Find South Carolina Public Records

Is South Carolina a Public Records State?

The South Carolina Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) ensures that the public can access records generated by government bodies. This legislation grants South Carolinians the right to scrutinize the activities and decisions of public officials, promoting transparency and accountability (S.C. Code Ann. § 30-4-15).

Under this act, public records encompass all documentary materials created, retained, or used by a public body in the course of public business. This includes books, photographs, papers, recordings, tapes, and other data storage forms, regardless of their physical characteristics (S.C. Code Ann. § 30-4-20).

What is Public Information in South Carolina?

In South Carolina, public information includes a variety of records such as:

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

While many records are accessible to the public, some are restricted. For example, certified copies of South Carolina death records are only available to certain eligible individuals, such as the decedent’s family members and their legal representatives. However, uncertified copies can be obtained by the general public upon providing specific details about the death.

How Do I Look Up Public Records in South Carolina?

Individuals seeking public records in South Carolina can follow these steps:

Determine the Type of Record: Identify the record needed based on the information it contains. For example, property records are required for information on land and real estate ownership.
Identify the Custodian Agency: Different agencies maintain various types of records. For instance, arrest or inmate records can be requested from the local police department or sheriff’s office. Similarly, requests for South Carolina marriage records should be directed to the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC).
Create a Request: Under the FOIA, some records can be obtained in person without a written request, such as minutes of meetings for the last six months and certain agency records specified in S.C. Code Ann. § 30-4-50(a)(8). For other records, a written request is necessary (S.C. Code Ann. § 30-4-30(A)(2)(C)). Requests should clearly describe the desired record and include the requester’s contact information.
Submit the Request: Submit the request to the relevant agency following their specific submission guidelines. This may include providing a self-addressed stamped envelope for mail requests or paying additional fees for online submissions.

Utilizing Third-Party Resources for South Carolina Public Records Obtaining

City Records

Public city records can also be accessed through third-party websites, which often provide user-friendly tools for extensive searches. To use these platforms, the following information may be required:

The name of the subject involved in the record (subject must be older than 18 or not a juvenile)
The requester’s address
A case number or file number (if known)
The location of the document or person involved
The last known or current address of the registrant

These third-party sites are not government-endorsed, and thus the availability and accuracy of records may vary.

Public Records

Third-party websites also offer access to public records beyond geographical limitations. Users need to provide sufficient information for the search, such as the name of the subject and their last known location. These services are not government-sponsored, and the results may differ in availability and accuracy.

How To Look Up Public Records in South Carolina for Free?

The FOIA encourages agencies to reduce or waive fees if it primarily benefits the public. Requesters can apply for a waiver if they believe the record serves the public interest. Free public records maintained by South Carolina agencies may also be accessible through online repositories. For instance, the Public Sex Offender Registry maintained by the South Carolina State Law Enforcement Division is available for public access.

Search Public Records in South Carolina

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