Q: What does the Register of Deeds Office do?
A: The Register of Deeds Office records, preserves, and provides public access to a variety of legal documents, including real estate records (deeds, deeds of trust, plats), vital records (birth, death, and marriage certificates), and other official documents as required by law. Our office also administers oaths for notaries public and maintains public records for the county.
We are here to help in any way we can; however, we cannot provide legal advice or assist with the preparation of legal documents.

Q: What is your address?
A: The Bladen County Register of Deeds Office is located inside the Bladen County Courthouse, Room 118.
Physical Address: 106 E. Broad Street, Room 118, Elizabethtown, NC 28337
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 247, Elizabethtown, NC 28337

Q: What are your hours of operation?
A: The Register of Deeds Office is open Monday–Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
The daily recording cut-off time is 4:30 p.m.
Marriage licenses are by appointment only—please call the office to schedule.

Q: Who can obtain a certified copy of a vital record (Birth, Death, Marriage) and what is the cost?
A: Under North Carolina law, certified copies of birth certificates may only be issued to the registrant or the registrant’s current spouse; sibling; child or stepchild; grandchild; parent or stepparent; grandparent; authorized agent; attorney; or other legal representative. You may request a certified copy in person; by submitting a written request by mail or online and we will mail it to you. (Online Fee will apply)

The cost for a certified copy is $10.00 each.
The cost for an uncertified copy is $0.25 per page.
A completed Application for a North Carolina Birth Certificate and valid photo ID are required for certified copies.

Q: Do I need an appointment to take my notary oath? What should I bring?
A: No appointment is necessary. You may come to the Register of Deeds Office Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Please bring a valid photo ID (such as a driver’s license). The fee is $10.00. If paying by debit card, a service fee will apply. You may also call our office before coming to confirm that the Secretary of State has forwarded your oath so we can proceed.

Q: What do y’all check before recording my document?
A: We check to make sure your document meets basic recording requirements—things like proper signatures, notarization, notary seal, legibility, and required fees. We can’t tell you if the document is legally “right” or give legal advice—we just make sure it can be recorded.

Please note: We do not review documents for legal sufficiency, accuracy, or legal effect, and we cannot provide legal advice or assist with document preparation.

Q: Does recording a deed transfer property?
A: Ownership of property is transferred when a properly executed deed is delivered and accepted by the parties. Recording the deed with the Register of Deeds does not, by itself, create the transfer; it provides public notice of the transaction and protects the parties’ interests.
After a deed is recorded, the Bladen County Tax Office updates the tax listing/ownership records. Questions about tax listing or ownership updates should be directed to the Tax Office.

Q: How do I add or remove names from a deed?
A: Names on a deed cannot be changed by the Register of Deeds Office. To add or remove a name, a new deed must be prepared and submitted for recording. We recommend consulting an attorney unless you are familiar with preparing legal documents.

Q: What is the real estate excise tax on deeds?
A: North Carolina law requires the Register of Deeds to collect real estate excise tax before recording any instrument that conveys an interest in real property. The tax is based on the consideration or value of the interest being conveyed.

Q: How is the excise tax calculated on a deed?
A:
• August 1, 1991 – Present: $2.00 per $1,000
• 1969 – July 31, 1991: $1.00 per $1,000
• Prior to 1968: $1.10 per $1,000

Q: Can I make my own deed?
A: Yes, you may prepare your own deed; however, it is strongly recommended that you consult an attorney to ensure the document is prepared correctly and legally effective.

Q: Does a deed have to be recorded?
A: While a deed does not have to be recorded to be valid between the parties, it should be recorded as soon as possible. Failure to record a deed can make it difficult to prove ownership or transfer or mortgage the property in the future and may create legal complications

Q: Can the Register of Deeds tell me who owns property at a specific address?
A: The Register of Deeds real property records system is name-based. To look up ownership by property address, please contact the Bladen County GIS/Tax Office or use the county’s GIS system. Our office can provide copies of deeds once you have the owner’s name.

Q: How do I obtain a copy of my deed?
A: Copies of deeds are available in the Register of Deeds Office at a cost of $0.25 per page. You may also obtain and print copies using the Online Search option on our website.
If you need a certified copy of a deed, please contact our office at 910-862-6710 for instructions on how to request one.

Q: How do I obtain a copy of the map to my property?
A: The Register of Deeds Office records survey maps and plats. Copies of recorded survey maps may be obtained from our office.
If you are looking for a GIS map or aerial photo, please contact the Bladen County GIS Mapping Office at 910-862-6748.

Q: Where can I get a tax map, PIN, or aerial map?
A: Tax maps, parcel identification numbers (PINs), and aerial maps are provided by the Bladen County Tax Office. Please contact them at 910-862-6730 for assistance.

Q: How do I have a title search done on a piece of property?
A: Title searches are performed by attorneys or certified title searchers. The Register of Deeds Office does not conduct title searches. You will need to contact an attorney or a professional title searcher for assistance.

