People Search Across South Carolina
South Carolina keeps public records across all 46 counties. Millions of records exist. You can search for someone through criminal history databases, court records, inmate lists, and vital records held by state and county offices. The state runs several free tools for a people search. SLED handles criminal background checks statewide. County clerks of court store case files. The South Carolina Department of Public Health holds birth and death data. Many of these records are open to all. This guide shows you how to run a people search in South Carolina and where to find the records you need.
South Carolina People Search Quick Facts
South Carolina Criminal History Search
SLED runs the main criminal records system in South Carolina. It is called CATCH, which stands for Citizens Access to Criminal Histories. This name-based search costs $25 per check. Results come back right away for online searches. You need a last name, first name, and date of birth to start. A Social Security number helps but is not required. CATCH covers all South Carolina criminal records from arrests supported by fingerprint submissions taken by law enforcement across the state.
The SLED CATCH system is one of the most used people search tools in South Carolina.
SLED processed over 553,000 online background checks in a single year. The Records Department handles an average of 444 requests per workday. Mail-in requests go to SLED Records Department, PO Box 21398, Columbia, SC 29221. Phone inquiries go to 803-896-1443 between 9am and 4:30pm on weekdays.
CATCH does not check for sex offenders. It also does not list wanted persons. Those are separate databases. Charities that meet state rules pay just $8 per check instead of $25. School districts get free checks for teachers and substitutes under South Carolina law.
Note: CATCH is a name-based search only and does not include fingerprint-based results unless required by statute.
South Carolina Inmate People Search
The South Carolina Department of Corrections runs a free inmate search tool. It covers all inmates currently sentenced to and held at SCDC facilities. You can search by SCDC number, State ID number, or name. A phonetic match option helps when you are not sure of the exact spelling.
The SCDC inmate search portal gives the public access to current offender data.
Each record shows the full name, photograph, physical description, current charges, sentence length, admission date, and expected release date. SCDC headquarters is at 4444 Broad River Road in Columbia. You can also email FOIA requests to FOIA@doc.sc.gov or call the Ombudsman at 803-896-9409. Under the South Carolina Freedom of Information Act, codified at S.C. Code Ann. ยง 30-4-10, members of the public may access inmate records.
County jails run their own inmate search tools. Each county detention center keeps its own database. These are separate from the state prison system.
Find People in South Carolina Courts
The South Carolina Judicial Branch runs a free Public Index for court records. This tool covers all 46 counties. You can search by party name, case number, or filing date. It includes Circuit Court, Family Court, Magistrate Court, and some Municipal Court records. Case data shows party names, charges, filing dates, case status, and disposition details. The system is free to use and open around the clock at sccourts.org.
Court records are a key tool for any people search in South Carolina. Criminal cases in General Sessions show arrest charges and sentencing. Civil cases in Common Pleas show lawsuits and judgments. Family Court handles custody and support matters. You can contact the Clerk of Court in any county for certified copies of case files. Most offices charge per page for copies.
For appeals, the Appellate Court Management System provides access to Supreme Court and Court of Appeals cases.
You can search appellate cases by case number, participant name, or SCDC inmate number. Published opinions are also searchable by date or keyword.
Note: Some courts restrict access to juvenile records, sealed cases, and mental health proceedings under South Carolina state law.
South Carolina Sex Offender Registry
South Carolina tracks over 10,000 actively registered sex offenders through the SORT system. SORT stands for Sex Offender Registry Tracking. The U.S. Department of Justice provides this system at no charge. County sheriffs and SLED update the data on a regular basis. You can search by name or by geographic area using a ZIP code or radius.
The South Carolina Sex Offender Registry lets you sign up for email alerts when an offender moves into your area.
Each listing shows multiple photographs, known aliases, and a visual map of where the person lives. Registry laws are found in S.C. Code of Laws Title 23, Chapter 3, Article 7, Sections 400 through 555. Act 221 from May 2022 created a tier-based system that allows some offenders a path to removal from the list. Using this registry to harass anyone is a crime in South Carolina. Fines go up by $1,000 and jail time increases by up to 6 months for misdemeanors, or 5 years for felonies.
South Carolina Vital Records Search
The Department of Public Health holds birth, death, marriage, and divorce records for South Carolina. DPH took over from DHEC on July 1, 2024. Birth and death records go back to January 1, 1915. Marriage records cover July 1950 through December 2021. Divorce records span July 1962 to December 2014.
You can order vital records through the DPH vital records office in Columbia.
A certified birth or death certificate costs $12 for the first copy and $3 for each one after that. Birth records become fully public after 100 years. Death records open up after 50 years. Until then, only close family and legal representatives can request them. The Vital Records Office is at 2600 Bull Street, Columbia, SC 29201. You can also call 803-898-3630 or order online through VitalChek.
Records from before 1915 are held by county probate courts. For those older records, contact the probate court in the county where the event took place.
South Carolina License Verification
The Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation runs a centralized license lookup for South Carolina. It covers over 40 professional boards. You can check the status of contractors, real estate agents, nurses, doctors, pharmacists, and dozens of other licensed professionals.
Search by name or license number at the LLR licensee lookup portal.
Results show license status, classification, restrictions, and any disciplinary actions. Partial name matches work too. The main LLR phone number is 803-896-4300. This tool is useful for a people search when you need to verify someone holds a valid professional license in South Carolina.
Note: The Secretary of State business search is another way to look up people connected to companies filed in South Carolina.
Public Records and People Search
South Carolina law gives the public broad access to government records. The Freedom of Information Act is codified in Title 30, Chapter 4 of the South Carolina Code of Laws. Any person can inspect, copy, or receive public records from any state or local agency. This includes all departments, boards, commissions, counties, cities, and school districts across the state.
The South Carolina FOIA statute sets clear rules for how records requests work.
Agencies must respond within 10 business days for records under 24 months old. Older records get a 20-day window. Fees cannot exceed the actual cost of search and retrieval. Some records are available without any written request during business hours, including jail confinement documents for the past three months and minutes of public meetings.
The complete South Carolina Code of Laws is searchable online through the State House website.
Title 30 covers public records and FOIA. Title 23 holds law enforcement rules including the sex offender registry. The Family Privacy Protection Act under Title 30, Chapter 2 bans using personal information from state agencies for commercial solicitation. Violations carry fines up to $500 or one year in jail. The SLED wanted persons page is another resource for a people search, though that data is not included in standard CATCH reports.
Free legal help is available through South Carolina Legal Services for people who need assistance with public records requests or other legal matters in the state.
Note: The online Code of Laws is not the official version, which is the print edition updated each year by the Legislative Council.
Browse People Search by County
Each county in South Carolina runs its own court system, sheriff's office, and records departments. Pick a county below to find people search tools and local records for that area.
People Search in South Carolina Cities
City residents use county-level courts and records offices for most people search needs. Pick a city below to find local resources and contact information.