Charleston County Recorder of Deeds: Search, Register of Deeds Office, Copies, Fees & Recording Steps
In Charleston County, South Carolina, the office people often search for as the “Recorder of Deeds” is officially the Charleston County Register of Deeds Office. It records land titles, deeds, mortgages, plats, liens, UCC/state/federal tax liens, powers of attorney and other property-related documents.
This guide explains how to search deeds and mortgages, when to use Book/Page versus Name/Date search, why a Parcel ID or TMS search often starts with the Assessor or GIS, how copies work, which office handles property-tax issues, and what to check before recording a deed in Charleston County.
Where Do You Search Charleston County Deeds?
Search Charleston County deeds, mortgages, plats and recorded liens through the Charleston County Register of Deeds. The ROD maintains the official property-record system for recorded instruments. Use the Assessor or GIS first only when you need a TMS/PID, property owner lookup, map information or deed Book/Page reference from a parcel record.
Use the Register of Deeds For
- Deeds and mortgages.
- Book/Page deed lookups.
- Plats and recorded surveys.
- UCC, state and federal tax liens.
- Recorded-document images and copies.
Use the Assessor / GIS For
- Parcel ID / TMS searches.
- Owner name to property-record-card lookup.
- Property address and parcel map.
- Assessment, value and tax-map information.
Use Treasurer / Auditor For
- Tax bill payment questions.
- Real property tax bills.
- Tax installment plan questions.
- Millage and billed-tax calculations.
How to Search Charleston County Deed and Mortgage Records
Charleston County’s ROD system offers several search paths. Choose the one that matches what you already know: a person or business name, recording date, Book/Page, new Book/Page, tracer, lien file number, plat reference or TMS route.
| Search Method | Use It When You Know | What to Enter | Local Tip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Name and Date | Grantor/seller, grantee/buyer, borrower or lender name plus a date range. | Last name / firm name, first name / firm name, begin record date and optional thru date. | For people, use the last name field and add an asterisk after the first name if a middle initial may exist. |
| Book/Page | The recorded deed or mortgage reference from a deed, property card, title search, plat or older document. | Book and Page. The help page notes older examples may need an alpha character before the book number. | If you see 300-001 in older examples, the ROD FAQ explains it may need to be entered like A300-001. |
| Tracer Search | You are looking for satisfactions, assignments, modifications or documents tied back to an original document. | Original Book/Page or tracer details from the earlier recorded document. | Use this when a mortgage appears but the satisfaction, assignment or modification is not found by ordinary deed/mortgage search. |
| Plat Search | Plat book/page, subdivision, area, city plat, McCrady, Gaillard or tax-map reference. | Plat book and page, subdivision/area or the specific plat collection search. | A plat may show a subdivision or block, not a custom drawing of only your lot. |
| Tax Liens / UCC | State lien, federal lien, UCC filing, file year/number or fixture owner. | File year, file number, owner name, firm name or date range. | ROD records liens that are filed; it does not contact credit bureaus or agencies to remove lien information. |
| TMS / PID Route | You know only the parcel number or property address. | Start with GIS, Mapping, Assessor or property-record-card tools to find the deed Book/Page. | The ROD FAQ says Parcel ID numbers are not in the ROD database, so do not begin with ROD if TMS is all you have. |
Why a Charleston County Deed Search May Fail
Charleston County’s ROD help page gives several local indexing details that matter. Use these before concluding that a deed or mortgage was never recorded.
Name Search Problems
- Search last name and first name separately, not as one combined name.
- Add an asterisk after a first name when a middle initial may appear, such as JOHN*.
- For firm names beginning with “The,” search without “The.”
- For older church records, review the ROD’s special church-name indexing notes.
- For federal agency names, review the 2025 straight-across indexing change noted by the ROD.
Record-Type Problems
- Do not use the ROD deed search as a property-tax bill search.
- Do not use a Parcel ID as your only ROD search term.
- Do not assume a mortgage release is listed as a normal deed; look for tracers.
- Do not rely on the alert system as a full title search.
- Do not treat an online copy as a certified copy unless the office certifies it.
How to Record a Deed in Charleston County, South Carolina
Recording places a document into the public record; it does not make a bad document legally correct. The ROD can record eligible documents that meet recording requirements, but it cannot draft a deed, give legal advice or tell you which deed type to use.
