What are Williamsburg County Public Records?
Following the South Carolina legislature, Williamsburg County public records include all records, regardless of their physical characteristics, prepared, owned, used, in possession of, or retained by a government entity or public body.
Williamsburg County public records include but are not limited to:
- Criminal conviction and arrest information
- Vital Records (birth certificates, death certificates, marriage licenses, divorce decrees, etc.).
- Property Records (land records, mortgages, liens, land titles, property deeds, zoning information, real estate information, property tax assessment records, probate, etc.)
Records that are not available to the public include
- Whistleblowers personal information
- Structural bridge plans or designs except when necessary
- Visuals and audio related to an autopsy
- Private investment and proprietary financial data provided to the Venture Capital Authority by a designated investor or investor group, as defined by Section 11-45-30
- Photographs, signatures, and digitized images from a driver's license or personal identification card
- Information in a person's driving record, such as height, weight, race, photograph, signature, and digitized images
- Legal advice from public defenders to clients
- Medical records
- Library patron records
- Academic records
- Tax returns
- Adoption files
- Trade secrets
- An individual's personal information (name, address, telephone number, etc.).
- Records that would likely interfere with an ongoing legal case.
- Matters are specifically exempted from disclosure by statute or law.
- Other information as listed under the legislature exemptions.
In addition to government agencies, some public records may also be accessible from third-party websites. These non-government platforms come with intuitive tools that allow for expansive searches. Record seekers may either opt to use these tools to search for a specific record or multiple records. However, users will need to provide enough information to assist with the search such as:
- The name of the subject involved in the record (subject must be older than 18 or not juvenile)
- The address of the requestor
- A case number or file number (if known)
- The location of the document or person involved
- The last known or current address of the registrant
Third-party sites are not sponsored by government agencies. Because of this, record availability and results may vary.
Williamsburg County Crime Statistics
Williamsburg County crime statistics from a 2020 report released by South Carolina’s state law enforcement showed that between 2019 and 2020, crime levels in Williamsburg County decreased by 18.5%.
Per the report, in 2019, there were 33 cases of aggravated assault and 204 reported cases of "all other offenses," including arson, DUI, drug violation, motor vehicle theft, theft, robbery, murder, and so on. However, in 2020 the total reported cases of aggravated assault were 25, and other offenses, including DUI drug law violations, fraud, sexual battery, sex offenses, burglary, etc., totaled 195 in Williamsburg County.
Williamsburg crime reports for 2019 and 2009 are also available online.
Are Williamsburg County Criminal Records Public?
Yes. South Carolina is an open record state. Hence, court criminal proceedings are public. Persons seeking access to Williamsburg County criminal records should visit the clerk of the magistrate court and make a request.
For a fee, some third-party websites also provide access to Williamsburg county criminal court records.
How to Obtain Williamsburg County Police Reports and Arrest Records
When law enforcement arrests a person in South Carolina, they take the arrestee's fingerprint, booking charges, and other personal information. This information compiled is known as an arrest record. The arresting agency also keeps detailed information of the arrest's circumstances, called a police report.
In Williamsburg County, persons may obtain police reports and arrest records from the arresting agency and the sheriff's office. Arrest records are also accessible via the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division's fee-based online search tool - the SLED CATCH (Citizens Access to Criminal Histories).
How to Find Sex Offender Information in Williamsburg County
Section 23-3-410 of South Carolina's Code of Laws requires local law enforcement agencies to develop and operate a sex offender registry for people who violate (Section 23-3-430). Under this code, law enforcement is to register, collect and maintain sex offenders' information and make the information available to every enforcement agency in the state. Via the registry, the public can view sex offenders' information like their address, workplace, school, etc.
For persons who want to locate information regarding a registered sex offender in Williamsburg County, there are two options:
- They may visit the Williamsburg County sex offender registry to conduct a location-based or name-based search. They may also subscribe to the community notifications to get notified about new offenders.
- Alternatively, they may use the statewide sex offender registry. Like the county register, South Carolina's Law Enforcement Division's sex offender register allows users to conduct geographic or name searches.
How to Find Williamsburg County Inmate Records
A county inmate's records usually contain their full name, photograph (mugshot), booking number, date of birth, weight, height, eye color, hair color, arrest date, booking charges, bond amount (if applicable), etc.
In Williamsburg County, the Sheriff's Department is responsible for the care, control, and custody of individuals who have committed a crime. Hence, to find records about an inmate from Williamsburg County, one should visit the Williamsburg County Jail & Detention Center at:
207 South Jackson Street
Kingstree, SC
Zip Code: 29556
The requester should present the subject's full name, age, sex, DOB, and inmate ID at the jail.
Alternatively, the requester may call or fax the Williamsburg County Sheriff's Detention Center at (843) 355-9696 or (843) 355-9696 to make enquiries or schedule a visit.
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How Do I Visit an Inmate in Williamsburg County Jail?
