State Public Records Guide
Public Records in South Carolina
Your comprehensive guide to accessing public records in South Carolina under the South Carolina Freedom of Information Act (est. 1978).
Overview of Public Records in South Carolina
South Carolina's Freedom of Information Act provides citizens with the right to access public records and attend public meetings throughout the state. The law declares that the people of South Carolina insist that they be given the fullest information regarding the affairs of government as is consistent with the law. South Carolina has 46 counties maintaining local records, and the state has made significant progress in digitizing records for online access. The law applies to all public bodies including state, county, and municipal agencies.
Quick Reference: Requesting Records in South Carolina
Response Time
Agencies must respond within 15 business days for written requests and 10 business days for requests to inspect records in person. Extensions may be granted for complex requests requiring extensive search.
Fees and Costs
Agencies may charge fees based on the actual cost of searching for and copying records. Standard per-page fees are typically $0.20. The first $20 in fees may be waived at the agency's discretion.
How to Submit a Request
Requests may be made orally or in writing. Written requests are recommended for documentation purposes. No reason for the request needs to be provided to the agency.
Appeal Process
Requesters may file suit in circuit court to compel disclosure. The court may award attorney fees if the agency's denial was without reasonable legal basis.
Types of Public Records Available in South Carolina
Property Records
Property records in South Carolina include deeds, mortgages, liens, plat maps, and property tax assessments. These records document real estate ownership, transfers, and encumbrances. They are typically maintained at the county level and are valuable for researching property history, verifying ownership, and conducting due diligence before purchasing real estate.
How property records work →Voter Registration
Voter registration records in South Carolina contain information about registered voters including names, addresses, party affiliation, and voting history. The availability of voter data varies based on South Carolina election law and may be subject to restrictions on permitted uses and commercial distribution.
Understanding voter records →Court Records
South Carolina court records encompass civil litigation, criminal cases, family law matters, probate proceedings, and small claims cases. These records are maintained by the state judiciary and are generally open to the public, with exceptions for sealed cases, juvenile proceedings, and certain family matters.
Guide to court records →Business Filings
Business filings in South Carolina include articles of incorporation, annual reports, trade name registrations, and UCC filings. These records are maintained by the Secretary of State and provide information about business entities operating in the state, including their registered agents, officers, and current standing.
Searching business records →Vital Records
South Carolina vital records include birth certificates, death certificates, marriage licenses, and divorce decrees. These documents are maintained by the state's vital records office and are essential for establishing identity, proving familial relationships, and handling legal matters such as estate settlements.
Vital records overview →Campaign Finance
Campaign finance records in South Carolina document political contributions, expenditures, and donor information for state and local elections. These records are maintained by the state's election commission or ethics board and are valuable for tracking political spending and identifying donor patterns.
Campaign finance explained →How to Access South Carolina Public Records
To request records under South Carolina's FOIA, submit a written request to the public body that maintains the records. Agencies must respond within fifteen business days for most requests, or within ten business days for requests to law enforcement agencies. If a request is denied, you can file an action in circuit court. South Carolina county register of deeds offices maintain property records, and the South Carolina Judicial Department provides online case searches. The Secretary of State offers business entity searches.
Online Access
South Carolina courts provide online case access through the Judicial Branch website. County Register of Deeds offices maintain online property records. The Secretary of State provides business entity searches.
Key Exemptions and Restrictions in South Carolina
While the South Carolina Freedom of Information Act establishes a strong presumption that government records are open to public inspection, certain categories of information are exempt from disclosure. Understanding these exemptions is important when submitting records requests in South Carolina.
- Records relating to pending or prospective litigation against the agency
- Trade secrets and proprietary information submitted to government
- Internal security plans and procedures
- Income tax returns of individuals
- Medical records of individuals
- Personnel records with exceptions for basic employment information such as name, title, and salary
If you believe records have been improperly withheld, South Carolina provides avenues for appeal. Contact the relevant oversight body or consult our guide to filing public records requests for tips on handling denials.
Key Laws and Regulations
South Carolina Freedom of Information Act
Enacted: 1978
South Carolina's Freedom of Information Act is codified in South Carolina Code of Laws Section 30-4-10 through 30-4-165. The act establishes a right of access to public records and public meetings. The law was amended in 2017 to modify fee provisions and in 2023 to address electronic records. South Carolina allows courts to award attorney fees and other costs to prevailing requesters who demonstrate willful violations.
Key Features of South Carolina's Records Law:
- South Carolina has a fifteen-business-day response period for most requests
- Law enforcement agencies have a shorter ten-business-day deadline
- The state allows attorney fee awards for willful FOIA violations
South Carolina Public Records Facts
South Carolina has 46 counties maintaining local government records
The state has approximately 3.5 million registered voters
South Carolina Secretary of State maintains records for over 400,000 business entities
Charleston County maintains some of the oldest public records in the United States
Search South Carolina Public Records
Use OpenDataUSA to find publicly available records across South Carolina. Enter a name below to search public records in SC.
Frequently Asked Questions About South Carolina Public Records
How long does South Carolina have to respond to FOIA requests?
How do I access South Carolina court records?
Are South Carolina property records online?
How do I obtain South Carolina vital records?
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Additional Resources
Disclaimer: The information on this page is provided for educational purposes and reflects publicly available information about the South Carolina Freedom of Information Act. Laws and procedures change over time. For the most current requirements, contact the relevant oversight agency in South Carolina or consult a legal professional. OpenDataUSA is not a consumer reporting agency as defined by the FCRA. Do not use information obtained from this site for employment, tenant screening, or credit decisions.