Richland County, South Carolina, is a large county in the Midlands, with Columbia as its county seat. This independent resource gathers clear starting points for jail records, court dockets, property files, birth and death records, business filings, maps, and county offices.
Each section points to an official source where one exists, and notes what a reader can expect to find there. The site does not replace a clerk, court, sheriff, or county department, and no page here should be read as legal advice or as a ruling on any case.
Inmate Search & Jail Records
Begin with the record type you need, then follow the link to its office.
- Jail records sit with the Sheriff’s Department, which runs the detention center.
- A name search can turn up a current inmate, a recent booking, or a release entry.
- The official roster remains the source of truth when a third-party index disagrees.
- Not every booking appears online, and a name match may point to another person.
- Check the date and the agency on any listing before you rely on it.
Current Inmate Roster & Population
The current inmate roster is maintained by the detention center, not by this website. A reader can use the sheriff’s inmate lookup if it is available and compare the full name, booking date, and charge description. Population counts can change during a day as people enter, leave, or move between housing units. A snapshot from an earlier time may not reflect the current count. Confirm a detail with the sheriff’s records staff.
Recent Bookings & Mugshots
Recent booking pages often list a name, booking date, charge, and a booking photograph. A mugshot is an official intake image, not proof of guilt. Charges can be reduced, dismissed, or changed after review, and a booking entry can remain online after a case ends. Readers should check the current court record before forming a view. The site does not create, alter, or remove a sheriff’s booking photo.
Releases & Booking History
Release entries can show a discharge time, a transfer, or a bond change. A release does not remove the booking record, and an old entry may stay in a search index. Booking history can help a reader follow a timeline, but it cannot replace a certified court record. A reader who needs a formal record should ask the sheriff’s records division for the proper document and fee.
Arrests & Warrants
Arrest and warrant material can be sensitive and can change quickly. An arrest report describes an allegation, not a conviction. A warrant may be active, recalled, served, or quashed. This section separates arrest records, warrant searches, criminal history, and DUI or felony entries. Readers should use the sheriff, clerk, or court as the official source and should not rely on an old index page for a current legal status.
Arrest Records & Recent Arrests
Arrest records can include a booking number, arrest date, agency, charge, and release status. Recent arrest lists may be updated at different times, so a person who appears in one list may not appear in another. A charge can be dismissed or reduced after a court hearing. Readers should compare the arrest entry with the clerk’s case record. A clean record check may need a separate request to the state law enforcement agency.
Active Warrant Search & Wanted Persons
An active warrant search can help a reader check whether a court or sheriff has listed a wanted person. A name match is not a positive identification. Warrants can be sealed, recalled, or served after the page was posted. A reader should not attempt a citizen arrest or confront a person named in a warrant. Contact the sheriff or local police through the published non-emergency route.
Bench Warrants
A bench warrant is issued by a judge when a person fails to appear, fails to comply with an order, or meets another condition set by the court. The clerk’s office can confirm whether a bench warrant is still active. A bench warrant may be recalled after a court appearance or a payment. Readers should not rely on a third-party page for a warrant status. The court record is the proper source.
Criminal History & Background Checks
A criminal history search is not the same as a jail roster or an arrest list. South Carolina background checks may involve the State Law Enforcement Division, the court where a case was heard, and a national agency for some purposes. A private employer that uses a background check must follow applicable law. This site does not provide a consumer report or a screening decision. A reader should request the official record from that agency.
Felony & DUI Records
Felony and DUI cases are heard in the Circuit Court or a magistrate court, depending on the charge and the case path. A charge label on a booking page can differ from the final charge in the court record. A conviction, a dismissal, and a pending case have different legal effects. Readers should review the case number, the court, and the disposition with the clerk. This site cannot clear or seal a record.
court records
Court records for Richland County SC are held by the Clerk of Court, the Family Court, the Probate Court, and magistrate offices. The right office depends on the case type and the court that heard it. This section describes search paths and the limits of online indexes. A case number, a full name, and a filing date can help a reader request the correct record. The official clerk remains the source for a certified file.
