Free Background Checks in South Carolina for Looking Up Public Records: The Best SC Criminal and Arrest Records Search Engines Online
Whether you're attempting to figure out if you can trust your new neighbor or simply looking for family members and friends you haven't heard from in a while, background check services are the way to go.
For civil and criminal records, the South Carolina Law Enforcement Department (SLED) does thorough background checks, and the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) is used for financial record searches.
Background checks obtained through third-party online vendors or compiled by individuals through public access at South Carolina courts are known as unofficial. Official background checks are frequently utilized in South Carolina for employment, mortgages, housing, and concealed carry permits (CCW).
1. TruthFinder - Overall Best Background Check Service
- Reports and search options with detailed information.
- Mobile friendly
- Unlimited searches
- Covers both public and private records
- Self-monitoring tools available
The variety of searches that this background service offers is one of its top attractions. Founded in San Diego, CA, in 2015 and has since been recognized as one of the best background check companies. Information from both public and private sources is used by TruthFinder. The website is simple to use, and the reports you get are quite basic to comprehend.
We're impressed by how quickly and easily the data in TruthFinder is updated. It only takes 10 minutes to receive a report, and their database is regularly updated. Furthermore, you receive all of the information about the person, such as contact information, address history, online profiles, criminal records, dating profiles, and more.
When it comes to finding the truth, we use TruthFinder to look through the deep web if required. Data such as potential relatives and associates, location history reports, birth records, and even assets like properties that they own are all included in this type of search.
2. Intelius - Best Service For Criminal Background Checks
- Regularly updates its data
- User-friendly interface
- Unlimited searches
- Apps for both Android and iOS
What we like about this provider is that it is very quick and easy to use, yet it also offers a wealth of information. You can even look up someone by email or phone if you desire.
Intelius's intuitive interface makes it simple to find what you want, and the services they provide are clearly stated.
You can search for individuals by entering their names, locations, ages, or anything else you know about them to narrow down your search. Similarly, if you want to find out who is calling you or behind an email address, do a reverse phone lookup or a reverse email lookup. In many cases, these features come in handy when someone calls you and sends spam or when you check someone's email address to determine whether they're really who they claim to be.
We also discovered that you can learn about your searches employment history, aliases, contact information for family members and associates, and civil judgments. You may thus discover whether the individual has any sort of criminal record, traffic citations, warrants, arrests, or gun ownership.
3. Instant Checkmate - Fastest Background Check Service
- Offers updated reports
- Mobile-freiendly
- Searches are private and anonymous
Another excellent background check provider to consider is Instant Checkmate . Instant Checkmate gives you the option to be completely anonymous while utilizing their service engine, all searches are extremely private.
Instant Checkmate claims to analyze over 20 billion records when conducting research, which is impressive. However, you cannot be certain about the validity of the information obtained from Instant Checkmate because, as we have previously stated, individuals frequently use this service for personal reasons rather than for research.
Instant Checkmate lets you perform basic background checks, people searches, criminal records, reverse address searches, and public records searches to find information about a person's name, location, age, lawsuits, property values, marriage records, convictions, and more.
4. Infotracer - Best Social-media Background Check Service
- Searches can be conducted without a membership.
- Comprehensive reports.
Infotracer is the last on our list of top background check services.
This service is appealing to us because it allows you to conduct a background check without having to sign up for a membership, which is not often the case.
It is a simple and user-friendly process. You only need to provide your person's name and place of residence, and you will see a match within minutes. In addition to saving money, this platform allows you to conduct several background checks instead of buying each report separately, which will save you money in the long run.
If you enter a person's name and location, you will be able to find out extensive information about them, including their address, property listings, criminal records, and any other pertinent information. You can also look for someone you haven't heard from in a while, and what we find most fascinating is that you can opt yourself out by using their opt-out button.
Finding Public Records in South Carolina.
Why should individuals in South Carolina know how to perform a background check. With modern technology for looking up public records, it's only natural to take a few minutes and do a search when it comes to significant issues in life. It's not simple to judge another person's mentality and decipher their true intentions. That's why research of someone's past history aids us in getting a better sense of who they're capable of breaking societal norms.
As for obtaining public records for free, most states have public access statutes that allow the general public to view certain documents. Not all of them will be free. This is determined by the state and agency in each case. The major disadvantage is that the records will be based on the location or agency. That's why, in addition to a local search, a nationwide check should be completed to increase the completeness of the search. If you want to get a more thorough background check on someone, go with a website like TruthFinder and perform an immediate people scan.
