Bladen County, NC Property Records: Search Deeds, Owners, Tax Records, and Maps
Regarded as the Mother County of North Carolina, Bladen County is known for its agricultural heritage and extensive forests. It is also recognized for its natural attractions such as the Cape Fear River and White Lake. Land records in Bladen County date back to 1734 and cover about 34,000 individual land parcels across 879 square miles. If you need to access property records in Bladen County, start with the Register of Deeds and the Tax Administration offices. Under the provisions of North Carolina’s Public Records Law, these county offices maintain and provide public access to property records.
When a home is listed on the local housing market, it takes about 54 to 78 days to sell in Bladen County. Agriculture, timber production, manufacturing, healthcare, and government services are key economic drivers affecting the county's real estate market. The majority of housing units in communities such as Elizabethtown, Bladenboro, Clarkton, Dublin, East Arcadia, Tar Heel, and White Lake consist of single-family detached homes.
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How to Look Up Bladen County Property Records
Individuals can access Bladen County property records through county-designated portals and by visiting appropriate offices in person.
If you need … | Use this office … | Free online portal |
|---|---|---|
A deed, deed of trust, plat, or lien | Bladen County Register of Deeds | |
Ownership and assessed value | Bladen County Tax Administration | |
A tax bill or to pay taxes | Bladen County Tax Administration | |
A parcel map or GIS layer | Bladen County GIS Division | |
Foreclosure or estate records | Clerk of Superior Court |
Who Keeps Bladen County Property Records?
According to North Carolina’s Public Records Law, agencies maintaining property records must allow individuals to view or request copies of documents. Some of the agencies that maintain these records include:
The Bladen County Register of Deeds is the official public registry of recorded land records. It records and preserves documents such as warranty deeds, quitclaim deeds, deeds of trust, plats, easements, liens, releases, powers of attorney, restrictive covenants, and other real estate instruments. Pursuant to NCGS 161-14, the office maintains these records for public inspection but cannot conduct title searches or provide legal advice.
The Bladen County Tax Administration maintains ownership records, parcel identification numbers (PINs), property assessments, tax billing information, and property valuation data. You can use this office to verify ownership, review assessed values, obtain parcel information, and access tax-related records.
The Bladen County Clerk of Superior Court handles court records involving foreclosure proceedings and estate files. In North Carolina, power-of-sale foreclosure hearings are conducted through the Clerk of Superior Court. Deeds and other land records are recorded with the Register of Deeds.
How to Search Bladen County Property Records Online
To search Bladen County property records completely, individuals must check two official portals in this order:
Start with the county’s Property Search webpage. Individuals can search using the property's address, owner's name, parcel identification number (PIN), or account number. The search results allow you access to ownership information, assessed values, acreage, tax history, building characteristics, land values, and parcel details.
Then, use the Register of Deeds' Index Search webpage. Individuals can search recorded documents using details such as the owner’s name, recording date, instrument number, document type, or book and page reference. Available records commonly include warranty deeds, quitclaim deeds, deeds of trust, plats, easements, releases, and liens.
When you are reviewing ownership history, confirm the current owner on the most recent deed. Ensure the grantor’s name listed on one deed matches the grantee’s name shown on the previous deed. Any break in the chain may indicate the need for additional title research.
You should also check the same Register of Deeds online webpage for recorded documents. Such records include deeds of trust, liens, judgments, easements, restrictive covenants, and releases that may affect ownership rights or the use of the property. It is worth noting that excise tax stamps may help estimate the reported consideration for a property transfer. However, they do not always represent the property's actual sale price.
Finally, you can verify the property's tax status through the Bladen County Tax Administration Tax Bill Search. Under the provisions of NCGS 105-355, a property tax lien attaches to real property on January 1 of each tax year. The lien remains in effect until all taxes, interest, penalties, and related charges have been fully paid in accordance with NCGS 105-362.
Register of Deeds: Deeds, Deeds of Trust, and Plats
The Register of Deeds is the official recording office for all real estate documents in Bladen County. It records and preserves warranty deeds, quitclaim deeds, deeds of trust, releases, satisfactions, easements, restrictive covenants, plats, powers of attorney, liens, and other real estate instruments. These records establish the public chain of title and provide notice of interests that may affect a property's ownership or use. Keep in mind that in Bladen County, deeds of trust are primarily used to secure real estate loans.
Historical records in Bladen County date back to 1734. However, you can access these documents from 1988 to the present.
Register of Deeds | |
|---|---|
Address | 106 East Broad Street, Elizabethtown, NC 28337 |
Mailing | P.O. Box 247, Elizabethtown, NC 28337 |
Phone | (910) 862-6710 |
Hours | Monday – Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. |
Search portal | |
Search by | Grantor, Grantee, document type, recording date, or book and page. |
Tax Assessor: Ownership, Values, and Parcel Data
The Tax Administration’s Office is responsible for identifying, listing, and appraising all taxable property within the county. It maintains ownership records, parcel identification numbers (PINs), and other assessment-related information. Anyone can use the Property Search webpage to look up ownership details, mailing addresses, acreage, building characteristics, tax assessments, sales history, and parcel information.
