South Carolina Public Records
South Carolina is one of the leading U.S. states that are known to promote freedom of information through provisions that grant the general public the right to access the state’s records.
All records as well as meeting notes of all public bodies and agencies in the state are made public by the South Carolina Freedom of Information Act. The act dictates that all members of the press and citizens are allowed to gain access to these records and to request copies of the same. According to the act, “Public bodies” refer to any agency in South Carolina that expends public funds or that receives public funds. “Public records” are defined as any form of media that is retained by any public body including emails and any other form of electronic media.
Legal exemptions include trade secrets, Social Security Numbers, industrial development offers which have not been accepted yet, police records that may interfere with an ongoing investigation, information that would potentially abuse attorney-client privilege, and tax standards that the Department of Revenue uses. According to the law, only clearly exempt information may be withheld.
South Carolina Criminal Records
The South Carolina Law Enforcement Divisions handle all state background checks. Searching for any criminal record requires the subject’s first initial, lasts name, and date of birth, or a set of fingerprints. While Social Security Number is not required, using it helps in ensuring that there is no false positive. For each record you request, you will be required to pay a fee of $25 and $1 as a convenience fee in case you are requesting the records online. You can search the Sex Offender Registry free of charge.
The general public can only get access to arrest records, jail records and conviction information related to a conviction. Only the law enforcement agencies and the subject of the record can obtain complete criminal records.
Inmate records are accessible through the Ste Department of Corrections website. There is an online “Inmate Search” tool that the South Carolina Department of Correction provides for individuals who are currently incarcerated in any state prison. The search doesn’t include fugitives. This search provides the inmate’s full name, race, sex, SCDC ID, height, weight, and age.
You can only obtain county jail records from the Sheriff’s Office or County Detention Center of every individual county. Many counties either provide a daily list of releases and bookings or an online search tool. These searches give similar information that the state offers.
South Carolina Court Records
You can search case records for any county of South Carolina State online at the website of South Carolina Judicial Department.
South Carolina Vital Records
You can request death certificates, birth certificates, information about deportation, marriage certificates, and divorce reports at the DHEC State Vital Records Office in Columbia in person, or by phone, online, or by email through the VitalCheck service.
- Birth records: The state of South Carolina began to issue birth certificates on January 1, 1915. However, the registers of the Protestant Episcopal Parish began recording births in 1706. The 1853 Registration Act was passed in 1853 and it required those tax collectors in the parishes and districts of the state of South Carolina to state the number of all whites who have been born during the year. The South Carolina Family History Library keeps these exciting records.
- Death records: South Carolina did not require death certificates until January 1, 1915, but there are death records prior to this time. Death records prior to 1915 are available at the South Carolina Family History Library. For death records less than 50 years, you should direct your request to the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control.
- Marriage records: South Carolina made it a requirement for all marriages to be recorded beginning July 1, 1911. Any marriage records issued after October 2009 and before 1950 are available at the probate judge’s office in the respective courthouse where the event took place. Marriage records are maintained at the South Carolina Family History Library and at South Carolina Department of Archives and History.
- Divorce records: Divorce records are accessible from 1962 to 2012. You should contact the county where the record was issued in case you are looking for records that do not fall within 1962-2012. Divorce records are available at the South Carolina Family History Library and at South Carolina Department of Archives and History.
We have highlighted the information you need to obtain any record in North Carolina. We do hope this information helps you.
South Carolina state court system
Understanding how the system of South Carolina state court works is very important as it helps you find court records easily.
South Carolina Courts Overview
To make your work easier, start searching for court records in South Carolina by simply going to courts by county.
The trial court system of South Carolina State consists of Municipal Courts, Magistrate Courts, Probate Courts, Family Courts, and Circuit Courts.
Circuit Courts
South Carolina Circuit Courts have general jurisdiction to handle all types of cases, but usually handle only those cases that other courts have no jurisdiction over. These are divided into the Court of General Sessions division that handle criminal case and the Court of Common Pleas divisions that handle civil cases.
Typical criminal cases that the General Sessions division handles include some misdemeanors and felonies. They may also handle first offense charges connected to domestic violence.
