronically submitted because it requires your signature. Only the person name on certificate or immediate family members may request marriage certificates: (SEE LIST BELOW). Requestor must sign request, provide relationship to the person named on the certificate, send a copy of your picture ID and a self address stamped envelope for the return of the certificate.

You will be asked to fill out our form, indicate relationship to the person named on the certificate (SEE LIST BELOW) and present a valid form of identification. Feel free to use either of the forms listed above under the click here links.

What are the acceptable forms of identification?
A Drivers License, State issued Identification Card or Military Identification Card with photograph. Agents, attorneys, or legal representatives must also furnish documentation of authority in order to receive a certified certificate on an individual along with ID.

Who may obtain a Certified Copy of a Marriage Certificate?
According to NCGS 130A-93(c) & 130A-99 the certificate must be for:

• The applicant
• The applicant's spouse
• The applicant's parent/step-parent
• The applicant's brother, sister, step-brother, step-sister
• The applicant's child/step-child
• The applicant's grandparent/grandchild
• Any person seeking information for legal determination of personal or property rights (proof  required)
• An authorized agent, attorney, or legal representative of the applicant (proof  required)
  

ELECTRONIC FORMS

How can I complete my request for a certified certificate form or my work sheet for preparing for a marriage license form online?
The Register Of Deeds is pleased to announce the ability for citizens to complete online the paperwork for requesting a Certified Copy Of A Vital Record, and also the ability for citizens to complete online the Work Sheet For Preparation Of Marriage License Form.  These forms are Adobe Acrobat forms and will require you to have the free Adobe Acrobat Reader software version 7.0 or greater installed on your computer in order to use them. 

The Work Sheet For Preparation Of Marriage License Form can be filled out online completely.  Once completed, you can bring the printed copy of the form to the Register Of Deeds office for processing.  You may also submit the form online, using the “Click Here To E-Mail This Form To The Register Of Deeds Office” button at the bottom of the form.  Please be sure to check with the Register Of Deeds office in order to make sure your form was received.  It is a good idea to go ahead and print out the form anyway in case there is a problem in submitting the form.

There is also a printable version of the Work Sheet For Preparation Of Marriage License Form which you can print out and fill in by hand, and then bring to the Register Of Deeds Office for processing.

The Application For A Certified Copy Of A Vital Record form can be filled out electronically online also.  Once completed, however, you must print out a copy of your completed form, then sign and date it, and then bring it to the Register Of Deeds office for processing.  This form cannot be electronically submitted because it requires your signature.

There is also a printable version of the  Application For A Certified Copy Of A Vital Record form which you can print out and fill in by hand, and then bring to the Register Of Deeds Office for processing.

DEATH CERTIFICATES

Will I find my loved one’s Death Certificate in Catawba County if they died outside of Catawba County?
No. All Death Certificates are registered in the County and State in which the deceased died.

Who may obtain a Certified Copy of a Death Certificate?
According to NCGS 130A-93(c) & 130A-99 the certificate must be for:

1. Self
2. Spouse
3. Parent/Step-parent
4. Brother/Sister, Step-brother/Sister
5. Child/Step-child/Grandchild
6. Grandparent/Step-Grandparent
7. Funeral Services
8. Any person seeking information for legal determination of personal/property rights (proof required)
9. An authorized agent, attorney, or legal representative of the applicant (proof required)

What is the cost of a Death Certificate?
Certificates are $10.00 per certified copy. Uncertified copies are $0.50 if you come into the office or $1.00 by mail. We accept checks and money orders by mail, made payable to Catawba County Register of Deeds. Cash and debit cards are only accepted when a request is made in person.

How can I obtain a Death Certificate?
To obtain a Certified Death Certificate by mail, submit your written request (including signature), which must include the full name of the deceased person named on the certificate and the date of death.  Or you may click here for a printable version of our Application form which you can print out, fill in by hand the second section for death record and the complete REQUIRED section including signature, and then mail to the Register of Deeds.  Only the immediate family members may request death certificates (see above). Requestor must sign the request, provide relationship to the person named on the certificate, send a copy of a picture ID and send a self addressed stamped envelope. To obtain a Certified Certificate in person, you may click here for a printable version of our Application form which you can print out, fill in by hand the second section for death record and the complete REQUIRED section, then bring it into the Register of Deeds office and present a valid ID. You may also contact the NC Department of Health & Human Services at (919) 733-3526 or http://vitalrecords.dhhs.state.nc.us/vr/index.html.

What are the acceptable forms of identification?
A Drivers License with photograph or State issued Identification Card. Passport, Military Identification Card with photograph, or a current School Identification Card with photograph and the birth date. Agents, attorneys or legal representatives must also furnish documentation of authority in order to receive a certified certificate for an individual.

For incorrect or missing information on a Death Certificate, please contact our office to find out what documents are needed to correct the Certificate. Most of them can be corrected through our office.

MILITARY

Is there a cost for filing my Military Discharge?
No. There is no fee for filing a military discharge. Certified copies of military discharge documents are free to military veterans.

What do I need to record a Military Discharge?
The entire original DD214 is required and a Drivers License with photograph, State issued Identification Card, Passport or Military Identification Card with photograph.

Are the Discharges viewable to the public?
No. NCGS 47-113.2 does not allow these documents available for viewing if they are less than 50 years old and there are restrictions on who may have a copy of the Discharges. Authorized parties are:

1. The subject of the document.
2. Agents and representatives of the subject authorized in writing:
   1. by the subject or subject's widow or widower in a notarized authorization,
   2. by a court to represent subject, or
   3. by the subject's executor acting on behalf of a deceased subject.
3. Authorized agents of the Division of Veterans Affairs, the United States Department of Veterans Affairs, the Department of Defense or a court official with an interest in assisting the subject or the deceased subject's beneficiaries to obtain a benefit
4. Agents or representatives of the North Carolina State Archives

NOTARY PUBLIC

What are the requirements for becoming a Notary Public?
Upon completion of course, the instructor will issue applications.

• An applicant must be at least eighteen (18) years of age and reside or by employed in this state.
• An applicant must satisfactorily complete a course of study that is approved by the Secretary of State consisting of not less than three hours nor more than six hours of classroom instruction provided by a community college in North Carolina, unless the person is a licensed member of the Bar of this state.
• An applicant must submit an application containing no significant mis-statement or omission of fact.
• An applicant must pay a non-refundable fee of $50.00 to the Secretary of State and $10.00 fee to the Register of Deeds when receiving the Oath. Cash, check or debit cards are accepted.
• Any person who has been found guilty of treason or any other felony against this State, the United States or any other state, or any person who has been found guilty of corruption or malpractice in any office, or any person who has been removed from any office by impeachment will not qualify.