Background Check in Wake County NC – Accurate Results

Background Check in Wake County NC delivers fast, accurate results that help renters, employers, and individuals confirm identity and safety before making important decisions. By tapping the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation’s official resources, a Wake County background check can reveal criminal history, court records, and public records such as property ownership or professional licenses. Users often wonder how to run a background check by name, date of birth, or address; the system supports searches by full name, DOB, and even specific locations within the county, ensuring the right person is matched even when name variations exist. This approach answers common questions like “what information does a background check show?” and “how accurate are background check records?” while respecting privacy laws and consent requirements. The result is a clear picture of a person’s background history, helping you verify identity, assess risk, and comply with legal standards.

Background Check results in Wake County NC include detailed background check records, court case filings, and criminal record summaries that are crucial for employment screening, tenant vetting, and personal safety checks. Whether you need a Wake County background check lookup by address, a criminal background check, or a search for sealed or expunged records, the platform provides transparent access to active, pending, and historical records. It also guides you on how to verify background check matches, avoid common pitfalls like duplicate or outdated information, and understand the limits of public versus official records. By delivering precise data quickly, this service empowers you to make informed decisions with confidence.

How to Search Background Check

Running a Background Check in wake county nc starts with the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (NCSBI), which serves as the central repository for statewide criminal history data. The NCSBI stores filings submitted by county clerks, superior courts, and police agencies across the state, so users get a full view of a person’s history. You can search the public portal to access arrest records, case dispositions, and sex offender registry entries that are not restricted under state law. For most personal, tenant, and employment uses, the public portal gives you the data needed without requiring fingerprint submission.

Official Search Portal: https://www.ncsbi.gov/Services

Steps to Search

1. Open the NCSBI Services page and pick the “Public Records” or “Background Check” option from the menu.
2. Create a user account or sign in if you already have one with the North Carolina portal.
3. Enter the full name, date of birth, and any known location details for the person you want to check.
4. Pay the state-mandated search fee using a credit or debit card through the secure payment portal.
5. Review the results page, which lists criminal history, court case details, and record status for the search subject.

Search by Full Name

Name-based searches form the backbone of most Wake County background check requests because they let you pull records without needing fingerprint cards. When you enter a full name, the system checks it against criminal history databases maintained by the NCSBI, county sheriff offices, and the Department of Public Safety. To narrow results, you should supply the complete legal name and any known aliases the person has used in the past. Common names often return several results, so pairing the name with a date of birth or county of residence improves match quality.

Search by Date of Birth

Date of birth serves as a key secondary identifier that separates one John Smith from another in public record databases. Adding the DOB filters out people who share names but were born on different days, which lowers the number of false-positive matches in your results. The NCSBI portal, along with most county-level search tools, accepts the date in MM/DD/YYYY format. You should always verify the DOB through a separate source before relying on it, since a single transposed number can pull the wrong person’s criminal history.

Search by Location

Location data adds another layer of filtering by anchoring the search subject to specific cities, ZIP codes, or counties in North Carolina. Wake County covers cities such as Raleigh, Cary, Apex, and Morrisville, so adding city-level data often speeds up the search process. The portal cross-references the location against address history files maintained by the Department of Motor Vehicles, voter registration rolls, and utility records. This method works well when you know where the person lived but lack a full legal name or DOB.

Search by State or County

Statewide and county-level searches both return useful data, but each serves a different purpose. A statewide search through the NCSBI pulls convictions and dispositions filed anywhere in North Carolina, while a county-level search limits results to filings within Wake County’s jurisdiction. Landlords and employers often use county searches first to confirm local history, then run statewide searches to catch offenses committed elsewhere. Each search carries a separate fee, and the cost depends on whether you request a name-based check or a fingerprint-based check.

Details Needed for a Background Check

Most background check portals require the same baseline identifiers to return accurate results. Without proper identifiers, the system cannot verify that you have matched the right person. Before you start a search, gather the following items:

• Full legal name (first, middle, last) and any known aliases
• Date of birth (MM/DD/YYYY)
• Current or last known address
• City, county, and state of residence
• Social Security number (only for authorized employment checks)

The more identifiers you supply, the lower the chance of pulling records tied to someone else with a similar name. Authorized users, such as employers running FCRA-compliant checks, can request more sensitive data than members of the public conducting personal searches.

