About Berkeley County
Berkeley County is located in the coastal Lowcountry region of South Carolina, positioned between Charleston and the Santee River Delta. Berkeley County Seat is Moncks Corner, which houses Berkeley County's primary administrative offices. Berkeley County includes approximately 1,228 square miles and serves a rapidly growing population of over 230,000 residents as of 2024, making it one of the fastest-growing counties in South Carolina. Berkeley County was established in 1882 from portions of Charleston County and is named after the Lords Proprietors of Carolina.
- Berkeley County Assessor's Office, responsible for property tax assessments, operates from 1003 Highway 52 and provides full property information to the public.
Major landmarks include Lake Moultrie and portions of the Francis Marion National Forest, which provide substantial recreational opportunities. Berkeley County Government Complex is located at 1003 Highway 52, Moncks Corner, SC 29461. Berkeley County Recorder's office, officially known as the Register of Deeds (ROD), maintains land records at the same address and can be contacted through the office’s website. Berkeley County Clerk's office handles court records and vital records filings.
Berkeley County is home to significant industrial operations, including the Boeing South Carolina facility in North Charleston, numerous defense contractors, and a growing logistics sector driven by proximity to the Port of Charleston. Berkeley County's unique position along Interstate 26 and its access to both Charleston and Columbia make it a strategic location for economic development.
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement
Sheriff & Law Enforcement
Berkeley County Sheriff's Office is responsible for law enforcement in the unincorporated areas of Berkeley County. This office is tasked with maintaining public safety through patrols, investigations, and community policing initiatives. The office processes arrests, maintains criminal records, and provides various community services, including crime prevention programs.
Police Departments
In addition to Berkeley County Sheriff's Office, several municipal police departments operate within Berkeley County, including the Goose Creek Police Department, Hanahan Police Department, and Moncks Corner Police Department. These city departments are responsible for law enforcement within their respective jurisdictions, handling local crime, traffic enforcement, and community policing efforts.
Law Enforcement & Arrests
Berkeley County Sheriff's Office, led by Sheriff Duane Lewis, is the primary law enforcement agency for unincorporated areas of Berkeley County. The agency's headquarters is located at 761 S Live Oak Drive, Moncks Corner, SC 29461, and can be contacted through the office’s website. Berkeley County Detention Center operates a searchable inmate roster accessible through the Sheriff's Office website, where the public can look up current inmates by name, booking number, or date of birth.
- The facility also provides booking information including charges, bond amounts, and expected court dates.
- Arrest records in Berkeley County are subject to the South Carolina Freedom of Information Act (SC Code § 30-4-10 et seq.), which requires public agencies to provide access to public records upon request.
- Mugshots and booking photos are generally available through the detention center's online inmate search portal, which displays booking photographs alongside arrest information.
- Processing fees may apply for certified copies of arrest reports.
Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records
Criminal Records
The criminal records ecosystem in Berkeley County includes a range of records, including felony, misdemeanor, traffic violations, and the sex offender registry. Residents can request background checks through the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED), which provides statewide criminal history information.
Arrest Records
Arrest records in Berkeley County are maintained by Berkeley County Sheriff's Office. These records document the details of an individual's arrest, including the charges, date, and location of the arrest. Residents and attorneys can request arrest records by contacting the Sheriff's Office directly, either in person or through written requests. Arrest records typically include the individual's personal information, a description of the alleged offense, and the arresting officer's details.
- The South Carolina Freedom of Information Act governs the accessibility of public records, including arrest records, for public access in law enforcement activities.
Jail & Inmate Records
Berkeley County Detention Center is the primary facility for housing individuals who have been arrested in Berkeley County. The booking process at the detention center involves recording personal information, photographing, and fingerprinting the detainee. Visitation rules at the detention center require visitors to schedule appointments in advance and adhere to specific guidelines regarding conduct and dress code.
- The bond and bail process in South Carolina allows for the release of detainees pending trial, provided that the bail amount set by the court is met.
Mugshots & Booking Photos
Mugshots in Berkeley County are taken and retained by Berkeley County Sheriff's Office as part of the booking process. These booking photos are typically available through the Sheriff's Office website, where the public can search for mugshots of individuals currently or previously detained. While South Carolina does not have specific mugshot removal laws, individuals seeking to have their mugshots removed from online databases may need to pursue legal avenues or contact the hosting website directly.
