Horry County Recorder Of Deeds: Complete 2026 Property Records & Land Title Guide

Navigating the Horry County Recorder of Deeds office is an essential task for real estate professionals, title examiners, legal researchers, and property owners in South Carolina. Situated in the heart of the Grand Strand—including Myrtle Beach, Conway, and North Myrtle Beach—Horry County experiences continuous land development and high-volume real estate transactions. Understanding how to access land records, record property deeds, and navigate the official indexing systems ensures clear title chains and protects legal property ownership.

Understanding the Horry County Land Records Infrastructure

The Horry County Clerk of Court and Comptroller's office manages the recording and preservation of all land-related public documents. Unlike jurisdictions that separate court records from land records into a standalone county recorder's office, South Carolina traditionally groups these functions under the Clerk of Court, while modern digital portals provide direct access to the Horry County Register of Deeds (ROD) database.

Official documents filed within this office establish legal notice of ownership, encumbrances, and interests in real property. Accurate indexing prevents boundary disputes, uncovers hidden liens, and validates property titles before commercial or residential closings.

Core Document Types Recorded in Horry County

• Deeds: Instruments transferring fee simple ownership, quitclaim deeds, personal representative deeds, and survivorship deeds.
• Mortgages and Deeds of Trust: Financial encumbrances securing real estate loans against properties.
• Liens and Judgments: Mechanics' liens, state and federal tax liens, and civil court judgments attached to real property.
• Plats and Surveys: Visual representations of property boundaries, subdivisions, easements, and right-of-way dedications.
• Easements and Restrictions: Covenants, conditions, and restrictions (CC&Rs) governing homeowner associations and land usage.

Step-by-Step Guide to Searching Horry County Property Records Online

Conducting a title search or retrieving historical land documents can be performed efficiently through the official Horry County online public search portal. Whether verifying a property title or investigating historical ownership, following a structured search methodology minimizes errors.

1. Access the Official Portal: Navigate to the Horry County Clerk of Court / Register of Deeds public records search website.
2. Select Search Criteria: Choose your search parameter, such as Grantor/Grantee name, parcel identification number (PIN), book and page number, or recording date range.
3. Input Identifiers: Enter the exact spelling of the individual or corporate entity name. For common names, utilize middle initials or narrow the date parameters.
4. Review Search Results: Examine the index results list, paying close attention to document types, recording timestamps, and book/page references.
5. Inspect Document Images: Open the digital image of the recorded instrument to verify legal descriptions, signatures, and notarizations.
6. Save or Print: Download certified or uncertified copies for your records, keeping in mind that official certified copies may require an in-person visit or mail-in request to the physical office in Conway, South Carolina.

Physical Office Location, Contact Details, and Operational Hours

For transactions requiring physical submission, wet-signature recordings, or certified document authentication, visiting the Horry County government complex is necessary.

• Physical Address: 1301 Second Avenue, Conway, SC 29526
• Mailing Address: P.O. Box 717, Conway, SC 29528
• Office Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM Eastern Time (excluding official Horry County holidays).
• Phone Contact: Main office lines can be reached through the Horry County government directory for specific inquiries regarding fee schedules and recording standards.

In-Person Recording Requirements

Submitting paper documents for recording demands adherence to strict formatting guidelines established by South Carolina statutes and Horry County standards. Documents must feature standard margins, legible black ink, proper witness signatures, and a valid South Carolina notary acknowledgment complete with a stamp or seal. Additionally, an accurate derivation clause must appear within the body of the deed, indicating how the current owner acquired the property.

Comparison of In-Person vs. Online Horry County Deed Research

Choosing between digital remote access and visiting the Conway office depends on the complexity of your title search and whether you need certified physical documentation.

Fee Schedules and Payment Guidelines

Recording fees in Horry County are regulated by South Carolina state law and county ordinances. Fees generally vary based on the type of document and the number of pages being recorded.

• Deed Recording Fees: Calculated based on the consideration or value of the property transferred, alongside state and local recording fees.
• Mortgages and Modifications: Assessed flat recording fees plus per-page charges for documents exceeding standard initial page limits.
• Plats and Maps: Special fee structures apply to large-format subdivision plats, engineering surveys, and engineering drawings.
• Copy Fees: Nominal per-page fees apply for standard photocopies, while certified copies carry an additional statutory authentication fee.

Acceptable payment methods at the physical office typically include cash, cashier's checks, business checks, and major credit cards, though convenience fees may apply to card transactions. Online portals utilize secure credit card processing gateways for digital document purchases.

Expert Strategies for Complex Horry County Title Searches

Professional title examiners and real estate attorneys frequently encounter complex title histories in Horry County due to rapid coastal development and historical land grants. Implementing advanced search techniques prevents costly oversights.

Pro-Tip for Title Examiners: Always cross-reference Grantor/Grantee indices with the Horry County GIS mapping system. Subdivision names frequently change across decades, and matching a current Parcel Identification Number (PIN) to historical master plats ensures you uncover all relevant easements and restrictions affecting the land.

• Check for Bankruptcy and Federal Liens: Real estate titles can be clouded by federal tax liens or bankruptcy proceedings filed in federal court rather than the local county recorder office. Always verify federal court records alongside county deeds.
• Verify Probate Records: If a property transferred via inheritance, the chain of title must include probate filings, estate distributions, or personal representative deeds filed through the Horry County Probate Court.
• Inspect for Active Mechanics' Liens: South Carolina law allows contractors and material suppliers to file mechanics' liens within strict statutory windows following the completion of work. Always check the most recent unindexed filings.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I obtain a copy of my property deed in Horry County?

You can download uncertified copies instantly through the official Horry County Register of Deeds online public search portal or request certified copies directly from the Conway office. You will need the owner's name, property address, or book and page number to locate the file.

What are the recording requirements for a deed in South Carolina?

South Carolina deeds require two subscribing witnesses, a formal notary acknowledgment, a derivation clause, and the grantee's address. Additionally, the appropriate state and county recording fees along with a completed Horry County real estate transfer fee form must accompany the filing.

Can I record property deeds online in Horry County?

Yes, Horry County supports electronic recording (e-recording) services through authorized third-party vendor networks for approved submitters such as title companies, law firms, and lending institutions.

How are recording fees calculated for Horry County deeds?

Recording fees are determined by state-mandated formulas based on the property's sale price or fair market value, combined with county-specific base fees and per-page charges.

What should I do if there is an error on a recorded Horry County deed?

Correcting an error on a recorded deed typically requires executing a corrective deed, a scrivener's affidavit, or seeking a declaratory judgment through the South Carolina circuit court system, depending on the severity of the mistake.

Secure Your Property Rights Today

Navigating land records accurately protects your investment and ensures clear, marketable title ownership. Whether you are finalizing a residential purchase in Myrtle Beach or conducting comprehensive due diligence for commercial development, utilize the Horry County Recorder of Deeds online tools or visit the Conway office to verify your property documents today.