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How to Find Public Records in Lancaster County in 2026
Members of the public seeking government documents in Lancaster County, South Carolina may access a broad range of publicly available information through LancasterCountyRecords.us, which aggregates data related to court filings, property transactions, and other official records. Lancaster County maintains official records through multiple county offices, and the availability of specific documents depends on the record type, the custodial office, and applicable state law. Records that may be accessible include, but are not limited to:
- Court records (civil, criminal, probate, and family court)
- Property deeds, mortgages, and liens
- Marriage license records
- Estate and will records
- Plat records and land surveys
- Criminal history and arrest records
- Sex offender registry information
Records can be searched through official court resources, clerk offices, public access terminals, and online tools.
Online Access: The Lancaster County official website provides a centralized search portal where members of the public may access court records, criminal records, deeds and mortgages, estate and will records, family court records, marriage license records, plats and liens, and the sex offender registry. The county records search portal does not require user registration for basic searches. The South Carolina Judicial Department Public Index provides additional access to statewide court case information.
In-Person Requests: Members of the public may visit the Lancaster County Clerk of Court's office to inspect records in person. The office is located at 101 North Main Street, Lancaster, SC 29720. Standard business hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM. Requestors should present a valid government-issued photo identification and specify the record type and relevant case or document number when possible.
Written/Mail Requests: Written requests may be submitted to the Lancaster County Clerk of Court at P.O. Box 1809, Lancaster, SC 29721. Requests should include the requestor's full name, contact information, a description of the records sought, and the applicable time period. Under South Carolina Code § 30-4-30, public bodies are required to respond to written requests within a reasonable time, not to exceed fifteen business days.
Phone/Email: The Lancaster County Administration Building may be reached at 803-285-1565. Individual office contact information is available through the Lancaster County, SC official website.
What Are Public Records in Lancaster County?
Public records in Lancaster County are defined under South Carolina law as all books, papers, maps, photographs, cards, tapes, recordings, or other documentary materials regardless of physical form or characteristics prepared, owned, used, in the possession of, or retained by a public body. Under South Carolina Freedom of Information Act § 30-4-20, public records are broadly construed to include documents created or received by any state or local government body in the conduct of official business.
The following record types are currently maintained by Lancaster County offices:
| Record Type | Custodial Office |
|---|---|
| Civil and criminal court records | Clerk of Court |
| Probate and estate records | Probate Court |
| Family court records | Clerk of Court / Family Court |
| Property deeds and mortgages | Register of Deeds |
| Plats and liens | Register of Deeds |
| Marriage license records | Probate Court |
| Tax and assessment records | County Assessor / Treasurer |
| Voting and election records | County Board of Voter Registration |
| Meeting minutes and agendas | County Council / Administration |
| Law enforcement records | Sheriff's Office |
| Land use and zoning records | Planning and Zoning Department |
The Lancaster County Clerk of Court maintains civil, criminal, and family court records, as well as records related to estates and wills. Property-related records, including deeds, mortgages, and plats, are maintained by the Register of Deeds.
Is Lancaster County an Open Records County?
Lancaster County operates in full compliance with South Carolina's open records framework. Under the South Carolina Freedom of Information Act § 30-4-15, all public bodies in the state, including county governments, are required to make public records available for inspection and copying upon request. The Act establishes that "it is vital in a democratic society that public business be performed in an open and public manner so that citizens shall be informed of the performance of public officials and the expenditure of public funds."
The county does not maintain a separate local open records ordinance that supersedes state law; rather, all county offices adhere to the provisions of the South Carolina Freedom of Information Act as the governing framework for public records access. The Act applies to all county departments, boards, commissions, and elected offices. Sunshine law compliance is monitored at the state level by the South Carolina Press Association and the Office of the Attorney General, which publishes guidance on FOIA obligations for public bodies.
How Much Does It Cost to Get Public Records in Lancaster County?
The fee structure for public records in Lancaster County is governed by state statute and individual office schedules. Under South Carolina Code § 30-4-30(b), fees charged for copies of public records may not exceed the actual cost of searching for and making copies of records. The following fee schedule reflects current standard charges:
| Fee Type | Standard Amount |
|---|---|
| Paper copies (per page) | $0.25 – $1.00 (varies by office) |
| Certified copies (court records) | $1.00 – $5.00 per document |
| Deed copies | Varies by page count |
| Electronic copies | Actual cost of duplication |
| Search fees | Actual staff time, where applicable |
Accepted payment methods at county offices include cash, check, and money order. Some offices accept credit or debit cards; members of the public should confirm accepted payment methods with the specific office prior to submitting a request. Fee waivers may be available for indigent requestors or for requests made in the public interest, subject to the discretion of the custodial office.
