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How to Find Public Records in St. Okes County in 2026
Members of the public seeking government documents in Stokes County, North Carolina, may access a range of publicly available information through official county and state channels. StokesRecords.us aggregates publicly available data related to public records maintained by government agencies in St. Okes County. Records that may be found through official sources include, but are not limited to:
- Court records (civil, criminal, probate, and family)
- Property deeds, mortgages, and tax assessments
- Vital records such as birth, death, marriage, and divorce certificates
- Business licenses and permits
- Voting and election records
- Law enforcement records, where permitted by law
- County commission meeting minutes and agendas
- Land use and zoning documents
Records may be searched through official court resources, the Stokes County Clerk of Superior Court, public access terminals at the courthouse, and online tools maintained by the North Carolina Administrative Office of the Courts.
Online Access: The North Carolina Courts online case search portal allows members of the public to search civil and criminal case information. Property records are accessible through the Stokes County Tax Administration and Register of Deeds online portals. Some records require in-person review or a formal written request.
In-Person Requests: Members of the public may inspect records in person at the Stokes County Register of Deeds or the Clerk of Superior Court, both located at the Stokes County Courthouse, 1014 Main Street, Danbury, NC 27016. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Written/Mail Requests: Written requests should be directed to the appropriate office by mail at P.O. Box 20, Danbury, NC 27016. Requests must include the requester's name, contact information, a description of the records sought, and the preferred format for delivery. Under N.C. Gen. Stat. § 132-6, agencies are required to respond to public records requests as promptly as possible.
Phone/Email:
- Stokes County Register of Deeds: (336) 593-2811
- Stokes County Clerk of Superior Court: (336) 593-2401
What Are Public Records in St. Okes County?
Public records in Stokes County are defined under North Carolina law as 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. This definition is established under N.C. Gen. Stat. § 132-1.
The following record types are maintained by Stokes County government offices:
| Record Type | Maintaining Office |
|---|---|
| Court records (civil, criminal, probate, family) | Clerk of Superior Court |
| Property deeds, mortgages, liens | Register of Deeds |
| Tax assessments | Tax Administration Office |
| Vital records (birth, death, marriage, divorce) | Register of Deeds / NC Vital Records |
| Business licenses and permits | County Manager's Office |
| Voting and election records | Stokes County Board of Elections |
| Meeting minutes and agendas | County Manager's Office |
| Budget and financial documents | Finance Department |
| Law enforcement records | Stokes County Sheriff's Office |
| Land use and zoning records | Planning and Development |
Historical estate records, including documentation of the disposition of deceased persons' property, are preserved at the state level. Members of the public may access Stokes County estate records through the State Archives of North Carolina, which holds materials dating back to the county's earliest administrative history.
Is St. Okes County an Open Records County?
Stokes County operates in full compliance with North Carolina's open records laws, which mandate public access to government records. Under N.C. Gen. Stat. § 132-6, 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.
As the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources states, "Public records are the property of the people. Custodians of public records shall permit them to be inspected and examined at reasonable times and under reasonable supervision." This principle governs all county offices in Stokes County.
The county does not maintain a separate local ordinance that restricts access beyond what is permitted under state law. North Carolina's Public Records Law, codified in Chapter 132 of the General Statutes, serves as the governing framework for all public records requests submitted to Stokes County agencies. The North Carolina Attorney General's office provides guidance on the application of these statutes to county-level agencies.
How Much Does It Cost to Get Public Records in St. Okes County?
The standard fee structure for public records in Stokes County is governed by state statute and individual office schedules. Members of the public are not charged a fee to inspect records in person. Fees apply when copies are requested.
Standard Copy Fees:
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Paper copies (letter/legal size) | $0.25 per page |
| Certified copies (vital records) | $10.00 per document |
| Certified copies (court records) | $0.25 per page + $3.00 certification fee |
| Electronic copies (where available) | Varies by record type |
| Deed copies | $0.25 per page |
Accepted payment methods at county offices include cash, check, and money order. Some offices accept credit or debit cards; members of the public are advised to confirm accepted payment methods with the specific office prior to visiting.
Under North Carolina law, fees charged for copies must not exceed the actual cost of reproduction. Agencies may not charge search fees unless specifically authorized by statute. Fee waiver provisions are not broadly established under state law, though individual agencies may exercise discretion in certain circumstances.
