Start with the South Carolina Judicial Department case search for statewide court records. For criminal background checks, use SLED (State Law Enforcement Division). For property, start with the County Assessor, then the Register of Deeds (or Clerk of Court in some counties) for documents.
SearchSystems.net: the first public-records directory since 1997.
South Carolina Counties — Most Searched
Statewide Databases
Official government databases are listed below, organized by record type.
Search South Carolina by Record Type
How to Search South Carolina Criminal Records
Start with the SC Judicial Department case search for criminal records across all counties. For a formal background check, use SLED at sled.sc.gov. For current state inmates, use the SC DOC inmate search. Charleston, Richland (Columbia), and Greenville counties have the most online access.
How to Search South Carolina Court Records
Use the SC Judicial Department system — Circuit Court handles felonies and civil over $7,500. Magistrate Court handles misdemeanors, civil under $7,500, and preliminary hearings. Municipal Court handles city ordinance violations. Family Court handles domestic relations and juvenile. South Carolina has 46 counties across 16 judicial circuits.
How to Search South Carolina Property Records
Start with the County Assessor for property valuations. Then go to the Register of Deeds (or Clerk of Court in counties without a separate Register) for deeds, mortgages, and liens. For tax bills, go to the County Treasurer.
How to Get South Carolina Vital Records
For birth and death certificates, order from SC DHEC, Division of Vital Records. For marriage licenses, go to the Probate Court. For divorce records, search the Judicial Department case system.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my South Carolina search return no results? ▼
Most searches fail because the wrong office is used. Each record type is maintained by a different department. If one system returns nothing, switch to the office that actually handles that record type.
Is there a single database for all South Carolina records? ▼
No. Each government office in South Carolina runs its own database independently. You need to search the specific office that handles the record type you need.
What is "Mesne Conveyances" in South Carolina? ▼
Some South Carolina counties (including Charleston) use "Register of Mesne Conveyances" instead of "Register of Deeds." It's the same function — recording property documents like deeds, mortgages, and liens. The term dates back to colonial-era legal language.
Does South Carolina have a statewide court search? ▼
Yes. The SC Courts Public Index at publicindex.sccourts.org provides statewide access to Common Pleas (civil) and General Sessions (criminal) court records across all 46 counties.
How do I get a criminal background check in South Carolina? ▼
Go through SLED (South Carolina Law Enforcement Division) at sled.sc.gov. A name-based criminal record check costs $25 and is available online to the general public.
BBB A+ Rated