What are Georgetown County Public Records?
According to the South Carolina Freedom of Information Act, Georgetown public records are information regardless of physical form or characteristics, prepared, owned, used, or retained by a public body. These records can be written or typed, books, papers, maps, photographs, cards, tapes, audio or video recordings, and other documentary materials. Not every record is a public record. Some are exempt by statute, and a court order or judge may seal others. Examples of records that a public agency may reveal but is not required to as they are exempt from public records law include:
- Records, video or audio recordings, or other information compiled for law enforcement purposes that disclosure would deprive a person of a right to a fair trial or an impartial adjudication.
- Trade secrets, which are defined as unpatented, secret, commercially valuable plans, appliances, formulas, or processes, which are used for the making, preparing, treating, or processing of articles or materials which are trade commodities.
- Documents of and documents incidental to proposed contractual arrangements and documents of and documents incidental to proposed sales or purchases of property. These records are exempt until the contract is fulfilled and the sale concluded.
- Confidential proprietary information provided to a public body for economic development or contract negotiations purposes is exempt and does not have to be disclosed.
- Correspondence or work products of legal counsel for a public body and any other material that would violate attorney-client relationships.
- Information specifically exempted by state or federal laws.
Public city records may also be accessible from third-party websites. Record seekers may use these non-governmental platforms to search for a specific record or multiple city records. However, users will need to provide enough information to assist with the search, such as:
- The address of the requestor
- A case number or file number (if known)
- The location of the document or person involved
- The name of the subject involved in the record (not juvenile)
- The last known or current address of the registrant.
Note: Government agencies do not sponsor third-party sites. Because of this, record availability and results may vary.
Georgetown County Crime Statistics
The law enforcement agencies operating in Georgetown County led by the Georgetown County Sheriff's Office are responsible for gathering and compiling the county's crime data. This data and statistics are added to the nationwide Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) database maintained by the FBI. The UCR data for 2018 and 2019 shows that cases of murder, robbery, aggravated assault, and larceny increased by 50%, 50%, 40.5%, and 3%, respectively. In contrast, rape, property crime, burglary, vehicle theft, and arson reduced by 48.5%, 8.4%, 30.8%, 14.3%, and 14.3%, respectively. There was also an overall increase in violent crimes of 22.2% between 2018 and 2019.
Are Georgetown County's Criminal Records Public?
Although criminal records in South Carolina are considered public records, the public is generally only provided access to arresting and conviction information. Some records may also be sealed by court order or confidential by statute. Residents may access criminal record checks by mail and online from the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED). Requesters may request a check by mailing a criminal records check form to:
SLED Records Department,
P.O. Box 21398
Columbia SC 29221-1398
Mailed requests should include a self-addressed and stamped envelope to return the records and the appropriate fee of $25 per record check. Charitable organizations will be charged $8 per check. Payment can be made in a business check, certified check, cashier's check, or money order made payable to SLED. Name-based criminal checks can also be requested online using the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division, Citizens Access To Criminal History (CATCH). Payments for online searches via the catch website are made using credit cards and will incur an additional $1 convenience fee.
The Georgetown Sheriff's Office performs local background checks for county records only. Requesters may obtain a check by coming in person with valid photo identification to the Sheriff's Office located at 430 North Fraser St. during office hours. The fee for the check is $5, payable in cash only.
How to Obtain Police Reports and Arrest Records
Police reports and other records can be obtained from the Georgetown County Sheriff's Office in person or by phone. Incident reports are free if requested within two weeks of the report date, any longer. Requests can be made by calling (843) 546-5102 or by coming in person to the sheriff's office at:
430 N Fraser St,
Georgetown, SC 29440
How to Find Sex Offender Information in Georgetown County
Sex offender information for Georgetown County can be looked up using the Offender Watch link provided on the sheriff's office website. The search tools provided to the public allow searches to be performed by an area, address, city, name, phone number, email, compliance, and internet names. Residents may also register online for free email alerts if a new offender moves into the county or in their area.
How to Find Georgetown County Inmate Records
Inmate records for individuals detained in Georgetown County can be obtained online using the search tool in the bookings and release section of the sheriff's office website. The website contains information on inmates detained in the Georgetown Detention Center. The search tool searches the database using criteria like name, booking date, and release date. Information on the inmates provided by the website includes full name, booking number, mugshot, race, gender, booking date, release date, arresting agency, and current charges.