Before visiting an inmate in Williamsburg County jail, the visitor must register on the inmate's visitors list and receive approval from the jail authorities.
There are two ways to visit an inmate in Williamsburg County jail:
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In-person visitation: To see an inmate in person, the visitor must be eligible, must not be a prior felon, must observe all rules for visitors, and must present a valid government identification card. A parent or guardian must accompany minors. Visitors may call (843) 355-9696 or Fax: (843) 355-9349 ahead to book or confirm a visit at the jail, located at:
200 S Jackson Street
Kingstree, SC
Zip Code: 29556According to the detention center's director, inmates whose last names begin with letters A through M should visit from 10 am until 3 pm on Saturdays. Those whose last names start with the letters N through Z should visit from 10 am until 3 pm on Sundays.
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Virtual visitation: The county jail provides the option of video visitation for inmates. As with in-person visits, visitors must also register with any video visitation services offered by the county jail.
Williamsburg County Court Records
Williamsburg County court system comprises a family court, a probate court, and a magistrate court.
Williamsburg County's family court has jurisdiction over most domestic-related cases, most juvenile cases, some mental health cases, and most domestic violence abuse protection cases.
The clerk of the family court typically handles matters like marriage annulment, divorce, alimony, child support, child custody, including interstate control, domestic abuse, equitable distribution, paternity, legal guardianship, name change, separate maintenance, visitation, Uniform Reciprocal Enforcement of Support Act (URESA), support modification, and termination of support, etc.
The Williamsburg County family court address is:
215 North Harvin Street, Suite 222
Sumter, South Carolina
Zip Code: 29150
Phone: (803) 774-2916
Fax: (803) 436-2397
Probate Courts generally handle matters involving estates, wills, trusts, conservatorships, guardianships, and involuntary commitments. The family court and probate courts share some jurisdiction over paternity, common-law marriage, and some marital agreements.
Williamsburg County's probate court handles applications regarding guardianships and conservatorships. They also approve minor settlements ($25,000 or less) and assist Mental Health and Alcohol and Drug Abuse Centers with an involuntary commitment of mentally ill or chemically dependent persons.
The Williamsburg County probate court is located at:
147 West Main Street
P.O. Box 1005 Kingstree, SC
Zip Code: 29556
Phone: (843) 355-9321
Fax: (843) 213-6997
Email: probatecourt@wc.sc.gov
There are two Magistrate offices in Williamsburg County - the central and satellite offices. Williamsburg County's magistrate courts, sometimes called "summary courts," typically hear cases involving domestic violence, fraudulent checks, shoplifting, breach of the peace, theft involving less than $1000, receipt of stolen goods, landlord-tenant issues, etc.
The magistrate court also hears criminal cases punishable by limited fines or short jail terms, civil cases involving claims for less than $7500, and contract claims, among others.
Since Williamsburg County has multiple Magistrates Courts, a centralized court hears all criminal domestic violence cases.
The central office for Williamsburg County’s magistrate court is:
209 Short Street
Kingstree, South Carolina
Zip Code: 29556
Phone: (843) 355-9565
Fax: (843) 353-4374
And the magistrate satellite office is at:
2811 State Highway 41/51 S
Hemingway, SC
Zip Code: 29554.
Are Williamsburg County Court Records Public?
Yes. Judgments or orders made 'in public' are public documents and are automatically available to the public. To access or retrieve any Williamsburg County Court Records, the searcher should visit the court where the case was filed.
Sometimes, a case court record may belong to a juvenile or be legally sealed for other reasons. Documents that fall under such cases are not made publicly available. Any person who wants to view such records must be qualified to do so and make a special request.
How to Obtain Williamsburg County Civil Court Case Records
Searchers should forward Williamsburg County Civil Court case records requests to the court clerk who handled the case. For instance, suppose the case involves matters related to conservatorship and guardianship. In that case, the searcher will contact the clerk of court for the probate court. If the case involves issues under the family court's jurisdiction, the requester should contact the family court's clerk. If it relates to the magistrate court jurisdiction, the searcher should contact the magistrate clerk of court.
Some Family Court records are confidential and may be inspected only with special permission
How to Obtain Williamsburg County Criminal Court Records
Per the Freedom of Information Act, persons may access criminal court records by sending a request to the court clerk who presided over the case in Williamsburg. The magistrate court handles Criminal Court cases in Williamsburg County. Hence, anyone that wants to obtain a Williamsburg County criminal court record should visit the court. The requester should possess a clear description of the issue, the names of parties involved, the name of the judge that oversaw the case (if available), the year, and other relevant information about the case.
Note that criminal court information regarding minors is inaccessible to the public.
What are Williamsburg County Vital Records?
According to South Carolina's regulations Section 44-63-30, vital records include reports of live birth, marriage, death, divorce, annulment, and other related information accepted for registration and incorporated into the official records of the Bureau of Vital Statistics. Under South Carolina's legislature Section 44-63-10, the state's Department of Health and Environmental Control is the state registrar of vital statistics.
