Key Highlights
- Residency Restrictions: State law bars residence within 1,000 feet of schools, daycare centers, parks, or playgrounds; some localities have adopted additional distance limits, though these must not conflict with S.C. Code § 23-3-535.
- Presence / Proximity Rules: Presence restrictions apply near child-focused areas under § 23-3-535(B); local governments may not impose broader criminal curfews inconsistent with state law.
- Duration of Registration: Registration is for life unless a court orders removal under S.C. Code § 23-3-460(E).
- Tiering / Level System: South Carolina uses no tier or level system; all registrants verify twice yearly regardless of offense; see S.C. Code § 23-3-460(C).
At a Glance
- Anyone convicted (or with a qualifying out-of-state/federal/foreign conviction) of an offense listed in the registry statute must register; courts may also order registration in certain indecent exposure cases. See <a href='https://www.scstatehouse.gov/code/t23c003.php' target='_blank' rel='noopener'>S.C. Code §23-3-430</a>.
- Initial deadline: New residents, workers, students, or property owners: register within 3 business days of establishing residence (10+ consecutive days counts), employment, school attendance, or acquiring property. See <a href='https://www.scstatehouse.gov/code/t23c003.php' target='_blank' rel='noopener'>§23-3-460(C)–(G)</a>.
- Verification: Biannual for life (birth month and 6 months later). Tier III and SVP: every 90 days. See <a href='https://www.scstatehouse.gov/code/t23c003.php' target='_blank' rel='noopener'>§23-3-460(A), (B)</a>.
- Primary method: In-person with the sheriff in each county where the person resides, is employed, attends school, or owns real property. See <a href='https://www.scstatehouse.gov/code/t23c003.php' target='_blank' rel='noopener'>§23-3-450</a>.
- ⚠️ 3-business-day clock for changes of address, employment, and school status. See <a href='https://www.scstatehouse.gov/code/t23c003.php' target='_blank' rel='noopener'>§23-3-460(C)–(E)</a>.
- ⚠️ Quarterly verification for Tier III and SVP. See <a href='https://www.scstatehouse.gov/code/t23c003.php' target='_blank' rel='noopener'>§23-3-460(A)–(B)</a>.
- ⚠️ Residency buffer (1,000 ft) around child-oriented sites for certain offenders. See <a href='https://www.scstatehouse.gov/code/t23c003.php' target='_blank' rel='noopener'>§23-3-535</a>.
- ⚠️ Annual sheriff fee of $150 unless indigent; nonpayment can deem a person unregistered (budget proviso). See <a href='https://www.scstatehouse.gov/sess125_2023-2024/appropriations2023/tap1b.htm' target='_blank' rel='noopener'>FY 2023-24 Proviso 62.10</a>.
- ⚠️ Internet identifiers must be reported and updated within 3 business days. See <a href='https://www.scstatehouse.gov/code/t23c003.php' target='_blank' rel='noopener'>§23-3-555(B)</a>.
Official Links
What this means in practice
- Most people with the listed convictions must register in South Carolina.
- You register in person with the sheriff; do it within 3 business days when you move, start work, or start school.
- Verification is twice a year for life; Tier III and SVP check in every 90 days.
Watch-outs
- Three business days is a short window—weekends/holidays don’t extend it.
- You must register in every county where you live, work, go to school, or own property.
- Not paying the annual sheriff fee (unless indigent) can make you ‘unregistered’ under the budget proviso.
See <a href='https://www.scstatehouse.gov/code/t23c003.php' target='_blank' rel='noopener'>§§23-3-430, 23-3-450, 23-3-460</a> and fee proviso <a href='https://www.scstatehouse.gov/sess125_2023-2024/appropriations2023/tap1b.htm' target='_blank' rel='noopener'>62.10</a>.
