Carteret County Register of Deeds

03/18/2026

03/16/2026

All Carteret County offices will close at 2 pm on Monday, March 16, 2026 in order to prepare for expected severe weather. The Carteret County Board of Commissioners Meeting scheduled for tonight is also canceled.

Emergency Services officials encourage residents to ensure they have a dependable method of receiving warnings and watches, and that they are signed up for alerts through Carteret County. They can do so by going to https://www.carteretcountync.gov/138/Emergency-Services

03/02/2026

Protect Your Property Records with Free Fraud Alerts!

Property fraud is on the rise, but Carteret County residents have a free tool to help protect themselves. The Carteret County Register of Deeds Recording Notification Service (RNS) acts as an early warning system for your property titles.

How it works: Once you register, you’ll get an automated email anytime a document is filed under your name. If someone tries to record a fraudulent deed or lien, you can act immediately.

Why sign up?
- It’s Free: $0 cost to residents.
- Fast: Takes less than 5 minutes to register.
- Comprehensive: Monitor up to 10 names (personal or business).

Note: This service alerts you to activity; it does not stop documents from being recorded. It is designed to give you the information you need to alert authorities or seek legal help immediately.

Sign up today: www.carteretcountync.gov

02/05/2026

[UPDATE #8 - 02.05.2026]

NEWS RELEASE: Carteret County Offices to Open Late Friday

CARTERET COUNTY, N.C. (February 5, 2026) – Due to freezing temperatures expected overnight, most Carteret County Government offices and facilities will open at 10 a.m. Friday, Feb. 6. Some secondary roads may still have icy or slippery conditions, and drivers are urged to use caution.

• The Leon Mann Jr. Enrichment Senior Center will open at 10 a.m.
• CCATS public transportation will start at 10 a.m. Riders should call 252-240-1043 to schedule a ride.
• County libraries will open at 10 a.m. and close at 5:30 p.m.
• The Carteret County Courthouse will open at 10 a.m. Residents with questions about the court calendar may visit https://www.nccourts.gov/court-dates or contact the Clerk of Superior Court at 252-504-4400.
• County convenience sites will open at 9 a.m., a two-hour delay from their normal 7 a.m. opening.

Updates will be shared on Carteret County’s official social media channels and at www.carteretcountync.gov.

02/03/2026

[UPDATE #6 - 02.03.2026 - 3:15 P.M.]

NEWS RELEASE: Carteret County Offices, Facilities to Open on Delayed Schedule Wednesday Following Winter Storm

CARTERET COUNTY, N.C. (February 3, 2026) – Following the winter storm that blanketed the county with snow and ice, most Carteret County Government offices will open on a delayed schedule Wednesday, Feb. 4, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

County convenience sites will open on schedule at 2 p.m., and CCATS public transportation will operate only between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. The libraries will be open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., and all programming for Wednesday has been postponed. The Leon Mann Jr. Enrichment Center (Senior Center) will be closed to the public. Other facilities that normally stay open late will close at 5 p.m.

The Carteret County Courthouse will open at 11 a.m. For questions about the court calendar, residents can view it online at https://www.nccourts.gov/court-dates or call the Clerk of Superior Court at 252-504-4400.

Michael J. Smith Airport (MRH) remains closed and is expected to reopen at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 4, pending improved conditions.

Updates will be shared on Carteret County’s official social media channels and at www.carteretcountync.gov.

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02/02/2026

NEWS RELEASE: Carteret County Government Facilities and Courthouse Remain Closed Tuesday

CARTERET COUNTY, N.C. (February 2, 2026) – Following the winter storm that blanketed Carteret County with double-digit snow totals, all publicly accessible Carteret County Government facilities—including the Courthouse, CCATS public transportation, and County convenience sites—will remain closed on Tuesday, February 3, as Public Works and Public Buildings staff continue safety assessments and cleanup efforts.

In addition, Michael J. Smith Airport (MRH) is closed and will remain closed through Wednesday, February 4 at 6:00 p.m., with reopening dependent on improved conditions.

Public safety services remain operational 24/7, including the Carteret County Sheriff’s Office and Emergency Services. Residents are reminded to use 911 only for emergencies.

NCDOT crews continue plowing and treating primary roadways and are working secondary roads as conditions allow. Some roadways still have several inches of snow coverage, and partially melted snow and ice are expected to refreeze overnight, creating dangerous travel conditions. Residents are urged to stay off the roads if possible. If travel is necessary, exercise extreme caution, as icy conditions may make driving at posted speeds extremely dangerous and cause vehicles to lose traction with little warning. Secondary and less-traveled roads are more likely to remain untreated and pose additional risks. Remaining off the roads also allows first responders and emergency management staff to continue their work safely.

The Salvation Army of Carteret County has extended their hours and will remain open through Tuesday, February 3. Meals will be provided, and staff from County Government, the Department of Social Services, the Health Department, and the Sheriff’s Office have been on site to assist residents since it opened on Saturday.

