Public records in Greenville County are official documents maintained by local government offices that provide information on property ownership, court decisions, criminal history, and other civic matters. These records help residents, researchers, and professionals access accurate data for legal verification, property inquiries, background checks, and genealogical research.
A clear overview of Greenville County public records is valuable because it shows where records are kept, how to search for them, and what fees may apply. Users can explore property records, court records, criminal and safety records, historical archives, and learn about the process for submitting requests, including those under South Carolina’s FOIA. The Greenville County Court plays a central role in maintaining and providing access to many of these records, ensuring transparency and accountability. This ensures informed decisions and reliable information for a variety of personal, professional, and research purposes.
What Are “Public Records” in Greenville County
Public records in Greenville County are official documents or pieces of information created, filed, or maintained by government offices that are available for the public to review. These records cover a wide array of areas, including property ownership, court proceedings, criminal histories, and vital statistics such as birth, death, marriage, and divorce records. They serve as a transparent record of governmental actions and decisions, offering citizens a factual source of information about the county’s administrative and legal activities.
In Greenville County, public records are governed by South Carolina state law, particularly the South Carolina Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). This legislation establishes the public’s right to access government records while also outlining specific exemptions to protect sensitive information. For example, certain law enforcement reports, personal medical data, and records under active investigation may be withheld to safeguard privacy and ensure public safety. The law balances transparency with confidentiality, ensuring that citizens can access most official information without compromising security or privacy.
Key categories of public records in Greenville County include:
- Property Records: Documents such as deeds, tax assessments, plats, and liens are maintained by the Greenville County Assessor and Register of Deeds.
- Court Records: Civil, criminal, probate, traffic, and family court filings are maintained by the Greenville County Clerk of Court.
- Criminal Records: Arrest reports, conviction data, and law enforcement logs are accessible through local police departments and state criminal repositories.
- Vital Records: Birth, death, marriage, and divorce certificates maintained by the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC).
- Historical Archives: Older government documents, maps, and records maintained for research and genealogical purposes.
Greenville County public records support multiple functions beyond transparency. Legal professionals use these records for case preparation, real estate professionals consult property histories for accurate transactions, and individuals rely on them for background checks or genealogical research. Accessing these records can be done online, by submitting requests to the appropriate county offices, or in person at specific public record repositories. Fees may apply for certified copies or extensive document searches, as outlined in county and state regulations.
How to Search Greenville County Court Records
Users can run a quick case search through the county’s online Public Index or request full documents from the Clerk of Court. Printing, downloading, and certified copies may include small fees. Searching Greenville County court records starts with the official online tool. After checking the basics online, users can visit the courthouse or send a request if they need full files or certified paperwork.
Use the Official Greenville County Public Index
The Public Index gives fast access to case summaries, events, and basic filings for criminal, civil, traffic, and family matters. Anyone can enter a name or case number and see public information without any fee. It works well as the first step before requesting full copies or certified documents from the courthouse.
Court Search URL:
https://www2.greenvillecounty.org/SCJDWP/PublicIndex/
This county tool covers criminal, civil, traffic, and family court cases.
Search options include:
- Name
- Case number
- Filing date
- Court type
The results page shows case details, events, and any public documents posted by the court. Viewing the information is free.
Where Users Can View or Request Court Records
Users can look up case details online or request full documents from county offices. Simple searches start on the Public Index, while printed pages, certified files, and older records come from the Clerk of Court. This gives residents a clear way to check case history, confirm case status, or collect paperwork for personal or legal use.
Online (Public Index)
Fast checks for case history, status updates, and event listings.
In Person — Clerk of Court
Greenville County Courthouse
305 E. North Street
Services:
- Printed pages
- Certified copies
- Archived case files
- Files not posted online
Mail or Phone Requests
Good for users who cannot visit the courthouse.
They can request criminal dispositions, judgments, or older case files.
Cost to Print, Download, or Request Documents
- Printed pages: $0.25–$0.50 per page
- Certified documents: $5.00–$10.00 each
- Archived retrieval: $5.00–$20.00
- Online viewing: Free
Quick Reference Table
| Method | What It Offers | Typical Cost | Good For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Index | Case search, summaries, events | Free | Quick lookups |
| Clerk of Court Visit | Copies, certified papers, full files | $0.25–$10 | Legal needs |
| Mail / Phone | Copies and certified papers | Same as above + postage | Users outside the county |
| Archived Retrieval | Older files | $5–$20 | Older cases |
Who Maintains Greenville County Public Records
Public records in Greenville County are maintained by several key offices, each responsible for specific types of records. These custodians ensure that information such as property documents, court filings, arrest logs, and historical archives is properly managed and available to the public.
