Getting a Copy of Your South Carolina Criminal Record
Which South Carolina agency keeps criminal history records, how to request your own record, and the fee.
Short answer: The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) provides South Carolina criminal record checks through SLED CATCH, a name-based search you can run online to view and print results ($25 non-refundable fee plus a $1 convenience fee; South Carolina Law Enforcement Division, SLED CATCH
| Getting a copy of your criminal record | The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) provides South Carolina criminal record checks through SLED CATCH, a name-based search you can run online to view and print results ($25 non-refundable fee plus a $1 convenience fee; since July 1, 2026, online requests also carry a $1.43 service fee per $25 report). You can instead mail the Criminal Records Check Form with payment (business, certified or cashier's check or money order; no personal checks or cash) and a self-addressed stamped envelope to SLED Records Department, PO Box 21398, Columbia, SC 29221-1398. Results cover South Carolina only; SLED does fingerprint-based checks only when a statute requires it. Subjects have a right to correct erroneous criminal record information. Questions: SLED Public Dissemination Unit, 803-896-1443. |
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| What relief the state offers | South Carolina offers "expungement," a court order that removes a record from a person's criminal history. It is also called an Order for Destruction of Arrest Records. Expungement is available only for charges that did not end in conviction and for specific minor or first-time offenses listed in the law. There is no general expungement for most felonies. The Board of Paroles and Pardons can grant a pardon, which restores civil rights but does not expunge the record. |
Where to get help in South Carolina
More South Carolina expungement & criminal records
- Expunging or Sealing a Felony in South Carolina
- Clearing a DUI From Your Record in South Carolina
- How to File for Expungement in South Carolina
- Sealing or Expunging Juvenile Records in South Carolina
- All South Carolina expungement & criminal records rules
FAQ
How do I check my own criminal record in South Carolina?
The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) provides South Carolina criminal record checks through SLED CATCH, a name-based search you can run online to view and print results ($25 non-refundable fee plus a $1 convenience fee; since July 1, 2026, online requests also carry a $1.43 service fee per $25 report). You can instead mail the Criminal Records Check Form with payment (business, certified or cashier's check or money order; no personal checks or cash) and a self-addressed stamped envelope to SLED Records Department, PO Box 21398, Columbia, SC 29221-1398. Results cover South Carolina only; SLED does fingerprint-based checks only when a statute requires it. Subjects have a right to correct erroneous criminal record information. Questions: SLED Public Dissemination Unit, 803-896-1443.
Can you get a criminal record expunged in South Carolina?
South Carolina offers "expungement," a court order that removes a record from a person's criminal history. It is also called an Order for Destruction of Arrest Records. Expungement is available only for charges that did not end in conviction and for specific minor or first-time offenses listed in the law. There is no general expungement for most felonies. The Board of Paroles and Pardons can grant a pardon, which restores civil rights but does not expunge the record.
General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.