Tax Administration | |
|---|---|
Address | 201 E King Street, Elizabethtown, NC 28337 |
Mailing | P.O. Box 385, Elizabethtown, NC 28337 |
Phone | (910) 862-6730 |
Hours | Monday – Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. |
Search portal | |
Search by | Address, account number, PIN, owner’s name |
Tax Collector: Tax Bills and Payments
The Bladen County Tax Administration’s Office is also responsible for billing and collecting property taxes. Be aware that property tax bills are billed in Bladen County.
Tax bills and payments | |
|---|---|
Payment portal | |
Phone | (910) 862-6730 |
Delinquent after | January 5, following the July billing |
Interest | 2% for January and 0.75% for each additional month |
Property Tax in Bladen County: Rates, Exemptions, and Appeals
The Bladen County Tax Administration’s Office determines the assessed value of each property. The Bladen County Board of Commissioners and other taxing jurisdictions adopt the applicable tax rates each year. When calculating property taxes in Bladen County, divide the property's assessed value by 100 and multiply the result by the combined tax rate. The combined rate may include the municipal tax rate and any applicable special district rates. Then, the calculated amount may be reduced through eligible exemptions, which will reduce the tax.
Homestead and relief programs
North Carolina provides several property tax relief programs for qualifying homeowners. Applicants should submit their application forms for these programs to the Bladen County Tax Administration’s Office. These applications must be filed by June 1 of the tax year for which the benefit is requested.
Program | What it does |
|---|---|
Elderly or Disabled Exclusion | Eligible homeowners who are at least 65 years old or permanently disabled may qualify for a property tax exclusion. The program removes the greater of $25,000 or 50% of the appraised value of the permanent residence from taxation. Similarly, applicants must meet an income cap ($38,800 for 2026 income) and ownership requirements in accordance with NCGS 105-277.1. |
Circuit Breaker Deferment | Under the provisions of NCGS 105-277.1B, the gross income of applicants must not exceed $58,200. For a homeowner in 2025, taxes are limited to 4% of income if it does not exceed $38,800. For those earning more than $58,200 but not more than 150% of the income eligibility limit, taxes are capped at 5% of income. Likewise, all homeowners must have owned and occupied the residence for at least five years. Homeowners must apply for the program every year. |
Disabled Veteran Exclusion | Concerning NCGS 105-277.1C, eligible veterans with a total and permanent service-connected disability may receive a property tax exclusion of up to $45,000 of the appraised value of their permanent residence. Also, surviving spouses who have not remarried may qualify if the veteran's death was service-related or occurred in the line of duty. Similarly, unmarried joint owners may qualify based on their ownership interest in the property. Keep in mind that you cannot reapply once approved, unless the disability or benefit status has changed. |
Builders Inventory Exclusion | Under NCGS 105-277.02, builders may qualify for an exclusion on increases in property value resulting from subdivision, site improvements, or eligible new construction. The exclusion remains in effect while the builder continues to hold the property for sale. For residential property, the exclusion applies for up to three years after the property first becomes taxable. In addition, the exclusion may continue for up to five years for qualifying commercial property. However, the benefit ends earlier if a building permit is issued or the property is sold. Keep in mind that you can only apply for this exclusion once using Form AV-65. |
Present Use Value | Agricultural, horticultural, and forestry land may qualify for property tax valuation based on its current use rather than its market value. You can submit a complete application to the Tax Administration Office and can only apply for one relief program. |
Appealing your value
If you disagree with your property's assessed value, you may first request an informal review with the Bladen County Tax Administration. If the matter is not resolved, you may file a formal appeal with the Bladen County Board of Equalization and Review (BOER) during the county's annual appeal period. If you disagree with the Board's decision, you may further appeal to the North Carolina Property Tax Commission. Also, decisions of the Commission may then be appealed to the North Carolina Court of Appeals.
GIS Maps and Parcel Viewer
The Bladen County GIS Department is hosted on the Avineon viewer. The county's GIS viewer links each parcel to its ownership and assessment records. You can find property information, including property boundaries, acreage, ownership details, aerial imagery, flood zones, and zoning information.
Foreclosure and Tax Sales
When property taxes remain unpaid in Bladen County, the Tax Administration Office may begin foreclosure proceedings against such property. Foreclosures in Bladen County typically fall into power-of-sale foreclosures and property-tax foreclosures.