Who Must Register & Duration
Persons convicted (or with qualifying pleas/findings, including certain foreign convictions) of offenses enumerated in the registry statute, including tiered offenses and specific child-exploitation crimes; courts may order registration for indecent exposure based on case circumstances. Persons required to register in another jurisdiction must register if residing in SC. See <a href='https://www.scstatehouse.gov/code/t23c003.php' target='_blank' rel='noopener'>§23-3-430(A), (f), (j)–(n)</a>.
Duration: Registration is for life unless a court orders removal under S.C. Code § 23-3-460(E).
Deadlines & Reporting Triggers
- Register with the sheriff in each relevant county within 3 business days of establishing residence (temporary = 10+ consecutive days), acquiring real property, starting employment, or attending/enrolling/volunteering/interning at a school. See <a href='https://www.scstatehouse.gov/code/t23c003.php' target='_blank' rel='noopener'>§23-3-460(C)–(D), (G)</a>.
- Provide written notice to the sheriff within 3 business days for any change in address within a county, and register in a new county within 3 business days if you move. Also notify the prior county within 3 business days. See <a href='https://www.scstatehouse.gov/code/t23c003.php' target='_blank' rel='noopener'>§23-3-460(C)–(D)</a>.
- If moving out of South Carolina, provide written notice within 3 business days to the last registering sheriff, including the new state. See <a href='https://www.scstatehouse.gov/code/t23c003.php' target='_blank' rel='noopener'>§23-3-460(F)</a>.
- School status and employment changes (including volunteer/intern status) must be reported within 3 business days; school/work are defined terms (14+ days or 30-day aggregate). See <a href='https://www.scstatehouse.gov/code/t23c003.php' target='_blank' rel='noopener'>§23-3-460(E)</a>.
- Internet accounts/identifiers must be provided at registration and re-registration and updated within 3 business days of any change. See <a href='https://www.scstatehouse.gov/code/t23c003.php' target='_blank' rel='noopener'>§23-3-555(B)</a>.
What this means in practice
- Register within 3 business days of moving in (10+ consecutive days counts as residence).
- Report address, job, and school changes within 3 business days.
- If you leave South Carolina, tell the last sheriff in writing within 3 business days.
Watch-outs
- School includes volunteering and interning; part-time counts after statutory thresholds.
- You may have to register in more than one county if you work or study elsewhere.
See <a href='https://www.scstatehouse.gov/code/t23c003.php' target='_blank' rel='noopener'>§23-3-460(C)–(G)</a>.
Verification & In-Person Requirements
- Biannual, for life: verify during birth month and again 6 months later, at the sheriff in each required county. See <a href='https://www.scstatehouse.gov/code/t23c003.php' target='_blank' rel='noopener'>§23-3-460(A)</a>.
- Tier III (SORNA) offenders: verify every 90 days. See <a href='https://www.scstatehouse.gov/code/t23c003.php' target='_blank' rel='noopener'>§23-3-460(B)</a>.
- Sexually Violent Predators: verify and be photographed every 90 days (unless in custody). See <a href='https://www.scstatehouse.gov/code/t23c003.php' target='_blank' rel='noopener'>§23-3-460(A)</a>.
What this means in practice
- Verify twice a year during your birth month and 6 months later.
- Tier III and SVP: verify every 90 days.
Watch-outs
- Missed verifications can lead to criminal charges.
- Some people also face electronic monitoring if they violate conditions.
See <a href='https://www.scstatehouse.gov/code/t23c003.php' target='_blank' rel='noopener'>§23-3-460(A)–(B)</a> and monitoring in <a href='https://www.scstatehouse.gov/code/t23c003.php' target='_blank' rel='noopener'>§23-3-540</a>.
Residency, Presence, & Loitering Restrictions
Residence includes where a person habitually lives, or any location lived for 10+ consecutive days. See <a href='https://www.scstatehouse.gov/code/t23c003.php' target='_blank' rel='noopener'>§23-3-460(D)</a>. Certain offenders may not reside within 1,000 feet of specified child-focused locations, subject to statutory definitions and exceptions. See <a href='https://www.scstatehouse.gov/code/t23c003.php' target='_blank' rel='noopener'>§23-3-535</a>.