South Carolina Public Records
However, the Act does not apply to certain documents: income tax returns, medical records, hospital medical staff reports, academic records, adoption papers, library usage records, and data regarding public security plans and equipment.
The most useful of the South Carolina public record resources are organized below. You may also access county and city level records by clicking on the menu tools at left, as well as professional and business licenses.
- Court System - The court system in South Carolina has four levels. The Magistrate and Summary Courts (civil to $7,500, misdemeanors) are the first level; Municipal Courts handle misdemeanor cases, as well as local ordinance and traffic infractions. Second are Family Courts (domestic & juvenile matters), Circuit Courts (common pleas civil, general sessions criminal felony & misdemeanor), and Master-in-Equity courts (equity matters referred by Circuit Court). The third level is the Court of Appeals, which handles appeals from lower courts. The Supreme Court, at the top level, reviews judgments from the Court of Appeals by choice and direct appeals from lower courts by law (death penalty, public utility rates, challenges to laws and ordinances, elections)South Carolina Court Records
- Criminal Records - The authority to enforce laws and issue traffic tickets is held by the Municipal Court. Misdemeanors may be handled in a number of courts, including Summary/Magistrate/Municipal Courts, as well as Circuit Courts. Only the Circuit Courts hear felony cases. To obtain official background checks or gain access to online registries, you must contact your local court system go to ourSouth Carolina Criminal Records page.
- Vital Records - South Carolina Office of Vital Records, 2600 Bull Street, Columbia, SC 29201, (803) 898-3630, Fax: (803) 898-3761 is the address. Visit our Vital Records page for easy access to the Social Security Death Index for South Carolina, historical statewide death indexes, death records, cemetery indexes & obituaries from available counties; marriages from available counties; and divorce court record databases from available counties. We were unable to find any online databases that provided birth records in the state.
What is a South Carolina Background Check?
A background check in South Carolina is a detailed study of a person's past that provides insight into their history. The data you obtain is saved in a database and may reveal anything from bankruptcies to liens to social media profiles, as well as address histories, property records, judgments, and other information. Background checks are most commonly used to evaluate an individual's moral integrity and professionalism.
What is a South Carolina Public Records?
Personal information is accessible to the public in public records in South Carolina. Many are concerned about the amount of personal data that is available to the general public, but there are federal rules in place to safeguard individuals. Government organizations must follow your request if you ask for these open records. In certain situations, though, other conditions must be complied with.
South Carolina Official Background Check and South Carolina Public Record State Resources.
Court Records: There is no national online access to court records. Each county has an online portal at the local level, which may be found here: https://www.sccourts.org/caseSearch/. For more in-depth information about a specific county, please see below.
In South Carolina, the Recorder's Office Records may be found at the local county level. There is no option for statewide viewing. See the following counties' information for more information. Tax records can be viewed in each county office athttps://qpublic.schneidercorp.com/.
Criminal Records: A full background check may be conducted using the South Carolina Criminal Information Center (SLED CATCH). $26 is required for each search Seehttps://catch.sled.sc.gov/.
Driving Records: Commercial accounts can be used to build a driving history account athttps://www.scdmvonline.com/SCTRNS/Member/Logon.aspx
Business Lookup: The South Carolina Secretary of State's Corporation Search, Filing, and Document Retrieval System is accessible athttps://businessfilings.sc.gov/businessfiling.
Incarceration Records: Inmates/criminals convicted in South Carolina can check their records with the department of corrections athttp://www.doc.sc.gov/InmateSearchDisclaimer.html.
Sexual Offender Registry: With the assistance of a search engine, you may conduct geographic and name searches athttp://scor.sled.sc.gov/ConditionsOfUse.Aspx.
Official Resources for Top Counties in South Carolina.