Data Found in a Background Check

A complete Background Check pulls records from many government agencies and combines them into a single profile. The exact data displayed depends on the search type, the jurisdiction, and the records the agencies have made public. Below are the core data points that appear in most Wake County NC background checks.

Identity Details

Identity data sits at the top of every background report and lists the person’s full name, date of birth, gender, and known aliases. This section also displays the last reported address and any state-issued identification numbers tied to the subject. Identity matching algorithms compare the search subject against public records to confirm the right person has been pulled from the database.

Name Variations

Name variations appear when a person has used different legal names over time because of marriage, divorce, or personal choice. Common variations include maiden names, hyphenated surnames, and shortened versions of first names. The system flags these variations to help you confirm you have the correct person when reviewing criminal or court records.

Date of Birth

The date of birth in a background check comes from primary source records held by the North Carolina DMV, the vital records office, or the federal Social Security database. A verified DOB is essential for separating people who share similar names across the state. You should compare the DOB in the report against any document the subject has provided to catch transcription errors.

Address History

Address history displays every residence the person has reported to government agencies, from the most current address back through previous moves. The data often stretches back 10 years or longer, depending on how long the records have been digitized. Address history helps confirm the subject lived in Wake County during the time period that matters for your decision.

Record Identifiers

Record identifiers are unique codes assigned to each case or filing by the originating agency. These include docket numbers from Wake County Superior Court, arrest numbers from local agencies, and NCSBI state identification numbers. Identifiers let you request certified copies of the original records directly from the source agency.

Possible Record Matches

When the system cannot confirm a single match, it lists every possible record tied to the identifiers you supplied. Each entry shows the matched name, DOB range, and county where the record was filed. You must review each match manually to confirm which entry, if any, belongs to your search subject.

Criminal Records in a Background Check

Criminal records form the most requested portion of any Background Check because they reveal past behavior that may affect hiring, housing, or personal safety decisions. Wake County criminal records are maintained by the Wake County Sheriff’s Office, the Raleigh Police Department, and the Clerk of Superior Court. Each agency reports dispositions back to the NCSBI, which serves as the central repository. The records shown below appear in most criminal background checks.

Arrest Records

Arrest records document every time an agency took a person into custody, regardless of whether charges followed. The records list the arresting agency, the charge at the time of arrest, and the booking details. Not all arrests lead to convictions, so you should read the arrest record alongside the final case disposition to see how the case resolved.

Criminal Charges

Criminal charges list the specific statutes a person has been accused of violating, along with the charging agency and the date the charge was filed. Charges range from minor infractions to serious felonies, and each carries a different legal weight. A charge does not equal a conviction, so the disposition field tells you whether the court found the person guilty or dismissed the matter.

Misdemeanor Records

Misdemeanor records cover less serious offenses such as simple assault, petty theft, and certain traffic violations. North Carolina classifies misdemeanors as Class A1, Class 1, Class 2, or Class 3, with Class A1 carrying the harshest penalties. Misdemeanor convictions remain on a person’s record permanently unless the court grants an expungement under state law.

Felony Records

Felony records involve the most serious criminal offenses, from drug trafficking to violent crimes. These records remain visible on background checks indefinitely because felonies typically cannot be sealed or expunged in North Carolina. Anyone reviewing a felony record should also check the sentence, probation status, and whether the person has completed all court-ordered requirements.

Conviction Records

Conviction records show the final outcome after a plea or trial, with the charge, the date of conviction, and the sentence imposed. The NCSBI includes both guilty pleas and jury verdicts in this section. Conviction data is the most reliable indicator of past criminal behavior because it shows the court’s final ruling on guilt.

Criminal Case Dispositions

Dispositions show the final status of every criminal case, such as guilty, not guilty, dismissed, or deferred prosecution. North Carolina also uses dispositions like “discharged and dismissed” for completed diversion programs. Reviewing the disposition alongside the original charge gives you a complete picture of the case outcome.

Court Records in a Background Check

Court records complete the criminal picture because they show the legal proceedings that followed every arrest and filing. The Wake County Clerk of Superior Court maintains these records at the Wake County Courthouse in Raleigh. Both criminal and civil cases appear in court searches, so you need to review each entry carefully.

