Martin County Property Records
How To Search Property Records in Martin County in 2026
MartinRecords.org provides access to publicly available information related to property records in Martin County, North Carolina. Members of the public may find ownership history, assessed values, recorded deeds, tax information, and encumbrance data through official county and state resources. Available record categories may include:
- Deeds and title transfers
- Property tax assessments and payment history
- Mortgages and deeds of trust
- Liens and encumbrances
- Plat maps and legal descriptions
Records may be searched through the Martin County Tax Assessor, the Martin County Register of Deeds, and the North Carolina Department of Revenue. As the Martin County website states, "All information contained within this portion of the Martin County website is Public Record and is maintained and provided in accordance with North Carolina law."
Multiple Access Methods:
- Online searches — The most convenient option; available through county portals at no cost
- In-person visits — Required for certified copies and older records not yet digitized
- By mail — Written requests submitted to the appropriate county office with applicable fees
- Through professionals — Title companies, real estate attorneys, and licensed appraisers conduct comprehensive searches
Online Search Methods:
1. Tax Assessor Website
The Martin County Tax Assessor is the primary resource for property valuation and ownership information. The office is responsible for listing, appraising, and assessing all real and personal property in the county. Public access is free and no registration is required.
Search Options:
- By property address
- By owner name
- By parcel ID number
- By subdivision or map location
Information Available:
- Current owner name and mailing address
- Legal description and parcel number
- Land use and zoning classification
- Property characteristics (square footage, year built, lot size, building type)
- Assessed value (land and improvements)
- Taxable value and exemptions applied
- Sales history
How to Search:
- Navigate to the Tax Assessor's real property search portal
- Select a search type (address, owner name, or parcel ID)
- Enter the search criteria in the appropriate field
- Review the results list returned
- Select a specific parcel to view the full property card
- Print or save the information as needed
2. Register of Deeds — Official Records Search
The Martin County Register of Deeds records all types of land records, including deeds, easements, agreements, deeds of trust, and mortgages. Basic search access is free; fees may apply for document copies.
Searchable By:
- Grantor name (seller)
- Grantee name (buyer)
- Book and page number
- Document type
- Recording date range
- Instrument number
Documents Available:
- Warranty deeds and quitclaim deeds
- Mortgages and deeds of trust
- Satisfactions and releases of mortgage
- Mechanic's liens, judgment liens, and tax liens
- Easements and declarations of restrictions
- Plats and surveys
- Powers of attorney affecting property
- Lis pendens notices
How to Search:
- Visit the Register of Deeds office or access the online index
- Select the appropriate search type (grantor, grantee, document type)
- Enter the search criteria
- Review the results and note the book and page or instrument number
- Request document images or copies as needed
3. Tax Search and Payment Portal
The county's Search and Pay Taxes portal allows members of the public to look up current tax bills, payment history, and outstanding balances at no cost.
Search By:
- Property address
- Owner name
- Parcel or tax account number
Information Available:
- Current tax bill amount
- Payment history and outstanding balances
- Exemptions applied
- Millage rates by taxing authority
- Delinquency status and payment options
4. GIS / Mapping System
Martin County maintains a GIS mapping system that provides visual property searches, including interactive maps, aerial photography, property boundary overlays, zoning layers, and flood zone designations. Users may navigate to a location, click on a parcel, and access linked property information.
In-Person Searches:
Tax Assessor Office
Martin County Tax Assessor
305 E Main Street, Williamston, NC 27892
Phone: (252) 789-4350
Tax Assessor - Martin County, NC
Services available in person include public access computers, staff assistance, property cards, maps and plats, and exemption applications.
Register of Deeds Office
Martin County Register of Deeds
305 E Main Street, Williamston, NC 27892
Phone: (252) 789-4330
Register of Deeds - Martin County, NC
Members of the public may view official records, request certified copies, search grantor/grantee indexes, and access historical record books. Staff members are available to assist with searches.
By Mail Requests:
Tax Assessor
Requests for property information may be submitted in writing to:
Martin County Tax Assessor
305 E Main Street, Williamston, NC 27892
Include the property address or parcel number, a description of the records requested, a return mailing address, and payment for any applicable copying fees.
Register of Deeds
Requests for copies of recorded documents may be submitted in writing to:
Martin County Register of Deeds
305 E Main Street, Williamston, NC 27892
Specify the document by book and page number, instrument number, or property address and approximate date range. Include payment for copies. Certified copies are available upon request.