The Carteret County Emergency Operations Center remains partially activated to support ongoing response and recovery efforts, coordinate road and facility assessments, and maintain situational awareness as conditions continue to progress. County staff are working to clear access points, address hazardous conditions, and ensure government facilities are safe for employees and the public prior to reopening.

Updates will be shared on Carteret County’s official social media channels and at www.carteretcountync.gov.

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01/31/2026

[UPDATE #3 - 01.31.2026 - 1:15 P.M.]

NEWS RELEASE: Carteret County Responds to Winter Storm; Residents Urged to Stay Home

CARTERET COUNTY, N.C. (January 31, 2026) – Carteret County Emergency Services, along with local, state, and federal partners, is actively responding to the ongoing winter storm. The County’s Emergency Operations Center (EOC) was activated on Saturday, January 31 at 8 a.m., both in-person and virtually, to coordinate response efforts, share timely information with the public, and ensure safety throughout the storm. County staff and public safety personnel remain on duty around the clock to respond to emergencies and support the community.

Snow began in the early morning hours across Carteret County and much of eastern North Carolina and has fallen for the majority of the day, with heavier amounts expected overnight. Due to the dangerous conditions posed by coastal flooding, significant snow accumulation, strong winds, and the potential for blizzard conditions, residents are urged to stay indoors and off the roads. Staying home allows public safety crews and emergency personnel to operate safely and respond effectively.

Heavy snow is creating treacherous road conditions and reduced visibility. Coastal flooding and dangerous marine conditions are expected, particularly in the Down East community. Wind gusts and blizzard conditions may occur, further increasing hazards.

Closures

Carteret County administrative offices and facilities, including the Courthouse, the Board of Elections, CCATS, the Department of Social Services, the Health Department, the Leon Mann Jr. Enrichment Center, Parks and Recreation facilities and programs, public libraries, and Veterans Services, will be closed Monday, February 2. County convenience sites will be closed Sunday, February 1, and Monday, February 2. Michael J. Smith Airport (MRH) is closed today and will remain closed until conditions improve. Essential public safety services, including the Sheriff’s Office and Emergency Services, will continue to operate 24/7.

Warming Centers and Sheltering

The Salvation Army of Carteret County has opened a temporary emergency storm shelter at 2800 Bridges Street in Morehead City, which will remain open through Monday, February 2. Meals will be provided, and staff from County Government, the Department of Social Services, the Health Department, and the Sheriff’s Office will be on site to assist residents.

Officials are emphasizing heating safety during the storm. Residents should use caution with space heaters, fireplaces, or alternative heating sources, keep heaters away from flammable materials, and ensure smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are working properly. High winds may cause power outages, so residents should have flashlights, batteries, food, water, medications, and a safe heating plan in place.

Stay informed through local media, the National Weather Service, and Carteret County Emergency Services. Additional preparedness information is available at ReadyNC.gov. Residents should call 9-1-1 for emergencies only, and report power outages directly to utility providers so restoration efforts can begin when conditions are safe.

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12/25/2025

Wishing you a safe and joyful holiday season from the Carteret County family to yours. Merry Christmas!

07/03/2025

All Carteret County offices will be closed on Friday, July 4th, in observance of Independence Day.

We wish everyone a safe and enjoyable holiday. If you're celebrating with fireworks, grilling, or spending time outdoors, please do so responsibly.

Happy Fourth of July from Carteret County!

05/22/2025

NEWS RELEASE: Carteret County Senior Services Hosts Free Shred-a-Thon

CARTERET COUNTY, N.C. (May 22, 2025) – Carteret County Senior Services will host a free Shred-a-Thon on Saturday, May 31, from 9 a.m. to noon at the Leon Mann Jr. Enrichment Center, located at 3820 Galantis Drive in Morehead City. The event is designed to help older adults securely dispose of personal documents and protect against identity theft.

The Shred-a-Thon is funded through the Senior Medicare Patrol Identity Shred-a-Thon/Fraud Prevention Grant and is open to Carteret County residents aged 50 and older. Participants will need to show proof of residency, which includes a photo ID and an official document displaying their current address. Accepted forms include a utility bill, tax bill, voter registration card, or another government-issued record.

Residents are encouraged to bring personal documents such as bank statements, check stubs, credit card offers, receipts, and any paperwork containing sensitive information. All materials will be securely shredded on-site and recycled following the event.

To maintain efficiency and safety, the event is limited to personal use only – businesses will not be allowed to participate. Items that cannot be accepted for shredding include binders, metal hanging folders, binder clips, newspapers, magazines, catalogs, and electronics.

No appointment is necessary to attend. For additional information, contact Carteret County Senior Services at 252-247-2626.

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05/20/2025

Planning summer travel? The Carteret County Register of Deeds office in Beaufort is your local spot for convenient U.S. passport services! We can help with applications, photos, and answer your questions. Apply early! Details: www.carteretcountync.gov/1008/Passport-Services or call 252-728-8474 to schedule an appointment.

05/11/2025

Happy Mother's Day from the Carteret County Government family to yours!