Lancaster County, SC Courts and Public Records
- Arrest Records
- Judgments
- Bankruptcies
- DUIs & DWIs
- Felonies
- Warrants
- Jail Records
- Lien Records
- Sex Offenses
- Misdemeanors
- Criminal Records
- Federal Dockets
The Lancaster County Clerk of Court keeps the court records for the Circuit and Family Courts that serve Lancaster County, which is part of the Sixth Judicial Circuit.
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Court Name | Lancaster County Clerk of Court (Circuit and Family Courts, Sixth Judicial Circuit) |
| Main Address | PO Box 1809, Lancaster, SC 29721 |
| Main Phone | (803) 285-1581 |
| Courthouse Locations | 1 (Lancaster) |
| Handles | Circuit Court and Family Court records, as kept by the Clerk of Court |
| Does NOT Handle | Probate, Magistrate, Municipal and Master-in-Equity Courts, which are separate trial courts; federal cases (the U.S. District Court for South Carolina); parking tickets (issuing agency) |
| Online Case Search | Public Index (publicindex.sccourts.org) |
| Pay Traffic Tickets Online | Online Payments and Traffic Ticket Search |
How to Search Lancaster County Court Records
Have the person's full name, the case number if you know it, and the approximate dates ready before you search. Lancaster County cases are kept by the Clerk of Court in Lancaster.
Online
Go to Public Index to search statewide court case records.
Start with the party name or case number when you have them.
Confirm details with the Clerk of Court before relying on them.
Best for: Quick lookups of case status and parties
In Person
Go to the Lancaster County Clerk of Court, PO Box 1809, Lancaster, SC 29721.
Bring the case number and party names if you have them.
Call (803) 285-1581 to confirm what the clerk needs.
Best for: Records not available online
By Phone
Call the Lancaster County Clerk of Court at (803) 285-1581.
Ask which office handles your case type before you visit.
Ask how to request copies of records that are not online.
Best for: Confirming a case or request before a visit
Search by Name on SCCourtAccess.org
Go to SCCourtAccess.org and enter a full name.
Search across record types without a case number.
Confirm results with the court, since they are not official court records.
Best for: Finding leads without a case number
Lancaster County Court Statistics (FY 2026)
Lancaster County courts handled an estimated 6,161 new cases in FY 2026 across the case types covered here, and disposed of 4,827 criminal and probate cases. Criminal cases (General Sessions) and probate estate cases come from county reports; civil and family filings are estimated.
~6,161
Total filings in FY 2026
~6,080
Total dispositions in FY 2026
~6,161
Filings per judicial position (1 estimated positions)
~+3.5%
Change in total filings vs FY 2025
| Metric | FY 2026 | FY 2025 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Filings | ~6,161 | ~5,955 | ~+3.5% |
| Total Dispositions | ~6,080 | ~5,876 | ~+3.5% |
| Criminal Filings | 2,714 | 2,549 | +6.5% |
| Civil Filings | ~1,580 | ~1,474 | ~+7.2% |
| Family Law Filings | ~1,000 | ~1,027 | ~-2.6% |
| Probate Filings | 867 | 905 | -4.2% |
| Mental Health Filings | ~1 | ~1 | ~+2.1% |
| Juvenile Filings | ~122 | ~119 | ~+2.1% |
| Authorized Judicial Positions | ~1 | ~1 | ~0.0% |
The largest category movement was in criminal filings.
How Have Court Filings Changed in Lancaster County?
Estimated total filings in Lancaster County moved up over the last five years; dispositions are estimated at a similar level.
| Fiscal Year | Total Filings | Total Dispositions | YoY Filing Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| FY 2026 | ~6,161 | ~6,080 | ~+3.5% |
| FY 2025 | ~5,955 | ~5,877 | ~-15.9% |
| FY 2024 | ~7,081 | ~6,988 | ~+14.7% |
| FY 2023 | ~6,171 | ~6,090 | ~+3.2% |
| FY 2022 | ~5,982 | ~5,903 | ~-13.7% |
Estimated filings changed +3.0% between FY 2022 and FY 2026, from 5,982 to 6,161. The largest annual change was -15.9% in FY 2025. The latest change of +3.5% was driven mainly by criminal filings.
What Types of Cases Are Filed in Lancaster County?
