Washington County Deed Records Guide

Washington County deed records document land ownership in this eastern North Carolina county. The Register of Deeds office in Plymouth maintains these records, with historical filings going back to 1799. Buyers, sellers, lenders, and researchers use Washington County deed records to verify ownership and trace the history of a parcel. The office records deeds, deeds of trust, mortgages, plats, and UCC filings. Online search covers 1995 to the present. This guide explains how to access, search, and file Washington County deed records.

Washington County Register of Deeds

Sandra P. Barnes serves as the Washington County Register of Deeds. The office is at 120 Adams St, Plymouth, NC 27962. Call 252-793-5823 for help. You can also email sandra.barnes@washconc.org with questions about deed records or vital records.

Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The office closes on state holidays. Staff can help you search for deeds, request copies, or file new documents. Walk-in visits are welcome.

The Washington County government website provides general county information and links to department resources. The Register of Deeds handles deeds, deeds of trust, mortgages, plats, and UCC filings. Vital records from 1913 and marriage records from 1799 are also on file.

Washington County Online Records

Washington County offers a free online search portal for deed records from 1995 to the present. The Washington County online records search lets you look up documents by name, date, book and page, or document type. Document images are available for viewing and printing.

The image below shows the Washington County property records system.

This is a free public tool. Results show basic index data along with document images in most cases. For certified copies, contact the office in Plymouth.

Records before 1995 are not in the online system. To search older filings, visit the office or call ahead. Staff can look through the bound index books and pull the records you need.

Washington County Deed Types

Several types of documents are filed with the Washington County Register of Deeds. Warranty deeds transfer full ownership with a clear title guarantee. Quitclaim deeds pass whatever interest the grantor holds. Deeds of trust secure a loan with real property. Plats show land boundaries for subdivisions.

Other common filings include cancellations, powers of attorney, and assumed name certificates. UCC financing statements that relate to real property are also recorded here. Each document is indexed by the names of all parties. Under G.S. 161-22, the register must keep a full alphabetical index of all recorded instruments.

Recording Fees in Washington County

Washington County uses the statewide fee schedule under G.S. 161-10. Most instruments cost $26 for the first 15 pages and $4 per extra page. Deeds of trust and mortgages are $64 for the first 35 pages, then $4 per page beyond that.

Additional fees apply in certain cases:

• Plats: $21 per sheet
• Nonstandard documents: $25 extra
• Multiple instruments as one: $10 each
• Satisfaction instruments: no fee
• Excise tax: $1 per $500 of sale price

The excise tax is set by G.S. 105-228.30. The seller pays this to the Register of Deeds before recording. The NCARD fee schedule provides the full list of current rates.

How to File a Deed in Washington County

Prepare the deed first. The grantor signs it. A notary must acknowledge the signature under G.S. 47-14. The document must meet formatting rules under G.S. 161-14. Use 8.5 by 11 or 8.5 by 14 inch paper. Leave a 3-inch blank margin at the top of the first page. All other margins need at least half an inch.

Use black ink on white paper. Font size must be 9 points or larger. Print on one side only. Name the instrument type at the top. Deeds made after January 1, 1980, must list the drafter's name on the first page per G.S. 47-17.1.

Bring the deed to 120 Adams St in Plymouth. Pay the fees and any excise tax. The register stamps it with the date and time. Under G.S. 47-18, the first to record has priority. File quickly after closing.

Washington County Historical Records

Washington County has some of the oldest land records in eastern North Carolina. Documents go back to 1799. Marriage records also start that year. Birth and death certificates are on file from 1913 onward.

The image below shows the official Washington County Register of Deeds site.

These old records help with title searches, genealogy, and historical research. Older filings are in bound books at the office. Some may also be on microfilm. Plan to visit the Plymouth office for access to records before 1995.

The NCARD directory lists every county office in North Carolina. The Secretary of State runs a land records management program under G.S. 147-54.3 to help all 100 counties maintain uniform systems.

State Law and Washington County Deeds

North Carolina law governs how deeds work in Washington County. The Conner Act in G.S. 47-18 makes this a race to record state. Priority goes to whoever files first. This rule applies to deeds, leases over three years, and options to buy.

The image below shows the NCARD website that supports all North Carolina county offices.

The NCARD helps all 100 counties stay consistent in how they handle recordings.

Under G.S. 147-54.3, the Secretary of State runs a land records management program. This program sets minimum standards for indexing, recording, and storing land records. It also provides technical help to local offices. Washington County benefits from this state support, which helps keep its records accurate and uniform with the rest of North Carolina.

Deeds made after January 1, 1980, must name the drafter on the first page. This rule comes from G.S. 47-17.1. The grantor must also acknowledge the deed before a notary or other officer under G.S. 47-17. These steps protect both buyers and sellers by making sure each document is properly verified before it becomes part of the public record.

Nearby Counties

Property along Washington County borders may be recorded in a neighboring county office.