Criminal Court Cases

Criminal court cases document every felony and misdemeanor that went before a Wake County Superior Court or District Court judge. The records list the defendant, the charges, the attorney of record, and the final judgment. Anyone can request access to these records through the Clerk’s office, though some juvenile matters remain sealed.

Civil Court Cases

Civil court cases cover disputes between people or businesses, such as contract disagreements, personal injury claims, and small claims filings. These cases do not involve jail time but can reveal financial instability or legal conflicts that matter for some decisions. Civil records are open to the public and can be searched by case number or party name.

Case Filings

Case filings include the initial paperwork that starts a court case, such as complaints, indictments, and petitions. Filings show what the plaintiff or prosecutor alleged, which forms the basis of the entire court case. You can view most filings online through the Wake County Courthouse public access system.

Court Hearings

Court hearing records display the date, time, and outcome of every scheduled hearing in a case. They also note whether the hearing was continued, dismissed, or resulted in a ruling. Tracking hearings helps you see whether a case is still active or has reached a final resolution.

Court Orders and Outcomes

Court orders and outcomes list every binding decision the judge issued in a case, from sentencing orders to divorce decrees. These documents carry the full legal weight of the court’s ruling and become part of the permanent record. Certified copies can be requested from the Clerk’s office for use in other legal proceedings.

Wake County Court Record Sources

You can access Wake County court records through the Clerk of Superior Court, the Courthouse Public Access System, or the NCSBI portal for statewide criminal history. Each source has different search tools, fee schedules, and record coverage, with additional details available in the people search directory.. For certified copies of judgments, you must submit a written request directly to the Clerk’s office.

Other Records That May Appear

A Background Check often pulls more than just criminal records because public record databases cross-reference many different government agencies. The records listed below commonly appear in extended Wake County background reports.

Property Records

Property records show real estate owned by the search subject, along with purchase dates, sale prices, and mortgage details. The Wake County Register of Deeds maintains these records and offers online search tools. Property data confirms residency, financial stability, and long-term ties to the county.

Business Records

Business records reveal any companies the person owns or manages, along with their roles and ownership percentages. The North Carolina Secretary of State office keeps these records and lets you search by name or entity number. Business affiliations matter for due diligence checks on potential partners or vendors.

Professional Records

Professional records display state-issued licenses for doctors, nurses, lawyers, contractors, and other regulated professions. These records verify whether a license is active, expired, or subject to disciplinary action. The relevant licensing board maintains the primary source for this data.

Driving Records

Driving records show the person’s license status, traffic violations, suspensions, and accident history. The North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles manages these records and requires the subject’s written consent before releasing them to a third party. Driving records often reveal patterns of risky behavior or unpaid tickets.

Marriage and Divorce Records

Marriage and divorce records confirm changes in legal name and family status. The Wake County Register of Deeds stores marriage licenses, while divorce decrees sit with the Clerk of Superior Court. These records help you track name changes and verify family relationships.

Bankruptcy Records

Bankruptcy records show past filings in U.S. Bankruptcy Court, the chapter filed, the debts listed, and the discharge status. The Middle District of North Carolina handles filings for Wake County residents. Bankruptcy data can signal serious financial trouble that affects credit and contract decisions.

Status of Records Found in a Background Check

Every record in a Background Check carries a status label that tells you whether the case is still moving through the courts or has reached its final outcome. The labels below cover every status you will encounter in Wake County searches.

Active Records

Active records mean the case is still open and pending court action. The person may still face hearings, motions, or trials in the near future. You should treat active records carefully because the final outcome has not yet been decided.

Pending Cases

Pending cases are awaiting a court date or final ruling but have not been dismissed. A pending case can stay open for months or years, depending on the charge and court schedule. The status field will update once the court reaches a decision.

Closed Cases

Closed cases have reached a final resolution, through conviction, dismissal, or other legal action. Once closed, the case no longer moves through the court system, though the record remains on file. Closed cases form the bulk of historical background check data.

Dismissed Cases

Dismissed cases ended without a conviction because the prosecutor dropped the charges, the court ruled on a motion, or the statute of limitations ran out. Dismissals appear on background checks because the arrest still happened, but the court did not find the person guilty.

Historical Records

Historical records refer to older cases no longer part of the active docket but preserved in court archives. These records stay accessible to the public unless the court has sealed or expunged them. Historical data often spans decades and helps you see long-term patterns.

