Brunswick County Recorder of Deeds: Search Records, Fees and Bolivia Office
Looking for a recorded deed, deed of trust, easement or property lien in Brunswick County, North Carolina? The correct office is the Brunswick County Register of Deeds, which records and safeguards real-estate documents for property throughout the county.
Its official online search provides deed and map records from September 1939 onward, with separate legacy indexes covering parts of the county’s earlier history. The office also maintains historical records reaching back to Brunswick County’s establishment in 1764.
This guide explains how to search deeds online, find the Bolivia Register of Deeds office, request certified copies, meet North Carolina recording standards, calculate deed excise tax, and sign up for free fraud alerts.
North Carolina-specific guide • Official county resources • Historical records instructions
Who Handles Brunswick County Property Deeds?
In North Carolina, the official land-recording officer is the Register of Deeds. Brunswick County’s elected Register records legal instruments and maps, certifies recorded documents, and maintains other public records such as marriage licenses.
Register of Deeds
- Warranty and quitclaim deeds
- Deeds of trust
- Releases and satisfactions
- Easements and covenants
- Recorded maps and plats
- Certified document copies
County Tax Office
- Parcel identification
- Property listings
- Property valuation
- Real-estate tax bills
- Property tax certification
- Assessment information
Clerk of Superior Court
- Probate and estate files
- Court proceedings
- Judgments
- Divorce case records
- Other court-maintained files
Brunswick County Register of Deeds Address, Phone and Hours
The Register of Deeds is in Building I of the Brunswick County government complex in Bolivia, North Carolina. Recording and general land-record research have different closing times.
Brunswick County Register of Deeds
Register: Dana Varnam
Physical address:
75 Courthouse Drive NE, Building I
Bolivia, NC 28422
Mailing address:
P.O. Box 87
Bolivia, NC 28422
Phone: (910) 253-2690
Toll-free: (877) 625-9310
Fax: (910) 253-2703
Email: rod@brunswickcountync.gov
Recording hours:
Monday–Friday, 8:30 AM–4:30 PM
Land and vital records hours:
Monday–Friday, 8:30 AM–5:00 PM
How to Search Brunswick County Deeds Online
The Register’s official online records portal supports searches by grantor, grantee, document type, recording date and book/page. The county says recordings from September 1939 onward can be searched through its Combined Real Property/MAPS interface.
Open the County’s Online Records Portal
Use the Brunswick County Register of Deeds online system. Complete the human-verification step when shown, read the disclaimer, and sign in to the public records interface.
Open Official Deed Search ↗Select Combined Real Property/MAPS
After the disclaimer, choose Combined Real Property/MAPS. This covers deeds and numerous other real-property instruments, plus recorded map references.
Search by Grantor or Grantee
The grantor is generally the seller or transferring party, while the grantee is the buyer or recipient. If you are looking for the deed by which you purchased property, start by searching your name in the grantee field.
The county says you need only one search criterion to obtain matching results.
Use Book/Page or a Date Range
If a tax record, title document or survey provides a deed book and page, enter those values directly. Otherwise, narrow the results using a document type or approximate recording-date range.
Compare the Recorded Document
Check the party names, legal description, recording reference and document type. Do not confuse a deed transferring property with a deed of trust securing a mortgage.
Download the PDF or Request Certification
The county instructs users to select Download PDF from the matching document to view, print or save it. For a legally certified copy, request the document directly from the Register of Deeds.
Brunswick County Deed Records Before 1939
Brunswick County was formed in 1764 from portions of Bladen and New Hanover counties. Its Register of Deeds retains early instruments, including conveyances, agreements, land grants and indentures.