| Record Type | Office | Location | Phone |
|---|---|---|---|
| Criminal court case | Clerk of Court | 1701 Main St, Room 205, Columbia, SC 29201 | 803-576-1950 |
| Civil case, Common Pleas | Clerk of Court | 1701 Main St, Room 205, Columbia, SC 29201 | 803-576-1950 |
| Family Court case | Family Court | 1701 Main St, 1st Floor West Wing, Columbia, SC 29201 | 803-576-3320 |
| Probate or estate file | Probate Court | 1701 Main St, 2nd Floor, Ste 207, Columbia, SC 29201 | 803-576-1961 |
| Traffic or magistrate case | Central Court | 2500 Decker Blvd, Columbia, SC 29206 | 803-576-2300 |
| Deed or land record | Register of Deeds | 1701 Main St, Room 101, Columbia, SC 29201 | 803-576-1910 |
Case Search by Name or Case Number
A case search usually starts with a full name or a case number. A common name can return many results, so a middle initial, a filing year, and the court type can narrow the list. A case number is the most reliable key when it is available. The clerk can confirm a match and provide a certified copy. This site does not promise that an online index includes every case.
Court Dockets, Schedules & Hearings
Court dockets list the dates, times, courtrooms, and case names for scheduled matters. A docket can change after a continuance, a plea, or a judge’s order. A reader should check the clerk’s current docket before traveling to the courthouse or a hearing. The Richland County courthouse address is 1701 Main Street in Columbia. A docket entry does not guarantee that a hearing will proceed as listed.
Criminal Court Records
Criminal court records can include charges, indictments, plea entries, trial dates, sentences, and probation terms. Some records are available at the clerk’s office, and some may need a written request. A pending charge is not a conviction. A reader should check the disposition and the sentencing entry before treating a case as closed. The Clerk of Court can confirm the proper record and any copy fee.
Civil & Family Court Records
Civil records cover claims, debts, foreclosures, and other disputes. Family Court records can include divorce, custody, support, adoption, and related matters. Some family files are confidential or restricted, so the clerk may not release every document. A reader should ask the clerk about the rules for the case type before filing a request. This site does not publish sealed or restricted court files or personal identifiers.
Probate & Estate Records
Probate Court handles estates, wills, guardianships, conservatorships, and marriage licenses in Richland County. Estate files can include a will, an inventory, creditor claims, and an order closing the estate. Some probate records are available online through a subscription service, and others need a visit to the Probate Court. The court is at 1701 Main Street, Suite 207. A reader should confirm the file number and the copy fee.
Traffic Court Records
Traffic cases are usually handled by a magistrate court, and the Central Court on Decker Boulevard is a common contact point. A traffic record can show a citation, a fine, a payment, a dismissal, or a court date. A payment does not always remove a charge from a public index. A reader should ask the court about the disposition and any points or license effect. This site does not accept fine payments.
Birth, Death and Family Records
Birth, death, and family records in South Carolina are not all held by the same office. Birth and death certificates usually come from the state Department of Public Health, and marriage licenses and divorce decrees follow a county or court path. Older records may be available through archives, libraries, or genealogy services. This section describes common routes and the details a reader should have ready. Official copies may require a fee and proof of relationship.
Birth & Death Records
Birth and death certificates for events in Richland County are usually requested from the South Carolina Department of Public Health. A certified copy may require a valid photo identification, a completed form, and a fee. The state office can confirm the current fee and the rules for a family member or legal representative. A county page may list a local health office, but it cannot issue a state certificate. Verify the route before you pay.
Marriage Licenses & Divorce Decrees
Marriage licenses in Richland County are issued by the Probate Court. A couple should confirm the current waiting period, identification rules, and fee before the appointment. Divorce decrees are held by the Clerk of Court, and the Family Court handles the case. A decree from another state or county may need a certified copy from the office that issued it. This site does not issue, amend, or certify a marriage or divorce record.
Genealogy Records & Historical Obituaries
Historical research can combine census files, old newspapers, cemetery lists, and archived life event records. A public library or state archive may hold microfilm or digital collections not held by the county. An obituary can give a date, a family name, and a burial place, but it is not an official life event record. A reader should note the source and the date of each item. This site does not promise a full family history.
Property Records
Property records in Richland County SC are split among the Assessor, the Register of Deeds, the Auditor, and the Treasurer. The Assessor values property, the Register records deeds and liens, the Auditor applies tax rates, and the Treasurer collects payments. A tax map number can help a reader move between those systems. This section describes common searches and the limits of an online parcel page. The official office remains the source for a property record.
