South Carolina PUBLIC RECORDS SEARCH

South Carolina State Public Records Search Online

South Carolina gathers information every day through its official transactions. It documents various aspects of government operations and public interactions. These data become public records as defined in the law.

The state also upholds transparency and promotes citizen engagement by providing public access to these records.

Individuals can use these records to verify property ownership, check driving histories, or confirm legal statuses. Businesses often rely on public records for due diligence, background checks, and compliance verification.

By leveraging these records, residents can make informed decisions and hold public entities accountable.

What Records are Public in South Carolina?

Public records in the state refer to documents prepared, retained, and in possession of a public body. These records may include all formats, whether physical or digital.

Public bodies are not required to create records that do not already exist. Additionally, when part of a document is legally exempt from public release, the law mandates that the non-exempt portions must still be disclosed. This nondisclosure often involves redacting or blacking out specific information while releasing the rest of the document.

What is Considered Public Information in South Carolina?

In South Carolina, various information is legally accessible to the public. The types of public information include:

• Public court records
• Public sex offender information
• Public South Carolina divorce records
• Public bankruptcy records
• Public property records

While many records are openly accessible, some are only selectively available to specific people as defined by the law.

South Carolina Public Records Laws

The SC public record laws ensure transparency by giving the public the right to obtain information about governmental activities and decisions. The legislation also outlines procedures for accessing public records and defines the conditions under which certain SC records may be withheld.

What is the South Carolina Public Records Act?

The South Carolina Public Record Act grants the public access to information about the actions and decisions of state officials and agencies.

Under this act, a public record includes any documentary materials such as books, photographs, papers, recordings, tapes, and various data storage forms, irrespective of their physical characteristics.

What is the FOIA in South Carolina?

The federal Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) guarantees public access to governmental records and outlines the purpose, scope, and procedures for obtaining such records.

This act applies to records obtained from federal agencies. While it promotes transparency, the law specifies certain types of records exempt from disclosure. The act mandates that public bodies respond to records requests within 20 working days and prohibits using certain records for commercial purposes.

Who Can Access Public Records in South Carolina?

In South Carolina, anyone may request public records without providing a statement of purpose. However, specific records and information can only be requested by eligible individuals, and some records require consent from the record holder.

South Carolina Public Records Search

Residents can access public records in SC through online and offline methods. They may submit requests through various channels, such as government websites, in-person visits, mail, or phone inquiries.

How To Find South Carolina Public Records Online

Locating public records online in South Carolina involves using several methods and resources. The most reliable and accurate results often come from government-run systems and databases. Below are the platforms specifically designed to provide public access to a wide range of records:

• State and local government websites
• Dedicated online databases
• FOIA (Freedom of Information Act) request portals
• Third-party websites

While third-party sites offer a broader search, they often lack the reliability and thoroughness of government-maintained databases. Additionally, public records obtained through non-official sources may not include the most complete information.

Here's a basic process for requesters to obtain the public records they need online:

• Determine the agency in charge of the public records through a simple online search.
• Check the agency's official e-mail address.
• An alternative option is to fill out the online contact or request form.
• If the online request form is unavailable, attach the scanned request form and send it through the agency's official e-mail.
• Pay the request fee and wait for the copies of the results.

The estimated time to receive the copies of the requested record may vary. Depending on the type of copies requested, South Carolina may issue certified or informational copies. Some state agencies don't send digital formats of records through e-mail, even though the request is made through online channels.

Moreover, certified copies often bear the state's official seal and are printed on specialty paper intended for certified copies.

How To Find South Carolina Public Records Offline

Several options are available for those preferring or requiring offline methods to access public records in SC.

Here's a step-by-step guide to accessing records through in-person visits, mail, or phone requests:

• Identify the type of record needed.
• Locate the custodian agency based on the records and information needed since an agency maintains different records.
• Prepare a written request and complete a downloaded appropriate form.
• Submit the request and form in person or send by mail, including a check or money order for payment.
• Wait at least 15 days from the date of submission for the requested copies.

While more time-consuming, offline methods may be necessary for obtaining certain types of records or certified copies, which are often not available through online portals.