Register of Deeds
The Register of Deeds handles property-related records, including deeds, mortgages, liens, plats, and titles. This office is essential for anyone researching real estate history or verifying ownership and encumbrances. People often refer to this office for property transactions, lien searches, and land development research.
Clerk of Court
The Clerk of Court manages a wide range of judicial records. These include civil filings (common pleas), criminal cases (general sessions), family court matters, judgments, liens, and tax liens. Individuals, legal professionals, and businesses frequently use this office to review case histories, court decisions, or active filings.
Public Safety / Sheriff’s Office / Detention Center
The Sheriff’s Office and Detention Center maintain records related to law enforcement. This includes arrest records, inmate information, jail bookings, and criminal history background checks. These records are commonly consulted for background screening, security clearances, or personal record verification.
County‑wide Records Office / Department of Public Safety
The Records Management Services Division acts as a central hub for public records requests and FOIA submissions across multiple county agencies. This office streamlines requests for citizens, researchers, and legal professionals by consolidating access to records such as permits, inspections, and official county documentation.
Historical Records / Archives / Library / Probate
Older or specialized records are maintained by archives, libraries, and the probate office. These include historical deeds, probate records, genealogical data, and historical court cases. Researchers, historians, and family history enthusiasts often reference these custodians for genealogy studies, historical property research, and archival investigations.
Custodian Reference Table (In-text)
- Register of Deeds → Property, titles, mortgages, liens → Real estate verification, lien searches.
- Clerk of Court → Civil, criminal, family court records → Case review, legal research.
- Sheriff’s Office / Detention Center → Arrests, inmate records, criminal history → Background checks, law enforcement inquiries
- Records Management Services → FOIA requests, permits, county-wide documents → Centralized public record requests
- Archives / Library / Probate → Historical deeds, probate, genealogical records → Research, historical investigations
Each custodian plays a distinct role in Greenville County, and together, they ensure records are organized, maintained, and retrievable. Users benefit from knowing which office holds the records they need, whether for legal matters, property research, or historical studies. LSI and NLP terms relevant to this section include property records, court filings, arrest logs, FOIA requests, genealogical research, historical records, tax liens, civil cases, and inmate records.
Types of Public Records Available in Greenville County
Greenville County maintains a wide range of public records that provide legal, historical, and practical information for residents, professionals, and researchers. These records include property documents, court filings, criminal history, historical archives, and various government files, helping users with real estate research, legal matters, genealogy, and civic planning.
Property & Land Records
Property and land records include deeds, mortgages, plats, liens, title transfers, tax liens, and historical grants, offering a detailed history of ownership and financial encumbrances on real estate. These records are used to verify property ownership, research property history, and perform due diligence for buying or selling property. Deeds date back to 1787, plats to the early 1900s, and mortgages and liens from the early to mid-20th century. While many documents are accessible online, older files may require visits to the Register of Deeds or formal requests.
Court Records
Greenville County court records cover civil, criminal, and family cases, as well as tax liens and judgments, providing information on case filings, dockets, judgments, and case status. Civil cases often have digital images available, while criminal cases usually include index data, with full documents accessible through formal requests. In some cases, such as juvenile or sealed records, access is restricted to protect privacy. These records are commonly used for legal research, case tracking, and due diligence in both professional and personal matters.
Criminal / Public Safety / Inmate Records & Background Checks
Criminal and public safety records maintained by the Sheriff’s Office include arrest records, inmate detention files, and criminal history for convictions. Magistrate Court processes also rely on these materials, with publicly available data limited to basic case information and index searches. Sealed or expunged cases, along with juvenile records, remain confidential. These records are useful for background checks, employment screening, legal verification, and public safety monitoring, offering a reliable source of verified criminal information while protecting sensitive details.
Historical Records, Archives, Probate, Wills & Estate
Greenville County preserves historical documents such as older deeds, land grants, probate files, district court records, and wills, which are valuable for genealogy, historical research, and estate verification. Many historical records are not yet digitized and may require visiting the county archives or submitting formal requests. These archives provide insight into property transfers, family histories, and the county’s development over time, serving as an important resource for researchers and legal professionals.