Property Search by Address or Owner
A property search can begin with a street address, an owner name, or a tax map number. The county’s property search tool may show a parcel, a building description, and an assessed value. A name search can return multiple owners with similar names, so the address and map number should be checked. A reader should not treat an online parcel page as a title search. A title review needs the recorded deed and professional help.
Deeds, Titles & Parcel Maps
Deeds and other recorded instruments are held by the Richland County Register of Deeds at 1701 Main Street, Room 101. A deed can show a grantor, a grantee, a legal description, and a recording date. A title search reviews liens, easements, and prior transfers. A parcel map shows boundaries for tax purposes and is not a survey. A reader should use a licensed attorney or surveyor for a legal property question.
Property Tax Records & Tax Liens
Property tax records can show an assessed value, a millage rate, a tax bill, and a payment history. The Auditor and Treasurer handle different parts of the tax process. A tax lien may appear in a county record or a court filing. A reader should confirm a balance and a lien status with the proper office before paying a third party. This site does not collect payments or promise that a tax figure is current.
Police & Incident Records
Police and incident records can come from the Richland County Sheriff’s Department or a municipal police department, depending on where an event occurred. A report number, a date, and a location help narrow a request. Some reports are withheld when an investigation is open, and some personal details are redacted. This section covers report requests, traffic violations, and crash reports. A reader should use the agency that responded to the incident.
Police Reports & Incident Blotter
A police report request should include the report number, the date, the location, and the names of the people involved. The Sheriff’s Department records division can confirm the fee and the pickup process. An incident blotter is a short public summary and may omit details that appear in the full report. A report can be released with redactions under state law. This site does not promise that every incident appears in a blotter.
Traffic Violation Records
A traffic violation can be handled by a magistrate court, and the citation may include a court date and a fine. A reader should contact the court listed on the citation, not assume that the county website holds the case. A payment can close a ticket, but the court record may still show the original charge. A driver should ask about points, a license suspension, and driving school. This site does not accept payments.
Accident & Crash Reports
Crash reports are usually available from the law enforcement agency that responded to the collision. A request may need the date, the location, the report number, and the names of the drivers. The South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles may have a record of a reportable crash. A reader should confirm the fee and the release rules with the agency. This site does not provide an official crash report or an insurance estimate.
People & Phone Search
People and phone searches raise privacy concerns and can produce false matches. A name, an old address, or a phone number may belong to a different person. This section describes public directories, reverse phone tools, and contact information held by government offices. It does not promise a current address or a positive identity match. Readers should use these tools with care and should not use them for harassment or eligibility decisions.
Person & Residents Directory
A residents directory may list a name, a city, and a phone number, but it can be incomplete. People move, change a number, or ask for a listing to be removed. A directory entry is not proof that a person lives at an address today. A reader should compare a result with a current public record or contact the person through a verified route. This site does not publish a private address or personal profile.
Reverse Phone Lookup
A reverse phone lookup can link a number to a name, a business, or a location. The result may be outdated, and a mobile number can be reassigned to a new user. A caller should not use a lookup result to make a threat or to reveal private information. A government office should be contacted through its published number. This site does not own a phone database or promise that a number is current.
Public Contact Information
Public contact information can include a department phone number, a shared email address, and an office address. A reader should use the contact route on the official website for the office that holds the record. A main county number may not reach the right clerk or court. An email should include a page name, a record number, and a clear question. This site does not promise a reply from a county office or a court.
Vehicle Records
Vehicle records in South Carolina are controlled by the state, not by a county website. The Department of Motor Vehicles handles titles, registrations, and driving records. A license plate or VIN search may be limited by privacy law, and a reader should have a lawful reason for the request. This section describes usual routes and the records that a county office may hold. It does not provide a private vehicle history or a personal address.
License Plate & VIN Lookup
A license plate or VIN lookup can help a reader identify a vehicle or check a title brand, but the available details are limited. The South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles and national vehicle history services hold different records. A county page may list a tax record for a vehicle, not a full ownership history. A reader should not use a lookup to track a person. This site does not provide a plate owner search.
Vehicle Registration & Title Records
Vehicle registration and title records are held by the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles. A title shows an owner and a lien, and a registration shows a plate and a current status. A duplicate title or a registration renewal can be requested through the DMV. A county tax office may collect a vehicle tax, but it does not issue a state title. A reader should confirm the fee and the form with the DMV.