Criminal cases are the largest category in Lancaster County, at about 44.1% of filings in FY 2026.
| Case Type | Filings FY 2026 | Share of Total | YoY Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Criminal | 2,714 | ~44.1% | +6.5% |
| Civil | ~1,580 | ~25.6% | ~+7.2% |
| Family law | ~1,000 | ~16.2% | ~-2.6% |
| Probate | 867 | ~14.1% | -4.2% |
| Juvenile | ~122 | ~2.0% | ~+2.1% |
| Mental health | ~1 | ~0.0% | ~+2.1% |
Civil cases grew fastest and probate cases fell fastest.
How Does Lancaster County Compare With South Carolina Overall?
Lancaster County is estimated to account for about 1.84% of the 334,712 cases filed in South Carolina courts in FY 2026.
| Metric | Lancaster County | South Carolina | Comparison |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total filings | ~6,161 | 334,712 | ~1.84% of statewide filings |
| YoY change in filings | ~+3.5% | +3.8% | Below state (estimate) |
| Filings per judicial position | ~6,161 | ~7,276 | Below state (estimate) |
| Dispositions per judicial position equivalent | ~6,080 | ~7,180 | Below state (estimate) |
| Criminal share of filings | ~44.1% | 39.2% | Above state (estimate) |
| Civil share of filings | ~25.6% | 30.0% | Below state (estimate) |
| Family law share of filings | ~16.2% | 17.1% | Below state (estimate) |
Compared with the state, Lancaster County has a higher share of criminal filings and a lower share of civil filings. Figures marked with ~ are estimates.
Lancaster County Crime Statistics (2025)
These figures are South Carolina statewide totals as reported to the FBI, not counts for Lancaster County. Agency reporting may be incomplete, and county crime counts are not available here. Statewide violent and property crimes combined fell 15.0% from 2024 to 2025. In 2025, reporting agencies covered about 96.4% of South Carolina's population, so year-over-year changes can partly reflect which agencies reported.
20,950
Violent crimes, South Carolina statewide, 2025
92,086
Property crimes, South Carolina statewide, 2025 (includes arson)
376.1
Violent crime rate per 100K, South Carolina statewide, 2025 (population 5,570,274)
-15.0%
Change in total violent plus property crimes, South Carolina statewide, 2025 vs 2024 (113,036 vs 133,034)
| Offense | 2025 | Rate per 100K | 2024 | YoY Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Homicide | 352 | 6.3 | 428 | -17.8% |
| Rape | 1,877 | 33.7 | 2,137 | -12.2% |
| Robbery | 1,527 | 27.4 | 1,942 | -21.4% |
| Aggravated assault | 17,194 | 308.7 | 19,581 | -12.2% |
| Violent crimes total | 20,950 | 376.1 | 24,088 | -13.0% |
| Burglary | 13,035 | 234.0 | 15,541 | -16.1% |
| Larceny-theft | 69,668 | 1250.7 | 80,928 | -13.9% |
| Motor vehicle theft | 8,880 | 159.4 | 11,872 | -25.2% |
| Property crimes total | 92,086 | 1653.2 | 108,946 | -15.5% |
Rates use the South Carolina 2025 population of 5,570,274. County-level rates are not published, so this section does not compare Lancaster County with the state. The property crimes total includes arson, so it is larger than the sum of the property offenses listed above.
Lancaster County Courthouse Locations
Lancaster County has 1 courthouse location in the official Clerk of Court directory. Check your notice or ticket for the courthouse assigned to your case before you go.
| Courthouse | Address | Phone | Verified Services |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lancaster County Clerk of Court Office | PO Box 1809, Lancaster, SC 29721 | (803) 285-1581 | Clerk of Court Office (Circuit and Family Court records) |
Which Court Handles Your Case in Lancaster County?
South Carolina trial courts include the Circuit, Family, Probate, Magistrate, Municipal and Master-in-Equity Courts. The Lancaster County Clerk of Court keeps the records for the Circuit and Family Courts.
| Your Situation | Go To | Key Details |
|---|---|---|
| Parking ticket | The agency that issued the ticket | Parking tickets are handled outside the court system. |
| Felony | Circuit Court | Circuit Court hears felony cases, and the Clerk of Court keeps its records. |
| Divorce | Family Court | Family Court hears divorce cases, and the Clerk of Court keeps its records. |
| Child custody or support | Family Court | Family Court hears custody and support matters, and the Clerk of Court keeps its records. |
| Probate or estate | Probate Court | Probate Court is separate from the Clerk of Court's Circuit and Family Court records. |
| Appeal | Court of Appeals or Supreme Court | Appeals from trial courts go to the state appellate courts. |
Are Lancaster County Court Records Public?