Confirm the Property Is in Charleston County
Check the property address, TMS/PID, assessor record or GIS map. If the land is outside Charleston County, use that county’s recording office instead.
Prepare the Correct Legal Instrument
Choose the correct instrument type before going to the ROD: warranty deed, quitclaim deed, deed of distribution, mortgage, satisfaction, power of attorney, plat, lien or another recordable document. If you are transferring ownership, removing a person from title, handling an estate, or correcting a prior deed, use a South Carolina real-estate attorney.
Check Signature, Witness and Acknowledgment Requirements
Charleston County’s official fee materials list document-specific requirements, and many South Carolina real-estate instruments require proper signatures, two witnesses and a South Carolina acknowledgment or probate. Review the exact document type before submitting it.
Calculate Recording and Deed Recording Fee Issues
South Carolina’s deed recording fee is imposed when real estate is transferred and is generally calculated at $1.85 per $500, or fraction of $500, of realty value. This is separate from ordinary recording fees and document-specific requirements.
Submit Before the Walk-In Cutoff
The ROD office lists regular office hours as Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., but states that it does not record in-person walk-in documents after 4:30 p.m. Plan extra time for parking, screening, payment and document review.
Save the Book/Page or Recording Reference
After recording, save the Book/Page, new Book/Page, recording date, parties and any receipt. You may need these later for the Assessor, Treasurer, a title company, lender, estate file or future sale.
Charleston County Deed Copies, Recording Fees and Deed Recording Fee
Charleston County publishes a detailed recording-fees PDF because fees depend on document type and required references. Do not rely on a single “deed fee” number without checking the official fee sheet and the South Carolina deed recording fee rules.
| Item | What the User Should Know | Where to Verify |
|---|---|---|
| Regular deed or plat copies | The ROD FAQ says deed copies are 50 cents per page, and plat copies are 50 cents or $1 depending on size. The FAQ also notes that website downloads may be available at no cost. | ROD Help & FAQs. |
| Certified true copies | The ROD provides certified true copies of documents on record, such as mortgages, powers of attorney or plats. Use certified copies when an agency, lender, title company or court specifically asks for certification. | ROD office or fee materials. |
| South Carolina deed recording fee | SCDOR explains that the deed recording fee is $1.85 on realty value of $100 to $500 and $1.85 for each additional $500 increment or fraction. The state portion is $1.30 and county portion is 55 cents. | SCDOR Deed Recording Fee page. |
| Document-specific recording fee | Charleston County’s official recording-fees PDF lists fees and requirements by document type, such as assignments, liens, mortgages, plats and other instruments. | ROD Forms & Fees section. |
| Historical or older-record access | Older records may require in-office archival, microfilm or written request handling rather than a normal online image download. | ROD search help and Archival Room. |
Charleston County Property Recording Alert: What It Does and Does Not Do
Charleston County provides a courtesy Property Recording Alert System through the Register of Deeds. It can notify a registered user when a recently recorded document matches the name criteria entered, but it is not a legal title search or fraud-prevention guarantee.
Good Uses
- Monitor your personal name or firm name.
- Watch for a recorded deed, mortgage or lien using your name.
- Get a prompt to review the official document in the ROD records.
- Help heirs or absentee owners notice suspicious activity faster.
Limitations
- It does not replace a title search.
- It does not guarantee every relevant record will be caught.
- It can miss records because of spelling, abbreviation or alias differences.
- It does not prove that a recorded document is fraudulent.
Charleston County Register of Deeds Office Address, Phone and Map
Use the ROD office for deed recording, recorded-document searches, plats, liens, copies, certified copies and ROD alert questions. Use the Assessor, Auditor or Treasurer for assessment values, tax bills, payment and property-tax calculations.
Charleston County Register of Deeds
Official page currently lists: Karen Hollings, Register of Deeds
Location:
O.T. Wallace County Office Building
101 Meeting St., Suite 200
Charleston, SC 29401
Phone: (843) 958-4800
Fax: (843) 958-4803
Office hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.–5 p.m.
Walk-in document cutoff: The office says it does not record in-person walk-in documents after 4:30 p.m.
