About Greenbrier County
Greenbrier County is located in southeastern West Virginia, covering approximately 1,025 square miles of mountainous Appalachian terrain. Greenbrier County Seat is Lewisburg, a historic town founded in 1782 that is the governmental and commercial center. As of the 2020 Census, Greenbrier County had a population of approximately 32,977 residents. Greenbrier County is renowned for The Greenbrier resort in White Sulphur Springs, a National Historic Landmark that has hosted presidents and international dignitaries since 1778.
Other major municipalities include White Sulphur Springs, Ronceverte, Rainelle, and Alderson. Greenbrier County is home to Greenbrier River, which flows through stunning valleys and is a popular destination for recreation. Greenbrier County's economy historically depended on agriculture, timber, and the resort industry.
Greenbrier County played a significant role during the Civil War, changing hands multiple times between Union and Confederate forces. Key governmental offices include Greenbrier County Clerk located at 912 Court Street North, Lewisburg, WV 24901; Greenbrier County Assessor's Office at the same address; and Greenbrier County Clerk of Deeds, also at the courthouse complex. Greenbrier County is known for its State Fair of West Virginia, held annually in Fairlea, and for its well-preserved historic architecture in Lewisburg's downtown district, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement
Sheriff & Law Enforcement
Greenbrier County Sheriff's Office is responsible for law enforcement in the unincorporated areas of Greenbrier County. It manages Greenbrier County jail, processes arrests, and maintains criminal records. The office also provides court security and serves legal documents.
Police Departments
In addition to Greenbrier County Sheriff's Office, law enforcement in Greenbrier County is supported by municipal police departments, including the Lewisburg Police Department and the White Sulphur Springs Police Department. These agencies have jurisdiction within their respective city limits and work in coordination with the Sheriff's Office on major crimes and regional law enforcement initiatives. They focus on maintaining public safety and enforcing local ordinances.
Law Enforcement & Arrests
Greenbrier County Sheriff's Office, headquartered at 200 North Court Street, Lewisburg, WV 24901, is the primary law enforcement agency for unincorporated areas of Greenbrier County.
- Citizens can request arrest records by submitting written requests to the Sheriff's Office or the specific municipal police department that made the arrest.
- Mugshots and booking photos are typically available through the Regional Jail Authority's online inmate search system, though some older records may require in-person requests.
- Processing times for records requests vary, but agencies must respond within five business days under WVFOIA.
- Fees for copies are established by West Virginia Code §59-1-11, typically $0.50 per page.
For inmate lookup, citizens can visit the West Virginia Regional Jail and Correctional Facility Authority website at www.wvdoc.com or contact the Southern Regional Jail directly for Municipal police departments serve incorporated areas, including the Lewisburg Police Department, White Sulphur Springs Police Department, Ronceverte Police Department, Rainelle Police Department, and Alderson Police Department. Under West Virginia Code §29B-1-1 et seq, the West Virginia Freedom of Information Act (WVFOIA), arrest records are generally considered public information. general inquiries regarding arrest records and detention information.
Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records
Criminal Records
The criminal records system in Greenbrier County includes felony, misdemeanor, traffic offenses, and the sex offender registry. Residents can conduct background checks through the West Virginia State Police, which provides full criminal history reports. The West Virginia State Police offers additional resources for accessing statewide criminal data, aiding Greenbrier residents in obtaining necessary information.
Arrest Records
Arrest records in Greenbrier County are maintained by Greenbrier County Sheriff's Office. These records can be requested by residents and attorneys through formal applications, subject to the provisions of the West Virginia Freedom of Information Act. An arrest record in Greenbrier County typically includes the individual's name, date of arrest, charges, and booking details.
Jail & Inmate Records
Greenbrier County Jail, located in Lewisburg, handles the booking and detention of individuals arrested within Greenbrier County. The facility allows for inmate lookup through its online portal, where the public can search for current detainees. Visitation rules are specific to the facility, requiring visitors to schedule visits in advance and adhere to strict security protocols. The bond process follows West Virginia state guidelines, allowing for cash or surety bonds, and information on recently arrested individuals can be obtained through the Sheriff's Office.
Mugshots & Booking Photos
Mugshots in Greenbrier County are taken and retained by Greenbrier County Sheriff's Office during the booking process. These booking photos can be accessed through the Sheriff's Office website or by request, depending on the case's status and privacy considerations. West Virginia does not have specific mugshot removal laws, but individuals can petition for removal if the charges are dropped or they are acquitted.
Courts & Case Records
Greenbrier County's judicial system is anchored by the Circuit Court of Greenbrier County, located at 912 Court Street North, Lewisburg, WV 24901 The Circuit Court has general jurisdiction over felony criminal cases, civil cases exceeding $300, domestic relations matters including divorce, equity cases, and appeals from lower courts. Greenbrier County Magistrate Court, located at 200 Church Street, Lewisburg, WV 24901, phone, handles misdemeanor cases, preliminary hearings for felonies, civil cases up to $10,000, emergency protective orders, and small claims.
- Fees for certified copies are $1.00 for the first page and $0.50 for each additional page, as established by statute.
- Court records can be accessed in person during regular business hours, Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM, excluding state holidays.
- Online access is free for case lookup, though certified documents require in-person or mail requests with appropriate fees.
The Family Court Division addresses juvenile matters, abuse and neglect cases, and certain domestic issues. West Virginia court records are governed by West Virginia Code §51-2-1 et seq. And are presumptively public unless sealed by court order.
The West Virginia Judiciary offers online case search through https://courtswv.gov/public-resources/court records/case-search, where users can search Circuit and Magistrate Court cases by party name, case number, or attorney. The Circuit Clerk's office maintains records of civil judgments, liens, land records related to court proceedings, and probate matters.
Property & Public Records
Greenbrier County Clerk's Office, serving as Greenbrier County recorder, maintains full land and property records at 912 Court Street North, Lewisburg, WV 24901 The office houses deeds, mortgages, liens, deed of trust documents, right-of-way agreements, easements, UCC financing statements, federal tax liens, plat maps, subdivision plats, and other instruments affecting real property. Under West Virginia Code §59-1-11, land records are public and available for inspection and copying.
- Greenbrier County Clerk's website at www.greenbrierclerk.com provides information about recording fees and procedures.
- Recording fees are established by state statute: deeds cost $36.00 for the first two pages and $10.00 for each additional page.
- The Assessor provides an online GIS mapping system allowing public access to parcel information, property characteristics, and tax assessment data.
- For certified copies of recorded documents, requests must be submitted to the County Clerk with appropriate fees.
Many West Virginia counties have transitioned to online land record databases; Greenbrier County land records can be searched through third-party vendors or by visiting the Clerk's office in person. Greenbrier County Assessor's Office, located at 912 Court Street North, Suite 200, Lewisburg, WV 24901, phone, maintains property tax assessment records, parcel maps, property ownership data, and assessment valuations. Property tax payment information is available through Greenbrier County Sheriff's Tax Office for Citizens can search property ownership, legal descriptions, transfer history, and encumbrances through the Clerk's land records database.
Vital Records
Birth and death certificates for events occurring in Greenbrier County are maintained by the West Virginia Vital Registration Office, part of the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources. Under West Virginia Code §16-5-1 et seq, vital records are confidential with restricted access. Birth certificates are available to the registrant (if of legal age), parents listed on the certificate, legal guardians, and legal representatives. The fee for a certified birth certificate is $12.00 for the first copy and $12.00 for each additional copy ordered simultaneously.
- Death certificates cost $12.00 per certified copy.
- Processing time is typically 4-6 weeks for mail requests.
- Expedited service is available for an additional fee.
- Marriage license fees are $56.00, and couples must apply in person with valid photo identification and Social Security numbers.
- Online ordering for birth and death certificates is available through VitalChek at www.vitalchek.com, with additional service fees.
Applications can be submitted to the West Virginia Vital Registration Office, Room 165, 350 Capitol Street, Charleston, WV 25301 Greenbrier County Clerk's Office at 912 Court Street North, Lewisburg, WV 24901, phone, issues marriage licenses and maintains marriage records for ceremonies performed in Greenbrier County. There is no waiting period in West Virginia, and licenses are valid for 60 days.
Divorce decrees are filed with the Circuit Court Clerk at as part of court proceedings. Applicants must provide valid government-issued photo ID and proof of relationship to the registrant when requesting vital records.
Business & Licensing
Business licensing and registration in Greenbrier County involves multiple agencies depending on the business type and activities. Greenbrier County Clerk's Office at 912 Court Street North, Lewisburg, WV 24901, phone, handles registration of trade names, doing business as (DBA) filings, and fictitious name certificates. The fee for DBA registration is typically $25.00, renewable every five years.
For formal business entity formation including corporations, limited liability companies (LLCs), limited partnerships, and nonprofit organizations, businesses must register with the West Virginia Secretary of State's Business & Licensing Division. The Secretary of State maintains a searchable online database at https://apps.sos.wv.gov/business/corporations where citizens can search registered business entities, view filing status, registered agents, and filing history free of charge. West Virginia does not require general business licenses at the state level, but specific professional and occupational licenses are regulated by state boards and agencies.
Greenbrier County Building Inspector's Office, part of the County Commission, issues building permits for construction, renovation, and demolition projects. Zoning matters are handled by Greenbrier County Planning Commission. Sales tax permits for retail businesses are issued by the West Virginia State Tax Department.
The Greenbrier Valley Chamber of Commerce, located at 111 North Jefferson Street, Lewisburg, WV 24901, phone, website www.greenbrierwv.com, provides resources for business development, networking, and economic information. Food service establishments require health permits from Greenbrier County Health Department at.
Elections & Voter Records
Elections in Greenbrier County are administered by Greenbrier County Clerk, serving as Greenbrier County's chief election official. The Elections Division is located at 912 Court Street North, Lewisburg, WV 24901 Voter registration in West Virginia is available online through the Secretary of State's website at https://ovr.sos.wv.gov/Register/Landing, by mail, or in person at the County Clerk's office. The voter registration deadline is 21 days before any election.
- West Virginia offers same-day registration during the early voting period, allowing eligible citizens to register and vote simultaneously.
- To register, applicants must be U.S.
- In the November 2024 general election, Greenbrier County reported approximately 58% voter turnout among registered voters, consistent with typical West Virginia county participation rates.
- Absentee voting is available to any registered voter; applications can be submitted online through the Secretary of State's website, by mail, or in person at the County Clerk's office.
- The absentee ballot request deadline is six days before Election Day for mail delivery or until the day before Election Day for in-person requests.
Citizens, West Virginia residents, at least 17 years old (18 by the general election), and not currently under conviction of a felony (or have had voting rights restored). Voters can find their polling place by visiting the West Virginia Secretary of State's Voter Registration and Election Information website at https://services.sos.wv.gov/Elections/Voter/FindMyPollingPlace or by contacting the County Clerk. Greenbrier County operates multiple precinct polling locations throughout Greenbrier County, with assignments based on residential address.
Public election records include the official voter registration list (with certain personal information redacted under West Virginia Code §3-2-22), campaign finance reports filed by candidates and committees, candidate filings and declarations, precinct-level election results, and absentee ballot statistics. These records are available through the County Clerk's office and the West Virginia Secretary of State's Elections Division. The next major election is scheduled for November 3, 2026, featuring U.S.
House of Representatives races, possible U.S. Senate contests, and West Virginia state legislative and executive offices. Early voting in West Virginia typically begins 13 days before Election Day and continues through three days before Election Day, conducted at designated early voting locations announced by the County Clerk.
West Virginia Code §3-1-1 et seq. Governs election administration and public access to election records, for public access in the democratic process.
Economy & Demographics
Greenbrier County's economy is diverse, anchored by tourism, hospitality, healthcare, agriculture, and retail sectors. The Greenbrier resort in White Sulphur Springs is Greenbrier County's largest private employer, employing over 1,800 workers in hospitality, culinary, recreation, and management positions. The resort attracts international visitors and generates significant economic impact through tourism spending. Healthcare is another major employment sector, with Greenbrier Valley Medical Center acting as a regional healthcare hub. According to U.S.
- Census Bureau estimates, the median household income in Greenbrier County is approximately $42,000, below the state and national averages.
- Greenbrier County has historically relied on timber and forest products, with several lumber mills and wood processing facilities operating in Greenbrier County.
Agriculture remains important, with cattle farming, poultry production, and hay cultivation being primary agricultural activities. The State Fair of West Virginia, held annually at the State Fairgrounds in Fairlea, generates substantial economic activity and attracts over 100,000 visitors during its multi-day run. Retail and service businesses in Lewisburg and White Sulphur Springs serve both locals and tourist populations.
The unemployment rate in Greenbrier County has generally tracked with West Virginia averages, ranging between 4-6% in recent years, with seasonal fluctuations related to tourism. Economic development efforts focus on using Greenbrier County's natural beauty, recreational opportunities including Greenbrier County River Trail, and historic tourism assets. Greenbrier County Economic Development Corporation works to attract new businesses and support existing enterprises.
Challenges include population decline, limited broadband infrastructure in rural areas, and competition from larger metropolitan areas for workforce attraction.
Transparency Score
Court Records: Yes: Online | Property: Yes: Online (GIS/Search) | Arrest/Jail: Yes: Online (Regional Jail) | Vital Records: Limited: State Office/Mail Required | Business: Yes: Online (State Portal) | Elections: Yes: Online | Overall Score: 8/10, Greenbrier County provides strong digital access to most public records through county and state systems, with vital records requiring state-level requests.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Cities & Towns in Greenbrier County
Explore public records for 20 cities and communities in Greenbrier County, West Virginia.