New Hanover County, NC Public Records
New Hanover County has an estimated population of 243,333 (2024) across 192 square miles of land. In North Carolina, deeds, mortgages and other land records are recorded by the county Register of Deeds. Court cases are handled by the North Carolina Judicial Branch; use the official links below to find the courthouse and clerk for New Hanover County.
📍 New Hanover County at a Glance
| Population (2024 est.) | 243,333 Source: www2.census.gov ↗ |
| Land area | 192 sq mi Source: www2.census.gov ↗ |
| Largest community | WilmingtonPopulation 125,284 (2024 est.) |
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⚖️ Criminal Records in New Hanover County, NC
Criminal case records for New Hanover County are kept by the North Carolina Judicial Branch. Misdemeanors and arraignments are generally handled by the local trial court, and felonies by the Superior Court. Many court records are public and can be viewed or copied at the clerk's office.
⚖️ Where to get criminal records for New Hanover County
| State court system | North Carolina Judicial Branch |
🔍 Background Check in New Hanover County, NC
A people search for New Hanover County pulls together public records such as court cases, property records and address history. It is for personal use only: under the FCRA it may not be used to screen tenants, employees, or for credit or insurance decisions. The official record sources for New Hanover County are listed below.
🔍 Where to get background check for New Hanover County
| Sex offender registry | North Carolina Sex Offender Registry (State Bureau of Investigation) Source: sexoffender.ncsbi.gov ↗ |
| State court system | North Carolina Judicial Branch |
📋 Arrest Records in New Hanover County, NC
Arrest and booking records for New Hanover County are created by the arresting agency — usually the local police department or the North Carolina State Police. Once someone is charged, the case becomes a court record at the court that handles criminal cases for the area.
📋 Where to get arrest records for New Hanover County
| State court system | North Carolina Judicial Branch |
🏛️ Court Records in New Hanover County, NC
Court records for New Hanover County include civil suits, small claims, landlord-tenant cases, criminal cases, family matters and probate (estates). Below are the courts that serve New Hanover County, with addresses from the official North Carolina Judicial Branch directory.
🏛️ Where to get court records for New Hanover County
| State court system | North Carolina Judicial Branch |
🏠 Property Records in New Hanover County, NC
In North Carolina, deeds, mortgages and other land records are recorded by the county Register of Deeds. Property tax assessments are kept by the local assessor's office at the town or city hall.
🏠 Where to get property records for New Hanover County
| Land records | In North Carolina, deeds, mortgages and other land records are recorded by the county Register of Deeds. |
📜 Vital Records in New Hanover County, NC
Certified birth and death certificates for North Carolina are issued by the state vital records office; in many areas a county or local office can also issue copies, so check with the county first. Statewide records can also be ordered from the North Carolina Vital Records (NCDHHS).
📜 Where to get vital records for New Hanover County
| State vital records office | North Carolina Vital Records (NCDHHS) Source: vitalrecords.nc.gov ↗ |
🔒 Sex Offender Registry in New Hanover County, NC
The official sex offender registry for New Hanover County is maintained by the state. Search it directly — it is free and updated by law enforcement. Registry information may not be used to threaten, intimidate or harass anyone.
🔒 Where to get sex offender registry for New Hanover County
| Official registry | North Carolina Sex Offender Registry (State Bureau of Investigation) Source: sexoffender.ncsbi.gov ↗ |
📄 Divorce Records in New Hanover County, NC
Divorce cases in North Carolina are heard by the District Court in each county. The full divorce case file is kept by that court; a divorce certificate (a short summary record) can be requested from the North Carolina Vital Records (NCDHHS).
📄 Where to get divorce records for New Hanover County
| Divorce court | Divorce cases in North Carolina are heard by the District Court in each county. |
| State vital records office | North Carolina Vital Records (NCDHHS) Source: vitalrecords.nc.gov ↗ |
| State court system | North Carolina Judicial Branch |
Largest Communities in New Hanover County
Wilmington (125,284), Carolina Beach (6,864), Wrightsville Beach (2,411), Kure Beach (2,154) 2024 population estimates, U.S. Census Bureau.