Open Map ↗Charleston County ROD vs Assessor vs Auditor vs Treasurer
These offices are connected, but they do different jobs. Starting with the right office saves time.
| Need | Best Starting Office | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Copy of deed, mortgage, plat, recorded lien or power of attorney | Register of Deeds | The ROD records and provides access to official recorded property instruments. |
| Find deed Book/Page when you only know address or TMS | Assessor / GIS first, then ROD | ROD says Parcel ID numbers are not in its database, so parcel tools help locate deed references. |
| Property value, reassessment, property record card or assessment issue | Assessor | The Assessor locates, lists and appraises real property and titled mobile homes. |
| Tax bill calculation and bill creation | Auditor | The Auditor calculates millage and creates/mails tax bills. |
| Tax payment, receipt or installment-payment questions | Treasurer | The Treasurer collects tax payments and administers payment processing. |
| Lawsuit, foreclosure case or judgment file | Clerk of Court / court system | Court case files are not the same as recorded land records. |
Official Charleston County Deed Search and Recording Links
Use these official links for live searching, current office information, copies, fees, alerts and recording actions. Each link includes what to do after opening it.
Charleston County Register of Deeds Office
Official office page for address, phone, hours, functions, forms, fees and ROD responsibilities.
- Confirm you are on Charleston County’s official government website.
- Review address, phone, hours and walk-in recording cutoff.
- Use the page navigation for Forms & Fees, archives and search options.
- Do not treat sample forms as legal advice; consult an attorney if execution is unclear.
Deed, Mortgage or Miscellaneous Name/Date Search
Official ROD search for deeds, mortgages and miscellaneous records by party name and date range.
- Select the search type, such as deed grantor, deed grantee, mortgage borrower or mortgage lender.
- Choose Individual, Firms or Both.
- Enter last name or firm name, then first name or firm name when available.
- Enter a beginning record date; add a through date if you need to narrow results.
- Open the matching result and save the Book/Page or new Book/Page reference.
Deed Book and Page Search
Best when you already have a deed or mortgage book/page reference from a property card, prior deed, title search or survey.
- Enter the deed or mortgage book number exactly as the ROD format requires.
- Enter the page number.
- If an older reference fails, review the help note about alpha-leading book formats.
- Open the image if available, then print or save it from the PDF viewer.
ROD Help & FAQs
Official search tips, copy-cost notes, older-record guidance and deed/mortgage troubleshooting.
- Read the name-search tips before retrying a failed search.
- Use the Deeds & Mortgages FAQ for Book/Page and tracer issues.
- Use the Plats FAQ when a plat shows a whole subdivision instead of one lot.
- Use the Liens FAQ when a lien or release issue involves another agency or credit bureau.
Charleston County ROD Property Recording Alert
Free courtesy alert system for recently recorded documents that match registered name criteria.
- Enter last name or firm name and first name if needed.
- Enter your email address.
- Read the legal disclaimer before submitting.
- If an alert looks suspicious, verify the document through official ROD records and consult professional help if needed.
Charleston County ROD Day Book
Live Day Book search showing recently recorded document activity and record-time information.
- Use Begin record date/time and Through record date/time.
- Filter by maker, recipient or instrument type if known.
- Review record date, record time, maker, recipient, instrument type and Book/Page.
- Use the Book/Page in the ROD search system for the full record when available.
SCDOR Deed Recording Fee
Statewide South Carolina page explaining the deed recording fee imposed when real estate is transferred.
- Read the $1.85 per $500 calculation.
- Separate the state portion and county portion if your closing statement requires it.
- Confirm whether your deed type is subject to the fee or an exemption.
- Use the Charleston County ROD fee sheet for ordinary recording fees in addition to deed recording fee questions.
Common Charleston County Deed Search and Recording Mistakes
Mistakes That Waste Time
- Searching ROD by TMS/PID before using GIS or the property record card.
- Assuming “Recorder of Deeds” is the official local office name.
- Missing the 4:30 p.m. walk-in recording cutoff.
- Using a downloaded sample form without legal review.
- Looking for mortgage satisfactions only as ordinary deeds instead of tracers.
- Treating a property recording alert as proof of fraud or clean title.
Better Local Workflow
- Use Assessor/GIS first when you only know address or TMS.
- Save Book/Page, new Book/Page, record date and party names.
- Use Name/Date search when you know grantor or grantee.
- Use Book/Page search when a property card gives a deed reference.
- Check ROD Help before assuming the record is missing.
