guilford county public records: what to expect and how to begin

Overview

Guilford County offers a broad range of public records, from property deeds and plats to civil, criminal, and probate files. Most materials are indexed, but availability varies by date and record type, so plan for a mix of online searches and in-person requests.

Where to look

The Register of Deeds maintains land records, marriage and birth certificates, and business filings. Court case files are handled by the Clerk of Superior Court, while property data and tax details are accessible through county assessment tools. For incident reports, check the sheriff’s office. Some older volumes remain only in bound books or microfilm.

Request tips

• Use exact names, parcel numbers, or file numbers to improve matches.
• Expect fees for certified copies and staff time for extensive pulls.
• Redactions may apply to sensitive personal data.
• Turnaround times differ; simple copies can be same-day, archival pulls may take longer.
• Bring ID for vital records; other requests usually don’t require it.

Pro tip: Start with the online index, verify spelling variants, then confirm page references before ordering copies to save time and cost.