What this means in practice
- Residence includes where you habitually live or any place you stay 10+ consecutive days.
- Certain offenders may not live within 1,000 feet of listed child-focused locations.
Watch-outs
- Local ordinances cannot expand the state buffer, but always verify the exact boundaries.
- Violations can result in criminal charges and forced relocation.
See definition in <a href='https://www.scstatehouse.gov/code/t23c003.php' target='_blank' rel='noopener'>§23-3-460(D)</a> and buffer rule in <a href='https://www.scstatehouse.gov/code/t23c003.php' target='_blank' rel='noopener'>§23-3-535</a>.
Employment, Education, & Internet Use
- Employment/School: register in each county where employed or attending/enrolled/volunteering/interning; report changes within 3 business days. Definitions for “employed,” “carries on a vocation,” and “student” apply. See <a href='https://www.scstatehouse.gov/code/t23c003.php' target='_blank' rel='noopener'>§23-3-460(E)</a>.
- Campus housing: registrants may not live in campus student housing at public institutions. See <a href='https://www.scstatehouse.gov/code/t23c003.php' target='_blank' rel='noopener'>§23-3-465</a>.
- Child-oriented businesses: additional restrictions/penalties apply; see new prohibitions and enforcement language including <a href='https://www.scstatehouse.gov/sess124_2021-2022/sj22/20220615.htm' target='_blank' rel='noopener'>2022 Act No. 221 summary</a> and the codified buffer in <a href='https://www.scstatehouse.gov/code/t23c003.php' target='_blank' rel='noopener'>§23-3-535</a>.
- Internet identifiers: provide accounts/usernames and update within 3 business days; violations carry penalties. See <a href='https://www.scstatehouse.gov/code/t23c003.php' target='_blank' rel='noopener'>§23-3-555</a>.
What this means in practice
- Register in each county where you work or attend school; report changes within 3 business days.
- Public college campus housing is off-limits.
- List your internet accounts/usernames and update them within 3 business days of changes.
Watch-outs
- Volunteering/interning at a school also triggers reporting.
- Keep proof of timely updates to avoid charges.
See <a href='https://www.scstatehouse.gov/code/t23c003.php' target='_blank' rel='noopener'>§§23-3-460(E), 23-3-465, 23-3-555</a>.
Public Website Exposure
- Registry information is open to public inspection and may be provided electronically; specific fields are listed by statute. See <a href='https://www.scstatehouse.gov/code/t23c003.php' target='_blank' rel='noopener'>§23-3-490(A)–(C)</a>.
- Juveniles adjudicated delinquent for Tier III offenses are subject to public posting; other juvenile postings are limited by statute. See <a href='https://www.scstatehouse.gov/code/t23c003.php' target='_blank' rel='noopener'>§23-3-490(E)</a>.
Travel & Relocation (Interstate Moves)
- If moving out of state, notify the last registering sheriff within 3 business days and provide the new state address. See <a href='https://www.scstatehouse.gov/code/t23c003.php' target='_blank' rel='noopener'>§23-3-460(F)</a>.
Visiting or Traveling in the State
- Nonresident arrivals: if you establish residence (10+ consecutive days), acquire property, work, or attend school in SC, register within 3 business days. See <a href='https://www.scstatehouse.gov/code/t23c003.php' target='_blank' rel='noopener'>§23-3-460(D), (G)</a>.
- Short stays under 10 consecutive days without work/school generally do not meet the residence definition, but other duties may still trigger registration (e.g., school/work thresholds). See <a href='https://www.scstatehouse.gov/code/t23c003.php' target='_blank' rel='noopener'>§23-3-460(D)–(E), (G)</a>.
What this means in practice
- Short visits under 10 consecutive days without work/school usually don’t require registration.
- If you stay 10+ consecutive days, work, or go to school here, register within 3 business days.
Watch-outs
- If you move out of state, you must notify your last sheriff within 3 business days.
- Work and school have specific time thresholds—check them carefully.
