Frequently Asked Questions

If you have questions about our office or the services provided and the answer is not found below, feel free to email us  by  Clicking Here

• If you need to know about Jury Duty do not call us, please call the Clerk of Court at 704-476-7805

• What is your address?

• • Our physical address is 311 E Marion St, Room 151, Shelby NC 28150 (Charles F Harry III Administrative Building). Our mailing address is PO Box 1210 Shelby, NC 28151

• What are your hours of operation?

  • The office is open from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday - Friday.  Applications for marriage are by appointment only.  Please call 704-484-4834 to schedule an appointment.  For information about Passports or to schedule an appointment for passports call 704-484-4780.

• Can anyone access the information contained in the Register of Deeds Office?

  • Yes. All information in our office is public record, with the exception of military discharge records.

• How can I obtain general information about the services offered by the Register of Deeds office?

  • In addition to this website you may call 704-484-4834 or email by clicking here..

• How do I transfer names on a deed?

  • You will need to draw up a new deed. You should see an attorney for this service. You will record the document in the Register of Deeds office at a cost of $26.00 for up to 15 pages and then $4.00 for each additional page. You may also have to pay excise tax. The excise tax amount is $2.00 per thousand dollars of the purchase price.

• How do I obtain an initial appointment or reappointment form for my Notary Public?

  • You may print downloadable forms from the Secretary of State web site. Please refer to the Secretary of State (919-807-2122) for all information regarding Notary Public law. Upon receiving your confirmation letter, please come to the Register of Deeds Office to take the oath of office.

• Do I need an appointment to take my notary oath? What should I bring with me?

  • Notary oats are by appointment only.  Please call 704-484-4834.   Bring your state issued ID and there is a $10.00 fee.

• What documents are required for the NC Real ID which is required in 2020?
  • Please go to the NC Real ID Website.
     
• Can I obtain a copy of a birth certificate from your office?    
  

  • Cleveland County Register of Deeds keeps records only for births occurring in Cleveland County. These records are $10.00 for certified copies.  Effective 8/8/2022 our office no longer issues birth certificates of individuals born outside of Cleveland County.  If you were born in another county in NC, you will need to contact that county to obtain your birth certificate.
    
    If you were adopted, we are not able to provide you with a birth certificate. You will need to contact NC Vital Records, call NC Vital Records at
    
    (919)733-3000

• Can the Register of Deeds tell me who owns property at a specific address?

  • The Cleveland County Mapping Office can provide this information for a given a street address. Please call 704-484-4849 for this service.

• How do I obtain a copy of my deed?

  • The Register of Deeds office will provide deed copies at $.25 per page in person.  Certified copies of deeds are $5.00 for the first page and $2.00 for each additional page. Email by clicking here for more information.

• How do I obtain a copy of the map to my property?

  • The Register of Deeds office maintains only recorded plats.

  • All other maps are available from the Cleveland County Mapping Office at
    704-484-4849.

  • Those maps are also available online at the county's GIS Web site.

• Where can I get a tax map/P.I.N. map, or aerial map?

  • Contact the Cleveland County Mapping Office, 704-484-4849. Call or check the GIS web site for the maps you seek.

• How do I find out about outstanding liens (mechanics liens) and judgments?

  • Contact the Clerk of Court office in the Courthouse at 704-476-7800.

• What steps do I take to get married?

  • You must obtain a marriage license. For more information, please refer to this web site under How Do I Apply for a Marriage License or call our office at 704-484-4834.

• Once I have obtained a marriage license, who do I speak with about a civil ceremony or marriage by the magistrate?

  • Marriages are performed by a magistrate. Please call 704-476-7886 for magistrate information regarding the ceremony, fees, office hours, etc.

• How do I change my name after marriage?

  • You will need a certified copy of your marriage license for a name change on your driver's license and your Social Security card.

• How do I obtain a copy of my divorce?

  • If the divorce was processed in Cleveland County, you may obtain a copy from the Clerk of Court's office in the Courthouse or please call 704-476-7800.

• How do I file separation papers?

  • It is advisable to see an attorney. The recording fee is $26.00 for the first 15 pages and $4.00 for each additional page.