Typical civil cases that Circuit Courts handle include many general civil claims with more than $7,500. Circuit Courts may have Business Court divisions for handling certain complex commercial or business cases. These courts also handle some cases related to domestic violence, including divorce, annulments, and related child support, child custody and alimony cases.
Family Courts
These courts have jurisdiction to handle some mental health cases, most juvenile cases, most protection orders of domestic violence, and most domestic relations. Cases generally handled by these courts include name damages, adoption, guardianship of a minor, termination of parental rights, foster care, domestic abuse protection orders, division of marital property, alimony, child support, child visitation, child custody, annulment, legal separation, and divorce.
Family Courts have limited jurisdiction over child abandonment, child neglect, most cases that involve juvenile suspected to have violated municipal, local or state law, and children beyond the control of their custodian or parent.
Probate Courts
These courts generally handle involuntary commitments, conservatorships, guardianships, and probate matters including trusts and estate. Probate Courts share jurisdiction with Circuit Courts over many types of cases, including cases requesting the approval of settlements of claim with less than $10,000 against or in favor of an incapacitated person or a minor, and cases involving the power of attorney.
Probate Courts also share jurisdiction with Family Courts over some types of cases, including some marital agreements, common-law marriage, and paternity.
Magistrates Courts
These courts have jurisdiction to handle certain types of criminal and civil cases. General criminal cases that these courts handle include preliminary hearings for criminal cases punishable by short terms of incarceration or limited fines and most criminal cases. Typical cases heard by these courts include shoplifting, fraudulent checks, domestic violence, theft involving less than $1000, some cases involving battery, assault or breach of peace, false pretenses, traffic law violations and fish and game law violations.
Civil cases typically handled by these courts include many general civil claims with less than $75000, including damages to personal or real property, contract claims, and forfeitures of fines or penalties.
Municipal Courts
South Carolina Municipal Courts have exclusive jurisdiction to handle certain types of criminal and civil cases. In some towns and cities, Magistrate Courts handle municipal ordinances.
Criminal cases generally heard by these courts include certain criminal offenses, traffic violations and other municipal violations. The Municipal Court in the City of Orangeburg has limited jurisdiction to handle first-offense domestic violence cases.
Municipal Courts cannot handle civil cases. Family Courts share jurisdiction with Municipal Courts to handle watercraft ordinances, and traffic or juvenile violations.
The Official Website of South Carolina County
Columbia :: Welcome to the City of Columbia ::
Charleston Charleston, SC – Official Website The Official Website For The City of Charleston, South Carolina
North Charleston City of North Charleston, SC
Mount Pleasant Mount Pleasant, SC – Official Website
Rock Hill Rock Hill, SC
Greenville Greenville, SC – Official Website Official homepage for the city of Greenville, South Carolina
Summerville Summerville, SC | Official Website
Sumter City of Sumter, SC Official website for the City of Sumter, South Carolina.
Hilton Head Island Town of Hilton Head Island Municipal Government Website The Town of Hilton Head Island Municipal Government Website
Spartanburg City of Spartanburg, South Carolina
Florence City of Florence
Goose Creek Goose Creek
Aiken City of Aiken, SC Government | The official site for the City of Aiken, SC Government
Myrtle Beach Welcome to Myrtle Beach, SC
Anderson City of Anderson SC – Welcome to the City of Anderson!
Greenville County County of Greenville, SC
Richland County Richland County
Charleston County Charleston County Government Welcome to the official website for Charleston County Government. Our Mission is to promote and protect the quality of life in Charleston County by delivering services of value to the community.
Spartanburg County Spartanburg County, SC | Official Website
Horry County Horry County Government
Lexington County County of Lexington
York County York, SC | Official Website
Anderson County Anderson County, S.C.
Berkeley County Berkeley County Government
Aiken County Aiken County Government The Aiken County Government provides many essential and beneficial services to its citizens.
Florence County County of Florence Public website for the County of Florence, South Carolina.