See residence definitions and deadlines in <a href='https://www.scstatehouse.gov/code/t23c003.php' target='_blank' rel='noopener'>§23-3-460(D)–(G)</a>.
Compliance & Enforcement
Failure to register or give required notifications is a criminal offense with escalating penalties; first offense is a misdemeanor with mandatory jail term. See <a href='https://www.scstatehouse.gov/code/t23c003.php' target='_blank' rel='noopener'>§23-3-470</a>. Providing false information (§23-3-475) and assisting/harboring an unregistered offender (§23-3-550) are separately punishable. Some violating populations must be placed on electronic monitoring for certain offenses or violations. See <a href='https://www.scstatehouse.gov/code/t23c003.php' target='_blank' rel='noopener'>§§23-3-475, 23-3-550, 23-3-540(C)–(F)</a>.
What this means in practice
- Failure to register or report changes is a crime with escalating penalties.
- False info and helping someone avoid registration are separate crimes.
Watch-outs
- Courts may order electronic monitoring for certain violations or offenses.
- Penalties can include mandatory jail terms.
See <a href='https://www.scstatehouse.gov/code/t23c003.php' target='_blank' rel='noopener'>§§23-3-470, 23-3-475, 23-3-550, 23-3-540</a>.
Relief Paths
- Administrative removal (SLED): Tier-based eligibility; application to SLED with conditions (e.g., no new sexual offenses, no failure-to-register within the lookback, completion of required treatment). See <a href='https://www.scstatehouse.gov/code/t23c003.php' target='_blank' rel='noopener'>§23-3-462</a> and SLED’s instructions/forms (fee noted there). See <a href='https://www.sled.sc.gov/sor_removal' target='_blank' rel='noopener'>SLED SOR Removal</a>.
- Judicial removal (General Sessions): available if SLED denies certain applicants (e.g., Tier I/II, or qualifying juvenile matters) under statutory criteria. See <a href='https://www.scstatehouse.gov/code/t23c003.php' target='_blank' rel='noopener'>§23-3-463</a>.
- Juveniles: separate removal when records are expunged/sealed or pardoned; SLED must remove the juvenile from the registry. See <a href='https://www.scstatehouse.gov/code/t23c003.php' target='_blank' rel='noopener'>§23-3-437</a>.
What this means in practice
- SLED administrative removal is available if you meet tier-based criteria.
- If SLED denies, some can ask the General Sessions Court to remove the requirement.
- Juveniles can be removed when records are expunged/sealed or pardoned.
Watch-outs
- SLED charges a $250 filing fee for administrative removal.
- Time-in-tier, treatment completion, and no new sexual offenses are typical prerequisites.
See <a href='https://www.scstatehouse.gov/code/t23c003.php' target='_blank' rel='noopener'>§§23-3-462–463, 23-3-437</a> and SLED’s process at <a href='https://www.sled.sc.gov/sor_removal' target='_blank' rel='noopener'>SLED SOR Removal</a>.
Special Populations
- Sexually Violent Predators: 90-day verification and photograph. See <a href='https://www.scstatehouse.gov/code/t23c003.php' target='_blank' rel='noopener'>§23-3-460(A)</a>.
- Tier III: 90-day registration cycle. See <a href='https://www.scstatehouse.gov/code/t23c003.php' target='_blank' rel='noopener'>§23-3-460(B)</a>.
- Juveniles: registration rules limited to certain adjudications; public posting limited; dedicated removal path. See <a href='https://www.scstatehouse.gov/code/t23c003.php' target='_blank' rel='noopener'>§§23-3-436, 23-3-437, 23-3-490(E)</a>.
Costs & Payments
- Annual sheriff registration fee: $150, waived if indigent; failure to pay may deem the person unregistered (budget proviso). See <a href='https://www.scstatehouse.gov/sess125_2023-2024/appropriations2023/tap1b.htm' target='_blank' rel='noopener'>Proviso 62.10</a>.
