oconee county sc public records overview and how to request

Understanding what you can access

Residents, researchers, and businesses rely on public records to verify ownership, track court activity, or confirm licenses. In Oconee County, South Carolina, many materials are open by law, while some are restricted to protect privacy.

Common record types and offices

You’ll typically find land deeds, plats, mortgages, and liens with the Register of Deeds; civil and criminal case files with the Clerk of Court; probate filings with the Probate Court; and assessments and maps with the Assessor. The Sheriff maintains arrest and incident logs, and some vital records are available through state channels.

• Property and deeds: search by name, parcel, or instrument.
• Court records: case numbers, dockets, and judgments.
• Permits and licenses: local approvals and contractor listings.
• Meeting minutes: agendas, votes, and ordinances.

To request copies, submit a clear FOIA inquiry describing the documents, date ranges, and formats you need. Expect possible fees for search time or certified copies, and allow processing time, especially for older files or records stored off‑site.