OPEN PUBLIC RECORDS

Because You Need to Know
South Carolina Public Records

Use this page to find court records, arrest records, and other public records in South Carolina. Each section links to the official agency or online tool that holds the records.

⚡ At a Glance

  • State courts: 46 counties across 16 judicial circuits
  • Federal courts: 1 U.S. District Court (District of South Carolina)
  • Background checks: SLED — South Carolina Criminal Records
  • Records law: South Carolina Freedom of Information Act
How to use this page: Pick the type of record you need below. Court records and arrest records each have their own section with links to the agencies that hold them. Official links go to government websites — not third-party services.

Start here: Choose the type of record you need below, then follow the link to the official source.

What You Can Find Here

⚖️ State and federal court case records
🔍 Arrest records and jail bookings by county
📋 Criminal background checks through SLED
🏛️ Property, vital, and other public records
What you will need:
  • Full name of the person or business
  • Case number, if you have one
  • Approximate date or location of the record

Court Records

South Carolina has 46 counties across 16 judicial circuits. You can search court cases through the South Carolina Judicial Branch public index system.

County-level court records include circuit courts and magistrate courts.

Federal Courts

Federal cases in South Carolina are handled by one U.S. District Court:

  • District of South Carolina — Columbia, Charleston, Florence, Greenville, Spartanburg, Anderson, Beaufort, Rock Hill, Aiken, Orangeburg

Federal court records are available through the PACER system. Some records can be viewed at no cost at federal courthouse public terminals.

⚖️ South Carolina Courts — Case Search 🏛️ South Carolina Judicial Branch Website

Use the official link above to access records or contact the office directly.

Arrest Records

Arrest records in South Carolina are created and held by the arresting agency. Contact the agency directly for copies.

For statewide criminal history, the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) maintains criminal records.

🔍 SLED — Criminal Records 📋 SLED Website

Use the official link above to access records or contact the office directly.

Other Public Records

South Carolina operates under the South Carolina Freedom of Information Act (SC Code §30-4-10). Any person can request government records. Agencies must respond within 15 business days.

How to file a request: Write to the government body that holds the records. Include your name, contact information, and a clear description of what records you want. Requests can be sent by mail, email, fax, or hand-delivered. No special form is required.

How Records Work in South Carolina

Court records are maintained by the South Carolina Judicial Branch across 16 judicial circuits. Criminal history is centralized through SLED. Arrest records stay with the arresting agency unless submitted to the state system.

Many records are available online for free. Certified copies, background checks, and some older records may require a fee or in-person visit.

Counties in South Carolina

South Carolina has 46 counties. Select one below to find local court, arrest, and public records.

Frequently Asked Questions

Based on publicly available information from South Carolina state agencies and federal courts.

How do I search court records in South Carolina for free?
Use the SC Courts case search system.
Are arrest records public in South Carolina?
Yes. Arrest records are public under the South Carolina Freedom of Information Act. Contact the arresting agency directly — city police, county sheriff, or state agency — to request a copy.
How do I run a background check in South Carolina?
SLED provides criminal records checks. Visit sled.sc.gov for details.
What is the South Carolina Freedom of Information Act?
It is the state law that gives the public the right to access government records. Agencies must respond within 15 business days.
How many court systems does South Carolina have?
South Carolina has a unified court system with 16 judicial circuits: magistrate courts, municipal courts, circuit courts, the Court of Appeals, and the South Carolina Supreme Court.
What this page does not show: Not all records are available online. Some require a written request, an in-person visit, or a fee. Court records and arrest data may be incomplete, delayed, or not yet entered into online systems.

This page is a guide to help you find official records — it is not the official database. All information comes from government sources. Verify details directly with the agency that holds the records.

Last updated: April 15, 2026