Through Professionals:
Title companies conduct comprehensive title searches and provide abstracts of title and title insurance commitments that identify all recorded interests in a property. Real estate attorneys offer legal title opinions and assist with complex ownership issues or disputes. Real estate agents may access MLS data for listed properties, pull property histories, and provide comparable sales data as part of their representation services.
Search Tips:
- When searching by address, try variations with and without directional prefixes (N, S, E, W)
- When searching by owner name, try last name first and check spelling variations, including maiden names and business entity names
- For historical records not available online, an in-person visit to the courthouse may be necessary; staff can assist with records stored in books or on microfilm
- Very recent transactions may not yet appear online due to recording processing delays
What Is Martin County Property Records
Property records are official documents related to real property — land and the structures affixed to it — maintained by county government as legal records of ownership, transfers, and encumbrances. Under current North Carolina law, these records are public and accessible to any member of the public without a stated purpose or special permission.
Purpose of Property Records:
- Establish legal ownership and chain of title
- Record encumbrances such as mortgages and liens
- Document property transfers and sale prices
- Support property tax assessment and collection
- Protect property rights and enable title insurance
- Facilitate real estate transactions
Types of Property Records:
Ownership Records
- Warranty deeds, quitclaim deeds, and special warranty deeds
- Transfer records and ownership history
- Life estate deeds and trust documents affecting property
Encumbrance Records
- Mortgages and deeds of trust
- Tax liens, mechanic's liens, and judgment liens
- Easements, restrictions, and covenants
- Homeowner association (HOA) documents
- Lis pendens notices
Tax and Assessment Records
- Property tax assessments and tax bills
- Payment history and exemptions
- Special assessments and delinquency records
Legal Descriptions
- Plat maps and subdivision plats
- Surveys and metes and bounds descriptions
- Lot and block information
Building and Permit Records
- Building permits and certificates of occupancy
- Code violations and zoning information
- Land use designations
Who Maintains Property Records:
The Martin County Register of Deeds records and indexes all official instruments affecting title, including deeds, mortgages, and liens, and maintains these as permanent public records. The Martin County Tax Assessor maintains property valuations, assessment records, property characteristics, ownership information, and exemption applications. The county's tax collection function handles tax bills, payment records, and delinquency information accessible through the Search and Pay Taxes portal.
Legal Framework:
Under N.C. Gen. Stat. § 161-14, the Register of Deeds is required to record all instruments presented for registration that meet statutory requirements. North Carolina's recording statutes establish the principle of constructive notice — that a properly recorded instrument provides legal notice to all subsequent purchasers and encumbrancers. The North Carolina Department of Revenue provides statewide property tax forms and guidance governing assessment and taxation of real property.
Are Property Records Public Information in Martin County?
Property records in Martin County are public information. Under North Carolina's public records law, N.C. Gen. Stat. § 132-1, public records are the property of the people and shall be open for inspection and examination at reasonable times and under reasonable supervision. No special permission, stated purpose, or residency requirement applies to accessing property records.
Why Property Records Are Public:
- Transparency: The public has a right to know who owns property, how it is assessed, and what encumbrances affect it
- Commercial necessity: Real estate transactions, title insurance, mortgage lending, and property appraisals all depend on open access to recorded instruments
- Legal protection: Recording provides constructive notice and establishes priority of interests, protecting buyers and lenders
- Public interest: Tax assessment transparency, community planning, historical research, and journalistic investigation all rely on open property records
What Property Information Is Freely Accessible:
- Current and historical ownership
- Legal descriptions and property addresses
- Sale prices and transfer amounts
- Recorded mortgage amounts
- Liens and encumbrances
- Tax assessments and payment history
- Property characteristics (size, age, building type)
- Deeds and all recorded instruments
- Plat maps and surveys
Privacy Considerations:
Social Security numbers and bank account numbers are redacted from recorded documents under current law. Certain individuals — including law enforcement officers, judges, and domestic violence victims — may be eligible for address confidentiality protections under applicable state programs. Homestead exemption applications may contain personal financial information and are subject to separate access policies; members of the public should contact the Tax Assessor's office directly regarding those records.
Who Can Access Property Records:
Any member of the public may access property records, including prospective buyers, real estate agents and brokers, title companies, lenders, attorneys, investors, researchers, journalists, and out-of-state or foreign inquirers. No ownership interest in the property is required.