Courts & Case Records
Berkeley County is served by the South Carolina Ninth Judicial Circuit Court, which handles civil and criminal cases. Berkeley County Judicial Center is located at 223 N Live Oak Drive, Moncks Corner, SC 29461. The Clerk of Court's office, which maintains all court records, can be contacted through the office’s website. The Circuit Court handles felony criminal cases, civil cases exceeding $7,500, and appeals from lower courts. Berkeley County Magistrate Court has jurisdiction over civil cases up to $7,500, misdemeanor criminal cases, landlord-tenant disputes, and preliminary hearings.
- (Freedom of Information Act) and court rules governing public access to judicial records.
- There is no fee for basic online searches, though certified copies require payment.
- In-person requests at the Clerk of Court's office may incur research and copying fees of $0.25 per page for standard copies and $1.00 per page for certified documents.
Multiple magistrate offices operate throughout Berkeley County to serve different communities. Berkeley County Probate Court, located at 223 N Live Oak Drive, handles estates, wills, guardianships, and mental health commitments, with contact for Municipal courts in Moncks Corner, Goose Creek, and Hanahan handle city ordinance violations and traffic tickets within their jurisdictions. Court records are accessible under South Carolina Code § 30-4-10 et seq.
The South Carolina Judicial Department operates the Public Index at publicindex.sccourts.org, where Berkeley County court records can be searched by party name or case number. Online credit card payments are accepted for certain court services.
Property & Public Records
Berkeley County Register of Deeds (ROD) office maintains all land and property records, including deeds, mortgages, liens, plats, easements, and other real property instruments. The office is located at 1003 Highway 52, Moncks Corner, SC 29461, and can be contacted for The ROD office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, excluding county holidays. Berkeley County provides free online access to recorded documents through its public search portal at berkeleycountysc.gov, where users can search by grantor/grantee name, document type, book and page, or plat information.
- Recording fees vary by document type, with standard deeds typically costing $10.00 for the first page and $2.00 for each additional page, though fees are subject to change.
- Certified copies are available for $1.00 per page.
The online database contains digital images of recorded documents dating back multiple decades. Berkeley County Assessor's Office, located at the same address, maintains property tax records and assessment information, reachable for The Assessor's office provides a free online GIS mapping system and property search tool that displays ownership information, assessed values, property characteristics, and tax history. This GIS portal includes aerial photography and detailed parcel mapping.
Berkeley County Auditor's office handles tax billing and can be contacted through the office’s website. All three offices coordinate to provide full property information to the public, title companies, attorneys, and real estate professionals.
Vital Records
Vital records in Berkeley County are handled through multiple agencies depending on the record type and date. Birth and death certificates that occurred in Berkeley County are maintained by the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC), Office of Vital Records, located at 2600 Bull Street, Columbia, SC 29201. However, Berkeley County residents can request certified copies through Berkeley County Probate Court at 223 N Live Oak Drive, Moncks Corner, SC 29461
- The fee for a certified birth or death certificate is $12.00 for the first copy and $3.00 for each additional copy of the same record ordered simultaneously.
- Processing time is typically 7-10 business days for in-person requests and 2-4 weeks for mail requests.
- Online ordering is available through VitalChek at www.vitalchek.com with expedited processing options for an additional fee.
- The marriage license fee is $40.00 if both parties are South Carolina residents, or $80.00 if either party is from out of state.
- Photo identification is required for all in-person requests.
Marriage licenses are issued by Berkeley County Probate Court, which requires both applicants to appear in person with valid photo identification and Social Security numbers. There is a 24-hour waiting period before the license becomes valid. Divorce records (divorce decrees) are maintained by the Clerk of Court at Berkeley County Judicial Center.
South Carolina Code § 44-63-10 et seq. Governs vital records, restricting access to birth and death certificates to qualified applicants including the registrant, immediate family members, legal representatives, or those with a direct and tangible interest.
Business & Licensing
Business licensing and registration in Berkeley County operates through both county and state agencies depending on the business type and location. Berkeley County Building and Planning Department, located at 1003 Highway 52, Moncks Corner, SC 29461, handles certain business licenses and can be contacted through the office’s website. Individual municipalities within Berkeley County, including Moncks Corner, Goose Creek, Hanahan, and Bonneau, issue their own business licenses for operations within city limits.
- Businesses must contact the specific city's business licensing office for requirements and fees, which vary by county and business classification.
- All South Carolina business entities including corporations, LLCs, partnerships, and nonprofit organizations must register with the South Carolina Secretary of State's office.
- The Secretary of State maintains a free online Business Entity Search at businessfilings.sc.gov where users can search for registered businesses, view corporate status, and access filing history.
