Official Government Sources
Charleston Public Records Directory
All links go directly to official Charleston, South Carolina government websites.
About Charleston City Government
The governing body of Charleston, South Carolina, is the Charleston City Council, which consists of 12 elected members. The council is composed of 11 district representatives and one at-large member, all of whom are elected by the citizens of Charleston. Each council member serves a term of four years. The current mayor, John Tecklenburg, also serves as the chair of the council.
For the fiscal year 2023, the approximate annual operating budget for the City of Charleston is $226 million. This budget allocates funds for various city services, including public safety, infrastructure, and community development, reflecting the city's commitment to enhancing the quality of life for its residents.
Charleston City Council holds regular meetings every second and fourth Tuesday of each month at 5:00 PM. These meetings take place at the Charleston City Hall, located at 80 Broad Street, Charleston, SC 29401. The meetings are open to the public, providing an opportunity for residents to engage with their elected officials and stay informed about city governance.
For the fiscal year 2023, the approximate annual operating budget for the City of Charleston is $226 million. This budget allocates funds for various city services, including public safety, infrastructure, and community development, reflecting the city's commitment to enhancing the quality of life for its residents.
Charleston City Council holds regular meetings every second and fourth Tuesday of each month at 5:00 PM. These meetings take place at the Charleston City Hall, located at 80 Broad Street, Charleston, SC 29401. The meetings are open to the public, providing an opportunity for residents to engage with their elected officials and stay informed about city governance.
About Charleston, South Carolina
Charleston, South Carolina, is located in Charleston County and has a current population of approximately 150,227 residents, according to the 2020 U.S. Census. This historic city is renowned for its well-preserved architecture and rich history, making it a popular destination for tourists and locals alike. Notable landmarks include the iconic Battery, a picturesque promenade lined with antebellum mansions, and Fort Sumter National Monument, where the first shots of the Civil War were fired in 1861. The historic district of Charleston is also a significant area, featuring cobblestone streets and vibrant neighborhoods such as the French Quarter and South of Broad.
Economically, Charleston has seen significant growth, with a notable increase in its tourism sector, which contributes over $7 billion annually to the local economy. The city is also home to the Port of Charleston, one of the busiest ports in the United States, facilitating international trade and commerce. In recent years, Charleston has been recognized for its thriving tech industry, with an influx of startups and established companies choosing to set up operations in the region, further bolstering its economic landscape.
Economically, Charleston has seen significant growth, with a notable increase in its tourism sector, which contributes over $7 billion annually to the local economy. The city is also home to the Port of Charleston, one of the busiest ports in the United States, facilitating international trade and commerce. In recent years, Charleston has been recognized for its thriving tech industry, with an influx of startups and established companies choosing to set up operations in the region, further bolstering its economic landscape.
Charleston, South Carolina Public Records & Government Resources
Charleston South Carolina Criminal History Records
South Carolina Law Enforcement Division criminal background check for Charleston.
Charleston South Carolina Archives and Genealogy
South Carolina Department of Archives genealogy for Charleston.
Charleston South Carolina Bankruptcy Court
US Bankruptcy Court District of South Carolina for Charleston.
South Carolina Courts – Charleston Case Search
South Carolina Courts public case search for Charleston.
Charleston South Carolina Vital Records
South Carolina DHEC vital records for Charleston.
Charleston South Carolina Inmate Search
South Carolina Department of Corrections inmate search for Charleston.
Charleston South Carolina Missing Persons
South Carolina SLED missing persons for Charleston.
Charleston South Carolina Most Wanted
South Carolina SLED most wanted for Charleston.
Charleston South Carolina Sex Offender Registry
South Carolina Sex Offender Registry for Charleston.
Charleston South Carolina Census and Vital Statistics
U.S. Census Bureau quick facts, demographics, and population statistics for Charleston.
City of Charleston
Directory of Charleston city records and information. 80 Broad Street Charleston, SC 29401 Phone 843-577-6970
Charleston Police Department
180 Lockwood Blvd. Charleston, SC 29403 Phone (843) 577-7434 Fax 843-579-7518
City of Charleston Recreation Department
Find things to do in the city. 823 Meeting Street Charleston, SC 29403 Phone (843) 724-7327 Fax (843) 720-3943
Charleston Fire Department
46-1/2 Wentworth Street Charleston, SC 29401 Phone (843) 720-1981 Fax (843) 720-3991
Charleston South Carolina Criminal Records Search and Depository
Conduct a background check and get a criminal history report. SLED Records Department P.O. Box 21398, Columbia, S.C. 2
Official Charleston South Carolina Courts
Search criminal cases, divorces and other civil court filings. 1015 SUMTER STREET, SUITE 200 COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA
Center for Missing & Exploited Children
Quick search for missing children, sex offenders, Amber alerts, records and more public information.