- Administrative removal application fee (to SLED): $250, non-refundable, by money order/cashier’s check. See <a href='https://www.sled.sc.gov/sor_removal' target='_blank' rel='noopener'>SLED SOR Removal</a>.
Recent Changes & Litigation
- Statute: Act No. 221 — 2022; effective June 15, 2022. Created tiering, added administrative/judicial removal, adjusted disclosure, and refined reporting. link
- Rule: DOJ SMART State Profile — South Carolina; effective Nov. 1, 2024. Federal review reflecting South Carolina’s tiered scheme and removal processes. link
What this means in practice
- In 2022, SC moved to a tiered system and created administrative/judicial removal.
- Federal DOJ SMART’s 2024 review reflects these updates.
Watch-outs
- Ongoing bills may further adjust timelines/eligibility; always check the current code and SLED guidance.
See <a href='https://www.scstatehouse.gov/sess124_2021-2022/sj22/20220615.htm' target='_blank' rel='noopener'>Act 221 (2022)</a> and <a href='https://smart.ojp.gov/sorna/sorna-implementation-status/south-carolina.pdf' target='_blank' rel='noopener'>DOJ SMART (2024)</a>.
Compliance Checklists & Scripts
New Arrival: First 30 Days
- Within 3 business days: register in each county where you reside (10+ consecutive days counts), work, attend school, or own property. Bring ID and required SLED info. See <a href='https://www.scstatehouse.gov/code/t23c003.php' target='_blank' rel='noopener'>§§23-3-450, 23-3-460(C)–(D), (G)</a>.
- Provide internet accounts/identifiers at registration. See <a href='https://www.scstatehouse.gov/code/t23c003.php' target='_blank' rel='noopener'>§23-3-555(B)</a>.
- Note your verification months (birth month and 6 months later) or 90-day cycle if Tier III/SVP. See <a href='https://www.scstatehouse.gov/code/t23c003.php' target='_blank' rel='noopener'>§23-3-460(A)–(B)</a>.
- Pay the sheriff’s annual fee or seek indigency waiver. Retain proof. See <a href='https://www.scstatehouse.gov/sess125_2023-2024/appropriations2023/tap1b.htm' target='_blank' rel='noopener'>Proviso 62.10</a>.
Moving Out / Traveling
- Within 3 business days of moving out of SC: give written notice (with new state address) to the last registering sheriff. See <a href='https://www.scstatehouse.gov/code/t23c003.php' target='_blank' rel='noopener'>§23-3-460(F)</a>.
- Check the new state’s rules for immediate registration and travel reporting.
Records Request Template
Please provide, pursuant to <a href='https://www.scstatehouse.gov/code/t23c003.php' target='_blank' rel='noopener'>§23-3-530</a> and applicable public records provisions, a copy of my current registry file as maintained by your office and transmitted to SLED, including all registration dates, verification history, notices, and any determinations related to tiering or eligibility for relief under <a href='https://www.scstatehouse.gov/code/t23c003.php' target='_blank' rel='noopener'>§§23-3-462–463</a>.Relief Petition Outline
1) Identify tier and statutory eligibility; 2) Attach SLED decision (if appealing) or show completion of <a href='https://www.scstatehouse.gov/code/t23c003.php' target='_blank' rel='noopener'>§23-3-462</a> criteria; 3) Include proof of treatment completion and no new sexual offenses; 4) File in proper venue per <a href='https://www.scstatehouse.gov/code/t23c003.php' target='_blank' rel='noopener'>§23-3-463(C)</a>; 5) Serve parties and request order removing registration requirements if criteria met.Tips for using these checklists
- Use the arrival and move-out steps to stay within the 3-business-day windows.
- Keep receipts and copies of all notices you submit.
Watch-outs
- If you live, work, and study in different counties, you may have multiple sheriff offices to visit.
- Missing a quarterly or biannual check can lead to arrest.
Procedures and deadlines are drawn from <a href='https://www.scstatehouse.gov/code/t23c003.php' target='_blank' rel='noopener'>§§23-3-450, 23-3-460</a> and related sections cited above.