Fictitious name registrations (DBA - Doing Business As) are filed with Berkeley County Clerk of Court. Professional licenses for occupations such as contractors, real estate agents, and healthcare providers are issued by respective state licensing boards rather than at Berkeley County level. The South Carolina Department of Revenue handles sales tax permits and can be contacted through the office’s website. Building permits, zoning approvals, and land development permits in unincorporated Berkeley County are administered by Berkeley County Building and Planning Department.
The Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce serves the tri-county region including Berkeley County and maintains resources at charlestonchamber.org. Berkeley County Economic Development Department, located, assists businesses with expansion, relocation, and site selection.
Elections & Voter Records
Berkeley County Board of Voter Registration and Elections administers all aspects of elections and voter registration within Berkeley County. The office is located at 1003 Highway 52, Suite 129, Moncks Corner, SC 29461, and can be contacted through the office’s website. The official website at berkeleycountysc.gov/elections provides full election information, sample ballots, and precinct locations.
- Registered voters can find their polling place by visiting scVOTES.gov and entering their name and date of birth, or by calling Berkeley County Elections office directly.
- Absentee ballot applications can be downloaded from Berkeley County elections website or requested by calling.
- Absentee ballots must be requested no later than 5:00 PM the day before the election.
Voter registration in Berkeley County can be completed online through the South Carolina Election Commission's website at scVOTES.gov, in person at the Board of Elections office, or at the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles when obtaining or renewing a driver's license. The registration deadline is 30 days before any election. South Carolina offers same-day registration during the early voting period with proof of residency.
Berkeley County operates approximately 50 polling locations on Election Day, with consolidated precincts serving specific geographic areas. All polling places are ADA-accessible. Public election records available under South Carolina Freedom of Information Act include voter registration lists (excluding Social Security numbers and dates of birth), campaign finance reports filed with the State Ethics Commission, candidate filings, precinct-level election results, and early voting statistics.
Berkeley County reported approximately 62% voter turnout in the 2024 general election, reflecting strong civic engagement consistent with South Carolina's average. The next major election is scheduled for November 3, 2026, featuring U.S. House and Senate midterm elections along with South Carolina state legislative races, constitutional officers, and local county council seats.
Absentee voting in Berkeley County is available for qualified voters who meet specific criteria including being 65 or older, physical disability, authorized absence on Election Day, government employment requiring absence, or certified illness. Early voting (in-person absentee voting) is available at Berkeley County Elections office beginning 30 days before Election Day. Berkeley County maintains transparency through public testing of voting equipment, publication of unofficial results on election night, and availability of official certified results within the statutory deadline.
Economy & Demographics
Berkeley County's economy has experienced dramatic growth and diversification over the past two decades, transitioning from a primarily rural agricultural base to a strong mix of advanced manufacturing, aerospace, logistics, and service industries. Berkeley County's proximity to Charleston and the Port of Charleston positions it as a strategic location for distribution and manufacturing operations.
- Census Bureau estimates, Berkeley County's median household income is approximately $65,000, slightly above the state average.
Major employers include Boeing South Carolina, which operates a significant 787 Dreamliner manufacturing facility employing thousands; Nucor Steel Berkeley, one of the largest steel producers in the Southeast; and Volvo Cars, which operates a major automotive assembly plant. The Robert Bosch Corporation maintains a manufacturing presence, along with numerous defense contractors supporting the Charleston Naval Weapons Station and Joint Base Charleston. According to recent U.S.
Berkeley County's unemployment rate has consistently remained below the state average, hovering around 3-4% in recent years. Key economic sectors include manufacturing (aerospace, automotive, steel), logistics and warehousing, construction, retail trade, and professional services. Berkeley County has invested heavily in infrastructure to support growth, including the expansion of the Volvo Boulevard corridor and improvements to the Bushy Park Industrial Complex.
Tourism contributes through access to Lake Moultrie and the Santee Cooper lakes system, which attracts fishing and outdoor recreation enthusiasts. Economic development initiatives focus on attracting advanced manufacturing, technology companies, and logistics operations, with competitive incentive packages available through Berkeley County's economic development office. The population growth rate exceeds 2% annually, reflecting Berkeley County's economic vitality and quality of life.
Transparency Score
Court Records: Yes: Online | Property: Yes: Free Search | Arrest/Jail: Yes: Online Roster | Vital Records: Limited: In-Person/Mail Required | Business: Yes: State Portal | Elections: Yes: Online | Overall Score: 8.5/10, Berkeley County provides excellent digital access to court records, property data, and inmate information, with strong election transparency and online resources.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Cities & Towns in Berkeley County
Explore public records for 15 cities and communities in Berkeley County, South Carolina.