Does St. Okes County Have Free Public Records?
Free inspection of public records is available at Stokes County government offices during regular business hours. Members of the public may review records at no cost at the following locations:
- Stokes County Register of Deeds – Property deeds, mortgages, and vital records may be inspected at no charge at the public counter.
- Stokes County Clerk of Superior Court – Court case files are available for in-person inspection at no cost through public access terminals located in the courthouse.
- Stokes County Tax Administration – Property tax and assessment records are available for free inspection in person and through the county's online portal.
- NC Courts Online Portal – The North Carolina Courts case lookup tool provides free access to civil and criminal case information statewide, including Stokes County cases.
The distinction between free inspection and free copies is significant: while inspection carries no charge, reproduction of records is subject to the fee schedule described above. Historical county records held at the state level, including those accessible through the North Carolina State Archives county records guide, may be reviewed at no cost at the Archives' research room in Raleigh.
Who Can Request Public Records in St. Okes County?
Any person may request public records in Stokes County, regardless of residency, citizenship, or stated purpose. North Carolina's Public Records Law does not require requesters to be state residents, to provide identification, or to explain the reason for their request.
Specific provisions include:
- Residency: Not required. Non-residents retain the same access rights as residents.
- Identification: Not required for most record types. Certain sensitive records may require identification to verify eligibility.
- Purpose: Requesters are not obligated to state a purpose for their request under standard public records law.
- Requesting your own records: Individuals requesting their own records, such as personal court files or vital records, follow the same process as any other requester, though additional identification may be required for certified copies of vital records.
Restrictions apply to specific record categories. Juvenile records, sealed court files, and certain law enforcement records are not available to the general public. Persons seeking records about themselves through law enforcement channels may have additional rights under separate statutory provisions.
What Records Are Confidential in St. Okes County?
Certain records maintained by Stokes County agencies are exempt from public disclosure under North Carolina law. The following categories are currently withheld from public access:
- Sealed court records and expunged criminal records
- Juvenile court records and delinquency files
- Records pertaining to ongoing criminal investigations
- Social Security numbers and other personal identifying information embedded in public documents
- Medical and health records protected under HIPAA
- Adoption records
- Child welfare and protective services case files
- Personnel records of public employees (with limited exceptions for salary and position information)
- Trade secrets and proprietary business information submitted to government agencies
- Security plans, infrastructure vulnerability assessments, and emergency response protocols
As the North Carolina General Assembly has codified, certain records are exempt from disclosure where their release would constitute an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy or jeopardize public safety. These exemptions are set forth throughout Chapter 132 of the General Statutes, with specific provisions addressing personnel records under N.C. Gen. Stat. § 153A-98 for county employees.
When a record contains both disclosable and exempt information, the custodian is required to redact the exempt portions and release the remainder. The North Carolina Department of Adult Correction maintains offender information that is accessible to the public; members of the public may conduct a criminal offender search for county jail inmates, state prisoners, probationers, and parolees through the department's online portal.
St. Okes County Recorder's Office: Contact Information and Hours
Stokes County Register of Deeds
1014 Main Street, Danbury, NC 27016
(336) 593-2811
Stokes County Register of Deeds
Office Hours:
Monday – Friday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Closed on state and federal holidays.
Stokes County Clerk of Superior Court
1014 Main Street, Danbury, NC 27016
(336) 593-2401
Stokes County Clerk of Superior Court
Office Hours:
Monday – Friday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Stokes County Tax Administration
1014 Main Street, Suite 100, Danbury, NC 27016
(336) 593-2811
Stokes County Tax Administration
Office Hours:
Monday – Friday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Stokes County Board of Elections
1014 Main Street, Danbury, NC 27016
(336) 593-2409
Stokes County Board of Elections
Office Hours:
Monday – Friday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
As the North Carolina Secretary of State's office notes, "Maintaining accurate and accessible public records is a fundamental responsibility of county government, ensuring transparency and accountability to the citizens of North Carolina."
State Archives of North Carolina
109 East Jones Street, Raleigh, NC 27601
(919) 814-6840
State Archives of North Carolina
Research Room Hours:
Tuesday – Friday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM (select Saturdays; confirmation advised)
Closed Sunday, Monday, and state holidays.