Dorchester County Dorchester County, SC website
Pickens County Pickens County
Sumter County Welcome to Sumter County, SC
Orangeburg County Welcome to Orangeburg County, South Carolina Welcome to Orangeburg County, South Carolina: tax, magistrate, court, police, probate, treasurer, voter registration, public services
Lancaster County Lancaster County, South Carolina Official Website of Lancaster County, South Carolina
Oconee County Oconee County
Greenwood County Greenwood County, SC
Darlington County Welcome to Darlington County, South Carolina
Laurens County Laurens County, South Carolina
Kershaw County Kershaw County, SC Official Kershaw County, South Carolina Government site; includes county officials, government services, community links, and a guide to the community.
Georgetown County Georgetown County South Carolina Government
Chesterfield County Chesterfield County
Colleton County Colleton County, South Carolina
Newberry County Newberry County
Clarendon County Clarendon County Government
Williamsburg County Williamsburg County, SC
Chester County Chester County South Carolina Whether your dream is starting your own business, living in a beautiful rural setting or purchasing an historic home in a town where neighbors still stop and visit as they stroll past, Chester County is the place you have been looking for.
Marion County? Marion County, SC
Dillon County Dillon County
Marlboro County Marlboro County
Edgefield County Edgefield County
Abbeville County Abbeville County, South Carolina
Jasper County Jasper County, SC
Fairfield County Fairfield County, SC
South Carolina Jail Roster
| Type | Name | County | Inmate Locator | Phone Number | Inmate Search |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Federal Prison | Edgefield Federal Correctional Institution | Edgefield County | 501 Gary Hill Road, Edgefield, SC 29824 | (803) 637-1500 | Federal Inmate Locator |
| Federal Prison | Estill Federal Correctional Institution | Hampton County | 100 Prison Road, Estill, SC 29918 | (803) 625-4607 | Federal Inmate Locator |
| Federal Prison | Bennettsville Federal Correctional Institution | Marlboro County | 696 Muckerman Road, Bennettsville, SC 29512 | (843) 454-8200 | Federal Inmate Locator |
| Federal Prison | Williamsburg Federal Correctional Institution | Williamsburg County | 8301 Highway 521, Salters, SC 29590 | (843) 387-9400 | Federal Inmate Locator |
| State Prison | Allendale Correctional Institution | Allendale County | 1057 Revolutionary Trail, Fairfax, SC 29827 | (803) 632-2561 or (803) 734-0653 | Inmate Search |
| State Prison | Perry Correctional Institution | Anderson County | 430 Oaklawn Road, Pelzer, SC 29669 | (864) 243-4700 | Inmate Search |
| State Prison | Turbeville Correctional Institution | Clarendon County | 1578 Clarence Coker Hwy, Turbeville, SC 29162 | (843) 659-4800 or (803) 896-3100 | Inmate Search |
| State Prison | Lieber Correctional Institution | Dorchester County | 136 Wilborn Avenue, Ridgeville, SC 29472 | (843) 875-3332 or (803) 896-3700 | Inmate Search |
| State Prison | MacDougall Correctional Institution | Dorchester County | 1516 Old Gilliard Road, Ridgeville, SC 29472 | (843) 688-5251 or (803) 737-3036 | Inmate Search |
| State Prison | Trenton Correctional Institution | Edgefield County | 84 Greenhouse Road, Trenton, SC 29847 | (803) 896-3000 or (803) 278-0010 | Inmate Search |
| State Prison | Catawba Pre-Release Center | Fairfield County | 1030 Milling Road, Rock Hill, SC 29730 | (803) 324-5361 or (803) 734-9946 | Inmate Search |
| State Prison | Palmer Pre-Release Center | Florence County | 2012 Pisgah Road, Florence, SC 29501 | (843) 661-4770 or (803) 734-9487 | Inmate Search |
| State Prison | Leath Correctional Institution | Greenwood County | 2809 Airport Road, Greenwood, SC 29649 | (803) 896-1000 or (864) 229-5709 | Inmate Search |