Sealed or Expunged Records

Sealed or expunged records have been legally hidden from public view by court order. North Carolina allows expungement for certain misdemeanor convictions, dismissed charges, and completion of diversion programs. Sealed records will not show up on a public background check, though they remain visible to police agencies and the courts.

Verifying Background Check Matches

A Background Check is only as useful as its accuracy, so you need to verify every match before relying on the data. The verification process protects you from acting on the wrong person’s records or from accepting outdated data. Below are the steps that ensure a correct match.

Checking Personal Identifiers

Personal identifiers such as full name, date of birth, and address history form the foundation of every match. You should compare each identifier in the report against documents the subject has provided, such as a driver’s license or passport. Identifiers that line up across several sources give you strong confidence the report covers the right person.

Matching the Correct Person

Correct person matching requires you to compare the full profile, not just one identifier. Names alone often produce false positives, especially in counties with large populations. Cross-checking the DOB, address history, and known relatives confirms the report points to the right person.

Common Name Matches

Common names like John Smith, Maria Garcia, or James Brown create dozens of possible matches in public databases. The search system returns all candidates, so you need to filter them using other identifiers. Asking the subject for middle name, prior addresses, or known relatives helps you pick the right match.

Duplicate Records

Duplicate records occur when the same person appears more than once because agencies reported the same case under different identifiers. The NCSBI system tries to merge duplicates, but older records may still show up twice. Review the case numbers to spot duplicates and request corrections from the source agency if needed.

Outdated Data

Outdated data appears when a record has not been updated with a recent dismissal, expungement, or corrected charge. The lag can be weeks or months, depending on the court and the reporting agency. Always verify the most recent status through the Clerk of Court before relying on old data.

Incomplete or Conflicting Records

Incomplete records lack key details such as the final disposition or the sentence imposed. Conflicting records show different outcomes for the same case because two agencies reported different versions. You should resolve these conflicts by contacting the Clerk of Court or the agency that originally filed the report.

Background Check Limitations

Even a thorough Background Check has limits because public records do not cover every type of data, and some records stay hidden under state and federal law. Knowing these limits helps you avoid over-relying on a single search. The list below covers the most common restrictions you will face.

Restricted and Confidential Records

Restricted and confidential records cannot be released to the public, even when a fee is paid. These include sealed juvenile cases, certain mental health commitments, and adoption records. State and federal laws protect this data to balance public safety with personal privacy.

Juvenile Records

Juvenile records in North Carolina stay confidential unless the court transfers the case to adult court. Most juvenile adjudications do not appear on background checks, even when the same offense would count as a felony for an adult. Some serious violent offenses committed by juveniles can be transferred to Superior Court and become public.

Sealed and Expunged Records

Sealed and expunged records have been legally removed from public view. Eligible offenses include certain first-offense misdemeanors, dismissed charges, and completed diversion programs. Once a record is expunged, the person can legally answer “no” to most questions about that arrest or conviction.

Records Missing From Certain Jurisdictions

Records missing from certain jurisdictions happen when out-of-state agencies have not shared their data with the NCSBI. A Wake County background check will not pick up offenses committed in other states unless you run a separate search in those states. For a full national picture, you need to run searches in each state where the person has lived.

Reporting Delays

Reporting delays occur because agencies can take weeks or months to upload new dispositions to the central database. A case that closed yesterday may not appear on a background check until the next reporting cycle. Always re-run a search if you know a recent court action has taken place.

Limits of Name-Based Searches

Name-based searches rely on spelling, aliases, and date of birth to identify the right person. They miss records filed under a different name or DOB, especially when data entry errors occurred at the source. Fingerprint-based searches produce more accurate results but require the subject’s physical fingerprints and a longer processing time.

Public Records vs. Official Records

Public records come from open government sources and can be viewed by anyone who pays the search fee. Official records come directly from the source agency and carry the agency’s seal and signature. Official certified copies hold more legal weight than simple public record printouts.

Wake County Background Check Privacy and Legal Considerations

Running a Background Check in Wake County NC means following state and federal laws that govern how you collect, store, and use personal data. The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) and North Carolina’s consumer protection laws set the baseline for legal use. Below are the key legal rules you must follow.

