Official Government Sources
Columbia Public Records Directory
All links go directly to official Columbia, South Carolina government websites.
About Columbia City Government
The governing body of Columbia, South Carolina, is the Columbia City Council, which consists of 6 elected members and the Mayor. Each council member is elected to serve a term of 4 years, with elections occurring in odd-numbered years. The Mayor, currently Daniel Rickenmann, also serves a 4-year term and is elected at-large.
For the fiscal year 2023, the City of Columbia has an approximate annual operating budget of $143 million. This budget supports various city services, including public safety, infrastructure, and community development initiatives.
Columbia City Council meetings are held regularly on the first and third Tuesday of each month at 6:00 PM. These meetings take place at the City Hall located at 1737 Main Street, Columbia, SC 29201. The public is encouraged to attend and participate in these sessions, which provide a platform for community engagement and local governance.
For the fiscal year 2023, the City of Columbia has an approximate annual operating budget of $143 million. This budget supports various city services, including public safety, infrastructure, and community development initiatives.
Columbia City Council meetings are held regularly on the first and third Tuesday of each month at 6:00 PM. These meetings take place at the City Hall located at 1737 Main Street, Columbia, SC 29201. The public is encouraged to attend and participate in these sessions, which provide a platform for community engagement and local governance.
About Columbia, South Carolina
Columbia, South Carolina, serves as the state capital and is located in Richland County. As of the 2020 Census, the city has a population of 133,451 residents, making it the second-largest city in South Carolina. Columbia is known for its vibrant neighborhoods, including the historic Vista district, which features art galleries, restaurants, and nightlife, as well as the family-friendly neighborhood of Forest Acres.
One of the city's prominent landmarks is the South Carolina State House, an iconic building that houses the state legislature and is notable for its distinctive dome topped with a bronze statue of a soldier. Additionally, Columbia is home to the University of South Carolina, which significantly contributes to the local economy and culture. Historically, Columbia was established in 1786 as a central location for the state government, and it has since evolved into a hub for education and commerce. The city’s economy is bolstered by sectors such as education, healthcare, and manufacturing, with a reported budget of approximately $137 million for the fiscal year 2023.
One of the city's prominent landmarks is the South Carolina State House, an iconic building that houses the state legislature and is notable for its distinctive dome topped with a bronze statue of a soldier. Additionally, Columbia is home to the University of South Carolina, which significantly contributes to the local economy and culture. Historically, Columbia was established in 1786 as a central location for the state government, and it has since evolved into a hub for education and commerce. The city’s economy is bolstered by sectors such as education, healthcare, and manufacturing, with a reported budget of approximately $137 million for the fiscal year 2023.
Columbia, South Carolina Public Records & Government Resources
Columbia South Carolina Criminal History Records
South Carolina Law Enforcement Division criminal background check for Columbia.
Columbia South Carolina Archives and Genealogy
South Carolina Department of Archives genealogy for Columbia.
Columbia South Carolina Bankruptcy Court
US Bankruptcy Court District of South Carolina for Columbia.
South Carolina Courts – Columbia Case Search
South Carolina Courts public case search for Columbia.
Columbia South Carolina Vital Records
South Carolina DHEC vital records for Columbia.
Columbia South Carolina Inmate Search
South Carolina Department of Corrections inmate search for Columbia.
Columbia South Carolina Missing Persons
South Carolina SLED missing persons for Columbia.
Columbia South Carolina Most Wanted
South Carolina SLED most wanted for Columbia.
Columbia South Carolina Sex Offender Registry
South Carolina Sex Offender Registry for Columbia.
Columbia South Carolina Census and Vital Statistics
U.S. Census Bureau quick facts, demographics, and population statistics for Columbia.
City of Columbia
Directory of Columbia city records and information.
Columbia City Clerk
Look up city records and documents. 1737 Main Street Columbia, South Carolina 29201 803-545-3045
Columbia Municpal Court
Municipal court matters and information. 811 Washington Street Columbia, SC 29201 803-545-3150
Columbia Police Department
One Justice Square Columbia, SC 29201 803-545-3500
Columbia South Carolina Criminal Records Search and Depository
Conduct a background check and get a criminal history report. SLED Records Department P.O. Box 21398, Columbia, S.C. 2
Official Columbia South Carolina Courts
Search criminal cases, divorces and other civil court filings. 1015 SUMTER STREET, SUITE 200 COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA
Center for Missing & Exploited Children
Quick search for missing children, sex offenders, Amber alerts, records and more public information.
Columbia South Carolina Inmate locator
Locate a prisoner held in a South Carolina facility South Carolina Department of Corrections 4444 Broad River Road Colum
Frequently Asked Questions
1
What is the process for someone who is arrested in Columbia, Richland County, South Carolina to go through the jail and court system?