| State Prison | Ridgeland Correctional Institution | Jasper County | 5 Correctional Road, Ridgeland, SC 29936 | (803) 896-3200 or (843) 726-6888 | Inmate Search |
| State Prison | Kershaw Correctional Institution | Lancaster County | 4848 Goldmine Highway, Kershaw, SC 29067 | (803) 475-5770 or (803) 896-3301 | Inmate Search |
| State Prison | Lee Correctional Institution | Lee County | 990 Wisacky Highway, Bishopville, SC 29010 | (803) 428-2800 or (803) 896-2400 | Inmate Search |
| State Prison | Broad River Correctional Institution | Lexington County | 4460 Broad River Road, Columbia, SC 29210 | (803) 896-2234 | Inmate Search |
| State Prison | Goodman Correctional Institution | Lexington County | 4556 Broad River Road, Columbia, SC 29210 | (803) 896-8565 | Inmate Search |
| State Prison | Graham (Camille Griffin) Correctional | Lexington County | 4450 Broad River Road, Columbia, SC 29210 | (803) 896-8590 | Inmate Search |
| State Prison | Kirkland Reception and Evaluation Center | Lexington County | 4344 Broad River Road, Columbia, SC 29210 | (803) 896-1521 | Inmate Search |
| State Prison | Manning Reentry/Work Release Center | Lexington County | 502 Beckman Drive, Columbia, SC 29203 | (803) 935-6000 | Inmate Search |
| State Prison | Evans Correctional Institution | Marlboro County | 610 Highway 9 West, Bennettsville, SC 29512 | (843) 479-4181 or (803) 896-4900 | Inmate Search |
| State Prison | McCormick Correctional Institution | McCormick County | 386 Redemption Way, McCormick, SC 29899 | (864) 443-2114 or (803) 734-0330 | Inmate Search |
| State Prison | Livesay Correctional Institution | Spartanburg County | 104 Broadcast Drive, Spartanburg, SC 29303 | (803) 734-1375 or (864) 594-4915 | Inmate Search |
| State Prison | Tyger River Correctional Institution | Spartanburg County | 100-200 Prison Road, Enoree, SC 29335 | (803) 896-3501 or (803) 896-3601 | Inmate Search |
| State Prison | Wateree River Correctional Institution | Sumter County | Highway 261, Rembert, SC 29128 | (803) 432-6191 or (803) 896-3400 | Inmate Search |
| Abbeville County Jail Roster | Abbeville County Detention Center | Abbeville County | 21 Old Calhoun Falls Road, Abbeville, SC 29620 | (864) 446-6200 | Jail Roster |
| Aiken County Jail Roster | Aiken County Detention Center | Aiken County | 435 Wire Road, Aiken, SC 29801 | (803) 642-2040 | Inmate Search |
| Anderson County Jail Roster | Anderson County Detention Center | Anderson County | 1009 David Lee Coffee Road, Anderson, SC 29625 | (864) 260-4363 | Inmate Search |
| Bamberg County Jail Roster | Bamberg County Detention Center | Bamberg County | 444 2nd Street, Bamberg, SC 29003 | (803) 245-3020 | Jail Roster |
| Barnwell County Jail Roster | Barnwell County Detention Center | Barnwell County | 318 Calhoun Street, Barnwell, SC 29812-0723 | (803) 541-1102 | Jail Roster |
| Beaufort County Jail Roster | Beaufort County Detention Center | Beaufort County | 106 Ribaut Road, Beaufort, SC 29902 | (843) 255-5200 | Inmate Search |
| Berkeley County Jail Roster | Berkeley County Detention Center | Berkeley County | 300 California Avenue, Moncks Corner, SC 29461 | (843) 719-4546 | Inmate Search |
| Charleston County Jail Roster | Charleston County Detention Center | Charleston County | 3841 Leeds Avenue, North Charleston, SC 29405 | (843) 529-7300 | Jail Roster |
| Cherokee County Jail Roster | Cherokee County Detention Center | Cherokee County | 315 E Dr. Lm Rosemond Lane, Gaffney, SC 29340 | (864) 487-2529 | Inmate Search |
| Chester County Jail Roster | Chester County Detention Center | Chester County | 2740 Dawson Drive, Chester, SC 29706 | (803) 581-2602 or (803) 385-2606 | Inmate Search |
