How to Look Up Eviction Records in North Carolina 2026

Where to Search North Carolina Eviction Records

North Carolina Summary Ejectment cases begin in Magistrate Court (small claims) and may be appealed to District Court. The NC Courts public search at nccourts.gov/courts/online-services allows party-name searches across all counties. Search case type "CVM" (Civil Magistrate) for summary ejectment. Records include filing date, parties, and judgment disposition. Source: NCGS § 42-26 et seq.; NC Administrative Office of the Courts.

Step-by-Step: How to Search North Carolina Eviction Records

1. Go to NC eCourts. Open https://www.nccourts.gov in your browser.
2. Search by party name. Enter the prospective tenant's full legal name (last name, first name) as a defendant/respondent. Try name variations including maiden names.
3. Filter by case type. Select eviction, forcible detainer, unlawful detainer, or summary possession as the case type depending on the court's terminology.
4. Review the disposition. Identify whether the case resulted in a judgment for the landlord (eviction), dismissal (tenant won or case settled), or is still pending. A filing alone does not mean the tenant was evicted.
5. Check the filing date. Consider how old the record is — most tenant-screening best practices recommend discounting records older than 5–7 years.
6. Request certified copies if needed. For a certified copy of the court record, contact the Magistrate Court (Summary Ejectment) / District Court on appeal clerk's office directly. Fees are typically $0.25/page.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I look up eviction records in North Carolina?

North Carolina Summary Ejectment cases begin in Magistrate Court (small claims) and may be appealed to District Court. The NC Courts public search at nccourts.gov/courts/online-services allows party-name searches across all counties. Search case type "CVM" (Civil Magistrate) for summary ejectment. Records include filing date, parties, and judgment disposition. Source: NCGS § 42-26 et seq.; NC Administrative Office of the Courts.

Are eviction court records public in North Carolina?

Yes — eviction court records in North Carolina are presumptively public under North Carolina's public records law. Eviction actions are civil court filings and are part of the court's public record, accessible by any member of the public.

Can a tenant get an eviction record removed or expunged in North Carolina?

North Carolina does not currently have a general statutory right to expunge or seal eviction court records. The record of an eviction filing remains in the court's public file unless the court orders it impounded in a specific case.

How much does it cost to get a certified copy of an eviction court record in North Carolina?

In North Carolina, certified copy fees for court records are typically $0.25/page. Fees are set by the Magistrate Court (Summary Ejectment) / District Court on appeal and may vary by county or court location. Many courts also charge a flat certification fee on top of the per-page copy fee. Online access to basic case information (party names, filing date, disposition) is typically free through the court's public portal where available.

Related North Carolina Landlord Guides

Court portal information sourced from the North Carolina court administrative office official website. Expungement laws from published North Carolina statutes (see citations above). Last updated April 30, 2026. For informational purposes only — not legal advice.