Power-of-sale foreclosures
Residential foreclosures in Bladen County are conducted through a power-of-sale foreclosure under a deed of trust. A foreclosure hearing is held before the Bladen County Clerk of Superior Court to determine whether the statutory requirements have been satisfied. If the Clerk authorizes the foreclosure, the property is sold at a public auction, which is executed by the local county sheriff. Following the sale, North Carolina law provides a 10-day upset bid period, during which another party may submit a higher bid through the Clerk of Superior Court. If no upset bid is filed, the sale becomes final, and the trustee conveys the property to the successful bidder. Be aware that the successful bidder must make a 10% cash deposit in accordance with NCGS 45-21.27.
Property-tax foreclosure
Bladen County may also foreclose on properties with delinquent property taxes under NCGS 105-374 or through the in-rem foreclosure process under NCGS 105-375. Keep in mind that Bladen County does not sell tax lien certificates. Once the foreclosure sale is confirmed and the deed is properly issued, there is no statutory right of redemption.
Costs to Access Property Records
Under NCGS 161-10 and NCGS 105-238.30, individuals must pay specific fees before they can record or obtain copies of Bladen County property records:
Service | Fee |
|---|---|
Online record search and images | Free |
Uncertified copy | $0.25 per page |
Certified copy | $5 for the first page and $2 for each additional page |
Recording a new deed or deed of trust | $64 for the first 35 pages and $4 for each additional page |
Each page over 15 | $4 per page |
Excise tax (revenue stamps) | Seller must pay $2 per $1,000 of sale price |
How to Record a Document
Under state law, individuals must follow certain steps to record a land document in Bladen County. The steps include:
Prepare the Documents: Before recording a real estate document in Bladen County, ensure the document meets the county’s recording requirements. This includes a legal description of the property, the owner's full name, original signatures, notary acknowledgment, required margins, and the grantee’s mailing address. Be aware that the document should be prepared with a 3-inch top margin on the first page. If your documents fail to meet the standard requirement, you will be subject to a fine of $25 for the non-standard document fee.
Calculate Recording Fees: The standard recording fee for most deeds and deeds of trust in Bladen County is $64 for the first 35 pages and $4 for each additional page. However, additional fees may apply to the recording process. You may refer to the Register of Deeds recording fees page. If you have questions, contact the Bladen County Register of Deeds at (910) 862-6710.
Submit the Document: Anyone can submit completed documents to the Bladen County Register of Deeds. You can submit in person, by mail, or online through approved e-recording vendors such as Simplifile and CSC. After receiving the document, the Register of Deeds reviews the submission, collects recording fees, assigns a recording number, and places the document into the county’s official land records system.
Obtain a copy of the Recorded Document: After a document has been recorded, you may search for it via the Index Search webpage. If you need an official record for legal or business purposes, visit the Register of Deeds Office in person. However, you may be charged a nominal fee for this service.
FAQs
Yes. Individuals can view or download copies of property records in accordance with the North Carolina Public Records Law.
If you want to know the current owner of a property in Bladen County, use the Bladen County Tax Administration’s Property Search webpage. You can access this portal using the property address, owner name, parcel identification number (PIN), or other available property information.
Yes. You can search Bladen County property records by property address through the county’s online Property Search webpage and the Avineon viewer.
You can access digital copies of Bladen County property records filed from 1988 to the present. Available records can be accessed through the Property Search webpage.
You can research a property's transfer history by searching the Bladen County Property Record Search portal or reviewing the recorded deed via the Register of Deeds portal. When available, these records may show the reported sale information during the transfer of ownership. Keep in mind that the reported sale price and the property's assessed value are not the same.
Quick Reference: Your Bladen County Property Records Checklist
If you want to … | Use this … |
|---|---|
Verify ownership | You can search the Bladen County Tax Administration Property Search webpage using the property address or owner name. Then you can confirm ownership by reviewing the most recent deed recorded with the Bladen County Register of Deeds. |
Pull a deed copy | Search the Bladen County Register of Deeds Index Search system using the owner’s name, book and page number, recording date, or document type. Also, you may request certified copies from the Register of Deeds Office for a small fee. |
Check the tax bill | Use the Tax Bill Search webpage to view current and past tax bills |
Appeal your value | You can contact the Tax Administration Office for an informal review. Then appeal to the Board of Equalization and Review if you are not satisfied with your property’s assessed value. |
File a homestead exclusion | Submit the appropriate application form to the Tax Administration Office by June 1. |
Record a new document | Prepare the documents in the right format. Pay the recording fees and the excise tax. Submit it to the Office of the Register of Deeds. |
Key Contacts and Official Portals
Office | Details |
|---|---|
Bladen County Register of Deeds | 106 East Broad Street, Elizabethtown, NC 28337, (910) 862-6710, Register of Deeds portal |
Bladen County Tax Administration | 201 E King Street, Elizabethtown, NC 28337, (910) 862-6730, Tax Administration portal |
Bladen County Clerk of Superior Court | Bladen County Courthouse, 166 E. Broad Street, Elizabethtown, NC 28337, nccourts.gov |
Bladen County GIS Division | |
NC Dept. of Revenue, Property Tax |