Types of Public Records in South Carolina

Public records in the state encompass a wide range of documents and information maintained by various state and local government agencies. Some of the most commonly accessed public records include:

State of South Carolina Public Court Records

The SC Judicial Department governs the state trial and appellate courts. It also manages and maintains various public court records and documentary materials during judicial proceedings. These records are essential for maintaining transparency in the legal system, and the public, legal professionals, and researchers can access them.

A typical court record may include:

• Case numbers, filing dates, and involved parties
• Final decisions, penalties, and remedies awarded by the court
• Dockets of all the filings, motions, and actions taken in a case
• Written arguments submitted by attorneys during the case
• Hearing transcripts of what was said during court hearings

To obtain South Carolina court records, individuals must first identify the appropriate court. Trial courts include circuit, family, magistrate, municipal, and probate courts. Each court handles specific types of cases, such as criminal cases in circuit courts or family matters in family courts.

Appellate courts refer to the South Carolina Supreme Court and the Court of Appeals. These courts handle appeals from lower courts.

Once the correct court is identified, the next step is to contact the relevant Clerk of Court office, who serves as the record custodian.

South Carolina Public Bankruptcy Records

SC bankruptcy records provide detailed information about individuals or businesses that have filed for bankruptcy. These records are essential for understanding the financial obligations and the relief provided through bankruptcy filings.

The most common bankruptcy filings in South Carolina are Chapter 7 (liquidation of assets) and Chapter 13 (debt repayment plans).

Below are various documents included in SC bankruptcy records:

• Petition for bankruptcy to start the process
• Schedules of assets and liabilities of the debtor's financial situation
• Statement of financial affairs on the debtor's financial history and transactions
• A list of all creditors and their claims
• Final court orders releasing the debtor from specific debts

Requesters can obtain bankruptcy records online using the Public Access to Court Electronic Records (PACER) system. PACER charges a small fee for detailed records, though some information may be available for free.

Another alternative is the Voice Case Information System (VCIS). This free, 24/7 system allows users to access basic but limited bankruptcy case information over the phone.

In-person access is through the Clerk of Court's office, where the bankruptcy case was filed. Requesters must submit a written request and may need to pay a nominal fee for copies of the records.

County Court Records in South Carolina

Access to county-level court records varies by county. Each county maintains records for its jurisdiction, including civil, criminal, probate, and family court cases.

The process for obtaining these records may differ. Some counties offer online portals, while others require in-person or mail requests. Fees and response times can also vary. It is advisable to contact the Clerk of Court in the relevant county for detailed procedures and requirements.

South Carolina Criminal Record s

The State Law Enforcement Division (SLED) maintains criminal records and makes them accessible to the public.

The common details on criminal records are as follows:

• Personal information such as name and birth date
• Aliases used
• Details of a person's arrest, charges, and detention
• Mugshots taken during the booking process
• Documents related to the judicial process, such as indictments and verdicts
• Charges, convictions, and sentences
• Time spent in correctional facilities

Individuals may request a criminal record (often referred to as a "rap sheet") through online portals and in-person and mail requests.

The Citizens Access To Criminal Histories (CATCH) online portal allows for a quick search of criminal records using names. This service requires a $25 fee, payable by credit card, and provides immediate access to the requested information.

Interested parties who prefer to submit a request in person or via mail can use the criminal records check form available from SLED and attach a money order or check for the applicable fee. They can submit the form and payment to the address below:

South Carolina Public Arrest Records

Interested parties must call the county police department to obtain arrest records. However, SC law enforcement may restrict public access and inspection to arrest records under specific conditions defined by laws.

An SC arrest record contains a summary of an offender's encounter with the law enforcement agency. It provides details on the arrest, an indictment, or trial for any crimes an offender committed.

South Carolina Warrant Records

Under the SC Criminal Procedures Section 17-13-160, the Attorney General prescribes the form for warrants, and its office must provide it to all law enforcement agencies.

Often, a judge or magistrate issues a warrant on behalf of the state jurisdictions. The warrant permits enforcement officers to perform certain actions, such as arresting or detaining the offender named in the warrant or searching a property.

Below are the types of warrants in SC:

• Search warrants: Issued to search someone's property due to a probable cause of a crime committed.
• Fugitive warrants: Issued to arrest criminals from another state who fled to SC.
• Felony warrants: Issued to arrest individuals who committed a felony.
• Misdemeanor warrants: Issued to arrest individuals who committed a misdemeanor.
• Parole/Probation warrants: Issued to arrest individuals who fail to follow the terms of parole/probation.
• Bench warrants: Issued to arrest individuals who fail to show up for a hearing or follow court orders.

