Education and Search Tips   1. Sometimes less is more. The "Alpha Search" is an exact match listing, so if for what ever reason the clerk leaves a field blank there is a chance you may miss a record if you narrow your search too much. When using the "alpha search" try leaving the date of birth and ethnicity fields blank. This way if the clerk has left these fields blank you will still be able to retrieve records that are missing this information. 2. You can re-sort using either Alpha or Soundex at no additional charge. There are two methods to search statewide records, the "Alpha Search" and "Soundexed Search". For years the courts only allowed Alpha searches for county searches and Soundex searches for statewide searches. Now you can use both methods for your statewide search for one price. A soundexed search for GREEN,JOHN will return results for GREEN,JOHN as well as GRIMES, JON. An "Alpha" search for GREEN,J will return results for individuals with the last name GREEN and any first name that begins with the letter J. When using the alpha search we suggest entering the last name and only the first initial of the first name, or for the most comprehensive results enter only the last name. The county only index is always alpha indexed. 3. If you need to find a subject's social security number and have their drivers license number, use the check name first feature in the NC Driving Records section. Simply enter the North Carolina drivers license number and click on "check name first." 4. If you need a driving record but do not have the drivers license number dont give up. If the individual has been charged with a traffic offense, their drivers license number will most likely be listed on their criminal case detail. Simply click on the highlighted drivers license number and you will be automatically taken to the DMV online page.