Does Lancaster County Have Free Public Records?
Free inspection of public records is available at Lancaster County offices during regular business hours. South Carolina law does not require payment for the act of inspecting records; fees apply only when copies are requested. Members of the public may review documents in person at the relevant custodial office at no charge.
Several online resources provide free access to Lancaster County records without requiring payment or registration:
- The county records search portal provides free online access to court records, criminal records, deeds, mortgages, estate records, family court records, marriage license records, plats, liens, and the sex offender registry.
- The South Carolina Judicial Department Public Index provides free access to court case information statewide.
- The South Carolina Public Sex Offender Registry, maintained by the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED), is available to the public at no cost. As stated in the registry's conditions of use: "The County Sheriff's Offices and the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division update this information regularly, to assure that it is as current as possible."
Free inspection differs from free copies. While inspection at a public counter carries no charge, obtaining physical or electronic copies of records is subject to the fee schedule described above.
Who Can Request Public Records in Lancaster County?
Any person may request public records in Lancaster County, regardless of residency, citizenship, or stated purpose. South Carolina's Freedom of Information Act does not restrict access to residents of the state, nor does it require requestors to provide identification or explain the reason for their request in most circumstances. The Act affirms that the right to inspect and copy public records belongs to "any person."
Requestors are not required to:
- Be a resident of South Carolina or Lancaster County
- Provide a government-issued identification for standard requests
- State the purpose of the records request
Certain record types carry additional access requirements. Requests for records containing sensitive personal information, sealed court documents, or records subject to statutory exemptions may require the requestor to demonstrate a legal right or interest. Individuals requesting their own records, such as personal criminal history or court filings, may be required to provide identification to verify identity before records are released. Non-residents retain the same rights as residents under the South Carolina Freedom of Information Act.
What Records Are Confidential in Lancaster County?
Not all government documents in Lancaster County are subject to public disclosure. South Carolina law identifies specific categories of records that are exempt from the Freedom of Information Act's disclosure requirements. The following records are currently withheld from public access:
- Sealed court records and expunged criminal records
- Juvenile records and proceedings
- Records related to ongoing law enforcement investigations
- Personal identifying information, including Social Security numbers and financial account data
- Medical and mental health records protected under HIPAA
- Adoption records
- Child welfare and protective services records maintained by the Department of Social Services
- Personnel records of public employees (with limited exceptions for disciplinary actions)
- Trade secrets and proprietary business information submitted to government agencies
- Security plans, emergency response protocols, and critical infrastructure details
As stated in the South Carolina Freedom of Information Act, "a public body may but is not required to exempt from disclosure" certain categories of records, meaning that custodial offices retain discretion to release exempt records when doing so does not conflict with other legal obligations. Requestors who believe a record has been improperly withheld may seek review through the South Carolina Administrative Law Court or pursue civil action under state law.
Lancaster County Recorder's Office: Contact Information and Hours
Lancaster County Clerk of Court
101 North Main Street, Lancaster, SC 29720
Phone: 803-285-1581
Clerk of Court – Lancaster County
Office Hours:
Monday – Friday: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Closed on state and federal holidays
Lancaster County Administration Building
101 North Main Street, Lancaster, SC 29720
Phone: 803-285-1565
Lancaster County, SC Official Website
Lancaster County Register of Deeds
101 North Main Street, Lancaster, SC 29720
Phone: 803-285-1565
Lancaster County, SC Official Website
Office Hours:
Monday – Friday: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Closed on state and federal holidays
Lancaster County Probate Court
101 North Main Street, Lancaster, SC 29720
Phone: 803-285-1581
Lancaster County, SC Official Website
Office Hours:
Monday – Friday: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Closed on state and federal holidays
As noted on the Clerk of Court page: "Each of the forty-six counties in South Carolina has a popularly elected Clerk of Court who serves a four-year term. The Clerk of Court provides administrative support to the Circuit Court, Family Court, and Masters-in-Equity Court."