| Period | Available Research Route | Recommended Approach |
|---|---|---|
| September 1939–Present | Combined Real Property/MAPS search | Search by grantor, grantee, document type, date or book/page. |
| 1932–1953 legacy index books | Scanned historical grantor/grantee indexes | Look up a name alphabetically, then use its book/page reference to retrieve the document. |
| 1764–1931 legacy indexes | Historical index collections linked in the county records system | Use the older grantor/grantee books to identify document references. |
| Complex historical title chains | In-person Register of Deeds research | Visit the Bolivia office or use a professional title examiner for extensive work. |
Common Brunswick County Land Record Types
| Instrument | General Purpose | What to Verify |
|---|---|---|
| General Warranty Deed | Conveys an interest with broad contractual title warranties. | Grantor, grantee, property description and applicable warranties. |
| Special Warranty Deed | Transfers title with narrower warranty language. | Extent of the warranty and prior chain of title. |
| Quitclaim Deed | Conveys whatever interest the grantor may hold. | Whether the grantor had an interest to transfer. |
| Deed of Trust | Secures a debt using real property. | Borrower, lender, trustee and any satisfaction. |
| Satisfaction | Documents satisfaction or cancellation of a recorded security instrument. | Reference to the original deed of trust. |
| Easement | Creates or documents specified rights to use land. | Benefited and burdened property, scope and amendments. |
| Restrictive Covenant | Establishes recorded property restrictions or obligations. | Whether restrictions have been amended or terminated. |
| Plat or Survey Map | Records mapped subdivision or land-boundary information. | Map reference, survey details and later revisions. |
How to Record a Deed in Brunswick County, NC
Brunswick County accepts qualifying instruments in person, by mail, courier, or through approved professional eRecording. Its published checklist is based on North Carolina recording standards under General Statute 161-14.
Confirm the Property Is in Brunswick County
Check the property’s legal description and county jurisdiction. If the conveyance concerns land in another county, the deed generally belongs in that county’s Register of Deeds.
Prepare the Original Legal Document
Include the grantor and grantee names and addresses and the preparer’s name and address on the first page. Ensure required signatures and notarization are complete and legible.
The Register does not supply blank deed forms or give legal advice about drafting documents.
Obtain Required Tax Certification
Brunswick County’s recording instructions state that deeds must meet the tax certification notice requirement before recording. This is separate from paying the state real-estate excise tax.
Confirm any applicable delinquent property-tax certification requirement with the county or closing attorney.
Meet North Carolina Formatting Standards
Use one-sided white paper measuring 8½ × 11 or 8½ × 14 inches, black type at least nine points, and a three-inch blank top margin on the first page. Keep one-half-inch margins on all other required sides and identify the instrument type below the first-page blank margin.
Calculate Recording Charges and Excise Tax
For a standard deed, the county charges $26 for the first 15 pages plus $4 per page beyond 15. North Carolina’s state excise tax is generally $1 per $500 of taxable consideration or fraction, which equals $2 per $1,000.
Submit Through an Accepted Recording Channel
Present the document at the Bolivia office during recording hours, mail it to P.O. Box 87, or use an approved eRecording channel if eligible. Include correct payment and a self-addressed stamped return envelope for mailed recordings.
Does Brunswick County Accept Deeds Electronically?
Yes. Brunswick County provides eRecording for businesses and lending institutions through Internet Technologies, Inc. (Inttek). The county lists electronic recording hours as 8:30 AM–4:30 PM, Monday through Friday, excluding holidays.
Additional Requirements for E-Recorded Deeds
The county requires a first-page statement identifying the licensed North Carolina attorney preparing the deed, together with the county’s specified language about payment of delinquent taxes from closing proceeds.
Electronic submissions also require the submitter’s compliance statement under the county’s published instructions.
E-Recording Vendor Charges
The county lists Inttek convenience charges of 6% of the document cost plus $0.50 for credit card or PayPal transactions and 2.5% for ACH escrow funding.
Normal county recording charges remain payable. Verify vendor pricing before uploading a document.
Open Brunswick County eRecording requirements ↗
Brunswick County Recorder of Deeds Fees
North Carolina General Statute 161-10 establishes the uniform Register of Deeds fee framework. Brunswick County publishes these charges for standard deeds, deeds of trust, maps, copies and related instruments.