| Chesterfield County Jail Roster | Chesterfield County Detention Center | Chesterfield County | 317 Goodale Road, Chesterfield, SC 29709 | (843) 623-3385 | Jail Roster |
| Clarendon County Jail Roster | Clarendon County Detention Center | Clarendon County | 320 E Boyce Street, Manning, SC 29102 | (803) 435-0032 | Jail Roster |
| Colleton County Jail Roster | Colleton County Detention Center | Colleton County | 22 Klein Street, Walterboro, SC 29488 | (843) 549-5742 | Jail Roster |
| Darlington County Jail Roster | Darlington County Detention Center | Darlington County | 2349 Rogers Road, Darlington, SC 29532 | (843) 398-4220 | Inmate Search |
| Edgefield County Jail Roster | Edgefield County Detention Center | Edgefield County | 200 Railroad Street, Edgefield, SC 29824 | (803) 637-4124/ 4125 | Jail Roster |
| Fairfield County Jail Roster | Fairfield County Detention Center | Fairfield County | 10 Faith Lane, Winnsboro, SC 29180 | (803) 635–4841 or (803) 635–2013 | Jail Roster |
| Florence County Jail Roster | Florence County Detention Center | Florence County | 6719 Friendfield Road, Effingham, SC 29541 | (843) 665-9944 | Jail Roster |
| Georgetown County Jail Roster | Georgetown County Detention Center | Georgetown County | 2394 Browns Ferry Road, Georgetown, SC 29440 | (843) 545-3400 | Inmate Search |
| Greenville County Jail Roster | Greenville County Detention Center | Greenville County | 20 McGee Street, Greenville, SC 29601 | (864) 467-2309 | Inmate Search |
| Greenwood County Jail Roster | Greenwood County Detention Center | Greenwood County | 528 Edgefield Street, Greenwood, SC 29646 | (864) 943-8059 | Jail Roster |
| Hampton County Jail Roster | Hampton County Detention Center | Hampton County | 409 Cemetery Road, Varnville, SC 29944 | (803) 914-2223 | Jail Roster |
| Horry County Jail Roster | Horry County Detention Center | Horry County | 4150 J. Reuben Long Avenue, Conway, SC 29526 | (843) 915-5140 | Inmate Search |
| Jasper County Jail Roster | Jasper County Detention Center | Jasper County | 12008 N Jacob Smart Blvd, Ridgeland, SC 29936 | (843) 717-3300 | Jail Roster |
| Kershaw County Jail Roster | Kershaw County Detention Center | Kershaw County | 101 Bramblewood Plantation Road, Camden, SC 29020 | (803) 425-1516 Press option 1 for Intake | Inmate Search |
| Lancaster County Jail Roster | Lancaster County Detention Center | Lancaster County | 1941 Pageland Hwy, Lancaster, SC 29720 | (803) 313-2125 | Jail Roster |
| Laurens County Jail Roster | Laurens County Detention Center | Laurens County | 154 Templeton Road, Laurens, SC 29360 | (864) 683-4055 | Jail Roster |
| Lee County Jail Roster | Sumter-Lee Regional Detention Center | Lee County | 1250 Winkles Road, Sumter, SC 29153 | (803) 436-2340 | Inmate Search |
| Lexington County Jail Roster | Lexington County Detention Center | Lexington County | 521 Gibson Road, Lexington, SC 29072 | (803) 785-2743 | Inmate Search |
| Marion County Jail Roster | Marion County Detention Center | Marion County | 2715 East Highway 76, Mullins, SC 2957 | (843) 423-8216 | Inmate Roster |
| Marlboro County Jail Roster | Marlboro County Detention Center | Marlboro County | 253 Throop Street, Bennettsville, SC 29512 | (843) 479-5628 | Jail Roster |
| Newberry County Jail Roster | Newberry County Detention Center | Newberry County | 3239 Louis Rich Drive, Newberry, SC 29108 | (803) 321-2141 | Inmate Search |
| Oconee County Jail Roster | Oconee County Detention Center | Oconee County | 300 S. Church Street, Walhalla, SC 29691 | (864) 638-4108 | Inmate Search |
| Pickens County Jail Roster | Pickens County Detention Center | Pickens County | 216 C. David Stone Road, Pickens, SC 29671 | (864) 898-5541 | Inmate Search |
| Richland County Jail Roster | Richland County Alvin S. Glenn Detention Center | Richland County | 201 John Mark Dial Drive, Columbia, SC 29209 | (803) 576-3200 | Inmate Search |
