South Carolina Background Check & Apostille Guide

Issuing agency

South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED)

Steps to request and apostille your record

1. STEP 1Request Your Background Check

   • Request your South Carolina criminal background check through SLED CATCH (Citizens Access to Criminal History) at catch.sled.sc.gov.
   • SLED CATCH is an online, name-based system. You will need to enter the subject's last name, first name, and date of birth. The system uses a 'starts with' match on these fields.
   • The online fee is $26.00 ($25.00 for the background check plus a $1.00 convenience fee). Payment is made online by credit or debit card.
   • You can also submit by mail using the Criminal Records Check Form. Mail-in requests cost $25.00 (no convenience fee) by check or money order. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope (SASE).
   • Mail to: SLED Records Department, PO Box 21398, Columbia, SC 29221-1398.

2. STEP 2Receive Your Results

   • Online SLED CATCH results are often available within minutes for name-based searches. You can view and print results directly from the website.
   • Mail-in requests take longer — typically several days to a few weeks for processing plus return mailing time.
   • SLED CATCH covers South Carolina criminal records only. National criminal records checks are only available where specifically authorized by law.

3. STEP 3Apostille Your Background Check

   • Submit your SLED background check to the South Carolina Secretary of State for apostille.
   • The apostille fee is $5.00 per document — one of the lowest in the country.
   • Standard processing takes approximately 2 business days.
   • South Carolina Secretary of State: 1205 Pendleton Street, Suite 525, Columbia, SC 29201. Phone: (803) 734-2512. Email: rdaggerhart@sos.sc.gov.

4. STEP 4Translate via EcuadorTranslations.com

   • After your background check is apostilled, submit it to EcuadorTranslations.com for certified Spanish translation and notarization.
   • Cost: $150 per document ($130 per document when submitting 3 or more). Price includes notarization.
   • Turnaround: 3 business days.
   • Upload a clear, color scan (300 DPI minimum) of the full apostilled document — including the apostille certificate itself.

Apostille authority

Key notes

• SLED CATCH is one of the fastest state background check systems — online results are often available within minutes.
• No fingerprints are required. The SLED CATCH system is entirely name-based and can be completed online from anywhere.
• South Carolina has one of the lowest combined fees: $26.00 (online background check) + $5.00 (apostille) = $31.00 total before translation.
• The SLED CATCH system uses a 'starts with' name match. Ensure you enter your legal name exactly as it appears on official documents.
• For mail-in requests, do not forget to include a self-addressed stamped envelope (SASE) or your results will not be returned.

Sources and verification