Kershaw County Public Records

What Are Public Records in Kershaw County?

Public records in Kershaw County are defined according to the South Carolina Freedom of Information Act (S.C. Code Ann. § 30-4-20(c)), which states that public records include "all books, papers, maps, photographs, cards, tapes, recordings, or other documentary materials regardless of physical form or characteristics prepared, owned, used, in the possession of, or retained by a public body." These records document the transactions and activities of government agencies serving Kershaw County residents.

Kershaw County maintains numerous types of public records, including:

Court Records: Civil, criminal, probate, and family court cases processed through the Kershaw County Clerk of Court
Property Records: Deeds, mortgages, liens, plats, and property assessments
Vital Records: Birth certificates, death certificates, marriage licenses, and divorce decrees
Business Records: Business licenses, permits, and fictitious business name registrations
Tax Records: Property tax information, assessment records, and tax maps
Voting and Election Records: Voter registration data and election results
Meeting Minutes and Agendas: County Council, planning commission, and other board meetings
Budget and Financial Documents: County expenditures, financial reports, and audits
Law Enforcement Records: Incident reports, arrest logs (with legally required redactions)
Land Use and Zoning Records: Planning documents, zoning maps, and building permits

The Kershaw County Register of Deeds maintains property records, while the Kershaw County Clerk of Court maintains court records. Vital records are primarily maintained by the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control.

Kershaw County Register of Deeds
515 Walnut Street, Room 131
Camden, SC 29020
803-425-1500
Kershaw County Register of Deeds

Kershaw County Clerk of Court
1121 Broad Street
Camden, SC 29020
803-425-1500
Kershaw County Clerk of Court

Is Kershaw County an Open Records County?

Kershaw County adheres to the South Carolina Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), codified under S.C. Code Ann. § 30-4-10 et seq., which establishes the public's right to access government records. Under this law, all public records are presumed open for inspection and copying unless specifically exempted by statute.

The South Carolina FOIA explicitly states in § 30-4-15 that "the General Assembly finds that it is vital in a democratic society that public business be performed in an open and public manner so that citizens shall be advised of the performance of public officials and of the decisions that are reached in public activity and in the formulation of public policy."

Kershaw County government operates in compliance with these state transparency requirements. The county maintains a dedicated FOIA request process through which members of the public may request access to county records. Additionally, Kershaw County is subject to South Carolina's open meetings laws, which require that meetings of public bodies be open to the public with proper notice provided.

The county has implemented policies to facilitate public access to records while protecting confidential information as required by law. These policies align with the state's commitment to government transparency and accountability.

How to Find Public Records in Kershaw County in 2026

Members of the public seeking records from Kershaw County may utilize several methods to access information. The county provides multiple pathways for obtaining public records:

Online Access: Many records are available through the county's official website. The Kershaw County Register of Deeds offers online search capabilities for property records. Court records may be accessed through the South Carolina Judicial Branch Public Index.
In-Person Requests: Individuals may visit the appropriate county office during regular business hours to request records:
- For property records: Visit the Register of Deeds office
- For court records: Visit the Clerk of Court office
- For tax records: Visit the County Assessor or Treasurer's office
Written Requests: Submit a formal FOIA request in writing to the specific department that maintains the desired records. Requests should include:
- Requestor's name and contact information
- Specific description of records sought
- Preferred format for receiving records
- Date range of records (if applicable)
Email Requests: Many departments accept FOIA requests via email. The county's FOIA coordinator can be reached through the county administration office.
County Records Portal: Kershaw County provides access to certain public records through its official website, including meeting minutes, ordinances, and financial reports.

For vital records such as birth and death certificates, residents must contact the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control, as these records are maintained at the state level.

Kershaw County Administration
515 Walnut Street
Camden, SC 29020
803-425-1500
Kershaw County Government

How Much Does It Cost to Get Public Records in Kershaw County?

Kershaw County assesses fees for public records in accordance with the South Carolina Freedom of Information Act (S.C. Code Ann. § 30-4-30), which permits agencies to charge reasonable fees for the search, retrieval, and redaction of records, as well as for providing copies.

Current standard fees for public records in Kershaw County include:

Photocopies: $0.25 per page for standard black and white copies
Search and Retrieval: $15.00 per hour after the first hour (first hour is typically free)
Electronic Records: Actual cost of media (USB drive, CD, etc.)
Specialized Documents: Variable fees based on size and format (e.g., maps, plats, large-format documents)

Specific departments may have their own fee schedules:

Register of Deeds: $10.00 for the first page of a recorded document and $1.00 for each additional page
Clerk of Court: $0.50 per page for court documents
Vital Records: $12.00 for each birth, death, marriage, or divorce certificate (state fee)

Payment methods accepted typically include:

Cash (in-person only)
Check or money order
Credit/debit cards (in some departments)

The county may require advance payment if fees are expected to exceed $25.00. Under S.C. Code Ann. § 30-4-30(B), fees may be reduced or waived if the county determines that furnishing the information primarily benefits the general public.