Business Records
Business records in Richland County SC can involve the Secretary of State, the Register of Deeds, and the county business license office. An entity lookup can show a company name, a registered agent, and a status. A DBA filing and a UCC lien may appear in a different index. This section describes the usual records and the office that holds each one. A reader should confirm a business name and a filing number before use.
Business Search & Entity Lookup
A business entity search usually starts with the legal name or the entity ID. The South Carolina Secretary of State maintains the official business filing index. A result can show a status, a registered agent, and a principal address. A name that looks similar may belong to a different company. A reader should check the entity ID and the filing date. This site does not form a company or certify a business record.
Assumed Name (DBA) Filings
An assumed name, or DBA, lets a business trade under a name that differs from its legal name. The filing office depends on the business structure and the state. A DBA record can show the owner, the assumed name, and an expiration or renewal date. A reader should compare the DBA with the entity record and the local business license. This site does not file a DBA or promise that a name is available.
UCC Records & Liens
A UCC filing gives notice that a creditor claims an interest in a debtor’s property. The South Carolina Secretary of State maintains the central UCC index. A filing can show a debtor name, a secured party, a description of the pledged property, and a lapse date. A lien search should use the exact legal name and the filing office. This site does not release a lien or file a termination.
Public Records & Government Requests
South Carolina’s Freedom of Information Act lets the public request non-exempt records from a public body. A request should name the records, the office, and the date or subject. The county may charge a fee for search, review, or copies. Some records are protected by law and will not be released. This section describes the request path and the departments that hold common records. A reader should send the request to the proper office.
| Request Type | Office to Start With | Details to Include |
|---|---|---|
| Jail or incident report | Sheriff’s records division | Report number, date, location |
| Court case file | Clerk of Court | Case number, names, court type |
| Deed or lien | Register of Deeds | Names, recording date, instrument number |
| Property tax record | Assessor, Auditor, or Treasurer | Tax map number, address |
| Birth or death record | SC Department of Public Health | Event date, names, photo ID |
| County policy or email | Public Information Office | Subject, date range, office |
Open Records & FOIA Requests
A FOIA request should be written and should identify the records with enough detail for the office to search. The request can ask for a copy or a chance to review the file. The office may respond with a fee estimate or a time frame. A reader should keep the request and the response. This site does not process a FOIA request and cannot promise that a record will be released.
Records by Department
Different departments hold different records. The Sheriff’s Department handles incident and jail records, the Clerk of Court handles case files, the Register of Deeds handles land records, and the Probate Court handles estates and marriage licenses. The Assessor, Auditor, and Treasurer hold property tax records. A reader should start with the office that created the record. A broad county request may be forwarded, but it can add delay.
County Government
Richland County SC is governed by a County Council and administered by a County Administrator. The county seat is Columbia, and the main administration building is at 2020 Hampton Street. Elected offices include the Clerk of Court, Register of Deeds, Probate Judge, Sheriff, Auditor, and Treasurer. The table below lists the main offices and public contact details. A reader should confirm hours and services before a visit.
| Office | Address | Phone | Email or Contact | Website | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| County Administration and Public Information | 2020 Hampton St, Columbia, SC 29204 | 803-576-2050 | Official contact form | richlandcountysc.gov | Mon-Fri, 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. |
| Sheriff’s Department | 5623 Two Notch Rd, Columbia, SC 29223 | 803-576-3000 | sheriff@rcsd.net | rcsd.net | Records: Mon-Fri, 8 a.m.-4:15 p.m. |
| Clerk of Court | 1701 Main St, Room 205, Columbia, SC 29201 | 803-576-1950 | Official contact form | richlandcountysc.gov | Mon-Fri, 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. |
| Family Court | 1701 Main St, 1st Floor West Wing, Columbia, SC 29201 | 803-576-3320 | Official contact form | richlandcountysc.gov | Mon-Fri, 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. |
| Register of Deeds | 1701 Main St, Room 101, Columbia, SC 29201 | 803-576-1910 | Official contact form | richlandcountysc.gov | Mon-Fri, 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. |
| Probate Court | 1701 Main St, 2nd Floor, Ste 207, Columbia, SC 29201 | 803-576-1961 | Official contact form | richlandcountysc.gov | Mon-Fri, 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. |
| Assessor | 2020 Hampton St, Ste 2058, Columbia, SC 29204 | 803-576-2640 | Official contact form | richlandcountysc.gov | Mon-Fri, 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. |
| Auditor | 2020 Hampton St, Ste 2067, Columbia, SC 29204 | 803-576-2600 | Official contact form | richlandcountysc.gov | Mon-Fri, 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. |
| Voter Registration and Elections | 300 Columbia Mall Blvd, Ste 210, Columbia, SC 29223 | 803-576-2240 | rcelectionsinfo@richlandcountysc.gov | richlandcountysc.gov | Mon-Fri, 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. |
Clerk of Court and Register of Deeds
South Carolina does not use the same county record office model found in some states. In Richland County, the Clerk of Court keeps civil, criminal, and family case files. The Register of Deeds records deeds and liens, and the Probate Court handles estates and marriage licenses. A reader who needs a case record should start with the Clerk of Court at the Judicial Center. The county website can confirm the current office holder.