Generally, the details included in warrants are as follows:

• The offender's description
• The charges against the offender
• The issuing judge's name and signature
• The issuance date of the warrant
• Property name or address in cases of search warrants

South Carolina Vital Records

Vital records in SC are generally public, with restrictions. They include birth, death, marriage, and divorce documents and can be issued as certified or informational copies. Certified copies of vital records are legal documents, whereas informational copies cannot be used for official purposes.

Birth and death records are only accessible to the registrant, immediate family members, or authorized parties. Marriage and divorce records and data are public, but some details have been redacted upon issuance of copies.

The agency currently managing vital records is the SC Department of Public Health (DPH). The online SC Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC), the former vital records custodian, is not being updated anymore but is still available for public service.

In-person, by mail, or online, requests can be made to the Vital Records State Office or offices in different counties. For mail or in-person requests, below is the state office address:

The requester must provide a valid photo ID (government, employer, or school-issued) and any other required documents for identification.

Each request may cost a minimum of $12, and the expedited process is $17. Requesters can check the official fee schedule for updates.

Third-party websites may also provide access to South Carolina vital records. SC has two accredited third-party providers, and requesters should check with the DPH regarding the updated providers.

South Carolina Public Birth Records

SC birth records document the details of births within the state, including the individual's full name, date and place of birth, and parental information. The SC DPH (Department of Public Health) maintains these records.

Birth records are confidential and only become public after 100 years from the date of birth. Until then, access is restricted to eligible individuals below:

• The individual named on the birth certificate (if 18 or older)
• Parents named on the certificate
• Legal guardians or representatives

Eligible individuals may request birth records by sending the birth application form (2595-Eng-DPH) to the state vital records office or county offices and paying the associated fees. Online access through accredited providers is also available.

The DPH holds records from 1915 onward, and some counties may also have older records available for those who meet the eligibility criteria.

For more information on how to obtain birth records that are 100 years old, interested individuals may check with the Department of Archives.

South Carolina Public Death Records

SC death records are official documents that detail an individual's death within the state. They include information such as the deceased's name, date and place of death, and other vital details.

Death records become public 50 years after the date of death. Once public, uncertified copies of these records can be accessed by any member of the public. Before the 50-year period elapses, access to certified death certificates is restricted to:

• Immediate family members (e.g., parents, grandparents, spouse, siblings, children, grandchildren)
• Legal representatives of the deceased or their family
• Individuals with a court order or tangible interest in resolving personal or property rights

Certified copies are issued only to eligible requesters, while non-eligible parties receive a statement confirming the death event, including the date and county of death. Eligible parties may submit a death records application form (2954-Eng-DPH) to the Vital Records office or access the documents online.

South Carolina Public Marriage Records

SC marriage records contain information about marriages that have taken place within the state. These records typically include the names of the married parties, the date and location of the marriage, and the issuing county.

Marriage records are considered public information. However, access to certified copies of marriage certificates is restricted to the parties below:

• The parties named on the marriage record
• The adult children of the married parties
• Legal representatives of either party
• A former or current spouse of either party

Individuals who do not fall within these categories may still receive a statement confirming the date of marriage and the county where it occurred.

Marriage license indexes are available through various online search portals provided by county probate courts. An example is the Greenville County Marriage License Search Portal.

South Carolina Public Divorce Records

SC divorce records contain essential details about a couple's dissolution of marriage. These records include information such as the names of the divorced parties, the date and location of the divorce, and the case number.

However, sensitive details, such as financial settlements, child support arrangements, or cases involving minors, may be excluded from public access. Some records may be sealed, especially cases that involve neglected or abused minors.

Certified copies of divorce reports are available only to:

• The parties named in the divorce record
• The adult children of the divorced parties
• A current or former spouse of either party
• Legal representatives of any of the above parties

Those not belonging to these groups may receive a simple statement confirming the divorce, including the date and county where the divorce occurred.

