Greenville County Public Records

What Is Public Records in The Greenville County?

Public records in Greenville County refer to documents, files, and information created or maintained by government agencies that are accessible to the public. These records include court documents, property records, vital statistics, tax information, and various other official documents. The South Carolina Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) governs public access to these records, ensuring transparency in government operations.

Greenville County maintains various types of public records through different departments, including the Register of Deeds, Clerk of Court, Tax Assessor's Office, and other county agencies. These records serve as official documentation of government activities, property ownership, legal proceedings, and other matters of public interest.

Is Greenville County an Open Records County?

Yes, Greenville County is an open records county. South Carolina's Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requires that most government records be available to the public. Greenville County complies with this law by providing access to various public records through both in-person requests and online platforms.

The county maintains a commitment to transparency by making many records accessible through their official websites and public terminals at government offices. However, certain records may be exempt from disclosure under state law, particularly those containing sensitive personal information or those related to ongoing investigations.

How Do I Find Public Records in Greenville County in 2025

Finding public records in Greenville County in 2025 can be accomplished through several methods:

1. Online Access: Many records are available through the county's official websites. The Public Index Search portal provides access to court records, while the Register of Deeds offers property records online.

2. In-Person Requests: Visit the appropriate county office to request records in person.

   • Clerk of Court: 301 University Ridge, Suite 1400, Greenville, SC 29601
   • Register of Deeds: 301 University Ridge, Suite 1300, Greenville, SC 29601
   • Tax Assessor's Office: 301 University Ridge, Suite 1000, Greenville, SC 29601

3. Written Requests: Submit a written FOIA request to the specific department that maintains the records you seek.

4. County Public Records Portal: The county maintains a centralized public records portal for various types of records.

5. Third-Party Services: Several commercial services aggregate public records, though these may charge additional fees.

How Much Does It Cost To Get Public Records In Greenville County?

The cost of obtaining public records in Greenville County varies depending on the type of record and the format requested:

• Search Fees: Some departments charge a search fee, typically ranging from $5 to $20.
• Copy Fees: Standard paper copies generally cost $0.25 to $0.50 per page.
• Certified Copies: Documents requiring certification may cost $5 to $15 per document.
• Electronic Records: Digital copies may have reduced fees or, in some cases, may be available for free online.
• Specialized Records: Some specialized records, such as detailed maps or large architectural plans, may have higher fees.

The Greenville County Clerk of Court (301 University Ridge, Suite 1400, Greenville, SC 29601) and other departments can provide specific fee schedules upon request. Under South Carolina FOIA, fees must be reasonable and cannot exceed the actual cost of searching for and making copies of records.

Does Greenville County Have Free Public Records?

Yes, Greenville County does offer some public records for free:

1. Online Access: Many records can be viewed online at no cost through the county's public index and other online portals, though downloading or printing may incur fees.

2. Public Terminals: Free access to certain records is available at public terminals located in county offices such as the Register of Deeds (301 University Ridge, Suite 1300, Greenville, SC 29601).

3. Basic Information: Simple record searches or viewing basic information may be available without charge.

4. Public Meetings: Minutes and agendas from public meetings are typically available at no cost.

However, while viewing some records may be free, obtaining copies (physical or digital) often involves fees to cover the cost of reproduction and staff time.

Who Can Request Public Records In Greenville County?

In Greenville County, public records are generally available to:

1. Any South Carolina resident
2. Non-residents, including:
   • Individuals from other states
   • Media organizations
   • Businesses and corporations
   • Attorneys and legal representatives
   • Researchers and academic institutions
   • Non-profit organizations

South Carolina's FOIA does not restrict access based on citizenship or residency status. The requester's purpose or motivation for seeking records is typically not relevant to their right to access public records, though certain specialized records may have additional requirements.

Requests can be submitted to the Greenville County Administration (301 University Ridge, Suite 2400, Greenville, SC 29601) or the specific department that maintains the desired records.

What Records Are Confidential In Greenville County?

Despite Greenville County's commitment to transparency, certain records remain confidential under state and federal laws:

1. Personal Information: Records containing Social Security numbers, driver's license numbers, financial account information, and other personal identifiers.

2. Medical Records: Health information protected under HIPAA and other privacy laws.

3. Juvenile Records: Most records related to minors, especially juvenile court proceedings.

4. Ongoing Investigations: Records related to active law enforcement investigations or pending criminal cases.

5. Attorney-Client Communications: Legal advice and communications between the county and its attorneys.

6. Personnel Records: Certain employee information, including performance evaluations and disciplinary actions.

7. Trade Secrets: Information that would reveal trade secrets or confidential commercial information.

8. Victim Information: Details that could identify victims of certain crimes, particularly sexual offenses.

The Greenville County Sheriff's Office (4 McGee Street, Greenville, SC 29601) and other law enforcement agencies maintain strict confidentiality for sensitive records.

Lookup Public Records in Greenville County

Public Index Search - Greenville County - Access the public index for Greenville County to search for court cases and legal documents.

County of Greenville, SC - Register of Deeds - Search property records, including deeds and mortgages, in the Greenville County Register of Deeds database.

Record Requests | Greenville, SC - Official Website - Information on requesting records from the Greenville Municipal Court, including available record types and request procedures.

Public Records - Greenville County Court - Access various court records, including civil, criminal, and family court proceedings through the Greenville County Court.

County of Greenville, SC - Public Records - Access public records managed by the Greenville County Department of Public Safety, including background searches and incident reports.