Guilford County Background Check

Guilford County is the third most populous county in North Carolina. Greensboro is the county seat, and High Point is the other major city. With a large population and active court system, Guilford County generates a high volume of criminal records. Background checks here can be done through the sheriff's office, the clerk of court, the county's own court records portal, and state databases. This guide details each option so you can find the records you need. Public access to these records is protected under North Carolina law.

Guilford County Sheriff's Office

The Guilford County Sheriff's Office is one of the largest in the state. It handles law enforcement in unincorporated areas and operates the county jail. The office processes thousands of arrests each year. Arrest records and booking data are public records under Chapter 132.

The image below shows the Guilford County Sheriff's Office website.

The sheriff's office coordinates with Greensboro and High Point police on major cases. Its jurisdiction covers a wide geographic area. Records from the office may include arrest warrants, incident reports, and booking information.

Note: The sheriff's office and municipal police departments maintain separate records. A thorough search should consider both.

Guilford County Court Records Portal

Guilford County offers a dedicated court records portal. This is a resource specific to Guilford County and not available in most other counties.

Visit the Guilford County Court Records page for access.

The portal provides search tools for criminal and civil case information. This can be a faster alternative to visiting the courthouse in person. Results from the portal are generally non-certified.

North Carolina's eCourts system is also being rolled out across the state. As it comes online for more case types, it will add another way to search Guilford County records from a computer or phone. Between the county portal and the eCourts system, Guilford County residents have more digital options than those in most other counties. Still, for certified results, you will need to file Form AOC-CR-314 in person or by mail with the $25 fee.

Guilford County Clerk of Superior Court

The Guilford County Clerk of Superior Court manages the official record of all court proceedings. Criminal filings, civil cases, and special proceedings are all maintained here. The courthouse in Greensboro has self-service terminals where you can run free, non-certified searches of criminal records.

Below is the Guilford County Clerk of Court page on the NC Courts website.

A certified single-county search costs $25. You need Form AOC-CR-314. Given the volume of cases processed in Guilford County, the clerk's office is well-equipped to handle record requests efficiently.

If you go to the Greensboro courthouse in person, arrive early and bring a photo ID. Lines can form at the clerk's window, and the self-service terminals are in the lobby for quick use. You can also send a mail request with the AOC-CR-314 form and a $25 check or money order to the Guilford County Clerk of Superior Court. Include the full name and date of birth. The clerk will mail back the certified results. Allow a few weeks for processing given the high volume of requests Guilford County handles.

Note: Guilford County processes more cases than most counties in the state. Wait times at the courthouse can vary depending on the day.

Register of Deeds and Property Records

The Guilford County Register of Deeds handles property records, vital records, and other official documents. While not part of a criminal background check, these records can help verify personal details such as property ownership and residency history.

The following image shows the Guilford County Register of Deeds website.

Land records, marriage licenses, and birth and death certificates are all filed here. Public access is guaranteed under state law.

Statewide Criminal Background Check Options

The NC SBI background check program extends beyond Guilford County to cover the entire state. The State Bureau of Investigation was established in 1937 and is headquartered in Raleigh. Its CCH database is the central repository for criminal history in North Carolina.

Two search types are available:

• Name-based searches return results quickly but may include false matches
• Fingerprint-based searches use SAFIS to confirm identity with high accuracy
• The SBI processes requests from individuals and authorized agencies
• Chapter 114 of the NC General Statutes governs these searches

The NC Courts background check page is a helpful reference for understanding these options. For a county as large as Guilford, combining local and statewide searches gives the best results.

Guilford County borders Forsyth, Randolph, Alamance, and Rockingham counties. Many people in the Triad region live in one county and work in another. A Guilford County search at the clerk's office only covers local cases. The SBI statewide check picks up records from all other counties in North Carolina. Using both together is the best way to catch everything tied to a person with roots in the greater Greensboro and High Point area.

Free Online Search Tools

The NC Sex Offender Registry lets you search for registered offenders in Greensboro, High Point, or anywhere in North Carolina. The SBI maintains this database and updates it regularly. Given the size of Guilford County, there are more entries here than in smaller counties.

The NC DPS Offender Search shows current and past state prison inmates. Both resources are free and require no registration. They are valuable additions to any Guilford County background check.

Expunctions in Guilford County

Expunction removes certain records from public view. The NC Courts expunction page outlines who qualifies and how to apply. The filing fee is $175. Dismissed charges may qualify for a waiver. After an expunction, the record will not appear in standard searches.

Legal Aid of North Carolina offers free help with the expunction process. Call 1-866-219-5262. Their staff can evaluate your eligibility and assist with the required paperwork. North Carolina has expanded its expunction laws in recent years, making more people eligible than before.