Document Handling

There are a number of steps that a document goes through when it is brought in or mailed in for recordation. The document is first evaluated for recordability and the correct fee is ascertained. It is clocked in with date and time, given a document number, book and page number and indexed in the computer system. From this information the indexes are maintained. Each day, the preceding day’s recordings are imaged for the record. A copy is sent to the North Carolina Department of Archives for backup and security purposes. After processing is completed, the documents are returned to the appropriate party in approximately 2 to 3 days.

Recording Fees for Standard Documents

The document recording fees are set by state law. The fee for instruments in general is $12 for the first page, $3 for each additional page and $2 for the verification process. Subdivision plats are $21 each.

Recording Fee for Deeds of Trust and Mortgages

On October 1, 2009 the recording fee for “filing a deed of trust or mortgage” increased to $28 for the first page, $3 for each additional page and $2 for the verification process.

Recording Fee for Documents with “DEED” in the Title

On October 1, 2009 the recording fee for “filing each deed” was increased.

The North Carolina Association of Registers of Deeds recently held its 57th annual conference in Raleigh, NC. During this time the body addressed the issue of the new laws effecting our offices and counties with special attention to the new fee increases. The Association voted and agreed upon the following:

The NC Association of Registers of Deeds hereby interprets G.S. 161-11.6: to charge the five dollar fee on any document being recorded that has the word “Deed” in the title of the instrument, also we should collect on any document that may not be titled with the word “Deed” if excise tax is paid, except for Deeds of Trust or Mortgages. The recording fee for these documents (such as Trustee Deeds, Warranty Deeds, Quit Claim Deeds, Deeds of Release, Release Deeds, Deed of Easement and others) will be $17 for the first page, $3 for each additional page and $2 for the notary verification process.