When submitting a request for a vital record, an applicant must provide a valid photo identification issued by the government, school, or employer.
Where and How to Obtain Williamsburg County Divorce Records
Williamsburg County divorce records from 1950 to 1962 are obtainable from the County Clerk of Court, where the divorce happened. Certified Williamsburg County divorce records from 1st July 1962 to date are available from South Carolina's Department of Health and Environmental Control (SCDHEC). Through their vital records division, entities may send a record request online, via phone, mail, in-person, or drop-off.
Online or Phone: only the persons whose names appear on the divorce record, their children, spouse, or ex-spouse, may request online or by phone. To order online, visit the link provided on the divorce request page or call the number indicated. An online request typically costs around $17.5, non-refundable standard fees minus shipping, and takes between 5 and 7 days.
By Mail: To request a Williamsburg County divorce record by mail, the requester must complete an application form. Enclose the completed form together with a photo identification issued by the government, school, and a non-refundable standard searching fee of $12 (plus $3 for each additional copy), and mail to:
Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC)
Vital Records
2600 Bull Street
Columbia, SC
Zip Code: 29201.
Note that only the state office in Richland County receives mail requests.
In-Person Request: Persons requesting a divorce record in person should visit the vital records office at the physical address. The requirements are:
- A valid photo ID.
- A completed application form.
- A $12 searching fee (plus an additional $3 for each extra copy).
Drop-off requests: Obtaining a drop-off request for a divorce record requires the requester to submit a filled application form, a search fee of $12 (plus an extra $3 per additional copy), and valid photo identification. They are to drop off the request and collect a receipt. The requester will receive the record via email, or they may pick it up at the Columbia office. Note that only the state office in Richland County receives drop-off requests.
Only either of the divorced persons, their adult children, or their legal representatives may access a divorce record. Third parties requesting a divorce record must provide:
- The couple's full name.
- Divorce date.
- The county where the divorce hearing happened.
- The signature and mailing address of the person requesting the divorce record.
They must also provide proof of their relationship with the divorced parties and a mailing address.
Where and How to Get Public Williamsburg County Marriage Records
Marriage records from July 1950 to December 2020 are available at the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (SCDHEC). For a person to inspect or access public marriage records for Williamsburg County, they should send a request to the Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC). They should send the request via phone, online, mail, drop-off, or in-person.
Only the state office in Richland County accepts mail requests and drop-offs.
For Williamsburg County marriage records before 1950 and after 2020, the requester should visit the county Probate Court that initially issued the marriage license. The requester must present a valid photo identification along with their request.
Where and How to Get Confidential Marriage Records in Williamsburg County
All marriage records in Williamsburg County are considered public. Upon request, they are accessible to eligible persons through the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (SCDHEC) or the probate court that issued the marriage license.
Where and How to Find Williamsburg County Birth Records
Williamsburg County birth records are kept with South Carolina's Vital Records office. Currently, a South Carolina computer-generated birth record contains the state file number, registrant's name, date of birth, county of birth, city of birth, father's name and birthplace (if listed on the original birth certificate), mother's maiden name and birthplace, date of filing and date of issuance.
To find a Williamsburg County birth certificate, send a mail, phone, drop-off, in-person, or online request to the Vital Records office under the state's Department of Health and Environmental Control.
Per a South Carolina bill signed in 2022, certified copies of an original birth record must be issued only to the registrant (if at least 18 years), their parent or guardian, or other legal representatives, and to the Department of Social Services upon request for a real purpose. If the registrant is deceased, the requester must present an original, certified copy of the registrant's death record along with the request submitted. Applicants must also present a valid government-issued identification card. Photo IDs from schools and workplaces are also accepted.
For birth records issued over 100 years ago, any person may obtain an uncertified copy by submitting an application form and fees. South Carolina's Department of Archives and History also provides a downloadable index of birth records from 1915 to 1918.
Where and How to Find Williamsburg County Death Records
According to Section 44-63-84 of South Carolina's state legislature, copies of death certificates are obtainable by members of the deceased's family (parents, grandparents, spouse, siblings, children, or grandchildren) and their respective legal representatives. Upon request, the Department of Social Service, its designee, or any others who demonstrate a direct and tangible interest. Other applicants may only receive a statement that the death occurred, the date, and the county of death.
However, after fifty years of a person's death, their death records become publicly available and viewable in photographic or other suitable formats.
Eligible persons who want to request death certificates for Williamsburg County should send a request as directed on the vital records webpage. Requests may be online, by phone, by mail, in–person, or through drop-off. No matter the application method, the applicant must submit a completed application form, a $12 non-refundable standard fee (an additional $3 each for extra copies), and a valid government, school, or employer-issued photo Identification.
To obtain a death record (certificates and statements) from 2005 to the present, persons may visit the State Vital Records Office under South Carolina's Department of Health and Environmental Control (SCDHEC) or call (803) 898-3630
The department also provides an online, searchable death index from 1915 to 1967.