Charleston South Carolina Inmate locator
Locate a prisoner held in a South Carolina facility South Carolina Department of Corrections 4444 Broad River Road Colum
Frequently Asked Questions
1
What is the process for someone who is arrested in Charleston, Charleston County, South Carolina to go through the jail and court system?
If you are arrested in the City of Charleston, South Carolina, you will be transported to the Charleston County Jail for booking and processing. During booking, officers will record your personal information, take fingerprints and photographs, and log personal belongings. After booking, you may be held pending arraignment before the Charleston County Court. Under South Carolina law, you have the right to remain silent and the right to an attorney; if you cannot afford legal representation, a public defender will be appointed. Bail may be set at arraignment depending on the charges, your criminal history, and flight risk. Criminal history records are maintained by the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED). The Charleston County Sheriff's Office maintains an online inmate roster at https://www.doc.sc.gov/inmate-info/inmate-search.html where you can look up current detainees.
2
What are the school district and education performance data for City of Charleston, South Carolina?
The Charleston County School District (CCSD) is the largest school district in South Carolina, serving over 50,000 students in the Charleston area. The district has a graduation rate of 81.2%, which is slightly higher than the state average of 79.9%. The district's average SAT score is 1020, which is slightly lower than the state average of 1030. The district's average ACT score is 20.3, which is slightly lower than the state average of 20.7.
3
What are the school district and education performance data for Charleston, Charleston County, South Carolina?
The Charleston County School District (CCSD) is the second largest school district in South Carolina, serving over 50,000 students in 86 schools. The district has a graduation rate of 81.2%, which is higher than the state average of 79.3%. The district's average SAT score is 1020, which is slightly higher than the state average of 1017. The district's average ACT score is 20.7, which is slightly lower than the state average of 21.1.
4
What are the crime statistics for City of Charleston, South Carolina?
According to the Charleston Police Department's 2019 Annual Report, the total number of reported crimes in Charleston, South Carolina was 8,945. Of those, there were 1,845 violent crimes and 7,100 property crimes. The violent crime rate was 5.3 per 1,000 people, and the property crime rate was 42.2 per 1,000 people.
5
What are the crime statistics for Charleston, Charleston County, South Carolina?
According to the FBI's Uniform Crime Reporting Program, the total number of reported crimes in Charleston, Charleston County, South Carolina in 2019 was 8,945. Of those reported crimes, there were 1,845 violent crimes and 7,100 property crimes.
6
What publicly accessible records can be obtained from the City of Charleston South Carolina Library?
The Charleston Public Library in Charleston County, South Carolina provides residents with access to public records and government document resources. Library cardholders can access online databases including genealogy services, historical newspapers, and South Carolina government records. The reference staff can assist with locating court records, property records, and vital records through the library's online catalog and interlibrary loan network. The library maintains materials on how to submit public records requests under the South Carolina Freedom of Information Act, which governs access to government documents in South Carolina. The library also offers access to genealogy resources including the Charleston South Carolina Archives and Genealogy at https://scdah.sc.gov/programs/Pages/genealogy-research.aspx. Contact the Charleston Public Library reference desk at (843) for assistance or to confirm hours and services.
7
What publicly accessible records can be obtained from the Charleston, Charleston County, South Carolina Library?
The Charleston Public Library in Charleston County, South Carolina provides residents with access to public records and government document resources. Library cardholders can access online databases including genealogy services, historical newspapers, and South Carolina government records. The reference staff can assist with locating court records, property records, and vital records through the library's online catalog and interlibrary loan network. The library maintains materials on how to submit public records requests under the South Carolina Freedom of Information Act, which governs access to government documents in South Carolina. The library also offers access to genealogy resources including the Charleston South Carolina Archives and Genealogy at https://scdah.sc.gov/programs/Pages/genealogy-research.aspx. Contact the Charleston Public Library reference desk at (843) for assistance or to confirm hours and services.
8
Where is the City of Charleston, South Carolina Public Library located?
