Horry County Court Records Search gives residents and legal professionals fast, reliable access to civil, criminal, and family court documents filed in South Carolina’s 15th Judicial Circuit. The Clerk of Court’s office at 2101 Main Street in Conway manages all case filings, docket entries, judgments, and certified copies. Online portals like the Public Index and AcclaimWeb let users search by name, case number, or date to view PDFs, docket histories, and property records. Background checks go through SLED, while third-party sites like UniCourt and US Records offer filtered views with direct links to original county files. This page explains every way to find, view, and request official records—legally, safely, and at no cost for basic searches.
How to Search Horry County Court Records Online
The fastest way to start a Horry County Court Records Search is through the official South Carolina 15th Judicial Circuit Public Index. This free tool shows real-time updates on active and closed cases across Horry County. Users enter a party name, case number, or filing date to pull up complaints, motions, judgments, and appellate briefs. Each result includes metadata like the presiding judge, attorney of record, and final disposition. Full-text PDFs are available for download, and docket histories show every hearing, motion, and ruling in order. The system updates daily, so lawyers, researchers, and self-represented litigants stay current without visiting the courthouse.
Step-by-Step: Using the Public Index
- Go to the official Horry County Online Services page.
- Click “Public Index” under the Judicial section.
- Choose search type: case number, party name, or date range.
- Enter details and click “Search.”
- Review results, click any case to see full docket and documents.
- Download PDFs or request certified copies through the Clerk’s office.
This method works for civil suits, criminal charges, divorces, adoptions, probate matters, and appeals. No login is required, and there’s no fee to view records. High-volume users must follow state data policies, but most individuals and small firms face no limits.
Clerk of Court Services: In-Person and Remote Options
The Horry County Clerk of Court handles all Circuit and Family Court operations from the Government & Justice Center at 2101 Main Street, Conway, SC 29528. Staff assist with filing fees, certified copies, case status updates, and record requests. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with phone support at (843) 915-5370 and fax at (843) 915-6370. Visitors can examine original files, pay fees in cash or card, and get same-day copies for most requests. Certified documents carry the Clerk’s seal and are accepted for legal use nationwide.
What You Can Do at the Clerk’s Office
- Request certified copies of judgments, divorce decrees, or marriage licenses
- File new civil or family law cases
- Check hearing schedules and courtroom assignments
- Obtain jury duty information and summons details
- Submit background check requests via SLED
For remote users, the Clerk’s website offers online payment for filing fees and a secure portal to track case status. Mail-in requests are accepted with a self-addressed stamped envelope and payment. Processing takes 3–5 business days for standard requests and 1–2 days for expedited service.
Property Records, Deeds, and Liens: AcclaimWeb Portal
Horry County property records—including deeds, mortgages, tax liens, and plats—are searchable through the official AcclaimWeb portal. This system holds scanned images dating back to 1801 for deeds, 1996 for mortgages, and 2000 for tax liens. Users search by grantor/grantee name, book and page number, or parsed legal description. Results show recording dates, parcel IDs, and full document images. Title companies, surveyors, and real estate attorneys use bulk export features to download hundreds of records at once.
Key Features of AcclaimWeb
- Free public access with no registration
- Scanned PDFs of original documents
- Search by name, date, or legal description
- Bulk download for professionals
- Links to GIS maps for boundary visualization
The county states that data is provided “as is” and recommends certified copies for legal transactions. For title searches or closing documents, visit the Clerk’s office to get an official, sealed copy.
Third-Party Aggregators: UniCourt and US Records
UniCourt and US Records compile Horry County court filings into user-friendly databases with advanced filters. UniCourt organizes cases by type, judge, outcome, and attorney, with direct links to original PDFs on county servers. US Records covers federal, state, and district courts, updating daily with new dockets, hearings, and judgments. Both platforms are free for basic searches; subscriptions unlock bulk data, alerts, and API access.