Yes, most court records in Lancaster County are public, with exceptions set by South Carolina Judicial Branch court-records policy.
Public records
Most case records kept by the Clerk of Court for the Circuit and Family Courts are open to the public, subject to the exceptions in court-records policy.
Restricted or confidential records
Records that court-records policy or law restricts are not open to the public, and they do not appear in public search results.
Online access
Public Index is the Judicial Branch's statewide case search, and the case-records search page is also available. Not every document is available online, so request copies from the Clerk of Court.
In-person access
Contact the Lancaster County Clerk of Court at (803) 285-1581, PO Box 1809, Lancaster, SC 29721, to ask about viewing or requesting records in person.
How to Search Lancaster County Court Records Online
South Carolina offers an online public index that may show circuit, magistrate, and some municipal court cases from Lancaster County.
- Identify whether your case is criminal, traffic, civil, family, probate, or juvenile.
- Open the official South Carolina Judicial Branch Public Index.
- Search by county, court type, party name, or case number.
- Review the case details, parties, hearing dates, and dispositions.
- Contact the clerk or court in Lancaster County to request documents not available online.
| Case Type | Where to Search | What You'll Find | Limits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Criminal | South Carolina Judicial Branch Public Index | Circuit and many magistrate case records, charges, and dispositions. | Municipal coverage is partial; document copies come from the clerk. |
| Traffic | South Carolina Judicial Branch Public Index | Traffic cases in magistrate and some municipal courts. | Not every municipal court is included; contact the issuing court. |
| Civil | South Carolina Judicial Branch Public Index | Common Pleas and magistrate civil case information. | Filed documents are generally not provided online. |
| Small claims | South Carolina Judicial Branch Public Index | Magistrate court civil case information. | Detail varies by court; confirm with the magistrate court. |
| Family law | South Carolina Judicial Branch Public Index | Family Court case information may be listed. | Some family records are confidential; contact the clerk. |
| Probate | Probate records are held by each county Probate Court; check the court in Lancaster County. | Probate case information if offered by the county. | Probate is not part of the general public index; contact the probate court. |
| Juvenile | South Carolina Judicial Branch Public Index | Little or no juvenile information is public. | Juvenile records are confidential and generally not shown online; contact the clerk. |
Use the Judicial Branch's statewide Public Index to search Lancaster County cases, and contact the Clerk of Court for documents that are not online.
- Identify the case type, such as Circuit Court, Family Court or traffic.
- Open Public Index or the case-records search page.
- Search by party name or case number and note the case number from the results.
- Review the case details for status and parties.
- Call the Lancaster County Clerk of Court at (803) 285-1581 to request documents that are not online.
| Case Type | Where to Search | What You'll Find | Limits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Circuit Court (criminal and civil) | Public Index | Case records for Circuit Court matters | Not every document is available online |
| Family Court | Public Index | Case records for Family Court matters | Not every document is available online |
| Traffic | Traffic Ticket Search; pay at Online Payments | Traffic ticket lookup and payment | Payment is separate from record search |
How to Pay Fines & Citations in Lancaster County
Court fines and traffic tickets in Lancaster County can be paid through the Judicial Branch's statewide online options, and the Clerk of Court can answer payment questions at (803) 285-1581.
- Online Payments: Pay court payments online at sc.gov/court-payments.
- Traffic Ticket Search: Look up a traffic ticket at sccourts.org/apps/traffic-ticket-search before you pay.
- Phone: Call the Lancaster County Clerk of Court at (803) 285-1581 with questions about a payment.
Parking tickets are handled by the agency that issued them, not by the court.
Lancaster County Court Records FAQ
How do I search Lancaster County court records?
Use Public Index to search statewide case records, or call the Lancaster County Clerk of Court at (803) 285-1581.
Are Lancaster County court records public?
Yes, most are, under Judicial Branch court-records policy, but records that the policy restricts are not public.
How do I find a criminal case in Lancaster County?
Search Public Index by party name or case number, or call the Clerk of Court at (803) 285-1581.
How do I find a court date in Lancaster County?
Check your notice or ticket first, then call the Clerk of Court at (803) 285-1581.
How do I pay a traffic ticket in Lancaster County?
