Anderson County Public Records

What Is Public Records in The Anderson County?

Public records in Anderson County refer to documents and information created, maintained, or received by government agencies that are accessible to the public. These records include court documents, property records, vital statistics, tax information, and various other official documents. The Anderson County government maintains these records through different departments such as the Clerk of Court, Register of Deeds, and other county offices.

Public records serve as an essential resource for transparency in government operations, allowing citizens to access information about property ownership, court proceedings, and other official matters. In Anderson County, these records are maintained according to South Carolina state laws governing public information access.

Anderson County Administration Building, 101 S. Main Street, Anderson, SC 29624

Is Anderson County an Open Records County?

Yes, Anderson County is an open records county that operates under South Carolina's Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). This law ensures that citizens have the right to access public records maintained by government agencies within the county. The South Carolina FOIA establishes that all persons have the right to inspect or copy public records of public bodies, subject to certain exceptions.

Anderson County government offices comply with these regulations by making most records available upon request. However, some records may be exempt from disclosure due to privacy concerns, ongoing investigations, or other legal restrictions as defined by state law.

South Carolina Freedom of Information Act Office, 1205 Pendleton Street, Suite 525, Columbia, SC 29201

How Do I Find Public Records in Anderson County in 2025

To find public records in Anderson County in 2025, you have several options:

Visit the Anderson County Clerk of Court for court-related records such as civil and criminal case files, marriage licenses, and probate records. Anderson County Courthouse, 100 S. Main Street, Anderson, SC 29624
Access the Register of Deeds office for property records, deeds, mortgages, and land transactions. Anderson County Register of Deeds, 100 S. Main Street, Room 101, Anderson, SC 29624
Use the Anderson County online portal, which offers digital access to many public records. The county continues to expand its digital services for 2025.
Submit a written request to the specific department that maintains the records you seek. Many departments now offer electronic submission options.
Visit the Anderson County Library for historical records and archived documents. Anderson County Library, 300 N. McDuffie Street, Anderson, SC 29621

For the most current information, it's advisable to check the Anderson County website or contact the relevant department directly as procedures may have been updated since this information was published.

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

The cost to obtain public records in Anderson County varies depending on the type of record and the format requested:

Copy fees typically range from $0.25 to $1.00 per page for standard documents.
Certified copies of records often have additional fees, usually between $5 and $15 per document.
Search and retrieval fees may apply if extensive staff time is required, typically calculated at the hourly rate of the employee conducting the search.
Electronic records may have different fee structures, sometimes based on the storage medium or time required for compilation.
Some specialized records, such as detailed maps or large-format documents, may have higher reproduction costs.

The Anderson County government follows South Carolina FOIA guidelines, which state that fees must be reasonable and cannot exceed the actual cost of searching for or making copies of records. Fee schedules are typically posted at each department or on the county website.

Anderson County Treasurer's Office, 100 S. Main Street, Room 104, Anderson, SC 29624

Does Anderson County Have Free Public Records?

Anderson County does offer some public records at no cost:

Many basic records can be viewed in person at no charge at the respective county offices during regular business hours.
The county's online portal provides free access to certain public records, including some property information and court dockets.
Basic information searches through public terminals at county offices are typically available without fees.
Some historical records at the Anderson County Library can be accessed for free. Anderson County Library, 300 N. McDuffie Street, Anderson, SC 29621
Public meetings minutes and county ordinances are generally available at no cost on the county website.

However, while viewing may be free, reproduction costs and fees for certified copies still apply in most cases. Additionally, records requiring extensive search time or specialized handling may incur fees even if the initial access is free.

Who Can Request Public Records In Anderson County?

In Anderson County, public records access is broadly available:

Any individual, regardless of citizenship or residency status, can request public records under South Carolina's FOIA.
Organizations, businesses, media outlets, and legal representatives can also submit requests.
No statement of purpose is generally required when requesting public records, though some specific records may have additional requirements.
Requesters do not need to identify themselves, although providing contact information is necessary for the county to respond to the request.
Out-of-state requesters have the same rights to access public records as South Carolina residents.

The county may ask for identification for certain records to verify eligibility, particularly for records with restricted access such as vital records or certain court documents.

South Carolina Attorney General's Office, Rembert Dennis Building, 1000 Assembly Street, Columbia, SC 29201

What Records Are Confidential In Anderson County?

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

Personal identifying information such as Social Security numbers, driver's license numbers, and financial account information.
Medical records and protected health information under HIPAA.
Juvenile court records, except in specific circumstances permitted by law.
Records related to ongoing law enforcement investigations.
Personnel records containing private employee information.
Records protected by attorney-client privilege.
Certain tax information and financial data of private individuals.
Adoption records and other sensitive family court matters.
Records that would constitute an unreasonable invasion of personal privacy if disclosed.
Information that could compromise security measures or emergency response plans.

These exemptions are defined by South Carolina's FOIA and other applicable laws. The county is required to provide the specific legal basis when denying access to requested records.

Anderson County Sheriff's Office, 305 Camson Road, Anderson, SC 29625

Lookup Public Records in Anderson County

For comprehensive access to public records in Anderson County, the following resources are available:

Clerk of Court - Anderson County - Access court records, fees information, and contact details for the Anderson County Clerk of Court.
Anderson - South Carolina Judicial Branch - Find courthouse locations, judge assignments, and court calendars for Anderson County.
Register of Deeds - Anderson County South Carolina - Access property records and related legal documents maintained by the Anderson County Register of Deeds.
Anderson County Circuit Court - Court Records Directory - Use this directory for court records access, including case searches and court schedules.
Read the Register of Deeds Memo - Review this document for detailed information about the responsibilities and services of the Register of Deeds.

These resources provide valuable pathways to access the various public records maintained by Anderson County government offices.