The Charleston, South Carolina Library is located at 68 Calhoun Street, Charleston, SC 29401.
9
Where is the Charleston, Charleston County, South Carolina Public Library located?
The Charleston County Public Library is located at 68 Calhoun Street, Charleston, SC 29401.
10
Where is the nearest fingerprinting office located in City of Charleston, South Carolina?
The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) provides fingerprinting services at their headquarters in Columbia, South Carolina. Additionally, there are several private companies in the Charleston area that provide fingerprinting services. These include:
1. Accurate Biometrics
2. IdentoGO
3. National Background Check
4. National Background Investigations
5. National Background Solutions
6. National Background Solutions of South Carolina
7. National Background Solutions of Charleston
8. National Background Solutions of North Charleston
9. National Background Solutions of Mount Pleasant
10. National Background Solutions of Summerville
1. Accurate Biometrics
2. IdentoGO
3. National Background Check
4. National Background Investigations
5. National Background Solutions
6. National Background Solutions of South Carolina
7. National Background Solutions of Charleston
8. National Background Solutions of North Charleston
9. National Background Solutions of Mount Pleasant
10. National Background Solutions of Summerville
11
Where is the nearest fingerprinting office located in Charleston, Charleston County, South Carolina?
Fingerprinting services for Charleston, South Carolina residents are provided at the Charleston Police Department, which serves Charleston County. Fingerprinting is required for a variety of purposes, including pre-employment background checks, professional licensing (nursing, teaching, law, real estate), volunteer work with children or the elderly, immigration and naturalization applications, firearm purchases, and FBI Identity History Summary requests. To schedule fingerprinting, call the Charleston Police Department at (843) or visit in person. Bring a valid, government-issued photo ID (driver's license or passport) and any required agency forms. Fingerprint cards are typically forwarded to the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) for processing. For statewide fingerprint-based background checks, visit the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) at https://www.sled.sc.gov/criminalbkgrndcheck.aspx.
12
What are the requirements for obtaining vital records from City of Charleston, South Carolina, and what information is provided in the records?
The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) is responsible for issuing vital records for Charleston, South Carolina. To obtain a vital record, you must submit a completed application form, along with the appropriate fee, to the DHEC Vital Records Office.
The vital records available from the DHEC include birth certificates, death certificates, marriage certificates, and divorce decrees. Each record includes the name of the person, date of birth or death, place of birth or death, and other relevant information. The address for the DHEC Vital Records Office is:
South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control
Vital Records Office
2600 Bull Street
Columbia, SC 29201
The vital records available from the DHEC include birth certificates, death certificates, marriage certificates, and divorce decrees. Each record includes the name of the person, date of birth or death, place of birth or death, and other relevant information. The address for the DHEC Vital Records Office is:
South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control
Vital Records Office
2600 Bull Street
Columbia, SC 29201
13
What are the requirements for obtaining vital records from Charleston, Charleston County, South Carolina, and what information is provided in the records?
The procedures to obtain vital records for Charleston, Charleston County, South Carolina are as follows:
1. Visit the Charleston County Vital Records Office in person or by mail.
2. Complete the appropriate application form.
3. Provide a valid photo ID and proof of relationship to the person whose record is being requested.
4. Pay the applicable fee.
The vital records available from the Charleston County Vital Records Office include birth certificates, death certificates, marriage certificates, and divorce decrees.
1. Visit the Charleston County Vital Records Office in person or by mail.
2. Complete the appropriate application form.
3. Provide a valid photo ID and proof of relationship to the person whose record is being requested.
4. Pay the applicable fee.
The vital records available from the Charleston County Vital Records Office include birth certificates, death certificates, marriage certificates, and divorce decrees.
14
About background check
A background check in Charleston, Charleston County, South Carolina typically includes a review of criminal history, driving records, credit history, employment verification, education verification, and sex offender registry status. Employers, landlords, and licensing boards commonly request background checks in South Carolina. Criminal background checks are processed through the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED), which maintains arrest records, convictions, and disposition data for South Carolina residents. The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) provides official criminal history checks at https://www.sled.sc.gov/criminalbkgrndcheck.aspx. Under the South Carolina Freedom of Information Act, individuals have the right to request their own records. Federal background checks are available through the FBI's Identity History Summary program. The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) governs how background check information may be used by employers and landlords.
Nearby Cities in Charleston County, South Carolina
Search public records in neighboring cities within the same county: