charleston county public records: a beginner’s guide to finding what you need

What are public records?

Public records in Charleston County include court filings, deeds, liens, marriage licenses, property maps, and meeting minutes. Many are open under South Carolina’s transparency laws, though some items may be restricted or redacted for privacy. Expect different offices to maintain different sets: the Clerk of Court, Register of Deeds, Probate Court, and other agencies.

Where to search and how

The Clerk of Court hosts civil and criminal case indexes, while the Register of Deeds covers land documents and plats. For wills and estates, check Probate Court. Property details often appear in assessor or GIS tools, and the Sheriff may provide inmate lookups. Many searches are online, but older records might require an in-person visit or a formal request.

Quick tips before you start

• Gather full names, date ranges, addresses, and any case or instrument numbers.
• Use filters and try alternate spellings or initials.
• Verify parcel IDs for property-related queries.
• Note fees for copies; certified copies may require mail or pickup.
• If not online, submit a clear FOIA request and track deadlines.

When in doubt, call the office listed on the Charleston County website; staff can point you to the correct search portal and explain next steps.