Kershaw County Public Records Search
Kershaw County public records are maintained by county offices and South Carolina state agencies serving this Midlands county centered in Camden. From court records at the Kershaw County Courthouse to property deeds filed at the Register of Deeds, official documents are available to the public. Many records can be searched online, and others require a written request or an in-person visit. This guide explains where to find Kershaw County public records and how to request them under South Carolina law.
Kershaw County Quick Facts
Kershaw County Court Records
The Kershaw County Clerk of Court is located at the Kershaw County Courthouse in Camden. This office is the official keeper of all court records for Circuit Court, Family Court, and Magistrate Court cases. General Sessions handles criminal matters, including felonies and misdemeanors. Common Pleas handles civil disputes including contract and property cases. Family Court covers divorce, child custody, and support proceedings. Court records date back many decades at the Kershaw County Courthouse.
Free online access to Kershaw County court records is available through the SC Judicial Branch Public Index at publicindex.sccourts.org. You can search by party name or case number. Results include case type, filing date, charges, hearing schedule, and current status. Public access terminals are available at the courthouse for in-person searches. Certified copies of court documents are available from the Clerk of Court for approximately $0.25 per page plus a certification fee.
Note: Juvenile records, sealed cases, and certain Family Court records in Kershaw County are restricted from public access.
Kershaw County Property Records
The Kershaw County Register of Deeds records all real property instruments. This includes deeds, mortgages, liens, plat maps, UCC financing statements, and marriage licenses. The office preserves historical records and makes them available to the public. Certified copies of recorded documents are available in person or by mail. Staff can assist with name and document type searches during regular office hours.
Access Kershaw County property records through the county website at kershawcountysc.org. The Register of Deeds section provides information on search options, recording fees, document requirements, and contact details. E-recording is available for authorized filers. Public search terminals are available at the Register of Deeds office. Property tax records, assessed values, and parcel data are handled by the Kershaw County Tax Assessor, also accessible through the county website.
Deed recordings, mortgage filings, and lien documents are all public records in Kershaw County. Real estate professionals, attorneys, and individuals can search these records to confirm ownership, check for existing liens, or research a property's history. Plat maps and subdivision records are also on file at the Register of Deeds.
Kershaw County Criminal Records
The Kershaw County Sheriff's Office provides law enforcement for the county and operates the detention center. An online inmate roster is available through the Sheriff's section of the county website at kershawcountysc.org. The roster lists current inmates with booking details, charges, and bond information. The Records Division handles incident reports, accident reports, and records requests. Background check inquiries and CCW permit applications are processed at the Sheriff's Office as well.
For certified criminal history checks covering Kershaw County, use SLED CATCH at catch.sled.sc.gov. The system requires a full name and date of birth. Online searches cost $25. Qualified charities pay $8. Mail requests to SLED Records Dept., PO Box 21398, Columbia, SC 29221-1398. Phone: 803-896-1443.
The SLED sex offender registry at sled.sc.gov covers Kershaw County registrants. Search by name or address to locate offenders near you. State prison inmates connected to Kershaw County are searchable at the SC Department of Corrections at doc.sc.gov.
Requesting Kershaw County Public Records
Kershaw County public records requests are governed by the South Carolina Freedom of Information Act, found at Title 30, Chapter 4 of the SC Code. All requests must be submitted in writing to the Kershaw County office that holds the records. You may submit requests by mail, email, or in person. No reason is required for the request.
For records under 24 months old, the agency must respond within 10 business days. For older records, the response window extends to 20 business days. After confirming availability and non-exempt status, the agency must deliver the records within 30 calendar days, or 35 days for records more than 24 months old. Paper copies cost approximately $0.25 per page. Electronic delivery has no transmission fee. An upfront deposit of up to 25% of the estimated total may be required.
Exemptions include active law enforcement investigations, personal home addresses of public employees, juvenile records, attorney-client materials, trade secrets, and medical records. Agencies that arbitrarily deny valid requests face a $500 civil penalty. Non-exempt portions of a partially exempt record must still be provided.
Kershaw County Records Online
Online tools make it easy to search Kershaw County public records from home. The SC Public Index at sccourts.org provides free court record searches for all 46 South Carolina counties. Search Kershaw County Circuit, Family, and Magistrate Court records by name or case number. The C-Track public portal at sccourts.org/c-track-public-access offers additional case details for authorized users.
Business entity filings for Kershaw County companies are available at businessfilings.sc.gov. Historical records are preserved through the SC Department of Archives and History at scdah.sc.gov. Voter information for Kershaw County residents is available at scvotes.gov. SLED at sled.sc.gov handles statewide criminal history and sex offender registry tools.
Cities in Kershaw County
Camden is the county seat of Kershaw County and the main location for county offices. All public records for Kershaw County are maintained at the county level in Camden.
Nearby Counties
Kershaw County is located in the Midlands region of South Carolina. The nearby counties each maintain separate public records offices.