Benefits of Using Aggregators
- Clean tables with sortable columns
- Email alerts for new filings
- Mobile-friendly interfaces
- Export to CSV or PDF
- Links back to official sources
These services do not replace official records but help users find cases faster. Always verify critical details with the Clerk’s office before using data in legal proceedings.
Marriage Records: Licenses and Certificates Since 1910
Official marriage records in Horry County include licenses, certificates, and index cards from 1910 to present. Each record lists both spouses’ full names, dates of birth, residence at time of marriage, officiant, and ceremony location. Certified copies are required for name changes, veteran benefits, immigration, and Social Security updates. Requests can be made in person, by mail, or through the county’s verified online portal for digital delivery.
How to Request a Marriage Record
- Visit the Clerk’s office with valid ID
- Fill out the vital records request form
- Pay the certification fee ($12–$20)
- Receive sealed copy in 1–3 business days
Mail requests must include a copy of ID, completed form, payment, and self-addressed envelope. Processing takes 5–7 days. Online requests are fastest, with PDF delivery within 24 hours.
Background Checks and Juror Information
Horry County residents can request statewide background checks through the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED). The SLED website allows instant submissions with fingerprint cards or electronic submissions via approved vendors. Results include criminal history, arrests, and dispositions from all SC counties. The Clerk’s office does not process background checks but provides forms and guidance.
Juror summonses are mailed to registered voters and licensed drivers. Recipients must respond online or by phone within 10 days. The Clerk’s office coordinates jury duty for Circuit and Family Courts, with service typically lasting 1–3 days. Exemptions are available for medical, financial, or hardship reasons.
Common Questions About Horry County Court Records
Many people search for Horry County court records to check criminal history, verify divorce status, or research property ownership. Others need certified copies for legal filings or immigration. The process is straightforward: use the Public Index for free online access, visit the Clerk’s office for certified documents, or use AcclaimWeb for property data. Third-party sites help with bulk searches but should not replace official sources for legal use.
Records are public under South Carolina law, but some files—like juvenile cases or sealed settlements—are restricted. Always confirm accessibility before starting your search. If a case is missing, it may be under seal, recently filed, or stored offsite.
Legal Use and Accuracy of Public Records
All Horry County court records are public unless sealed by a judge. Users may download, print, or share PDFs for personal or professional use. However, only certified copies from the Clerk’s office are valid for court filings, name changes, or government applications. Online records are accurate to the best of the county’s ability, but errors can occur. For legal matters, always obtain a certified copy to avoid delays or rejections.
Third-party sites may have outdated or incomplete data. Always cross-check with the official Public Index or AcclaimWeb. The county does not guarantee accuracy on external platforms.
Accessibility and Language Support
The Clerk of Court’s office provides services in English and Spanish. Large-print forms and assistive technology are available for visitors with disabilities. Online portals are mobile-friendly and work on all devices. For non-English speakers, staff can connect callers with interpreters through the county’s language line.
If you need help navigating the system, call (843) 915-5370 during business hours. Staff can guide you through searches, explain fees, and clarify legal terms.
Fees, Payments, and Processing Times
| Service | Fee | Processing Time |
|---|---|---|
| Certified copy (judgment, divorce, marriage) | $12–$20 | 1–3 business days |
| Document search (in person) | $5 per search | Same day |
| Exemplified copy (for out-of-state use) | $25 | 3–5 business days |
| Expedited service | +50% of base fee | 1 business day |
| Online docket view | Free | Instant |
Payments accepted: cash, check, money order, Visa, MasterCard. Online payments use secure county portals. Refunds are not issued for completed searches.
Data Privacy and Public Access Laws
South Carolina’s Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) guarantees public access to court records. Personal details like Social Security numbers and minor names are redacted before release. Users cannot request sealed or juvenile records without a court order. The Clerk’s office follows strict redaction rules to protect privacy while maintaining transparency.
If you believe your record contains errors, file a correction request with the Clerk. The court will review and update the file if warranted.
