North Charleston Residents Directory
The North Charleston residents directory provides a guide to public records held by city offices and the surrounding county agencies. North Charleston spans parts of both Charleston County and Dorchester County, which means some records are split between two county systems. This page covers how to request city records, where to find court filings, and what resources are open to the public. Use the links and details below to search for the records you need in North Charleston.
North Charleston Quick Facts
North Charleston FOIA Records
North Charleston has an online FOIA portal for public record requests. The North Charleston FOIA page allows you to create an account, submit requests, and track their progress. This system makes it easier to manage your requests and get updates without calling the office.
The Municipal Clerk is Courtnay Fields. Her office is at City Hall, 2500 City Hall Lane, North Charleston, SC 29406. The mailing address is PO Box 190016, North Charleston, SC 29419. You can reach the office by phone at 843-740-2509 or by fax at 843-745-1050. All FOIA requests must be signed by the person making the request. The city has a response time of 10 to 20 business days depending on the size and scope of your request.
Under S.C. Code Ann. Section 30-4-10, the Freedom of Information Act gives the public the right to access records held by government bodies. North Charleston follows this law for all city records. Some records may be exempt, such as active law enforcement files or records protected by other state statutes.
The image below shows the North Charleston FOIA page where residents can submit and manage their record requests.
Staff review each request and will contact you if they need more details to locate the right files.
County Court Records Directory
Because North Charleston sits in both Charleston County and Dorchester County, court records may be filed in either system. Most residents fall under Charleston County for court purposes, but some addresses in the western part of the city are in Dorchester County. Check your address to find out which county handles your records.
The Charleston County Clerk of Court manages civil, criminal, and family court files for the Charleston County side. The Dorchester County Clerk of Court handles the same for residents on that side. Both offices keep records of lawsuits, judgments, and other legal filings.
You can search court records online using the South Carolina Judicial Branch Case Records Search. Pick the right county from the dropdown to find cases tied to North Charleston addresses. The system is free and shows case status, party names, and filing dates.
Note: North Charleston's municipal court handles city-level violations separately from county courts.
North Charleston Record Request Steps
Getting records from North Charleston follows a clear process. Here is what you need to do:
- Go to the North Charleston FOIA page or write a letter to City Hall
- Create an account if using the online portal
- Describe the records you need with as much detail as you can
- Sign your request as required by the city
- Wait 10 to 20 business days for a response
The city may charge fees for copies and staff time. Simple requests for a few pages cost very little. Larger requests that require research or review of many files may cost more. The city will tell you the estimated cost before they fill your request so you can decide how to proceed.
Vital Records for North Charleston
Birth and death certificates are not held at the city level. North Charleston residents get these through the state. The SC DHEC Office of Vital Records manages all birth, death, and marriage records for South Carolina. The fee for a certified birth or death certificate is $12, which includes one copy if the record is found.
Marriage licenses in the North Charleston area go through the county probate court. If your address is in Charleston County, you apply at the Charleston County Probate Court. If you are on the Dorchester County side, you go through that county's probate office. Property records also go through the county rather than the city.
The South Carolina State Records portal is a helpful tool for searching across record types. It covers criminal, court, and vital records statewide. North Charleston residents can use this when they are not sure which office holds the file they want.
Charleston County Residents Directory
Most of North Charleston falls within Charleston County. Court records, property filings, and marriage licenses are handled at the county level. For a full guide to Charleston County records and offices, visit the county residents directory page.
Nearby South Carolina Cities
Other cities in the area have their own residents directory records and resources. Pick a city below to explore records access in that location.