Does Kershaw County Have Free Public Records?

Kershaw County provides free access to certain public records in compliance with South Carolina law. Under the South Carolina Freedom of Information Act, public bodies must allow for free inspection of non-exempt public records during normal business hours.

Records available for free inspection or access include:

County Council Meeting Minutes and Agendas: Available on the Kershaw County website
County Ordinances and Codes: Accessible online through the county's municipal code portal
Property Tax Records: Basic property information can be viewed online through the county's GIS system
Voter Registration Information: Basic voter registration status can be checked through the SC Election Commission
Court Docket Information: Basic case information is viewable through the South Carolina Judicial Branch Public Index

Members of the public may inspect records in person at no cost by visiting the appropriate county office during regular business hours. While inspection is free, fees may apply for copies or extensive searches as outlined in the county's fee schedule.

Kershaw County Voter Registration & Elections
609 Lafayette Avenue
Camden, SC 29020
803-424-4016
Kershaw County Voter Registration & Elections

Who Can Request Public Records in Kershaw County?

Under the South Carolina Freedom of Information Act (S.C. Code Ann. § 30-4-30(a)), "any person has a right to inspect, copy, or receive an electronic transmission of any public record of a public body" subject to the provisions of the law. This broad eligibility means:

Requestors do not need to be residents of Kershaw County or South Carolina
Individuals do not need to provide identification for most record requests
Requestors generally do not need to state a purpose or reason for their request
Non-citizens of the United States may request public records
Organizations, businesses, and media outlets may request records

However, certain restrictions apply to specific record types:

Vital Records: Birth, death, marriage, and divorce certificates are restricted to the person named in the record, immediate family members, legal representatives, or those with a demonstrable legal interest
Criminal History Records: Complete criminal histories may require proper identification and authorization
Medical Records: Protected by HIPAA and generally only available to the individual or their authorized representative
Voter Registration Records: While voter lists are public, certain personal information is protected

For requests involving confidential or restricted records, the county may require verification of identity or legal authorization to ensure proper access. The county is required to respond to all requests within 10 business days under S.C. Code Ann. § 30-4-30(C), either by providing the records, providing a timeline for production, or denying the request with a specific legal basis.

What Records Are Confidential in Kershaw County?

Kershaw County maintains certain records as confidential in accordance with exemptions provided under the South Carolina Freedom of Information Act (S.C. Code Ann. § 30-4-40) and other state and federal laws. These protected records include:

Personal Privacy Information: Social Security numbers, driver's license numbers, personal financial information, and medical information
Juvenile Records: Court records and law enforcement records involving minors
Sealed Court Records: Records sealed by court order, including expunged criminal records
Ongoing Law Enforcement Investigations: Records that would interfere with a pending investigation or prosecution
Attorney-Client Communications: Legal advice and attorney work product
Personnel Records: Employee evaluations, disciplinary actions, and personal information (though certain employment information remains public)
Trade Secrets and Proprietary Information: Confidential business information submitted to government agencies
Security Information: Details about security systems, emergency response plans, and critical infrastructure
Adoption Records: Sealed by state law to protect privacy
Child Protective Services Records: Information about child abuse investigations and proceedings
Certain Tax Information: Individual taxpayer information beyond basic property assessment data
Library Patron Records: Information about materials borrowed by specific individuals

Under S.C. Code Ann. § 30-4-40, these exemptions are discretionary rather than mandatory in many cases, meaning the county may release certain exempt information if disclosure would not constitute an "unreasonable invasion of personal privacy." When records contain both exempt and non-exempt information, the county must redact the confidential portions and release the remainder.

The county applies a balancing test when considering disclosure of potentially exempt information, weighing the public interest in disclosure against privacy interests and potential harm from release.

Kershaw County Recorder's Office: Contact Information and Hours

Kershaw County Register of Deeds
515 Walnut Street, Room 131
Camden, SC 29020
803-425-1500
Kershaw County Register of Deeds

Regular Office Hours:
Monday - Friday: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday and Sunday: Closed
County Holidays: Closed

The Kershaw County Register of Deeds serves as the official custodian of property records for the county. This office maintains and provides access to:

Property deeds and transfers
Mortgages and satisfactions
Liens and releases
Plats and surveys
Military discharge records (DD-214)
Business name registrations (DBA/Fictitious Names)
Power of attorney documents
Right of way agreements

The Register of Deeds provides both in-person and online services for searching and obtaining copies of recorded documents. The office maintains records dating back to the county's formation, with many historical records preserved in their original form.

For research assistance or questions about property records, members of the public may contact the office directly during regular business hours. Staff members are available to assist with locating specific documents, though they cannot provide legal advice regarding the content or interpretation of records.