Lawful Use of Background Data

Lawful use of background data means using the records only for approved purposes, such as employment, housing, or personal safety checks. Using background data for stalking, harassment, or identity theft is illegal under both state and federal law. You should document the lawful purpose before running a search so you have a paper trail if challenged.

Personal Data Protection

Personal data protection laws require you to safeguard the background report from unauthorized access. Store printed reports in a locked location and encrypt any digital copies. You must also dispose of the records properly once the decision process ends, typically within 30 days for FCRA-regulated employers.

Employment Screening Requirements

Employment screening under the FCRA requires written consent from the candidate before the search. You must also provide a copy of the report and a summary of rights before taking adverse action based on the results. North Carolina also limits how far back you can search for non-conviction data, generally seven years.

Consent Requirements

Consent requirements apply to most third-party background checks, those for employment, tenancy, and professional licensing. The subject must sign a written release that names the screening company and explains the search scope. Verbal consent is not valid for FCRA-regulated searches.

Consumer Reporting Restrictions

Consumer reporting restrictions limit what you can report to the subject, especially for non-conviction records older than seven years. Bankruptcies older than 10 years also drop off the report. Failing to follow these rules exposes you to lawsuits and regulatory fines.

Record Correction Rights

Record correction rights give the subject the ability to challenge inaccurate background data. If the subject disputes a record, you must investigate within 30 days and remove or correct the entry if it cannot be verified. The NCSBI also has its own dispute process for state criminal history data.

Verifying Background Check Data

After you receive a Background Check, you can request official records directly from the source agencies for verification. Certified copies carry the agency’s seal and serve as legal proof of the data. The requests below cover the most common record types.

Requesting Criminal Records

Criminal record requests go through the NCSBI for statewide history and through the Wake County Sheriff’s Office for local arrests. Each request requires the subject’s name, date of birth, and the appropriate fee. The NCSBI processes most name-based requests within five business days.

Requesting Court Records

Court record requests are filed with the Wake County Clerk of Superior Court. You can request certified copies of judgments, orders, and case files in person or by mail. Online access through the Courthouse Public Access System shows basic case data for free, but certified copies cost extra.

Requesting Driving Records

Driving record requests go through the North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles. The subject must complete a Form DL-DPA or grant written consent before the DMV releases the record to a third party. Standard driving records show a three-year history of violations, suspensions, and license status.

Requesting Professional Records

Professional record requests go to the licensing board that issued the credential. Boards for doctors, nurses, lawyers, contractors, and real estate agents maintain public license lookup tools on their websites. The lookup shows license status, expiration date, and any disciplinary actions.

Certified Record Copies

Certified record copies come directly from the source agency with a raised seal and authorized signature. These copies are accepted by courts, government agencies, and most employers as legal proof of the data. Standard background check printouts do not carry the same legal weight.

Official Record Verification

Official record verification confirms the data in the background report against the source agency’s files. You can run verification by contacting the originating agency with the record identifier and the relevant case number. Most agencies respond within a few business days.

Common Background Check Search Problems

Even experienced searchers run into problems when they use a Background Check portal. The issues below cover the most common complaints and how to solve them.

No Records Found

A “no records found” result means the search returned zero matches based on the identifiers you supplied. This happens most often when the subject has never been arrested, when the records sit in a different state, or when the name was misspelled. Try alternate spellings, full middle names, or prior addresses to widen the search.

Too Many Matching Records

Too many matching records come back when the subject has a common name or when you supplied too few identifiers. The portal may return dozens of candidates from across the state, leaving you to sort through them. Narrow the search by adding DOB, county of residence, or middle name.

Incorrect Person Match

An incorrect person match happens when the system pulls records for someone else with a similar name. The error often arises from outdated or missing identifiers. Always cross-check the address history and DOB against documents the subject has provided.

Missing Records

Missing records occur when an agency has not yet uploaded a recent disposition or arrest to the central database. The lag can be weeks or months depending on the court. Re-run the search later or request the record directly from the source agency.

Outdated Records

Outdated records show old case data that has since been dismissed, sealed, or expunged. The portal may not have received the latest update from the court. Contact the Clerk of Court to verify the current status.

Restricted Records

Restricted records cannot be released to the public, so they will not appear on your background check. Sealed juvenile cases, certain mental health commitments, and ongoing investigations fall into this category. You need a court order or a police agency request to access these records.