County Auditor & Tax Office
The Richland County Auditor applies tax rates and maintains local tax records. The Assessor values property, and the Treasurer collects payments. The Auditor’s Office is at 2020 Hampton Street, Suite 2067, and the phone is 803-576-2600. A property owner should check the tax map number, the millage rate, and the assessment before paying a bill. This site does not set a tax rate or collect a payment.
Sheriff’s Office
The Richland County Sheriff’s Department provides law enforcement, detention, court security, and records services. Its main address is 5623 Two Notch Road in Columbia, and the phone is 803-576-3000. The records division handles incident reports and jail records. A reader should use 911 for an emergency and the published non-emergency number for a report or a records question. The department website is rcsd.net for current details.
County Judge and Council Roles
Richland County SC does not use that court model. The county is governed by County Council, and judicial cases are heard by Circuit Court, Family Court, Probate Court, and magistrate judges. The Clerk of Court is the custodian for many case files. A reader who needs a judge’s order or a hearing date should use the court that heard the case. The county website lists the current Council members and offices.
Elections & Voter Information
The Richland County Board of Voter Registration and Elections is at 300 Columbia Mall Boulevard, Suite 210, in Columbia. The phone is 803-576-2240. A voter can register, check a registration, request an absentee ballot, or find a polling place through the office. A registration deadline and an early voting schedule change by election. A reader should confirm the current dates with the election office or the South Carolina Election Commission.
GIS and Web Maps
Richland County SC offers mapping tools for parcels, zoning, voting districts, and other local data. A GIS map can help a reader view a boundary or compare a property with a district, but it is not a survey or a legal description. Layers can be updated on different schedules, and a map can lag behind a recorded document. This section describes common map uses and the limits of an online viewer.
Property & Parcel Boundary Maps
A parcel map shows a tax parcel and its boundary, often with an owner name and an address. A reader can use the map to find a tax map number or compare parcels. A boundary line on a GIS map is not a survey, and it may not match a deed or a fence. A legal property question should go to a licensed surveyor or attorney. This site does not certify a parcel boundary.
Precinct & Voting District Maps
A precinct map shows the voting location and the district lines for an election. A reader can use the map to find a polling place or to compare an address with a council, school, or legislative district. District lines can change after a redistricting cycle. The election office can confirm the precinct for a given address. This site does not assign a voter to a precinct or certify a district map.
Unclaimed Funds & Property
Unclaimed funds can come from a state agency, a court, an insurance company, or a business. A search may show a name and an amount, but a match is not proof that the money belongs to the reader. A claim usually needs identification, proof of address, and a link to that name. This section describes the state search and claim path. A reader should use the state unclaimed property office and avoid a paid finder.
Unclaimed Property Search
The South Carolina Treasurer’s Office runs the state unclaimed property program. A search can use a name, a city, or a business name. A result may show a reported owner, an address, and a property type. A common name can return many matches, so a middle name and an old address can help. A reader should not pay a third party before checking the state site. This site does not hold unclaimed funds.
How to Claim Unclaimed Funds
A claim should start on the official state unclaimed property website. The claimant may need a photo ID, a Social Security number, proof of the prior address, and a document that links the name on the account. An estate claim can need a death certificate and a representative’s authority. A reader should send copies, not original documents, except when the office asks. This site does not process a claim or promise a payment.