| Recording or Copy Service | Published Charge | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Deed or general instrument | $26 for first 15 pages | Includes many deeds, assignments, contracts, releases and powers of attorney. |
| General instrument beyond 15 pages | $4 each additional page | Pages 16 onward. |
| Deed of trust / mortgage | $64 for first 35 pages | Different fee structure from ordinary deeds. |
| Deed of trust beyond 35 pages | $4 each additional page | Pages 36 onward. |
| Satisfaction | No recording fee | For qualifying satisfactions. |
| State real-estate excise tax | $1 per $500 or fraction | Generally paid by the seller on a taxable conveyance. |
| Additional instrument in one document | $10 each | Beyond the first recordable instrument. |
| Indexed parties beyond 20 | $2 each additional name | Applies to additional required indexed parties. |
| Nonstandard document | $25 additional | When a recording does not meet statutory formatting standards. |
| Additional assignment index reference | $10 each | For applicable subsequent references. |
| Recorded map / plat | $21 per sheet | County requires 18 × 24-inch Mylar for applicable physical plats. |
| Certified instrument copy | $5 first page + $2 additional | Recorder-certified document. |
| Uncertified copy, in person | $0.25 per page | Standard document copying. |
| Uncertified copy, by mail | $0.25 per page + $1 mailing | Mail fee can be replaced by a self-addressed stamped envelope. |
| Certified map copy | $5 per map page | Special map copy rate. |
Brunswick County Deed Excise Tax: Example Calculation
Example: $425,000 Taxable Sale
Taxable consideration: $425,000
Units: 850 groups of $500
Excise tax: 850 × $1 = $850
Ordinary two-page deed recording: $26
Illustrative combined total: $876
Why Some Transfers Are Different
Not every deed has the same excise tax treatment. Gifts, certain exempt transfers, assumed debts and other transaction details can affect liability.
The Register records qualifying instruments but cannot determine a taxpayer’s legal exemption or prepare conveyance documents.
The example assumes a taxable conveyance with no applicable exemption or other recording surcharge. Confirm the correct consideration and tax treatment with a closing attorney.
Brunswick County Deed Recording and Excise Tax Calculator
Estimate a standard deed or deed of trust using the county’s published page thresholds. Select excise tax only for a qualifying taxable real-property conveyance; the calculator cannot determine exemptions.
Assumptions: deed recording $26 for up to 15 pages, then $4 each additional page; deed of trust $64 for up to 35 pages, then $4 each additional page; qualifying satisfaction no base recording fee; indexed parties beyond 20 cost $2 each; additional instruments cost $10 each; nonstandard-document penalty $25; certified copy $5 first page plus $2 subsequent pages; and excise tax $1 per $500 or fraction of taxable consideration. Special assignment references and vendor charges are not included.
How to Get a Certified Brunswick County Deed Copy
The online records system permits viewing and downloading available PDFs, but a certified copy must be provided by the Register of Deeds.
What to Include in a Request
- Recorded party names
- Instrument type
- Recording date or year
- Deed book and page
- Number of pages, if known
- Regular or certified copy preference
- Return mailing details
Send the Copy Request To
Brunswick County Register of Deeds
P.O. Box 87
Bolivia, NC 28422
Phone: (910) 253-2690
Certified deed: $5 first page plus $2 additional pages.
Uncertified mailed copy: $0.25 per page, plus $1 mailing fee or a self-addressed stamped envelope.
Brunswick County Free Deed Fraud Alert
Brunswick County offers a free Fraud Alert Notification system through its official records provider. Subscribers can register a monitored name and receive a notification if a matching document is recorded.
How to Use the Service
- Open the county’s fraud alert registration.
- Create an account or complete verification.
- Enter the personal or business names to monitor.
- Confirm the email notification setup.
- Investigate unexpected recorded-document matches.
What the Alert Cannot Do
- Prevent a document from being recorded
- Prove that a deed is fraudulent
- Cancel or modify a recording
- Replace title insurance
- Resolve an ownership dispute
Register for Free Fraud Alerts ↗
Requesting Redaction of Sensitive Numbers from Online Documents
Under North Carolina General Statute 132-1.10(g), an individual may request removal of qualifying sensitive numbers from images or copies displayed on public Register of Deeds websites.
Protected categories include Social Security numbers, certain taxpayer identification numbers, driver license and passport numbers, bank account information, payment-card numbers, PINs and passwords.
The Brunswick County Real Estate Records page links to an official Internet Redaction Request Form. Identify the affected document and information and follow the form instructions.
Open Official Redaction Information ↗Brunswick County Register of Deeds Resources and Action Guides
1. Register of Deeds Official Office
Recorder details, hours, contact, public services and fraud-alert links.
- Confirm the Bolivia address and service hours.
- Find the office telephone and email address.
- Access land records or fraud-alert links.
- Contact the Register for specific recording questions.
2. Online Deed and Map Search
Combined Real Property/MAPS index and available PDF document images.
- Complete the verification and read the disclaimer.
- Choose Combined Real Property/MAPS.
- Search by party name, date or book/page.
- Open Download PDF for the matching record.
3. Real Estate Records and Historical Indexes
Search-period explanations, certified copies, historical indexes and redaction.
- Review the September 1939-to-present online search period.
- Use legacy indexes for older research.
- Check copy prices and mailing instructions.