Conflicting Data

Conflicting data appears when two agencies reported different outcomes for the same case. The NCSBI tries to merge conflicting entries, but older files may still show both versions. Contact the Clerk of Court or the originating agency to resolve the conflict.

Wake County Background Checks and Related Searches

People often confuse Background Checks with other types of public record searches, but each serves a different purpose. The comparison below shows how a Background Check differs from the most common related searches in Wake County NC.

Background Check vs. Criminal Records

Criminal records focus only on arrests, charges, and convictions filed by police agencies and the court system. A Background Check covers criminal records plus identity data, address history, court records, and other public files. For employment screening, most employers run a full Background Check rather than a criminal-only search.

Background Check vs. Criminal History

Criminal history is a subset of a Background Check and only shows the final dispositions of criminal cases. A Background Check pulls in non-criminal data such as property records, business affiliations, and professional credentials. The broader scope gives you a more complete picture of the subject.

Background Check vs. Arrest Records

Arrest records document the moment an agency took a person into custody, regardless of the case outcome. A Background Check pulls arrest records as one piece of the report but also adds court filings and dispositions. Arrest record

s alone do not tell you whether the person was convicted.

Background Check vs. Court Records

Court records cover every case filed in the Wake County court system, civil, criminal, domestic, and probate matters. A Background Check pulls court records as one section of the report, alongside criminal history and other data. Court records alone do not include non-court public records.

Background Check vs. People Search

People searches pull together contact details, social media profiles, and address history from commercial data brokers. A Background Check focuses on official government records rather than commercial data. People searches are useful for finding someone but not for verifying criminal or court history.

Background Check vs. Public Records

Public records cover every government-maintained file available to the public, from birth certificates to building permits. A Background Check pulls a curated subset of those records that matter for safety, employment, or housing decisions. Public records searches require you to filter the data yourself.

Official Contact Details

For statewide criminal history records and sex offender registry searches in Wake County NC, the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (NCSBI) serves as the primary state agency. You can reach the NCSBI using the contact details listed below for assistance with record requests, account setup, and portal navigation.

The NCSBI operates Monday through Friday during standard business hours and responds to written record requests within five business days in most cases. For urgent needs, contact your local police department or the Wake County Sheriff’s Office directly. Always have the subject’s full name, date of birth, and any known identifiers ready before calling.

Frequently Asked Questions

Background checks help you verify identity, confirm employment eligibility, and protect personal safety. In Wake County, NC, the State Bureau of Investigation maintains criminal, court, and sex‑offender data that can be accessed online. Knowing how to search records, what information appears, and which restrictions apply saves time and avoids surprise findings.

How can I run a Wake County background check by name?

Start at the NCSBI public portal. Enter the full name, then add the date of birth to narrow results. Review the list of arrests, convictions, and sex‑offender entries. If the name returns many matches, use middle initials or known aliases. After confirming the correct individual, download the report or print the screen for record‑keeping. This approach gives a clear snapshot of the person’s legal history in Wake County.

What does a Wake County NC background check show?

The report includes felony and misdemeanor convictions, pending charges, court dispositions, and registered sex‑offender status. It also lists any sealed or expunged items that are legally hidden. Address history, previous residences, and driver‑license suspensions may appear if they are part of the public record. Understanding each section helps you interpret the data accurately before making decisions.

How do I search background records by date of birth in Wake County?

Log into the NCSBI search page and select the “date of birth” field. Input the exact month, day, and year, then add the last name for precision. The system returns all records that match the birth date, reducing false positives caused by common names. Review each entry, noting any discrepancies, and contact the clerk’s office if you need clarification on a specific case.

Can sealed records appear on a Wake County background check?

Generally, sealed or expunged records do not show in the public portal. However, certain employers, law‑enforcement agencies, or licensing boards may access them through restricted channels. If you receive a notice that a sealed record was found, request a copy of the source and verify its legality. Knowing this exception protects you from unexpected outcomes.

What steps should I take if a background check returns no records?

First, double‑check the spelling of the name and the date of birth. Then, verify that the search covered the correct county and state. If the person has a clean record, the system will show “no results found.” If you suspect an error, contact the Wake County clerk’s office and ask for a manual lookup. This ensures the search was thorough and accurate.