Public Records Resources for Sumter, South Carolina
Official government websites for Sumter, South Carolina and the surrounding area. All links point to .gov, .us, or .mil domains.
- South Carolina Birth RecordsRequest copies of birth records from the SC Department of Health and Environmental Control.
- South Carolina Business & Corporation SearchFind active and inactive corporations by name from the SC Secretary of State.
- South Carolina Death RecordsRequest copies of death records from the SC Department of Health and Environmental Control.
- South Carolina Death RowInformation from the SC Dept. of Corrections on death row inmates.
- South Carolina Federal CasesSearch the US District Court of SC to find information and public records on federal case filings.
- South Carolina Marriage SearchRequest a copy of a marriage certificates from the SC Department of Health and Environmental Control.
- South Carolina Unclaimed PropertySearch property and claim status by individual name or business through the state treasurer.
About Sumter County
Area
682 square miles
County Seat
Sumter
Established
1798
Named After
General Thomas Sumter
Population
106,721 residents
Sumter County is located in the central part of South Carolina, acting as a major transportation and military hub in the Pee Dee region of the state. Sumter County seat is Sumter, which is also the largest city and is the economic and governmental center of Sumter County. Sumter County covers approximately 682 square miles and has a population of around 106,000 residents, making it one of the mid-sized counties in South Carolina. Sumter County was established in 1798 and named after General Thomas Sumter County, a Revolutionary War hero known as the 'Fighting Gamecock.' Sumter County is home to Shaw Air Force Base, one of the largest employers in Sumter County and a major economic driver. The base brings significant federal investment and employs thousands of military personnel and civilian contractors. Sumter County features a mix of urban and rural scenes, with agriculture remaining an important part of the local economy alongside manufacturing and military operations. Major landmarks include Swan Lake Iris Gardens, one of the few public gardens in the United States featuring all eight known swan species, and Sumter County Museum, which preserves local history. Sumter County Register of Deeds office, located at 141 N Main Street, the local community, SC 29150, maintains land records and property documents. Sumter County Clerk of Court office handles court filings and marriage licenses, while Sumter County Assessor's Office manages property tax assessments and valuations. Sumter County offers a blend of small-town Southern charm with the amenities provided by its proximity to Columbia and the presence of a major military installation.
- Sumter County Register of Deeds office, located at 141 N Main Street, Sumter, SC 29150, maintains land records and property documents.
141 N Main Street, Sumter, SC 29150
Court Records & Case Information
Sumter County South Carolina Court is located at 141 North Main Street, Sumter, SC 29150. It is a county court that handles civil and criminal cases. It is open Monday through Friday from 8:30am to 5:00pm.
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement
Law Enforcement & Arrests
- § 30-4-10 et seq.), which provides broad public access to government records with specific exemptions.
- Citizens can request arrest records by submitting a written request to the Sheriff's Office or the appropriate police department, though some agencies may charge copying fees.
- Booking photos and mugshots are generally available through the detention center's online inmate search portal or by visiting the facility in person.
107 E Hampton Street, Sumter, SC 29150
210 N Harvin Street, Sumter County, SC 29150
Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records
Arrest Records
- The South Carolina Freedom of Information Act ensures public access to government records, including arrest records, while protecting sensitive information.
Mugshots & Booking Photos
Courts & Case Records
- Sumter County Magistrate Court handles small claims up to $7,500, landlord-tenant disputes, minor criminal matters, and preliminary hearings.
- The South Carolina Judicial Department operates the Public Index website, which provides free online access to search civil and criminal case information including dockets, judgments, and case status.
- Copies of actual court documents require payment of fees (typically $0.25 per page for copies) and can be obtained from the Clerk of Court's office in person or by mail with proper identification.
215 N Harvin Street, Sumter, SC 29150
141 N Main Street, Sumter, SC 29150
Property & Public Records
- Sumter County offers online access to recorded documents through a subscription-based system or per-document fees via their official website.
- Recording fees vary by document type but generally start at $10 for the first page and $2 for each additional page.
- Certified copies of recorded documents can be obtained for $1.00 per page with a $2.00 certification fee.
141 N Main Street, Sumter, SC 29150
141 N Main Street, Sumter, SC 29150
Vital Records
Vital records for this county include birth, death, marriage, and divorce certificates issued under state vital statistics law.
- Processing typically takes 4-6 weeks by mail, though expedited service is available for an additional fee.
- Couples must apply in person with valid identification, social security numbers, and pay the required fee (approximately $50).