Q: How do I search older deeds?
A: Older deed records may be searched in person at the Register of Deeds Office using our public access computers and record books. Many records are also available through the Online Search feature on our website. To locate older records, you will need to know the name of the person who owned or received the property and an approximate year of the transaction. Our staff can assist with how to use the search system, but we cannot perform title searches or interpret records.

Q: How can I find out if a property has a right-of-way or easement?
A: Rights-of-way and easements may be mentioned within a deed, recorded as a separate document, or shown on a recorded survey map or plat. These documents can be searched in the Register of Deeds records using our in-office public access computers or the Online Search feature on our website. To perform this search, it is helpful to know the current or prior owner’s name and an approximate year of recordation. Our staff can assist with how to use the search system, but we cannot interpret records or perform title searches. For a complete determination, please contact an attorney or certified title searcher.

Q: How do I find out about outstanding liens (mechanics liens) and judgments?
A: For a complete lien or judgment search, you should contact an attorney or certified title searcher. Some liens and judgments may be filed with the Clerk of Court. You may also need to check their office for related records. 910-872-7200.

Q: What steps do I take to get married?
A: You must obtain a marriage license from the Register of Deeds Office. The license is valid for 60 days The cost of a marriage license is $60.00. The ceremony may be performed by a religious officiant or a magistrate.
For more information, please visit our website under Marriage or call our office.

 

Q: Once I have obtained a marriage license, whom do I speak with about a civil ceremony or marriage by a magistrate?
A: Civil ceremonies are performed by a Magistrate in the Magistrate’s Office. Please contact the Magistrate’s Office directly to schedule a ceremony and confirm availability. 910-872-7221.

Q: How do I change my name after marriage?
A: You will need a certified copy of your marriage license from the register of deeds office where you purchased your license, to update your name with the Social Security Administration and the DMV for your driver’s license. Additional institutions (such as banks, employers, and insurance companies) may also require a certified copy. Certified copies are $10 each. Service fee will apply using a card.

Q: How do I obtain a copy of my marriage license?
A: If your marriage license were purchased in Bladen County, you may request a copy in person or by mail from the Register of Deeds Office. Copies are available at least 10 days after the wedding ceremony. You can always call the office to check and see if we have received them back from the officiant.

Q: Can I get a copy of a will from the Register of Deeds Office?
A: No. Wills are filed with the Clerk of Court’s Office. The Register of Deeds Office does not maintain wills.

Q: Can I obtain a copy of my separation agreement and divorce from the Register of Deeds Office?
A: Separation agreements that have been recorded may be obtained from the Register of Deeds Office. Divorce decrees are filed with the Clerk of Court’s Office and must be requested from that office.

Q: Who do I talk to about handling an estate?
A: Estate matters are handled by the Clerk of Court. They can guide you on opening and managing an estate. We don’t handle estates in the Register of Deeds Office, but the Clerk of Court can help you get started.

Q: How do I obtain a copy of my court documents?
A: Court records are maintained by the Clerk of Court. To obtain copies of court documents (such as traffic tickets, divorce decrees, judgments, criminal or civil case records), please contact or visit the Clerk of Court’s Office in the courthouse. The Register of Deeds Office does not maintain court case files or court dates.

Q: What legal forms can I obtain from the Register of Deeds Office?
A: The Register of Deeds Office provides assumed name (Doing Business As/DBA) forms only. All other legal forms must be obtained from an attorney’s office or online. Our office does not provide or prepare other legal forms.

Q: How do I get a title to my land?
A: In North Carolina, there is no separate “title” document issued for real property. Ownership of land is established through a properly recorded deed in the Register of Deeds Office. To obtain or transfer ownership, a deed must be prepared and recorded. You should contact an attorney for assistance with preparing a deed or addressing title issues. Our office records documents but does not prepare deeds, perform title searches, or provide legal advice.
Mobile homes are handled differently. A mobile home may have a title if it has not been declared real property (for example, if it is not brick-underpinned and affixed as real property). Titles for mobile homes are issued and maintained by the North Carolina DMV. 919-715-7000.

Q: Will the Secretary of State’s Office send me a reminder when my notary commission is about to expire?
A: No. It is the responsibility of each notary to submit an application for a new appointment no more than four (4) weeks before their current commission expires. The application form can be downloaded from the Notary section of the North Carolina Secretary of State’s website.

Q: My notary commission has expired, but I have applied for a new appointment. Can I still perform official acts as a notary in the meantime?
A: No. You may not perform any notarial acts after your commission has expired, even if you have applied for reappointment. Performing notarial acts without a valid commission is unlawful and may result in penalties, including revocation of your notary commission.

Q: How much does it cost to file my military discharge (DD-214)?
A: There is no fee to file a military discharge (DD-214) with the Register of Deeds Office. Certified copies of recorded military discharges are provided at no cost to military veterans.

Q: What do I need to bring to file my military discharge?
A: You must bring the complete DD-214 form and a valid government-issued photo ID to file your military discharge document.