Look up the ticket at Traffic Ticket Search or pay through Online Payments.
How many cases are filed in Lancaster County each year?
County filing counts are not published in the sources for this page. The county had 114,296 residents in 2025.
What is the most common case type in Lancaster County?
Case-type counts for the county are not published in the sources for this page, so no category is named.
Is crime in Lancaster County rising or falling?
County crime counts are not available here. Statewide, reported violent crimes fell 13.0% to 20,950 in 2025 from 24,088 in 2024, and property crimes fell 15.5% to 92,086 from 108,946, as reported to the FBI. These are South Carolina statewide figures, and reporting coverage changed between years.
Courts in the County
6th Judicial Circuit CourtMore Info
| Address: | 104 N. Main St., Lancaster, SC, 29720 |
| Phone Number: | 803-285-1581 |
| Fax: | 877-220-4138 |
| Website: | https://www.mylancastersc.org/departments/departments__a_to_d/clerk_of_court/index.php |
Lancaster County Magistrate CourtMore Info
| Address: | 761 Lancaster Bypass E., Lancaster, SC, 29720 |
| Phone Number: | 803-283-3983 |
| Fax: | 877-636-7977 |
| Website: | https://www.mylancastersc.org/?SEC=A72818F5-77F1-4B4A-814B-6C073CB00FA6 |
Useful Links
- South Carolina Judicial Department: Access the official judiciary portal of South Carolina for court information, legal resources, and access to opinions.
- Lancaster County Courts: Visit the official site for Lancaster County judicial services, including court schedules, locations, and contact details.
- South Carolina Public Index: Explore the online case records search system for state-wide court information including civil and criminal cases in Lancaster County.
- South Carolina Government - Legal Resources: Navigate legal resources provided by the state including information on services, codes, and public records from government agencies.
- South Carolina Supreme Court Self-Help Resources: Provides self-help resources for individuals seeking assistance in handling legal matters within the judicial system.
- South Carolina Legal Services: Access free legal assistance resources for those in financial need, including guides and information on civil legal matters.
- Clerks of Court in South Carolina: Find contact information and websites for clerks across South Carolina, including Lancaster County’s court clerks.
- South Carolina Court Administration News: Stay updated with the latest news and announcements from the South Carolina judicial department.
- MyLegalSupport - South Carolina Court Information: Discover a wide array of legal resources and guides pertaining to court procedures and legal assistance in South Carolina.
- Lancaster County Code of Ordinances: Explore the comprehensive set of local regulations governing Lancaster County's judicial and administrative functions.
- South Carolina Bar: Provides access to statewide legal resources, including attorney directories, educational materials, and public service programs.
- Find Your Clerk of Court: Use tools to locate contact information and resources for clerks’ offices across South Carolina with detailed guides.
- Lancaster County Circuit Court: Locate specific circuit court services within Lancaster County, encompassing court procedures and filing processes.
- Lancaster County Magistrates Court: Information on magistrates’ court services within Lancaster for non-jury trial cases such as misdemeanors and small claims.
- South Carolina Court Rules: Browse detailed rules governing practices and procedures within the South Carolina judicial system for various legal matters.
- National Center for State Courts (NCSC): A wide range of resources and services aiding in the management and improvement of state court operations.
- SC Access to Justice: Promotes equal access to legal assistance and fair treatment by the judicial system across the South Carolina community.
- ClearPoint Legal - South Carolina: Comprehensive legal resources for individuals seeking help with legal procedures or finding representation in South Carolina.
- South Carolina Municipal Code Online: Delve into the updated municipal codes and ordinances that affect legal proceedings and life in South Carolina.
- South Carolina State Legislature: Legislative body providing sessions, bills, and laws affecting the judicial practices and statutes within South Carolina.
Table of Contents
- Lancaster County, Courts and Public Records
- How to Search Lancaster County Court Records
- Lancaster County Court Statistics (FY 2026)
- How Have Court Filings Changed in Lancaster County?
- What Types of Cases Are Filed in Lancaster County?
- How Does Lancaster County Compare With South Carolina Overall?
- Lancaster County Crime Statistics (2025)
- Lancaster County Courthouse Locations
- Which Court Handles Your Case in Lancaster County?
- Are Lancaster County Court Records Public?
- How to Search Lancaster County Court Records Online
- How to Pay Fines & Citations in Lancaster County
- Lancaster County Court Records FAQ
- Courts in the County
- Useful Links