If you are arrested in the City of Columbia, South Carolina, you will be transported to the Richland County Jail for booking and processing. During booking, officers will record your personal information, take fingerprints and photographs, and log personal belongings. After booking, you may be held pending arraignment before the Richland County Court. Under South Carolina law, you have the right to remain silent and the right to an attorney; if you cannot afford legal representation, a public defender will be appointed. Bail may be set at arraignment depending on the charges, your criminal history, and flight risk. Criminal history records are maintained by the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED). The Richland County Sheriff's Office maintains an online inmate roster at https://www.doc.sc.gov/inmate-info/inmate-search.html where you can look up current detainees.
2
What are the school district and education performance data for Columbia, Richland County, South Carolina?
The school district for Columbia, Richland County, South Carolina is Richland School District One. According to the South Carolina Department of Education, the district's overall performance rating for the 2018-2019 school year was a "B". The district's graduation rate was 81.2%, and the district's average SAT score was 1020.
3
What are the crime statistics for Columbia, Richland County, South Carolina?
The most recent crime statistics for Columbia, Richland County, South Carolina can be found on the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division's website. According to the website, in 2019, there were a total of 8,945 reported crimes in Richland County, with 4,845 of those being violent crimes and 4,100 being property crimes. The violent crime rate was 545.7 per 100,000 people, and the property crime rate was 2,521.7 per 100,000 people.
4
What publicly accessible records can be obtained from the Columbia, Richland County, South Carolina Library?
The Columbia Public Library in Richland County, South Carolina provides residents with access to public records and government document resources. Library cardholders can access online databases including genealogy services, historical newspapers, and South Carolina government records. The reference staff can assist with locating court records, property records, and vital records through the library's online catalog and interlibrary loan network. The library maintains materials on how to submit public records requests under the South Carolina Freedom of Information Act, which governs access to government documents in South Carolina. The library also offers access to genealogy resources including the Columbia South Carolina Archives and Genealogy at https://scdah.sc.gov/programs/Pages/genealogy-research.aspx. Contact the Columbia Public Library reference desk at (803) for assistance or to confirm hours and services.
5
Where is the Columbia, Richland County, South Carolina Public Library located?
The Columbia, Richland County, South Carolina Library is located at 1431 Assembly Street, Columbia, SC 29201.
6
Where is the nearest fingerprinting office located in Columbia, Richland County, South Carolina?
Fingerprinting services for Columbia, South Carolina residents are provided at the Columbia Police Department, which serves Richland County. Fingerprinting is required for a variety of purposes, including pre-employment background checks, professional licensing (nursing, teaching, law, real estate), volunteer work with children or the elderly, immigration and naturalization applications, firearm purchases, and FBI Identity History Summary requests. To schedule fingerprinting, call the Columbia Police Department at (803) or visit in person. Bring a valid, government-issued photo ID (driver's license or passport) and any required agency forms. Fingerprint cards are typically forwarded to the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) for processing. For statewide fingerprint-based background checks, visit the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) at https://www.sled.sc.gov/criminalbkgrndcheck.aspx.
7
What are the requirements for obtaining vital records from Columbia, Richland County, South Carolina, and what information is provided in the records?
The procedures to obtain Columbia, Richland County, South Carolina vital records are as follows:
1. Visit the Richland County Vital Records Office.
2. Submit a written request for the vital record to the office.
3. Submit payment for the vital record.
The vital records available from the Richland County Vital Records Office include birth certificates, death certificates, marriage certificates, and divorce decrees. All requests must include the full name of the person on the record, the date of the event, and the address of the person requesting the record.
1. Visit the Richland County Vital Records Office.
2. Submit a written request for the vital record to the office.
3. Submit payment for the vital record.
The vital records available from the Richland County Vital Records Office include birth certificates, death certificates, marriage certificates, and divorce decrees. All requests must include the full name of the person on the record, the date of the event, and the address of the person requesting the record.
8
About background check
A background check in Columbia, Richland County, South Carolina typically includes a review of criminal history, driving records, credit history, employment verification, education verification, and sex offender registry status. Employers, landlords, and licensing boards commonly request background checks in South Carolina. Criminal background checks are processed through the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED), which maintains arrest records, convictions, and disposition data for South Carolina residents. The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) provides official criminal history checks at https://www.sled.sc.gov/criminalbkgrndcheck.aspx. Under the South Carolina Freedom of Information Act, individuals have the right to request their own records. Federal background checks are available through the FBI's Identity History Summary program. The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) governs how background check information may be used by employers and landlords.
Other Cities in South Carolina
Search public records in other cities across South Carolina: