greenwood county public records access guide and best practices

What these records include

Greenwood County maintains a broad set of public records that document local government actions and private transactions. Depending on the office, you may find case dockets, land deeds, plats, marriage licenses, business filings, permits, budgets, and maps. Some sensitive items are restricted, but indexes are typically open.

• Court and misdemeanor case files
• Property ownership, deeds, mortgages, and liens
• Vital records (often at the state level) and marriage licenses
• Permits, inspections, and code enforcement
• Meeting minutes, ordinances, and fiscal reports
• Incident and accident reports from law enforcement

How to request efficiently

Identify the right custodian: Clerk of Court for cases, Register of Deeds/Recorder for land, and the county clerk or administrator for administrative files. Use precise names, dates, parcel IDs, and case numbers to narrow the search and reduce fees.

1. Confirm the record exists and whether an online index is available.
2. Review fees, certification needs, and delivery options.
3. Submit a clear request citing the open-records statute, if applicable.
4. Track responses and request status updates.

Privacy and timelines

Expect redactions for sealed, juvenile, or medical data. Provide ID for certified copies, allow processing time, and ask for digital copies to lower costs.