South Carolina One-Party

Licensing & Regulation

South Carolina licenses PIs through the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) under S.C. Code §40-18-10 et seq. Applicants must be 21+, U.S. citizens, demonstrate three years of experience, pass an examination, submit fingerprints, and post a $10,000 surety bond.

Physical Surveillance

Public surveillance is permitted. South Carolina's stalking statute (S.C. Code §16-3-1700) constrains intrusive conduct. GPS tracking on a non-owned vehicle is risky.

Audio & Video Recording Consent

South Carolina is a one-party-consent state under S.C. Code §17-30-30. The recording party must be a participant.

Domestic, Marital & Infidelity Investigations

South Carolina allows fault-based divorce; adultery is a ground that bars alimony to the at-fault spouse. PIs do significant matrimonial work. Accessing a spouse's accounts may violate S.C. Code §16-16-10 et seq. (computer crime).

Cybersecurity, Hacking & Digital Investigations

S.C. Code §16-16-10 et seq. (Computer Crime Act) parallels the CFAA. OSINT is permitted; pretexting is barred.

Missing Persons, Skip Tracing & Harassment

SLED coordinates missing-persons cases. DPPA fully applies. SC's stalking statute is broad.