Davidson County Background Check Records

Davidson County is in the central Piedmont region of North Carolina. The county seat is Lexington, known for its barbecue tradition. Thomasville is the other main city. Public records in Davidson County are held by the Clerk of Superior Court and the Sheriff's Office. Criminal case files, court records, and arrest data are all open to the public under state law. This page covers the main paths for running a background check in Davidson County, from courthouse visits to state-level searches through the SBI.

Davidson County Clerk of Superior Court

The Clerk of Superior Court is the primary office for court records in Davidson County. The courthouse is located in Lexington. Criminal cases, civil filings, and other legal documents are on file here. Anyone can walk in during business hours and use a self-service terminal to search case records. There is no charge for this type of lookup, but the results are not certified.

The following image shows the Davidson County Clerk of Court page on the NC Courts website.

To get a certified search, fill out Form AOC-CR-314 and submit it with a $25 fee. The certified results carry the court's official seal. This type of search is limited to cases filed within Davidson County. The clerk's staff can help you fill out the form and explain the process.

North Carolina's eCourts portal is a tool that may also help with a Davidson County background check. The state has been rolling out this system to give the public a way to look up court case data from a web browser. As more case types get added, the portal will serve as a key path for those who want to check records from home. For now, in-person visits to the Lexington courthouse still give you the most direct access to Davidson County case files. Bring a valid photo ID when you go, and plan to arrive well before the close of business so staff have time to help you.

Note: A certified search from the clerk's office only shows cases filed in Davidson County courts.

Davidson County Sheriff's Office

The Davidson County Sheriff's Office serves the county outside of Lexington and Thomasville city limits. The office handles patrol, arrests, and the county jail. Arrest records from the sheriff's office are public. You can contact them for information on recent bookings or active warrants.

Lexington and Thomasville each have their own police departments. If you are looking for a specific arrest record, it helps to know which agency made the arrest. The clerk's office at the courthouse can also point you in the right direction since all charges go through the court system eventually.

Statewide Background Check Options

The NC State Bureau of Investigation manages the statewide criminal records system. Founded in 1937, the SBI runs the Computerized Criminal History file for all of North Carolina. This database, called CCH, holds records from every county in the state. A statewide search is broader than a Davidson County search and catches records from other jurisdictions.

Below is the NC SBI background check page.

There are two types of SBI searches. A name-based check returns results fast. A fingerprint-based check uses the SAFIS network and is tied to a specific person's prints. SAFIS stands for the Statewide Automated Fingerprint Identification System. Fingerprint checks are more precise and prevent false matches.

The NC Courts background check page has more details on both options, including costs and forms.

Free Online Search Tools

Two free databases run by the state can support a Davidson County background check. The NC Sex Offender Registry lets you search by name or by address. Results show registered offenders in Davidson County or across the state. The SBI keeps this registry current.

The NC DPS Offender Search covers the state prison system. You can look up current and former inmates by name or offender ID. The tool shows charges, sentence dates, and facility details. No account or fee is needed for either tool.

Note: These free tools cover different ground than a courthouse search and are a good way to start.

How to Search Records in Davidson County

Several methods are available for checking records in Davidson County. The best choice depends on how broad your search needs to be. Here are the main options:

• Use a self-service terminal at the Davidson County Courthouse for a free search
• File Form AOC-CR-314 with $25 for a certified county search
• Request a statewide check through the NC SBI
• Search the NC Sex Offender Registry online
• Look up prison records on the NC DPS Offender Search
• Contact the Davidson County Sheriff's Office for arrest data

Chapter 114 of the NC General Statutes controls how criminal history data is managed. Chapter 132 covers public records access more broadly. These laws ensure that most records are open to the public while setting rules for sensitive data.

You can also send a mail request to the Davidson County Clerk of Superior Court. Include a check or money order for $25 made out to the clerk's office, along with a filled-out AOC-CR-314 form. Write the full name and date of birth of the person you want to search. Mail it to the courthouse in Lexington. Results are sent back by mail, so plan for a wait of one to three weeks. This is a good choice for those who live far from Davidson County or who are not able to visit in person.

Expunctions in Davidson County

Some records in Davidson County may not appear in a search because they have been expunged. An expunction removes a charge or conviction from public view. The NC Courts expunction page explains who qualifies and how to file. The standard fee is $175, with possible waivers for dismissed charges.

Legal Aid of North Carolina can assist with expunction cases at no cost. Their number is 1-866-219-5262. They check eligibility and help with the paperwork. The NC General Assembly sets the rules for expunctions, and these rules have been updated over the years. Once a record is expunged, it will not appear in standard courthouse or SBI searches.