Bill > S423

This bill aims to prevent title fraud by introducing several new measures for registering property documents and protecting property owners. The bill requires that when an individual (who is not a trusted submitter or authorized agent) presents a deed or similar property instrument to a register of deeds, they must provide a government-issued photo ID for verification. The register of deeds will record the person's name and address from the ID and keep these records confidential. If the ID does not match the document's details or the document appears suspicious, the register can refuse to register it. The bill also creates a new legal process for property owners to quickly challenge fraudulent property documents through an expedited court proceeding, allowing them to seek removal of false instruments from property records, potentially eject unauthorized occupants, and even seek attorneys' fees. Additionally, the bill expands the definition of perjury to include knowingly submitting false documents to a register of deeds, which can be prosecuted as a felony. These provisions will become effective on July 1, 2026, and are designed to make it more difficult for individuals to commit title fraud and provide property owners with faster legal recourse if fraud occurs.

Government Affairs, Justice

https://www.ncleg.gov/BillLookUp/2025/S423