Search Wake County Arrest Records

This page helps users look for Arrest Records in Wake County, North Carolina and understand the official paths for online access, certified copies, and follow-up questions.

The Wake County Bureau of Forensic Services provides the main public arrest record information, including the Bureau of Forensic Services Criminal Arrest Records Portal and mailed certified record checks.

Wake County Arrest Records Portal

The Wake County Bureau of Forensic Services provides online criminal arrest records for free through its Arrest Records Portal. Before using the portal, review the Arrest Records Portal disclaimer.

The Bureau says its online public database provides the same information included on a certified record check. For more context about the local process, use the county’s Wake County arrest records information.

Coverage note: Bureau arrest records reflect arrests in Wake County, North Carolina from April 27, 2007 to the present, when the Bureau has been made aware of the arrest.

Record coverage and limits

Wake County Bureau of Forensic Services arrest records are not guaranteed to include every arrest for a person in Wake County. Some offenses may also have been automatically expunged under North Carolina law.

The Bureau does not receive notifications from the North Carolina Administrative Office of the Courts about offenses that have been automatically expunged. If a result is missing, incomplete, or unclear, use the official contact options below rather than relying on a commercial site.

Certified arrest record checks

The Bureau provides a certified copy of an arrest record for $15 per name searched. To request one, complete the Arrest Record Request Form and mail it with a check or money order payable to Wake County.

• Complete the Arrest Record Request Form.
• Include a check or money order payable to Wake County for $15 per name searched.
• Mail the request to the Wake County Bureau of Forensic Services, Attn: Arrest Records, 3301 Hammond Road, Raleigh, NC 27603.

The arrest record check is sent to the address listed on the request form in 1 to 2 business days.

Broader criminal record options

For comprehensive Wake County arrest data, the Wake County Clerk of Superior Court’s Office is available on the first floor of the Wake County Justice Center.

For a certified criminal record search by name in a single county, the North Carolina Judicial Branch explains that users can submit Form AOC-CR-314 to the clerk of superior court office with the required fee. Review the North Carolina criminal background check options before choosing between a clerk search, courthouse public access computers, SBI review, or third-party vendors.

Fingerprinting and public services

The Wake County Bureau of Forensic Services also provides public fingerprinting services by appointment only. No walk-ins are accepted for these services.

Public services are available by appointment between 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Wake County recognized holidays. Visitors must enter through the main lobby at the Wake County Detention Center and pass through security.

Fingerprint services cost $30, and additional fingerprint cards cost $5 each. The Bureau accepts credit cards except American Express, cash, and qualifying personal checks.

Appointment and identification details are listed on the county’s fingerprinting and public services page.

Arrest record contacts

Use these contacts for questions about Wake County arrest record data, certified checks, and broader Wake County court record access.

• Wake County Bureau of Forensic Services, 3301 Hammond Road, Raleigh, NC 27603
  Phone: (919) 856-6300
  Email: [email protected]
• Wake County Clerk of Superior Court’s Office, first floor of the Wake County Justice Center, 300 S. Salisbury St., Raleigh
  Phone: (919) 792-4300