Government Records, Tax, Permits, Maps & Voter Data
In addition to property and legal documents, Greenville County maintains government records such as meeting minutes, ordinances, tax records, zoning and building permits, GIS maps, voter registration rolls, and tax sale or foreclosure records. These documents support legal research, property development, civic planning, and public accountability. They provide detailed insight into county governance, land use, elections, and taxation, helping residents, developers, and professionals make informed decisions while maintaining transparency in government operations.
How to Submit a FOIA Request in Greenville County
Submitting a FOIA request in Greenville County is simple. Residents can request public records by completing the official form, available in PDF or Word on the county website.
Required Information
Include:
- Your Name & Contact Info
- Description of Records
- Agency/Department (if known)
Submission Options
- Email: publicrecords@greenvillecounty.org
- Mail: County Attorney’s Office, 301 University Ridge, Suite N‑4000, Greenville, SC 29601
- Hand Delivery: County Attorney’s Office or relevant department
Fees & Deposits
Fees may apply for searching, retrieving, or copying records. A 25% deposit of estimated costs may be required before work begins.
Expected Response Times
| Record Type | Estimated Time |
|---|---|
| Recent (last 6 months) | ~10 business days |
| Older records | Several weeks to months |
Costs, Fees, Exemptions & Limitations
Greenville County Public Records come with set fees based on the type of document and the work involved in preparing it. Most charges follow county fee schedules, and some requests may carry deposits or limits based on South Carolina law.
Standard Copy Fees in Greenville County
Basic copy charges remain the same across most county offices. The Clerk of Court and Register of Deeds usually charge about $0.25 per page for printed copies made in the office. This rate applies to many everyday requests, such as civil filings, land records, judgments, and other paper-based documents. Many residents and researchers use these low-cost copies for simple reviews or preliminary checks before requesting certified material.
Large-Format Documents (Plats, Surveys & Maps)
Large documents cost more due to special printers and larger materials. Greenville County ROD often sets about $2.00 per sheet for plats, maps, and oversized property surveys. These documents are widely used by real estate professionals, land surveyors, and property buyers who need to verify boundaries, easements, or subdivision layouts.
Certified, Sealed, or Notarized Records
Certified copies require staff to verify the document and apply an official seal. Most Greenville County departments charge about $10 per certified document. This includes certified deeds, certified marriage record copies, court judgments, and probate files. These copies are often requested for legal filings, banking transactions, and real estate closings where a regular photocopy is not accepted. Certification confirms that the document matches the original record on file.
FOIA-Related Costs (Search, Retrieval & Redaction)
South Carolina FOIA rules allow fees for staff time, retrieval, and review. Greenville County agencies may add charges for searching old files, scanning records, or preparing digital media. Some requests require a 25% deposit before work begins, especially if the request involves many pages or hours of staff review. Redaction work is another factor. Staff remove sensitive details such as Social Security numbers or medical details before releasing a file, and this work adds time-based costs. Larger requests may take several days, depending on the office’s workload.
Exemptions, Sealed Records & Privacy Limits
Not every record in Greenville County is open to public review. Juvenile cases, adoption files, mental health commitments, sealed or expunged cases, and certain law-enforcement documents fall under restricted categories. These records often require a court order or statutory permission before they can be released. Even for open records, certain fields are removed to protect privacy. County offices routinely redact Social Security numbers, bank details, medical notes, full birth dates, and protected victim information. These practices follow state public-records standards and help maintain a balance between transparency and personal privacy.
Fee Snapshot
| Record Type | Typical Fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Standard paper copies | ~$0.25 per page | Clerk of Court and ROD |
| Large plats or maps | ~$2.00 per sheet | Oversized prints |
| Certified documents | ~$10 each | Includes official seal |
| FOIA search & retrieval | Varies | May require 25% deposit |
| Redaction work | Varies | Time-based charge |
Locations & Offices for Greenville County Public Records
For residents seeking Greenville County public records, several local offices handle in-person requests and record management. Each office provides specific types of documents and services, making it easier to obtain accurate SC public records efficiently.
Register of Deeds Office
The Greenville County Register of Deeds maintains property-related documents, including deeds, mortgages, liens, plats, and historical property records. Individuals can submit requests in person or by phone/email for official copies.
- Address: 301 University Ridge, Greenville, SC 29601
- Office Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
- Phone: (864) 467-7200
- Email: register@greenvillecounty.org
This office serves as the primary records custodian for property transactions in Greenville County, SC, and also supports genealogical research with historical property files.
Clerk of Court
The Greenville County Clerk of Court manages civil, criminal, family, and tax lien filings. The office also provides public access terminals for court records and documents.