- Find the redaction request form if needed.
4. Recording Information and Standards
Document requirements, excise tax, eRecording rules and submission methods.
- Review signature and notary requirements.
- Confirm the first-page preparer details.
- Check tax certification and excise tax.
- Verify the format and payment requirements.
5. Official Recording Fee Schedule
Standard deed, deed of trust, nonstandard, map and certified-copy charges.
- Identify deed versus deed-of-trust pricing.
- Count pages and additional indexed parties.
- Evaluate special charges.
- Prepare acceptable payment before submission.
6. Professional E-Recording
Inttek registration, required North Carolina attorney statement and convenience fees.
- Confirm the document qualifies for electronic recording.
- Read the special requirements for deeds.
- Register with the county’s eRecording provider.
- Check all county and vendor charges.
7. Property Fraud Alert
Free name-based notifications for new documents recorded in Brunswick County.
- Open the registration system.
- Verify the name you wish to monitor.
- Activate the notification service.
- Investigate unfamiliar recorded instruments.
What Brunswick County Property Record Service Do You Need?
| Your Goal | Best Next Step | Correct Source |
|---|---|---|
| Find a modern recorded deed | Search grantor, grantee or book/page. | Combined Real Property/MAPS |
| Find a deed from the 1800s | Use legacy index books, then locate book/page. | Legacy Indexes / Recorder Office |
| Get a certified deed copy | Identify the instrument and submit a written copy request. | Register of Deeds |
| Record a property transfer | Prepare the deed, tax certification and excise tax payment. | Register of Deeds Recording |
| Only know a property address | Find owner or parcel details through county property records. | Brunswick County Tax Office |
| Confirm a deed-of-trust payoff | Search for a satisfaction or release referencing the original instrument. | Register of Deeds / Title Professional |
| Get a probate or will case file | Use the court rather than the Register’s current deed index. | Clerk of Superior Court |
| Monitor possible deed fraud | Register for name-based recording notifications. | Fraud Alert System |
Brunswick County Recorder of Deeds FAQs
Who is the Brunswick County Recorder of Deeds?
The correct official title is Brunswick County Register of Deeds. The elected Register is Dana Varnam, and the office records legal documents and maps affecting Brunswick County property.
Where is the Brunswick County Register of Deeds office?
The office is located at 75 Courthouse Drive NE, Building I, Bolivia, NC 28422. Its mailing address is P.O. Box 87, Bolivia, NC 28422.
What is the Brunswick County Register of Deeds phone number?
The phone number is (910) 253-2690, and the toll-free number is (877) 625-9310.
What are Brunswick County Recorder office hours?
Recording hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM. General land- and vital-record service hours extend to 5:00 PM.
Can I search Brunswick County deeds online?
Yes. The official online records system offers Combined Real Property/MAPS searches for recordings from September 1939 onward. It supports grantor, grantee, document type, date range and book/page searches, and available documents can be downloaded as PDFs.
How far back do Brunswick County deed records go?
The county retains historical records from its formation in 1764. The online system also provides legacy indexes for 1764–1931 and 1932–1953, while the combined real-property search covers September 1939 onward.
How much does it cost to record a deed in Brunswick County NC?
The county charges $26 for the first 15 pages of a standard deed or general instrument and $4 for every page beyond 15. Nonstandard formatting and other applicable fees may add to the cost.
How much does it cost to record a deed of trust?
A deed of trust or mortgage costs $64 for the first 35 pages and $4 for each additional page beyond 35, before other applicable charges.
What is Brunswick County’s deed excise tax rate?
North Carolina’s general excise tax on taxable real-property conveyances is $1 per $500 or fraction of consideration, equivalent to $2 per $1,000. The seller generally pays it.
Does Brunswick County offer free property fraud alerts?
Yes. Brunswick County offers a free name-based Fraud Alert Notification service. It can notify subscribers of a newly recorded matching instrument but cannot prevent, cancel or revise a recording.
Official Information and Independent Publication Notice
This article uses the Brunswick County Register of Deeds official office page, Real Estate Records search instructions, Recording Information, published fee schedule, eRecording requirements and official fraud alert system.
Recording standards, taxes, office procedures and fees can change. Always verify current requirements directly with the responsible county office.
This content is not legal, tax or title advice. An online deed search does not establish clear title, ownership free of liens or the validity of a transfer. Consult a qualified North Carolina real-estate attorney or title professional for legal documents and property-title questions.