Historical Records and Archive Access
Horry County maintains archives dating back to the 1800s. Older deeds, wills, and court minutes are stored in climate-controlled facilities and available by appointment. Researchers can schedule visits through the Clerk’s office. Some records have been digitized and appear in AcclaimWeb or the Public Index. For items not online, staff will retrieve physical files within 48 hours.
Genealogists and historians often use these records to trace family lines or property ownership. Certified copies of historical documents are available for a small fee.
Contact Information and Office Location
Clerk of Court – Horry County
2101 Main Street
Conway, SC 29528
Phone: (843) 915-5370
Fax: (843) 915-6370
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Related Resources and External Links
For background checks: SLED Official Site
For statewide court rules: South Carolina Judicial Department
For federal cases: PACER System
Frequently Asked Questions
People often ask how to start a Horry County Court Records Search, what documents are free, and where to get certified copies. Below are detailed answers to the most common questions, based on official county policies and state law.
How do I find a specific court case in Horry County?
Use the South Carolina 15th Judicial Circuit Public Index. Enter the case number, party name, or filing date. The system shows all matching cases with docket entries, documents, and status. If you don’t have a case number, search by the full name of either party. Results include civil, criminal, family, and probate matters. Click any case to view PDFs of complaints, motions, and judgments. For older cases not online, visit the Clerk’s office or call (843) 915-5370 to request a file search. Staff will retrieve archived records within 48 hours.
Are Horry County court records free to access?
Yes, basic online access is free through the Public Index and AcclaimWeb. You can view dockets, download PDFs, and search by name or date at no cost. However, certified copies carry a fee ($12–$20) because they include the Clerk’s seal and are legally valid for court, immigration, or name changes. In-person document searches cost $5 per request. Third-party sites like UniCourt are free for basic use but charge for bulk data or alerts. Always use official county portals for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
Can I get a certified copy of a divorce decree online?
No, certified copies must be requested in person, by mail, or through the county’s verified online portal. The Clerk’s office issues sealed documents with an official signature and stamp. Online, you can view the divorce judgment for free, but only a certified copy is accepted for legal purposes like remarriage or name changes. Visit 2101 Main Street in Conway with valid ID, or mail a request with payment and a self-addressed envelope. Processing takes 1–3 business days. Expedited service is available for an extra fee.
How far back do Horry County property records go?
Deeds date back to 1801, mortgages to December 1996, tax liens to 2000, and plats to 2007. These are available on AcclaimWeb as scanned PDFs. Older records may be in physical archives and require an in-person visit. The system allows searches by grantor, grantee, book/page, or legal description. Each result shows the recording date, parcel ID, and full document image. For title work or closings, request a certified copy from the Clerk’s office to ensure legal acceptance.
What if I can’t find my case in the Public Index?
The case may be under seal, recently filed, or stored offsite. Juvenile records, sealed settlements, and some protective orders are not public. If your case is missing, call the Clerk’s office at (843) 915-5370. Provide your name, case type, and approximate filing date. Staff will check internal systems and archives. If the case exists but isn’t online, they’ll retrieve it within 48 hours. For federal cases, use PACER. For state appeals, check the South Carolina Judicial Department’s appellate index.
Do I need a lawyer to search court records?
No. Anyone can search Horry County court records for free using the Public Index or AcclaimWeb. No account or legal representation is required. The system is designed for public use by residents, journalists, researchers, and attorneys. If you need help interpreting a docket or understanding legal terms, staff can explain procedures but cannot give legal advice. For complex cases, consider consulting an attorney or using UniCourt’s plain-language summaries.
How do I request a background check in Horry County?
Background checks are processed by SLED, not the Clerk’s office. Go to www.sled.sc.gov and submit a request with fingerprints or use an approved electronic vendor. Results include statewide criminal history, arrests, and dispositions. The process takes 5–10 business days. The Clerk’s office provides forms and guidance but does not handle submissions. For employment or licensing, ask the requesting agency if they accept SLED reports or require additional county verification.