Greenville County: Greenville
Court Records:https://www2.greenvillecounty.org/scjd/publicindex/
Recorder’s Office Records:https://www.greenvillecounty.org/ROD/SearchRecords.aspx
Arrest / Inmate Records:https://app.greenvillecounty.org/inmate_search.htm
Property Records:https://www.greenvillecounty.org/appsAS400/RealProperty/
Richland County: Columbia
Court Records:https://publicindex.sccourts.org/Richland/PublicIndex/disclaimer.aspx andhttps://www5.richlandcountysc.gov/familycourtPublicIndex/main.aspx
Recorder’s Office Records:https://www5.richlandcountysc.gov/SMS_External/Login.aspx
Arrest / Mugshots Records:https://jail.richlandonline.com/public/default.aspx
Property Records:https://www6.richlandcountysc.gov/AssessorSearch/(S(rpnguwymuq2hcxhawzyugz4g))/AssessorSearch.aspx
Charleston County: Charleston
Court Records:https://jcmsweb.charlestoncounty.org/publicindex/
Recorder’s Office Records:https://www.charlestoncounty.org/departments/rod/ds-DMNameandDateSearch.php
Arrest / Mugshots Records:https://inmatesearch.charlestoncounty.org/
Property Records:https://prcweb.charlestoncounty.org/
Horry County: Conway
Court Records:https://publicindex.sccourts.org/horry/publicindex/
Recorder’s Office Records:https://acclaimweb.horrycounty.org/acclaimweb
Arrest / Mugshots Records:http://sheriff.horrycounty.org/Detention/DailyBookingsandReleases.aspx and bookings athttp://www.horrycounty.org/bookings
Property Records:https://www.horrycounty.org/apps/landrecords
Spartanburg County: Spartanburg
Court Records:https://publicindex.sccourts.org/spartanburg/publicindex/
Recorder’s Office Records:https://search.spartanburgdeeds.com/
Arrest / Mugshots Records:http://www.spartanburgsheriff.org/bookings/jailrostera.xml booking for last 72 hourshttp://www.spartanburgsheriff.org/bookings.php.
Property Records:https://search.spartanburgdeeds.com/
Free Background Check South Carolina FAQs
Difference between a South Carolina state and nationwide background check?
Background checks in South Carolina are limited to the state. Nationwide background checks provide more comprehensive and relevant results. Even though it takes a little longer, many people choose this method because of the benefits it provides.
What shows up on a South Carolina background check?
The scope of a background check is the most important aspect to consider. The answer to this question is contingent on the breadth of the check. A basic search, for example, simply includes complete names, birth dates, birthplace, and social media profiles. On the other hand, certain more comprehensive and desirable data are listed below
- Criminal history
- Education
- Credit reports
- Arrests
- Warrants
- Outstanding debt
- Sex offenses
- Court records
- Convictions
How long does a South Carolina background check take?
Don't hold your breath if you're in a hurry for results. Some background checks can be finished in a few days, while others may take weeks. Results generally take three to five business days to return to the requester, although this time varies depending on your location, the courthouse you're using, and the breadth of your search.
How far back does a South Carolina background check go?
The seven-year rule is generally adhered to. Any criminal history data older than seven years is not permitted to be published. While most states comply with this statute, not all areas are compelled to do so.
Can a request be submitted by non-residents of the state?
Yes. Any resident of the United States can submit a request.
Is there a records custodian in South Carolina?
No. South Carolina does not have a records custodian for the state. Documents should be requested from the head of the department or any agency that keeps the papers where you inquire.
What exemptions exist?
Personal information held by the General Assembly is exempt, as are the minutes of its meetings. Medical files, library customer records, academic papers, tax returns, and adoption papers are examples of personal data that is withheld.
How long does that state have to respond?
Under South Carolina's Public Records Law, requests must be made within 15 days. If they are unable to produce the documents in 15 days, they must submit a written extension. The request is deemed approved if this notification is not received within the allotted time period.
Is there an appeal process in place?
No. South Carolina does not have an appeals process. The request can be submitted to the circuit court, and challengers' legal costs may be compensated. Violators can be fined and imprisoned, but so far there have been no guilty verdicts handed down. An appeal must be filed within a year of the violation.
How do I find free South Carolina public records online?
Finding public records for free is simple. Local state resources will be your greatest ally. Consult your local sheriff's department if you're looking for prior convictions, for example. Consider going to their website first if they have an online portal search function. If they offer an online portal search, you can simply get this information for free using the portal.
How can I do a free South Carolina background check?
Public records are a free background check for anything that is public knowledge. Accessing these documents is as simple as going through these files. A local government office should be your first stop. Another viable alternative is to utilize the official government website of your state. You have complete control over what you do with these documents after obtaining access to them.