Requestors must submit a completed application form (0639-Eng-DPH), a government-issued photo ID, and the applicable fees if requested through offline methods. Certified divorce certificates can also be ordered online or over the phone through third-party vendors.

South Carolina Property Records

South Carolina property records provide detailed information about real estate in the state. They are generated by various local entities and maintained by county officials.

Property records are vital for establishing property ownership, verifying property boundaries, and understanding the legal and financial status of a property.

SC property records typically contain:

• Property ownership details
• Legal description of the property's boundaries
• Property size in acres or square footage
• Zoning classification
• Assessments and taxes due
• Deed restrictions
• Liens
• A history of sales, transfers, mortgages, and other changes in ownership or title

Interested parties can obtain property records through online searches for the County Register of Deeds. Mail and in-person requests are also accepted in the county where the property is located.

South Carolina Inmate Records

South Carolina inmate records provide detailed information about individuals incarcerated in the state's correctional facilities. These records include the following details:

• Inmate's full name
• State agency number (SID)
• Incarceration dates
• Convicted offenses
• Expected release dates
• Photos
• Gender

The SC Department of Corrections (DOC) offers an online search tool for inmate records. This system allows members of the public to search for inmates by name or SID.

To obtain these records, requesters can use the DOC inmate search system by entering the inmate's name or SID number. Alternatively, they can submit a written request with the inmate's details to the address below:

South Carolina Traffic Records

South Carolina traffic records, also labeled as driving records, are comprehensive legal documents detailing an individual's driving history. Below are the details a record includes:

• Traffic violation points
• Accident reports
• License suspensions
• Revocation of driving privileges
• Convictions and sentences
• Fines and other penalties

The SC Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) maintains and updates these traffic records. Although these traffic records are public, drivers' privacy is still prioritized as mandated by the Driver Privacy Protection Act (DPPA).

License Plate Lookup in South Carolina

A license plate lookup allows individuals to obtain detailed information about a vehicle by entering its license plate number into a search tool. This search can reveal various data and may include the following details:

• Selected traffic records
• Vehicle history
• Vehicle identification number (VIN)
• Date of last renewal
• Odometer readings
• Vehicle features
• Any associated liens

These details are valuable, especially when purchasing a pre-owned vehicle, as they provide insight into the vehicle's background and condition.

The online license plate lookup is maintained by the Department of Administration although the SC DMV (Department of Motor Vehicles) gathers the details provided on the system. A subscriber account may be required to access the information in the lookup portal, especially for bulk requests and businesses.

What Information is Exempt from the Public Records Act in South Carolina?

In South Carolina, while the FOIA (Freedom of Information Act) promotes transparency, certain types of information are exempt from public access. These exemptions allow public bodies to withhold specific records to protect privacy, confidentiality, and public interest. The following types of information and records are exempt under the SC law:

• Personal information: Social Security numbers and other highly personal data
• Trade secrets: Proprietary business information, including tax standards used by the Department of Revenue (DOR)
• Attorney-client privileged communications: Legal correspondence that would violate confidentiality
• Law enforcement records: Specific police records that, if disclosed, could harm the agency's efforts in an ongoing investigation
• Contract documents: Details of contracts, including property sales, until the contract is finalized
• Industrial development offers: Proposals related to industrial recruitment and economic development until they are accepted and publicly announced.
• Security-related information: Discussions involving security personnel or devices.
• Discussions leading to criminal prosecution: Information that may lead to criminal prosecution

Other Public Records in South Carolina

The public is entitled to all information that may affect them, whether directly or indirectly. Access to these public records allows them to defend themselves and make proactive decisions.

Below are the other public records that interested individuals and businesses may obtain legally by following the prescribed procedures:

• Sex offender information: The state sex offender registry contains information on individuals already convicted of such crimes. It is a free lookup tool available to anyone who wishes to be updated and receives updates from the national repository.
• Business records: All businesses, regardless of whether they are sole proprietors or corporations, must adhere to the governing laws of doing business. Thus, for the public's safety, the state offers a search tool to check legitimate businesses.
• Environmental reports: The state provides an online tool for monitoring environmental data and other reports that the public may want to inspect. Detailed written requests submitted yield accurate results.
• Voter information: This information includes voters' names, sex, and party affiliations. Political parties often request the data from the State Election Commission, which requires payment of fees.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions for further details about public records:

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