greene county nc public records overview for first-time searchers

What falls under public records

In North Carolina, most records created or received by local government are presumptively open. In Greene County, that includes materials produced by the county board, courts, law enforcement, tax offices, and land records staff, with limited exemptions for privacy and security.

Where to look

Start by identifying the office that maintains the file you need, then ask for inspection or copies. You do not need to state a reason, but being specific helps staff find the right file faster.

• Register of Deeds: deeds, plats, mortgages, marriage, birth, and death records (certified copies require eligibility).
• Clerk of Superior Court: criminal and civil files, estates, special proceedings.
• Sheriff’s Office: incident reports, arrest logs, jail booking summaries.
• Tax/Assessor: property cards, valuations, appraisal notices.
• Planning/GIS: zoning cases, permits, parcel maps and layers.

Request tips and timelines

Submit a clear request with names, addresses, dates, and case or parcel numbers if known. Basic inspection is usually free; copies may carry per-page fees, and certified copies cost more. Under N.C. Gen. Stat. Chapter 132, agencies must respond promptly, though complex searches can take time and some data may be redacted.