Kershaw County Public Records /Kershaw County Property Records

Kershaw County Property Records

What Is Kershaw County Property Records

Property records in Kershaw County are official documents that establish and track the ownership, transfer, and encumbrances of real property within county boundaries. These records serve as the authoritative documentation of property ownership and interests throughout the jurisdiction. Pursuant to South Carolina Code § 30-5-10, the Register of Deeds is responsible for recording and maintaining these vital documents.

Property records in Kershaw County fulfill several essential functions:

Establish legal ownership through documentation of the chain of title
Provide public notice of property interests and encumbrances
Protect property rights by creating an official record of ownership
Facilitate real estate transactions by providing reliable ownership information
Support property tax assessment and collection

The Kershaw County Register of Deeds maintains the official repository of property records, which dates back to the county's establishment. These records document the complete history of land ownership and transactions within the county, creating an unbroken chain of title for each parcel.

Kershaw County Register of Deeds
515 Walnut Street, Room 118
Camden, SC 29020
803-425-1500
Kershaw County Register of Deeds

Are Property Records Public Information In Kershaw County?

Property records in Kershaw County are public information, accessible to all citizens without restriction. This public access is mandated by both state and federal law. The South Carolina Freedom of Information Act establishes the public's right to access government records, while South Carolina Code § 30-5-30 specifically addresses the public nature of property records.

The legal basis for public access to property records includes:

Property ownership is fundamentally a matter of public record
Recording statutes require public access to provide constructive notice
Transparency in land ownership serves the public interest
Public records support informed decision-making in real estate transactions

Any member of the public may access property records without demonstrating a specific interest in the property or providing a reason for their request. This open access policy reflects the principle that property ownership information should be transparent and available to all citizens.

The South Carolina Public Records Act defines public records as "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." Property records clearly fall within this definition and are therefore subject to public disclosure.

How To Search Property Records in Kershaw County in 2026

Kershaw County offers multiple methods for searching property records. Members of the public may utilize the following procedures to access these documents:

In-Person Search:

Visit the Kershaw County Register of Deeds office during regular business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM)
Complete a records request form at the public service counter
Provide specific information about the property (address, owner name, or parcel number)
Staff will assist in locating the requested records
Review documents on-site or request copies (fees apply)

Online Search:

Navigate to the Kershaw County Register of Deeds website
Access the online records portal
Create a user account if required
Enter search criteria (name, property address, or parcel ID)
Review search results and select desired documents
Download or request certified copies as needed

Mail Request:

Download and complete the records request form from the county website
Include specific information about the requested records
Enclose the appropriate search and copy fees
Mail the request to the Register of Deeds office
Allow 5-10 business days for processing

For complex searches or historical records, county staff recommends scheduling an appointment with the Register of Deeds office. Professional title searchers and attorneys frequently utilize this option when conducting comprehensive title examinations.

How To Find Property Records in Kershaw County Online?

Kershaw County provides comprehensive online access to property records through its digital portal. This system allows users to search and retrieve property information remotely at any time. The online search platform is maintained pursuant to South Carolina Code § 30-6-50, which authorizes electronic recording of documents.

To access property records online, follow these steps:

Visit the Kershaw County Land Records Search Portal
Select the appropriate search type (name, property address, or parcel ID)
Enter the search criteria in the designated fields
Apply any desired filters (date range, document type)
Review the search results list
Select specific documents to view details
Download or print documents as needed (fees may apply)

The online system provides access to:

Deeds and property transfers
Mortgages and satisfaction documents
Liens and encumbrances
Plats and surveys
Easements and rights-of-way

For property tax information and assessment records, users should visit the separate Kershaw County Tax Assessor's Office online portal. This system provides detailed information about property valuations, tax assessments, and payment history.

Kershaw County Tax Assessor's Office
515 Walnut Street, Room 217
Camden, SC 29020
803-425-1500 ext. 5301
Kershaw County Tax Assessor

How To Look Up Kershaw County Property Records for Free?

Kershaw County provides several options for accessing property records without charge. While certain services may involve fees for certified copies or extensive searches, basic property information is available at no cost through the following methods:

Free Online Access:

Visit the Kershaw County public access terminal at the Register of Deeds office
Use the self-service computers to search property records
View documents on-screen at no charge
Print copies for a nominal fee ($0.25 per page)

Public Library Access:

Visit the Camden-Kershaw County Library
Use public computers to access the county's online property records portal
Library staff can provide basic assistance with navigating the system
Print documents for standard library printing fees

Mobile App Access:

Download the Kershaw County property information app (available for iOS and Android)
Create a free user account
Search property records using the mobile interface
View basic property information at no charge
Save searches and create alerts for specific properties

While basic searches are free, users should be aware that certain services do involve fees:

Certified copies: $5 per document
Extensive historical searches: $25 per hour research fee
Bulk data downloads: Fees vary based on volume
Expedited processing: Additional $10 per request

The Kershaw County Register of Deeds maintains a public access terminal specifically for citizens who need to conduct free property record searches. This terminal is available during regular business hours and provides complete access to the county's digital records system.

What's Included in a Kershaw County Property Record?

Kershaw County property records encompass a comprehensive collection of documents related to real property ownership and interests. These records are maintained by multiple county offices, with the Register of Deeds serving as the primary repository for ownership documents. According to South Carolina Code § 30-5-40, specific information must be included in all recorded property documents.