- Use SCDOR plus ROD fee materials for recording-fee questions.
What Should You Do Next?
| Your Situation | Best Next Step | Office / Tool |
|---|---|---|
| You know the seller or buyer name. | Use the Name/Date deed search and enter the grantor or grantee with a date range. | ROD Name/Date Search |
| You know only the property address or TMS/PID. | Use property record cards, Assessor or GIS to find the deed Book/Page, then return to ROD. | Assessor / GIS → ROD Book/Page Search |
| You need a copy of your deed. | Search the online record first; if needed, contact ROD for regular or certified copy instructions. | ROD Search / ROD Office |
| You are recording a new deed. | Have the deed prepared correctly, verify signatures/witnesses/acknowledgment, check fees, then submit before cutoff. | ROD Forms & Fees / Attorney if needed |
| You think a fraudulent document was recorded. | Use the recording alert as a prompt, obtain the official record, contact ROD, and consult legal or title help. | ROD Alert + ROD Records |
| Your tax bill or value looks wrong. | Do not start with ROD. Contact Auditor, Assessor or Treasurer depending on the problem. | Auditor / Assessor / Treasurer |
Charleston County Recorder of Deeds FAQs
Is the Charleston County Recorder of Deeds the same as the Register of Deeds?
Yes for search-intent purposes. In Charleston County, South Carolina, the official office name is the Register of Deeds Office. Many people search for “Recorder of Deeds,” but the county uses “Register of Deeds.”
Where is the Charleston County Register of Deeds located?
The office is in the O.T. Wallace County Office Building at 101 Meeting St., Suite 200, Charleston, SC 29401. The phone number is (843) 958-4800, and the published hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Can I record a walk-in deed after 4:30 p.m.?
The Register of Deeds office states that it does not record in-person walk-in documents after 4:30 p.m., even though regular office hours continue until 5 p.m. Arrive early enough for document review and payment.
How do I search Charleston County deeds by owner name?
Use the ROD Deed, Mortgage or Miscellaneous Name/Date Search. Choose the correct party type, such as Grantor/Seller or Grantee/Buyer, enter the last name or firm name, use first name when available, and set a begin record date.
Can I search Charleston County ROD records by TMS or Parcel ID?
The ROD FAQ says Parcel ID numbers are not in the ROD database. Use GIS, Mapping or property-record-card tools to find the deed Book/Page from the parcel, then return to the ROD site and search by Book/Page.
How far back do Charleston County online deed records go?
ROD search help displays current index and image ranges. The deed/mortgage index and tracer data are listed from 1978 forward, while image availability varies by book/date range. Older records may require the Archival Room, microfilm, microfiche or a written request.
How much does a deed copy cost in Charleston County?
The ROD FAQ says deed copies cost 50 cents per page, and plat copies cost 50 cents or $1 depending on size. The FAQ also notes that copies can sometimes be downloaded from the website at no cost. Certified copies may have separate official handling.
What is the South Carolina deed recording fee?
SCDOR explains that the deed recording fee is $1.85 on realty value of $100 to $500 and $1.85 for each additional $500 increment or fraction. The state portion is $1.30 and the county portion is 55 cents. This is separate from ordinary document recording fees.
Can the Register of Deeds prepare my deed?
No. Charleston County states that its forms are examples and that the office does not assist in or provide advice for executing forms. If you are unsure how to prepare or execute a deed, seek legal advice.
Does the Property Recording Alert replace a title search?
No. Charleston County’s alert disclaimer says the alert system is informational only and does not replace a formal title search, public record review or legal advice. It may miss records because name-based matching has limitations.
Independent Educational Guide
This page is an independent informational guide and is not affiliated with Charleston County Government, the Charleston County Register of Deeds Office, the Charleston County Assessor, the Charleston County Auditor, the Charleston County Treasurer, the South Carolina Department of Revenue or any title company.
Recorded documents, deed validity, title quality, deed recording fees, tax calculations, lien priority, fraud claims and property ownership questions are controlled by official records, South Carolina law, county policy and qualified legal/title professionals. This page is not legal, tax, title or financial advice.
Public deed and property-record information should not be used for employment screening, tenant screening, credit eligibility, insurance underwriting or any other regulated consumer-reporting purpose. This website is not a Consumer Reporting Agency.