Document Handling

The Register of Deeds office acts as a recording office only. NC General Statutes prohibit the Register of Deeds or staff from practicing law. We are unable to:

  • supply legal forms
  • provide instructions on drafting or completing forms
  • answer questions regarding the legal consequences of instruments filed

We advise you to consult an attorney it you have any legal questions.

All documents in the Register of Deeds office become public record once recorded. Public record means that documents are open for viewing by the public. Do not record any document with private numbers on it, such as a:

  • social security number
  • bank account number

For questions, reference NCGS 132-1.10(G).

There are a number of steps a document goes through when it gets brought or mailed in for recordation.

  • The document is first evaluated for recordability and the correct fee is determined.
  • The document is:
    • clocked-in with date and time
    • given a document number, book and page number
    • indexed in the computer system. The indexes are maintained from this information.
  • Each day, the documents get imaged for the record.
  • A copy gets sent to the NC Department of Archives for backup and security purposes.
  • After processing is complete, the documents get returned to the appropriate party. This occurs by the next day.

How to Format Documents for Submission

Documents must meet NCGS 161-14 as follows:

  • Printed on 8 1/2 in. x 11 in. or 8 1/2 in. x 14 in. (letter or legal size) paper
  • Three inch blank margin at the top of the first page and ½ inch blank margins remaining sides of the first page. Do the same on all sides of subsequent pages
  • Typed or printed in black ink on white paper
  • Font size no smaller than 10 pt – blanks in an instrument and corrections to an instrument may be done in pen
  • Only one-sided type/printed text
  • Type of instrument stated at top of first page below required blank margin

If the above requirements are not met there is a charge. The Register of Deeds will record the document after collecting payment. There is a non-standard fee of $25. along with the recording fee. If the instrument is non-standard because font size is below 10 pt, the office has discretion. The Register of Deeds can consider it legible and not charge the non-standard fee.

The non-standard fee is not charged if the acknowledgement date is prior to  July 1, 2002. This is the acknowledgement date in the notary certificate.

Personal Information and Redaction

NCGC 132-1.10 gave te office authority to redact Social Security and driver’s license numbers. They redact these from the internet only.

The Cabarrus County Register of Deeds office partners with Logan Systems. They redact Social Security and driver’s license numbers from the internet. This redaction begins with numbers beginning with the year 1935. This was the year when Social Security became law).

For documents recorded prior to this date, file a Public Records Redaction Request. Submit the form to request redaction of specific information.

Indexes

The Register of Deeds office has several "time-framed" indexes available. An index is the system by which a document can be located after recording. You may choose to use hard copies or the computerized copies during your office visit.

Our remote site has:

  • Indexes and images of documents from 1792 to present
  • all subdivision plats, condo plats, and NC right-of-way maps

Uniform Commercial Code (UCC) Filings

Uniform Commercial Code is a code developed for uniform filing on personal property. Like "uniform" attempts, fees and other things are different. The basic concepts of security regulations are more uniform. The filing of a UCC financing statement is what perfects or secures the loan. This loan can be on consumer goods or personal property. UCC filings are indexed by debtor's name.

The Register of Deeds office only records UCCs that pertain to fixtures. An example might be like extracted collateral and timber to be cut. All others are recorded at the Secretary of State's office in Raleigh. UCC filings on standard national or state forms are exempt from recording standards. Satisfactions are also exempt.