Property records typically include the following information:

Ownership Documents:

Warranty deeds
Quitclaim deeds
Special warranty deeds
Executor's deeds
Tax deeds
Trustee's deeds

Financial Documents:

Mortgages and deeds of trust
Satisfaction of mortgage
Assignments of mortgage
Home equity lines of credit
Construction loans
Refinancing documents

Encumbrances:

Tax liens
Mechanic's liens
Judgment liens
Lis pendens notices
Child support liens
Federal tax liens

Property Description Documents:

Legal descriptions
Plats and surveys
Subdivision maps
Boundary agreements
Lot line adjustments
Condominium declarations

Each property record contains specific information about the property and transaction, including:

Names of all parties (grantor/grantee)
Property legal description
Parcel identification number
Transaction date
Consideration amount (purchase price)
Notary acknowledgment
Recording information (book/page or instrument number)
Tax stamps or transfer tax information

It's important to note that Kershaw County distinguishes between real property (land and permanently attached structures) and personal property (movable assets) in its record-keeping systems. While both types of property are subject to taxation, they are recorded and tracked through separate systems.

How Long Does Kershaw County Keep Property Records?

Kershaw County maintains property records permanently, in accordance with South Carolina Code § 30-1-30, which establishes retention requirements for vital public records. Property records are classified as permanent records due to their ongoing legal and historical significance.

The retention schedule for various property-related documents includes:

Permanent Retention:

Deeds and property transfers
Mortgages and satisfaction documents
Plats and surveys
Easements and rights-of-way
Subdivision maps
Condominium declarations
Restrictive covenants

Long-Term Retention (25+ years):

Building permits
Zoning variances
Conditional use permits
Environmental impact reports
Historical designation documents

Medium-Term Retention (7-15 years):

Property tax payment records
Assessment appeals
Code enforcement actions
Temporary easements
Construction permits

The South Carolina Department of Archives and History provides oversight for county records retention practices through its Local Government Records Management Program. This program establishes minimum retention periods and provides guidance on proper records management practices.

Kershaw County has implemented a comprehensive digital archiving system to ensure the preservation of historical property records. All documents dating back to the county's establishment have been digitized and are accessible through the county's records management system. This digital preservation effort ensures that property records will remain available for future generations, even if the original paper documents deteriorate.

How To Find Liens on Property In Kershaw County?

Liens on property in Kershaw County can be identified through a systematic search of public records. These encumbrances represent legal claims against property that must be satisfied before title can be transferred. Pursuant to South Carolina Code § 29-3-10, all liens must be properly recorded to be enforceable against subsequent purchasers.

To conduct a comprehensive lien search in Kershaw County, follow these steps:

Search the Register of Deeds Records:
- Visit the Kershaw County Register of Deeds office or online portal
- Search by property owner name and property address
- Review all documents recorded against the property
- Pay particular attention to mortgage documents, assignments, and satisfactions
Check Tax Records:
- Contact the Kershaw County Treasurer's Office for property tax information
- Verify that all property taxes are current
- Request a tax certificate showing any outstanding tax liens
Search Judgment Records:
- Visit the Kershaw County Clerk of Court
- Search judgment indexes under the property owner's name
- Review any judgments that may attach to the property
Check Federal Tax Liens:
- Search federal tax lien records at the Register of Deeds
- These liens are filed at the county level but represent federal tax obligations
Review Mechanic's Liens:
- Search for mechanic's liens filed by contractors or material suppliers
- These liens typically expire after a specific period if not enforced

Kershaw County Treasurer's Office
515 Walnut Street, Room 124
Camden, SC 29020
803-425-1500 ext. 3341
Kershaw County Treasurer

Kershaw County Clerk of Court
1121 Broad Street
Camden, SC 29020
803-425-1500 ext. 5100
Kershaw County Clerk of Court

Professional title companies often provide lien search services for a fee. These companies have expertise in identifying all potential encumbrances that might affect property ownership. For complex properties or transactions, engaging a professional title search company may be advisable.

What Is Property Owner Rule In Kershaw County?

The Property Owner Rule in Kershaw County refers to the legal principles governing property ownership, transfer, and recording requirements within the jurisdiction. These rules are established by state statutes and local ordinances and are administered by county officials. The fundamental principles of the Property Owner Rule are codified in South Carolina Code § 27-7-10, which addresses forms of property ownership.

Key elements of the Property Owner Rule include:

Recording Requirements:

All property transfers must be recorded with the Register of Deeds
Documents must meet specific formatting standards
Proper notarization is required for all property documents
Recording creates constructive notice to third parties

Ownership Forms:

Fee simple (complete ownership)
Life estate (ownership for the duration of a person's life)
Joint tenancy with right of survivorship
Tenancy in common
Tenancy by the entirety (for married couples)

Transfer Restrictions:

Property in designated historic districts may have additional transfer requirements
Properties with conservation easements have restricted development rights
Properties in special tax districts may have disclosure requirements
Properties with homeowners association covenants have use restrictions

Tax Considerations:

Property transfers trigger reassessment for tax purposes
Certain transfers between family members may qualify for exemptions
Transfer tax must be paid based on the property's value
Documentary stamps must be affixed to deeds as evidence of tax payment

The Property Owner Rule also encompasses the principle of "first in time, first in right," which establishes priority among competing claims to the same property. This principle underscores the importance of prompt recording of property documents to establish legal priority.

Kershaw County property owners should be aware that failure to comply with recording requirements can result in significant legal complications, including potential loss of ownership rights or priority position. Consulting with a qualified real estate attorney for complex property transactions is advisable to ensure compliance with all aspects of the Property Owner Rule.