- The state's VitalChek service offers online ordering of birth and death certificates through DHEC's authorized vendor at an additional convenience fee, with processing times of 7-10 business days plus shipping.
- Walk-in service is available at DHEC regional offices for same-day processing.
2600 Bull Street, Columbia, SC 29201
215 N Harvin Street, Sumter County, SC 29150
Business & Licensing
Business records, licenses, and permits for this county are processed by the County Clerk and local government offices.
- The database provides information on business names, registered agents, formation dates, status, and annual report compliance.
- New business registration is conducted through the Secretary of State's office with fees ranging from $110-$135 depending on entity type.
215 N Harvin Street, Sumter, SC 29150
32 E Calhoun Street, Sumter County, SC 29150
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I search for someone recently arrested in Sumter County, South Carolina?
To search for someone recently arrested in Sumter County, South Carolina, you can use the inmate lookup tool provided by the Sumter-Lee Regional Detention Center. This facility maintains an online database where you can search for current inmates by name. You can also contact the detention center directly at their phone number for more information about recent arrests.
Where can I find mugshots or booking photos in Sumter County, South Carolina?
Mugshots or booking photos in Sumter County, South Carolina, can be obtained from the Sumter County Sheriff's Office. The office may provide access to these records through an online portal or upon request at their physical location. For online access, you may visit the Sheriff's Office website to see if they provide a searchable database for booking photos.
How do I get a criminal background check in Sumter County, South Carolina?
To obtain a criminal background check in Sumter County, South Carolina, you should contact the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED). SLED provides background checks for the state, and you can request one online through their website. Locally, you may also inquire at the Sumter County Sheriff's Office for any additional procedures they might offer.
How can I look up sex offenders in Sumter County, South Carolina?
You can look up sex offenders in Sumter County, South Carolina, by accessing the South Carolina Sex Offender Registry. This registry is maintained by the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) and provides a searchable online database. You can search by name, address, or geographic location to find registered sex offenders in Sumter County.
How do I register to vote in Sumter County, South Carolina?
Voter registration in Sumter County is handled by the Sumter County Board of Voter Registration and Elections at 141 N Main Street, Room 108, Sumter, SC 29150, phone (803) 436-2313. South Carolina offers online voter registration at scVOTES.gov, and you must register at least 30 days before an election to be eligible to vote in that election. You can also register in person at the elections office, any DMV location, or designated voter registration agencies. Absentee ballots are available for voters who meet specific qualifying criteria, and applications can be submitted starting 30 days before the election.
How do I look up property records in Sumter County, South Carolina?
Property records in Sumter County are maintained by the Register of Deeds at 141 N Main Street, Sumter, SC 29150, phone (803) 436-2186, which provides access to deeds, mortgages, liens, plats, and other recorded documents through an online search portal. The Sumter County Assessor's Office at the same address, phone (803) 436-2165, maintains property tax assessment records including ownership, valuation, and parcel information. The county offers free online property searches through its GIS mapping system and assessor's database where you can search by owner name, address, or parcel number. Official certified copies of recorded documents can be obtained for a fee of $1.00 per page plus a $2.00 certification fee.
How do I get a birth or death certificate in Sumter County, South Carolina?
Birth and death certificates for Sumter County are issued by the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC), Office of Vital Records at 2600 Bull Street, Columbia, SC 29201, or through their online ordering system via VitalChek. Certificates cost $12 for the first copy and $3 for each additional copy, with processing times of 4-6 weeks by mail or 7-10 days for online orders with expedited service. Applicants must be immediate family members or demonstrate a tangible interest and provide valid photo identification. For marriage licenses, contact the Sumter County Probate Court at 141 N Main Street, Suite 201, Sumter, SC 29150, phone (803) 436-2122, and for divorce records, contact the Clerk of Court at the Sumter County Courthouse.
How do I find business license records in Sumter County, South Carolina?
Business entity information for Sumter County companies can be searched through the South Carolina Secretary of State's Business Entities Online database at sos.sc.gov, which provides free access to corporation, LLC, and partnership registrations including business names, registered agents, and status. Local business licenses for city operations are issued by the City of Sumter Business License Office at (803) 436-2500. Fictitious name (DBA) registrations are filed with the Secretary of State and published in local newspapers. For building permits, zoning, and development matters, contact the Sumter County Building Codes and Development Department at (803) 436-2148, and for general business support and information, the Greater Sumter Chamber of Commerce can be reached at (803) 775-1231.