Commercial Use:
Commercial entities may aggregate and resell public property record data. Subscription services such as CoreLogic and First American compile county-level data for professional use. Such aggregation is lawful under current law, though anti-harassment statutes, fair housing laws, and other applicable regulations continue to govern how that information may be used.
How Much Does It Cost to Get Property Records in Martin County?
Members of the public may inspect property records at no charge. Fees apply when copies or certified copies are requested. Under N.C. Gen. Stat. § 161-10, the Register of Deeds is authorized to collect fees for recording and copying services as established by the General Assembly.
Current Fee Schedule — Register of Deeds:
| Service | Standard Fee |
|---|---|
| Recording a deed or instrument (first page) | $26.00 |
| Each additional page | $4.00 |
| Certified copy of a recorded instrument | $5.00 per document |
| Non-certified copy (per page) | $0.25 per page |
| Plat recording (first page) | $21.00 |
| Plat recording (each additional page) | $4.00 |
Tax Assessor and Tax Records:
- Online inspection of assessment and tax records: Free
- Printed copies of property records: Fees vary; contact the office for current rates
- Property tax forms are available at no cost through the North Carolina Department of Revenue property tax forms portal
Accepted Payment Methods:
The Register of Deeds and Tax Assessor offices accept cash, check, and money order for in-person transactions. Online payment options are available through the county's tax portal for tax-related records.
Fee Waivers:
No general fee waiver provision applies to routine property record requests. Government agencies and certain nonprofit entities may be entitled to reduced or waived fees under specific statutory provisions; members of those organizations should inquire directly with the relevant office.
What Is Available at No Cost:
- Online inspection of all indexed property records
- Viewing document images through the Register of Deeds portal
- Tax assessment and payment history through the Search and Pay Taxes portal
- Property characteristic data through the Tax Assessor's website
- Real property listing information maintained by the Tax Assessor
What's Included in a Martin County Property Record?
A complete Martin County property record draws from multiple official sources and contains the following categories of information.
Ownership Information:
Current ownership records identify the legal owner or owners by name, ownership type (individual, joint tenants, tenants in common, tenants by entirety, trust, LLC, or corporation), acquisition date, and the deed book and page or instrument number by which title was conveyed. Mailing addresses for tax billing purposes are also included. Previous ownership information provides a chain of title showing prior owners, transfer dates, and historical deed references.
Property Identification:
Each parcel is identified by a site address, mailing address (if different), legal description (lot and block number, subdivision name, plat book and page reference, or metes and bounds description), parcel ID or folio number, and tax account number.
Physical Characteristics:
Land information includes lot size in square feet or acres, lot dimensions, frontage, depth, corner lot designation, land use designation, and zoning classification. Building information includes total living area, year built, number of stories, building type, construction type, exterior wall material, roof type, foundation type, number of bedrooms and bathrooms, and additional features such as garage spaces, pools, porches, fireplaces, heating and cooling systems, and water and sewer source.
Valuation Information:
Assessment records include land value, building value, total assessed value, market value, and taxable value. Historical values for prior assessment years are available, along with year-over-year percentage changes. Agricultural classification values are noted where applicable.
Tax Information:
Current year tax records show the total amount due, exemptions applied, taxable value after exemptions, millage rate, and a breakdown by taxing authority (county general fund, school district, municipality, and special districts). Tax history shows prior years' payments, payment dates, and any delinquency history.
Exemptions Applied:
Exemptions that may appear on a Martin County property record include homestead exemptions, senior exemptions, disability exemptions, veteran exemptions, widow/widower exemptions, agricultural exemptions, and conservation or historic preservation exemptions, where applicable.
Sales History:
Sales history records include sale dates, sale prices, deed types (warranty, quitclaim, foreclosure, tax deed, trust transfer, etc.), deed document numbers, grantor and grantee names, and qualified or unqualified sale designations.
Encumbrances and Liens:
Recorded mortgages appear with original amounts, lender names, recording dates, and book and page references. Liens — including tax liens, judgment liens, mechanic's liens, HOA liens, and code enforcement liens — are listed with recorded dates, amounts, and lienholder names. Other encumbrances such as easements, restrictions, covenants, life estates, and lis pendens notices are also reflected.