- Address: 130 S Main Street, Greenville, SC 29601
- Office Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
- Phone: (864) 467-7300
- Email: clerk@greenvillecounty.org
This office facilitates public access for residents seeking case details or official court filings, supporting transparency and local legal research.
Public Safety / Sheriff’s Office Records Division
For inmate information or criminal record requests, the Greenville County Sheriff’s Office Records Division handles law enforcement documents and public safety reports.
- Address: 55 Beattie Place, Greenville, SC 29601
- Office Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Phone: (864) 467-5500
- Email: records@sheriff.greenvillecounty.org
Requests can include arrest records, incident reports, and other criminal records maintained locally.
Historical Records / Archives / Probate Records
Researchers and residents interested in genealogy or historical data can contact the Greenville County Archives and Probate Office, which holds older court and probate records.
- Address: 301 University Ridge, Greenville, SC 29601
- Office Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
- Phone: (864) 467-7120
- Email: archives@greenvillecounty.org
This office allows for in-person review of archived documents including wills, estates, and other historical records.
County-wide FOIA & Records Management Office
For requests that are not available online or at other offices, the FOIA & Records Management Office handles formal SC public records requests.
- Address: 301 University Ridge, Greenville, SC 29601
- Phone: (864) 467-7000
- Email: records@greenvillecounty.org
Residents can submit formal records requests directly, ensuring compliance with state public records laws and policies.
Quick Reference – Greenville County, SC Offices:
- Register of Deeds: 301 University Ridge, (864) 467-7200
- Clerk of Court: 130 S Main Street, (864) 467-7300
- Sheriff Records Division: 55 Beattie Place, (864) 467-5500
- Archives / Probate: 301 University Ridge, (864) 467-7120
- FOIA & Records Management: 301 University Ridge, (864) 467-7000
This structured network of offices ensures Greenville residents can complete public records searches efficiently, whether for legal, property, or research purposes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Finding accurate and up-to-date public records in Greenville County can raise many questions. This section addresses the most common queries about available records, online searches, fees, FOIA requests, and other related topics to help users make informed decisions.
What types of public records are available in Greenville County?
Greenville County maintains a broad range of public records that cover legal, property, and historical information. Residents can access court filings, property deeds, criminal records, tax documents, permits, and more. Property records include deeds, mortgages, plats, and tax assessments, while court records cover civil, criminal, family, probate, and traffic cases. Criminal records provide details about arrests and convictions, and historical archives include genealogical documents, older deeds, and wills. Permits and licenses, such as building permits or business approvals, and tax records, including liens and assessments, are also part of the public records system. Conducting a public records search in Greenville County helps verify official information, supports research, and provides transparency in government operations across South Carolina.
How can I search Greenville County public records online?
Greenville County offers multiple online resources that allow users to perform a public records search efficiently. The Register of Deeds portal provides access to property deeds, mortgages, and land records, while the public index search allows users to explore court filings, civil and criminal cases, and probate records. Additional online databases cover permits, tax records, and licenses, enabling users to search by name, case number, property address, or document type. Using these tools can save time and provide instant access to recent filings without needing to visit county offices. For users who need guidance with manual searches, visiting the relevant offices or consulting official instructions is recommended.
Do I need to pay to access public records in Greenville County?
Accessing most public records in Greenville County may involve a small fee, particularly for printed or certified copies. Standard record fees typically apply for copies of documents, while certified copies are often required for legal purposes and carry additional costs. FOIA requests may include charges depending on the volume of documents and the work required to locate them. Some basic online searches and public indexes are available without cost. Being aware of these fees helps users plan for official requests and ensures a smooth process when obtaining Greenville County Public Records.
What is a FOIA request, and how do I submit one in Greenville County?
A FOIA request is a formal application under the Freedom of Information Act that allows the public to request government records not readily available online. To submit a FOIA request in Greenville County, the requester must identify the office holding the records, complete the official FOIA request form, and provide specific details such as the type of document and relevant dates. Requests can be submitted via email, mail, or in person, and responses are generally provided within the legally defined timeframe, though processing may vary depending on document availability. FOIA requests are particularly useful for older court files, internal reports, or other government documents not publicly posted online.
Are all the records in Greenville County public?
Not all records maintained by Greenville County are open for public access. Certain documents are legally protected due to privacy concerns or safety regulations. Examples include sealed court cases, juvenile records, and sensitive personal information such as social security numbers or medical records. These restrictions ensure compliance with state and federal privacy laws while balancing the public’s right to transparency. Understanding which records are restricted helps individuals focus their public records search on information that is available and legally accessible.