| Saluda County Jail Roster | Saluda County Detention Center | Saluda County | 205 East Church Street, Saluda, SC 29138 | (864) 445-0286 | Jail Roster |
| Spartanburg County Jail Roster | Spartanburg County Main Jail | Spartanburg County | 950 California Avenue, Spartanburg, SC 29303 | (864) 596-2607 | Inmate Roster |
| Sumter County Jail Roster | Sumter-Lee Regional Detention Center | Sumter County | 1250 Winkles Road, Sumter, SC 29153 | (803) 436-2340 | Inmate Search |
| Union County Jail Roster | Union County Jail | Union County | 1663 Jonesville Highway, Union, SC 29379 | (864) 429-2818 | Inmate Roster |
| Williamsburg County Jail Roster | Williamsburg County Detention Center | Williamsburg County | 207 S. Jackson Street, Kingstree, SC 29556 | (843) 355-9696 | Jail Roster |
| York County Jail Roster | York County Detention Center | York County | 1675-3A York Highway, York, SC 29745 | (803) 628-3083 | Inmate Search |
Detention Center Detainee Public Search Aiken County Detention Center Inmates
Inmate Search | Anderson County Sheriff’s Office | Anderson, SC Look up currently incarcerated individuals at the Anderson County Sheriff’s Office Detention Center – Sheriff Chad McBride – Located in South Carolina
Beaufort County Inmate Inquiry System Beaufort County Inmate Inquiry
Detention Center & Inmate Information Disclaimer | Berkeley County Government Berkeley County Inmate Lookup
Charleston County Inmate Search The Sheriff’s Office – law enforcement – Inmate Search.
Zuercher Portal Cherokee County Jail Inmates
Chester County Detention Center Chester County Jail Inmate Search
Booking Records Requests – Chesterfield County SC Sheriff’s Office Chesterfield County Booking Records
Colleton County Detention Center Colleton County Jail
Darlington County Inmate Search The Darlington County Detention Center Inmate List has information on people who have been arrested and are in jail, including current status, how much their bail is, and times the inmate can have visitors. You can also find information about anybody who has been arrested or discharged within the past 24 hours.
Dorchester County Sheriff’s Office | Dorchester County, SC website Dorchester County Sheriff’s Office
Florence County Sheriff’s Office Florence County Jail Inmate Lookup
Georgetown County South Carolina Sheriff’s Office Detention Bookings and Releases Georgetown County Inmate Search
Greenville County Jail Inmate Lookup Greenville County Sheriff’s Inmate Search
Daily Bookings and Releases Horry County Jail Bookings
Kershaw County Zuercher Portal Kershaw County Inmate List
Lancaster County Sheriff’s Inmate Search Lancaster County South Carolina Sheriff’s Office
Laurens County Jail Inmate Lookup Laurens County Jail Inmate Information
Inmate Search – Lee County Sheriff’s Office – South Carolina 803-484-5353 Lee County Jail Inmate Search
Lexington County Sheriff Office P2C Lexington County Sheriff’s Inmate Lookup
Marion County Detention Center Marion County Current Inmates
Inmate Search | Newberry County Newberry County Jail Inmate Locator
Orangeburg County Sheriff’s Office Orangeburg County Jail
Research Offender -Public Access Richland County Offender Search
Booking Search : Spartanburg Sheriff Spartanburg County Booking List
Sumter – Lee Regional Detention Center P2C Sumter County Arrest Records
Union County Sheriff’s Inmate Search Law Enforcement website designed to provide information about services offered by Union County Sheriff’s Office.
York County Jail Inmate Locator York County Inmate Roster
Incarcerated Inmate Search South Carolina Department of Corrections
South Carolina Law Enforcement Division SLED CATCH
SC Judicial Branch Court Case Lookup
South Carolina Public Sex Offender Registry South Carolina Public Sex Offender Registry