Legal and Regulatory Information:
Zoning classification, land use code, future land use designation, special district assignments (school, fire, water), deed restrictions, subdivision covenants, HOA information, flood zone designation (FEMA), and any noted environmental constraints are included where available.
Maps and Images:
Property records may include exterior photographs, aerial photographs, GIS maps with property boundaries, plat maps, property sketches, and street view imagery where available.
What Is Not Typically in Public Property Records:
- Current mortgage balances (only original recorded amounts)
- Personal financial information beyond recorded documents
- Interior photographs
- Social Security numbers (redacted under current law)
- Private agreements not submitted for recording
- Actual purchase contract terms beyond the recorded sale price
How Long Does Martin County Keep Property Records?
Property records in Martin County are maintained permanently. Recorded instruments affecting title — including deeds, mortgages, liens, plats, and easements — are never destroyed. This permanent retention is both a legal requirement and a practical necessity for maintaining an unbroken chain of title.
Legal Basis for Retention:
North Carolina's records retention requirements for county government are established under the State Archives and Records Management program administered by the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources. Recorded instruments in the Register of Deeds are subject to permanent retention under the applicable county records retention schedule. The recording statutes under N.C. Gen. Stat. § 161-14 require that all registered instruments be preserved as permanent public records.
Records Kept Permanently:
- All recorded deeds (warranty, quitclaim, trustee's, and all conveyance types), dating back to county formation
- All recorded mortgages, deeds of trust, satisfactions, releases, modifications, and assignments
- All recorded liens (tax, judgment, mechanic's, and other statutory liens) and their releases
- All recorded plats, subdivision plats, re-plats, condominium declarations, and survey plats
- All easements, restrictions, covenants, declarations, and powers of attorney affecting property
- Court documents and any instrument affecting title
Format and Storage:
Very old records exist in handwritten ledger books. Early to mid-twentieth century records may be in typed books or on microfilm. Modern records are maintained as electronic document management systems with scanned images of original instruments. Digital records are backed up off-site. Original books are maintained in protected, climate-controlled storage at the Register of Deeds office.
Online Availability by Time Period:
| Time Period | Typical Access Method |
|---|---|
| Recent (last 20+ years) | Fully online; immediate free access |
| Moderate age (20–50 years) | May be online; microfilm available in person |
| Historical (50+ years) | In-person access; microfilm or original books |
| Very old (100+ years) | Archive storage; advance notice may be required |
Property Appraiser / Tax Assessor Records:
Assessment records, property cards, and assessment rolls are maintained permanently. Exemption applications are retained for a period determined by the applicable state retention schedule, which varies by document type. Recent assessment history is available online through the Tax Assessor portal; historical assessments are available at the office.
Tax Records:
Tax payment records are retained for a minimum of seven to ten years. Tax certificates are retained until redeemed or a tax deed is issued. Tax deed records are permanent. Delinquency records are maintained for several years following resolution.
Accessing Historical Records:
Members of the public seeking records not available online should contact the Register of Deeds directly. Staff can retrieve records from storage, microfilm, or original books. For very old records, advance notice is helpful. The same public access rights and fee schedule apply to historical records as to current records.
Martin County Register of Deeds
305 E Main Street, Williamston, NC 27892
Phone: (252) 789-4330
Register of Deeds - Martin County, NC
Martin County Tax Assessor
305 E Main Street, Williamston, NC 27892
Phone: (252) 789-4350
Tax Assessor - Martin County, NC
How To Find Liens on Property in Martin County?
Liens on property in Martin County are recorded instruments and are therefore public records accessible through the Register of Deeds and, for tax-related liens, through the Tax Assessor and state revenue authorities.
Types of Liens That May Appear on a Property:
- Tax liens — Filed by federal, state, or local taxing authorities for unpaid taxes
- Judgment liens — Arising from court judgments against a property owner
- Mechanic's liens — Filed by contractors, subcontractors, or material suppliers for unpaid construction work
- HOA liens — Filed by homeowner associations for unpaid assessments
- Code enforcement liens — Filed by local government for unresolved code violations
- Child support liens — Filed pursuant to court order
Step-by-Step Search Process:
- Search the Register of Deeds index. Navigate to the Martin County Register of Deeds and search by the property owner's name as grantor or grantee. Filter results by document type to identify liens, lis pendens notices, and encumbrances.
- Search by parcel number. Where the index permits parcel-based searches, enter the parcel ID to retrieve all instruments associated with the specific property.
