Richland County Phone Directory
The Richland County phone directory lists key public offices in the Columbia area. Richland County is the second most populous county in South Carolina. It sits in the center of the state. Columbia serves as both the county seat and the state capital. Residents can reach county departments by phone, mail, or in person. This guide covers the main offices, their phone numbers, and how to request records. Use it to save time when you need to contact Richland County services. Each section below covers a different office or resource in the county.
Richland County Quick Facts
Richland County Public Records
Richland County keeps a wide range of public records. These files are held by several offices in and near Columbia. Most are open to the public under state law. The South Carolina Freedom of Information Act, found at S.C. Code Ann. § 30-4-10, gives residents the right to view and copy government records. This law applies to all Richland County departments.
You can file a FOIA request with any Richland County office. The request should describe the records you need. Put it in writing. Most offices accept requests by mail, fax, or email. The county must respond within a set time frame. Fees may apply for copies or staff time. Visit the Richland County Public Records page to learn more about the process and find the right contact for your request.
Note: Response times vary by office and request size. Simple requests are often filled within days. Larger requests may take longer, and the county may charge fees based on the volume of records involved.
Register of Deeds Phone Directory
The Richland County Register of Deeds records property documents. This office handles deeds, mortgages, liens, and plats. It is a key stop for anyone who needs land records in the Columbia area. The office is at 1701 Main Street, Room 101, in Columbia, SC 29201. Call 803-576-1910 to reach staff.
Hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM. Walk-ins are welcome during those hours. You can search for records in person or ask staff to pull a specific file. The Register of Deeds also accepts mail requests. Include the property address or tax map number to help staff find what you need. For more details, visit the Register of Deeds site.
| Office |
Richland County Register of Deeds 1701 Main Street, Room 101 Columbia, SC 29201 Phone: 803-576-1910 |
|---|---|
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM |
| Website | richlandcountysc.gov |
Note: Certified copies cost more than plain ones. Bring a form of ID if you plan to record a new document at the Richland County office.
Richland County Clerk of Court
The Clerk of Court in Richland County manages court records. This office files new cases, stores documents, and issues certified copies. It covers civil, criminal, and family court matters. The Clerk of Court is an elected office in Richland County. Staff can help you find case files or check the status of a case.
Court records in Richland County are public under the South Carolina FOIA. You can ask to view most files at no cost. Copies are available for a fee. The South Carolina Judicial Branch also offers an online index. You can search by name or case number from home. This tool covers cases across all South Carolina counties, not just Richland.
For more on the Richland County Clerk of Court, go to the official page. There you will find phone numbers, office hours, and details on how to request records.
Richland County Mapping and Records
Richland County has a mapping and records division. It supports property research in the Columbia area. The division works with the Register of Deeds and the Assessor. Together, they maintain maps, tax data, and land records for the entire county.
The Richland County Mapping and Records page is the best place to start. It links to GIS tools, plat books, and other resources. You can look up parcel data, view aerial photos, and check zoning. These tools are free to use and run in any web browser.
Property research in Richland County often starts with a tax map number. Each parcel in the county has one. If you do not know the tax map number, you can search by street address. Staff at the mapping division can help if you get stuck. They are based in the same building as the Register of Deeds on Main Street in Columbia.
Phone Directory for Property Lookups
Richland County offers a free online property viewer. It lets you search by tax map number, street address, or owner name. The tool pulls data from county records and shows it on a map. You can view parcel lines, lot sizes, and owner details. This is a quick way to check property data without calling the county.
Go to the Richland County Property Viewer to start. The search bar is at the top of the page. Type in what you know and press enter. Results load fast. Click on a parcel to see more detail. The viewer works on phones and computers alike.
If you need more than what the viewer shows, call the Register of Deeds at 803-576-1910. Staff can pull the full record for any parcel in Richland County. You can also visit in person at 1701 Main Street in Columbia during business hours.
Note: The property viewer data updates on a regular cycle. For the most current info, contact the Richland County office directly.
Richland County Data Services
Some users need more than a one-time search. Richland County supports subscription data services for those who access records often. These plans give you round-the-clock access to county data. They are useful for title companies, law firms, and real estate agents in the Columbia area.
Plans come in several tiers. You can choose daily, weekly, monthly, or annual access. Each tier covers a set range of records and search tools. Pricing varies by plan. Contact the county for current rates and sign-up details. Subscription holders can pull records at any hour, which is a big help for those on tight deadlines.
These services pair well with the phone directory contacts listed on this page. When you need a human, call the office. When you need fast data at odd hours, use the subscription tool. Together, they cover most needs for Richland County records.
How to Use This Phone Directory
This Richland County phone directory is laid out by office. Each section gives you a phone number, address, and website link. Start with the office that matches your need. Not sure which one to call? Here is a short guide:
- For deeds, mortgages, or liens, call the Register of Deeds at 803-576-1910
- For court cases or filings, contact the Clerk of Court
- For maps or parcel data, reach out to the Mapping division
- For general FOIA requests, use the public records contact page
All of these offices are in Columbia. Most share the same hours. Call ahead if you plan to visit. Some tasks can be done by phone or online, which saves a trip. The Richland County website has forms you can fill out from home.
South Carolina FOIA and Richland County
The South Carolina Freedom of Information Act is the backbone of public records access. It applies to Richland County and every other county in the state. Under S.C. Code Ann. § 30-4-10, public bodies must make records available upon request. There are some exceptions, but most county records fall within the scope of the law.
When you submit a FOIA request in Richland County, be specific. Name the records you want. Give dates if you can. The more detail you provide, the faster the county can respond. Staff may contact you to narrow the scope. Fees for copies and research time are set by statute. The county cannot charge more than what the law allows.
Common records requested in Richland County include property filings, court documents, permits, and meeting minutes. Many of these are also available online through the county website. Check there first. You may not need to file a formal request at all.
Note: If a request is denied, the county must cite the specific exemption under the FOIA. You have the right to appeal a denial in Richland County.
Richland County Phone Directory Tips
A few tips can make your search go smoother. First, write down what you need before you call. Have names, dates, and case numbers ready. This helps staff find your records fast. Second, try the county website before you drive to Columbia. Many records and forms are now online.
Third, know the hours. Richland County offices are open Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM. They are closed on state holidays. Phone lines can be busy at the start and end of the day. Midmorning is often the best time to call. If you plan to visit in person, arrive well before closing time so staff can assist you fully.
- Call midmorning for shorter hold times
- Check the website first for forms and FAQs
- Bring ID and exact change or a check for fees
- Write down your case or parcel number before you call
- Ask for a receipt when you pay for copies
Cities in Richland County
Richland County includes several cities and towns. All county offices serve the whole area. Use the phone directory contacts above to reach the right department, no matter which city you live in.
Columbia is the county seat and the largest city. It is also the state capital of South Carolina.
Nearby Counties
Richland County borders several other counties in South Carolina. If you need records from a neighboring county, use the links below. Each county has its own offices, phone numbers, and hours. Make sure you contact the right county for your search.