Spartanburg County Public Records

What Is Public Records in The Spartanburg County?

Public records in Spartanburg County refer to documents and information that are created, maintained, or received by government agencies and are accessible to the public. These records include vital records (birth, death, marriage, and divorce certificates), property records, court records, tax records, and various other official documents. The South Carolina Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) governs public access to these records, ensuring transparency in government operations.

The Spartanburg County Clerk of Court's Office (180 Magnolia Street, Spartanburg, SC 29306) maintains many of these records, while specific departments like the Register of Deeds (366 N Church St, Spartanburg, SC 29303) handle property-related documents.

Is Spartanburg County an Open Records County?

Yes, Spartanburg County is an open records county. In accordance with South Carolina's Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), most government records in Spartanburg County are available to the public. The county operates under the principle of transparency, allowing citizens to access various records maintained by county offices and departments.

However, certain exceptions exist to protect privacy, security, and other sensitive information. The South Carolina FOIA, administered by the South Carolina Attorney General's Office (1000 Assembly St, Columbia, SC 29201), outlines specific exemptions to public disclosure, such as personal information that would constitute an unreasonable invasion of privacy.

How Do I Find Public Records in Spartanburg County in 2025

Finding public records in Spartanburg County in 2025 can be accomplished through several methods:

1. Online Access: Many records are available through the Spartanburg County website and specific department portals. The county's official website provides access to property records, court records, and other public documents.

2. In-Person Requests: Visit the appropriate county office based on the type of record you need:

   • For court records: Spartanburg County Clerk of Court (180 Magnolia Street, Spartanburg, SC 29306)
   • For property records: Register of Deeds (366 N Church St, Spartanburg, SC 29303)
   • For vital records: Spartanburg County Health Department (151 E Wood St, Spartanburg, SC 29303)

3. Written Requests: Submit a written request to the relevant department, clearly specifying the records you seek.

4. Third-Party Services: Various online services aggregate public records, though these may charge fees and might not have the most current information.

How Much Does It Cost To Get Public Records In Spartanburg County?

The cost of obtaining public records in Spartanburg County varies depending on the type of record and the format requested:

• Search Fees: Some departments charge for the time spent searching for records, typically around $15-25 per hour.
• Copy Fees: Standard paper copies usually cost $0.25 per page.
• Certified Copies: Documents like birth certificates ($12), death certificates ($12), marriage licenses ($5), and divorce decrees ($15) have set fees.
• Electronic Records: Digital copies may have different fee structures, often lower than paper copies.

The Spartanburg County Treasurer's Office (366 N Church St #400, Spartanburg, SC 29303) processes many of these payments. Fees are subject to change, so it's advisable to check with the specific department before requesting records.

Does Spartanburg County Have Free Public Records?

Spartanburg County does offer some public records for free, particularly those available online:

• Basic property information through the county's GIS system
• Court docket information (though detailed documents may require payment)
• Meeting minutes and agendas for county council and other public bodies
• Certain voter registration information

The Spartanburg County Administration Building (366 N Church Street, Spartanburg, SC 29303) houses many departments that provide free access to view records in person, though copying fees may still apply.

However, most official copies of documents, especially certified copies, require payment of the associated fees. The county must balance public access with the costs of maintaining and providing these records.

Who Can Request Public Records In Spartanburg County?

In Spartanburg County, public records are generally available to:

• Any South Carolina resident
• Non-residents in many cases
• Media organizations
• Businesses and corporations
• Legal representatives
• Government agencies

The South Carolina FOIA does not require requesters to state their purpose or identify themselves, though certain records may have specific access restrictions. The Spartanburg County Attorney's Office (366 N Church St, Spartanburg, SC 29303) can provide guidance on specific access questions.

For certain records, particularly those containing sensitive information, requesters may need to demonstrate a legitimate interest or legal right to access the information.

What Records Are Confidential In Spartanburg County?

Despite Spartanburg County's commitment to transparency, certain records remain confidential under state and federal laws:

• Records containing personal identifying information (Social Security numbers, financial account details)
• Juvenile court records (with limited exceptions)
• Certain law enforcement investigative records
• Health records protected under HIPAA
• Records related to ongoing economic development negotiations
• Personnel records of government employees (except for basic employment information)
• Records protected by attorney-client privilege
• Certain tax information

The Spartanburg County Sheriff's Office (8045 Howard St, Spartanburg, SC 29303) and Department of Social Services (630 Chesnee Highway, Spartanburg, SC 29303) maintain many confidential records that are exempt from public disclosure.

Lookup Public Records in Spartanburg County

For more information about accessing public records in Spartanburg County, please visit these official resources:

• Public Records | Spartanburg County Court - Comprehensive information on obtaining marriage, divorce, birth, and death records in Spartanburg County.

• Find | Spartanburg County, SC - A valuable resource for locating various county records, including property and vital records.