- Review the Tax Assessor records. The Tax Assessor's office maintains records of delinquent property taxes, which may give rise to tax liens. The Search and Pay Taxes portal reflects outstanding tax balances.
- Search federal tax lien records. Federal tax liens filed by the Internal Revenue Service are recorded with the Register of Deeds in the county where the property is located. These appear in the grantor/grantee index under the taxpayer's name.
- Check the North Carolina Secretary of State. UCC filings and certain state-level liens may be searchable through the North Carolina Secretary of State's online portal.
- Request a title search. For a comprehensive lien search, members of the public may engage a licensed title company or real estate attorney to conduct a full title examination, which will identify all recorded encumbrances.
In-Person Lien Search:
Members of the public may visit the Register of Deeds office to conduct an in-person search of the grantor/grantee index and review document images. Staff members are available to assist with identifying the appropriate index books or digital search tools.
Martin County Register of Deeds
305 E Main Street, Williamston, NC 27892
Phone: (252) 789-4330
Register of Deeds - Martin County, NC
Important Notes:
A lien search through the Register of Deeds reflects only recorded instruments. Unrecorded claims, pending litigation not yet docketed as a lis pendens, and certain statutory liens that attach by operation of law without recording may not appear in the index. A professional title examination is the most reliable method for identifying all interests affecting a property.
What Is Property Owner Rule in Martin County?
The property owner rule in Martin County refers to the body of North Carolina statutes and common law principles that govern who may own real property, how ownership is established and transferred, and what rights and obligations attach to property ownership within the county.
Establishment of Ownership:
Under North Carolina law, ownership of real property is established by a recorded deed. The recording system provides constructive notice to all subsequent purchasers and encumbrancers. A deed that is not recorded may still be valid between the parties but does not provide constructive notice to third parties. The Martin County Register of Deeds is the official repository for all instruments affecting title to real property in the county.
Forms of Ownership:
North Carolina recognizes several forms of concurrent ownership:
- Tenancy in common — Two or more persons hold undivided interests; each interest is freely transferable and descendible
- Joint tenancy with right of survivorship — Requires express language in the deed; upon the death of one joint tenant, the surviving tenant takes the whole
- Tenancy by the entirety — Available only to legally married spouses; neither spouse may convey or encumber the property without the other's consent
- Trust ownership — Property held by a trustee for the benefit of named beneficiaries
- Entity ownership — LLCs, corporations, and partnerships may hold title to real property in North Carolina
Property Tax Obligations:
Under North Carolina law, all real property is subject to ad valorem taxation. Property owners are required to report all new construction and improvements to the Tax Assessor as part of the annual listing process. Failure to list property subjects the owner to penalties under applicable state statutes. The Tax Assessor's office states that "property owners are required to report all new construction and improvements" as part of the listing requirement.
Exemptions and Exclusions:
Property owners may apply for exemptions that reduce the taxable value of their property. Available exemptions in North Carolina include the homestead exclusion for qualifying elderly or disabled residents, the disabled veteran exclusion, and agricultural use value programs. Applications are submitted to the Tax Assessor and must meet eligibility requirements established by state law. The North Carolina Department of Revenue provides the official forms for property tax exemption applications.
Transfer of Ownership:
Real property in North Carolina is transferred by deed, which must be signed by the grantor, acknowledged before a notary public, and recorded with the Register of Deeds in the county where the property is located. North Carolina imposes an excise tax on the transfer of real property at the rate of $2.00 per $1,000 of the sale price, collected at the time of recording. This transfer tax is reflected in the documentary stamp notation on the recorded deed.
Rights and Responsibilities of Property Owners:
Property owners in Martin County hold the right to use, enjoy, and transfer their property subject to applicable zoning regulations, deed restrictions, easements, and other encumbrances of record. Owners are responsible for maintaining the property in compliance with local building and housing codes, paying property taxes when due, and disclosing known material defects in residential transactions as required by North Carolina law. Code violations and unresolved enforcement actions may result in liens being recorded against the property.
Lookup Property Records in Martin County
- Martin County Tax Assessor — property listing, appraisal, and assessment records
- Real property listing and new construction reporting — Martin County Tax Assessor
- Martin County Register of Deeds — deeds, mortgages, easements, and land records
- North Carolina property tax forms — NCDOR
- Search and pay property taxes — Martin County