How to Find Someone in South Carolina Using the SCDC Inmate Search
Need to confirm where someone is incarcerated in South Carolina? The SCDC inmate search is the fastest way to find out. Here's how to run a search and pull up the inmate detail report.
The SCDC inmate search lets you pull up matching records and dig into the details. Find a match in your results, click the row, and the person's detailed information report opens as a PDF in a new browser window.
That PDF is usually what you need - especially for confirming you've found the right person. Start with the most precise identifier you have, then widen your search only if necessary.
Info to Gather
- ✓ Inmate’s SCDC number
- ✓ Inmate’s State Identification (SID)
- ✓ If you have either number, use it first for the cleanest, most precise results
No SCDC number or SID? You can still search by name. Unsure about the first name or seen it spelled different ways? Leave it blank and search with what you know for certain.
- Search by SCDC number or SID - If you know the inmate’s SCDC number or State Identification (SID), enter it in the matching box and click Submit.
- Switch to a name search if you don’t have the numbers - Enter the inmate’s name instead. If you’re unsure of the first name, leave it blank to broaden the search.
Once results load, scan for the row matching the person you're looking for. Click it to open the detailed information report - a PDF that appears in a new browser window.
Getting more results than expected? The SCDC search uses phonetic matching, which means it returns records that sound similar to the name you entered - even if the spelling doesn't match exactly.
- ✓ Try alternate spellings if you’re not getting a match (phonetic results can still vary)
- ✓ If you’re unsure of the first name, leave it blank to widen the results
- ✓ If you do know the full name, enter the full first name, last name, or both for best results
Click the row for any inmate in your results to view their detail report. It opens as a PDF in a new window. If nothing appears, check whether your browser is blocking pop-ups.
- ✓ Save the PDF to your phone or computer so you can refer back to it later
- ✓ Print a copy if you’re coordinating details with family, an attorney, or a support person
- ✓ If you’re comparing multiple similar-sounding results, open each PDF in its own window or tab so you don’t lose your place
For law enforcement/evidence custodians: Search results include a Custodian of Evidence (COE) option. Authorized agencies can register for custodian of evidence notifications under S.C. Code §17-28-330(A).
Find an Inmate at Dorchester County Detention, SC
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