How Do I Visit an Inmate in Georgetown County City Jail?
Inmates arrested in Georgetown County are usually detained at Georgetown Detention Center located at:
Georgetown County Detention Center:
2394 Browns Ferry Road
Georgetown, SC 29440
To visit an inmate in the detention center, the visitor must be on the inmate's approved visitors list. Visitors will be required to show Student identification, birth certificate for children, valid State Driver's License or state-issued identification, or other valid government-issued photo identification. More information including the full visitation schedule can be found in the Public Visitation section of the county sheriff's website.
Court Records
Eligible parties can obtain Georgetown County court records from the Georgetown County Clerk of Court. The clerk of courts is in charge of maintaining court records for the judicial system of Georgetown County, including criminal felony, misdemeanor cases, civil, family, and juvenile cases. Court records and information can also be sourced online from the South Carolina Judicial Branch public access portal or the Georgetown Public Index.
Locations of Courts in Georgetown County
The names, locations, and contact details of the courts in Georgetown County are listed below:
Georgetown County Circuit Court
401 Cleland Street, Room 115,
P.O. Box 479, Georgetown, SC 29442
Phone: (843) 545-3215
Fax: (843) 545-3281
Georgetown County Family Court
401 Cleland Street, Room 115,
P.O. Box 479, Georgetown, SC 29442
Phone: (843) 545-3046
Fax: (843) 545-3294
Georgetown County Probate Court
401 Cleland Street, Room 140,
P.O. Box 421270, Georgetown, SC 29442
Phone: (843) 545-3274
Fax: (843) 545-3512
Georgetown County Magistrate Court - Andrews
110 North Morgan Avenue,
Andrews, SC 29510
Phone: (843) 545-3631
Fax: (843) 264-3639
Georgetown County Magistrate Court - Georgetown
333 Cleland Street, P.O. Box 807, Georgetown, SC 29442
Phone: (843) 545-3381 (Summary, Domestic, Jury)
Fax: (843) 545-3394 (Summary, Domestic, Jury)
Phone: (843) 545-3371 (Traffic)
Fax: (843) 545-3355 (Traffic)
Georgetown County Magistrate Court - Murrells Inlet
14329 Ocean Highway,
P.O. Box 1830, Pawleys Island, SC 29585
Phone: (843) 545-3635
Fax: (843) 545-3641
Georgetown County Magistrate Court - Pawleys Island
14329 Ocean Highway,
P.O. Box 1830, Pawleys Island, SC 29585
Phone: (843) 545-3633
Fax: (843) 545-3640
Georgetown County Magistrate Court - Pleasant Hill
9974 Pleasant Hill Drive,
Hemingway, SC 29554
Phone: (843) 545-3637
Fax: (843) 545-3642
Andrews Municipal Court
101 North Morgan Street,
P.O. Box 1223, Andrews, SC 29510
Phone: (843) 264-8222
Fax: (843) 264-5051
Georgetown Municipal Court
2222 Highmarket Street,
P.O. Box 939, Georgetown, SC 29442
Phone: (843) 545-4020
Pawleys Island Municipal Court
321 Myrtle Avenue,
P.O. Box 1818, Pawleys Island, SC 29585
Phone: (843) 237-1698
Fax: (843) 237-7083
Are Georgetown County Court Records Public?
Under the South Carolina Freedom of information Act, court records in Georgetown are considered public information in general. However, some records may be sealed by a court order or exempt by statutes. These records would be regarded as confidential and exempt from public access.
Can You Look Up a Georgetown County Court Case Online?
Georgetown Court records and information can also be sourced online from the Georgetown Public Index or South Carolina Judicial Branch public access portal. Requesters will be able to search and view both criminal and civil court records for the county. Confidential cases are not available through the court's public access systems.
How to Obtain Georgetown County Civil Court Case Records
Civil Court records for Georgetown County can be obtained by contacting the Georgetown Circuit Clerk of the Courts at:
Georgetown County
Clerk of County
401 Cleland Street
1st Floor, Room 115
Georgetown, SC 29440
Phone: (843) 545-3215
Fax: (843) 545-3281
Civil court record requests can be made in-person at the office or by mailing a written request to the office at:
P.O. Box 479
Georgetown, SC 29442
The written request must contain enough information to identify and retrieve the records. Copying civil court records cost $0.50 per page, and certification of the record will cost an extra $1. Requests can call ahead to ask about the availability and cost of copying court records. Court records can also be obtained online using the search tools on the Georgetown County Judicial Circuit Public Index.
How to Obtain Georgetown County Criminal Court Records
Criminal court records from the Georgetown County, circuit court clerk can be obtained, in person, by mail, or online. Requesters may come in person or submit a written request by mail to the office at:
Georgetown County Clerk of Courts
401 Cleland Street
1st Floor, Room 115
Georgetown, SC 29440
Phone: (843) 545-3215
Fax: (843) 545-3281
The records can be also looked up online using the public access portals operated by the South Carolina Judicial System and the Georgetown Public Index. However, confidential cases are not available on these public access systems and will not appear on any search results.
Mail requests are made by sending a written request containing a case number and other information necessary to identify and locate the record to:
Georgetown County Clerk of Courts
P.O. Box 479
Georgetown, SC 29442
Residents with any questions about criminal court records may make inquiries by calling the number listed above.
What are Georgetown County Vital Records?
Vital records for Georgetown County are the records documenting the life events that occurred in the county as kept by its agencies. These include documents and certificates recording births, marriages, divorces, and deaths in the county. Records like these can usually be obtained from their custodians at the county or the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (SCDHEC), Vital Records Department. Under South Carolina state laws, not all vital records are public. Specifically, birth and death records only become public after 100 years and 50 years, respectively.
Where and How to Obtain Georgetown County Divorce Records
Divorce records can be obtained from the county clerk of courts who is in charge of maintaining family and probate court records for Georgetown County. Divorce records are considered public records and can be accessed by anyone. The record can be obtained by contacting the clerk of courts at:
Georgetown County Clerk of Courts
401 Cleland Street
1st Floor, Room 115
Georgetown, SC 29440
Phone: (843) 545-3215
Fax: (843) 545-3281
A written request containing enough information to identify and find the record such as parties, date, and location of the divorce to:
Georgetown County Clerk of Courts
P.O. Box 479
Georgetown, SC 29442
Copies of records from the clerk of courts cost $0.50 per page, with an additional $1 to certify the record. Requesters with questions may call the office at (843) 545-3215.
The vital records department of the state department of health also issues certified divorce reports from 1962. Requesters may obtain a certified divorce report by submitting an application form with the divorce section filled and signed to:
South Carolina DHEC
Vital Records
2600 Bull St.
Columbia, SC 29201
Mailed requests must also include the appropriate fees, a copy of valid photo identification, and a self-addressed and stamped envelope for returning the report. Divorce reports cost a nonrefundable search fee of $12, including one certified copy of the report. Each extra copy will cost an additional $3. Fees are payable in a money order or cashier's check made payable to the South Carolina DHEC.
Where and How to Get Marriage Records in Georgetown County
Marriage records for Georgetown County can be obtained from the Vital Records Department of the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control. The records can be obtained in person, by mail, or by drop-off. Certified copies of the marriage certificate will only be issued to any of the following people:
- Either of the married party (bride or groom)
- The married couple's adult children
- A present or former spouse of either married party
- The married party's legal representative.
Any other applicants will be provided a statement that proves a marriage occurred and includes the county and date that the marriage license was issued. In-person requests can be made by submitting the application form with the marriage records section filled out to:
DHEC State Vital Records Office, Columbia
2600 Bull St.,
Columbia, SC 29201
During in-person requests, the request will be required to provide a valid identification from the Required ID list and the appropriate fees before the request will be processed.
For mailed requests, the completed application form, a photocopy of the picture identification, and the fees should be mailed to :
DHEC Vital Records
2600 Bull St.
Columbia, SC 29201
Drop-off applications are only accepted at the state vital records office at Columbia in Richland County. Requesters may show their identification, pay the fees and drop off the application in person at the office. The requester may choose to have the record mailed to them or be notified when the record is ready for pick up.
A marriage certificate will cost an initial search fee of $12, which is nonrefundable and includes one certified copy. Any additional copies ordered at that time cost $3 each. Eligible persons can make payment for mailed requests in money order or cashier's check made payable to the South Carolina DHEC. Cash is also accepted during in-person and drop-off requests.
Walk-in requests are usually processed within 45 minutes of receiving payment, while drop-off requests will be ready in two business days. Mailed requests are usually processed in 2 to 4 weeks. Marriage records after 2018 can be obtained by contacting the Georgetown Probate Court at:
Georgetown Probate Court
401 Cleland Street
Room Number 140
Georgetown, SC 29440
Phone: (843) 545-3274
Fax: (843) 545-3512
Where and How to Find Georgetown County Birth Records
Birth Records for Georgetown County can be obtained from either the Georgetown branch of the state health department or the state branch in Richland County. Birth records in South Carolina are not initially public records. They only become public 100 years after the date of birth. Until then, only the following eligible person may request and receive birth records:
- The person named on the certificate (if they are at least 18 years old),
- The parents named on the birth certificate
- The legal guardian, or a legal representative of one of the above.
Requesters will need to show identification from the Required Identification list in person or add a copy to mailed requests. Departments will not process requests without identification. When the record becomes public after 100 years, anyone can request uncertified copies after submitting a request and paying the fees.
Obtaining Copies of Georgetown County Birth Certificates
Birth records for Georgetown County can be obtained by going in person to the Georgetown Branch of the state health department at:
State Vital Records-Georgetown County
531 Lafayette Cir.
Georgetown, SC 29440
Phone: (843) 546-0174
Requesters will be required to fill the birth certificate application form and show their current picture identification and pay the required fees. In-person requests are processed the same day, usually around 45 minutes after the payment of the fees. Mailed requests require mailing the completed application form, a photocopy of current valid photo identification, and the fees to the state vital records office at:
DHEC Vital Records
2600 Bull St.
Columbia, SC 29201
Mailed requests are only accepted at the state office and are processed within 2 to 4 weeks of receipt. Drop-off requests are only accepted at the state vital records office in Richland County located at:
DHEC State Vital Records Office, Columbia
2600 Bull St.,
Columbia, SC 29201
Office Hours: 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
TelePhone: (803) 898-3630
Requesters may come into the office with their completed form, drop it off, show their valid picture identification, and pay the required fees. A receipt will be issued when the drop-off is complete. Drop-off requests are on average processed in two days, and the record can be mailed to the requester or they can be notified for pick up when it is ready.
A birth certificate for Georgetown will cost a non-refundable search fee of $12 which includes one certified copy of the record. Additional records ordered at the same time will cost $3 for each one. Payment is accepted in money order or cashier's check made payable to the South Carolina DHEC. Cash is also accepted for drop-off and in-person requests.
Where and How to Find Georgetown County Death Records
Death Records for Georgetown County can be acquired from any of the state vital records office locations, including a branch in Georgetown County located at:
State Vital Records-Georgetown County
531 Lafayette Cir.
Georgetown, SC 29440
Phone: (843) 546-0174
Death records are not considered public records so only certain eligible persons may receive certified copies. Any other applicant will receive a statement that death occurred, providing a date and location but not an actual death certificate. Persons eligible to receive a certified death certificate are:
- An immediate member of the decedent's family. Given as Parents, Grandparents, Spouse (not divorced), Siblings, Children, Grandchildren
- A legal representative of one of the above family members
- Any other applicant who can demonstrate evidence that they have a real and tangible interest in a personal or property right and that the death certificate is needed to settle that (such as beneficiaries on a life insurance policy, joint owners on a property, funeral home representatives, etc.).
All applicants must show a valid form of picture identification from the Required ID list in person or include a copy in mailed applications. Requests without proper identification will not be processed.
The death certificates can be ordered by mail, in-person, or by dropping off the application at the office for a later pick up. Mailed orders are made by filling out the death certificate application form and sending it with a copy of valid picture identification and correct fees to:
DHEC Vital Records
2600 Bull St.
Columbia, SC 29201
In-person applicants must bring the completed application to the state vital records office of their choice and provide valid, unexpired identification and pay their fees.
Applications can also be dropped off at the main vital records office in Richland County at 2600 Bull St., Columbia, SC 29201. During the drop-off, applicants will be required to pay the required fees and show their identification before the application will be accepted. Drop-offs and mailed requests are only accepted at this office. Applicants will be issued a receipt and may choose to be alerted for a pick-up or have the record mailed when it is ready.
A death certificate from Georgetown costs a $12 non-refundable search fee which will include one certified copy of the death certificate. Additional copies ordered at the same time will cost $3 per copy. Payment is acceptable in cash, cashier's checks, and money orders made out to the South Carolina DHEC. Cash is only accepted during in-person applications and drop-offs. Processing times for the requests are 45 minutes for in-person requests, 2 to 4 weeks for mailed requests, and two business days for drop-offs.
