English
EspañolWhat is the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) Registry? Who has access to it?
The National Crime Information Center Registry (NCIC) is a nationwide, electronic database used by law enforcement agencies in the U.S, Canada, and Puerto Rico. It is managed by the FBI and state law enforcement officials.
Before moving to South Carolina, the state that issued your protection order may already have entered your order into the NCIC. If not, your order will be entered into the NCIC once your order is registered in SC.
Note: Most law enforcement officials have access to the NCIC, but the information is encrypted so outsiders cannot access it.
How do I register my order of protection in South Carolina?
To register your protection order in South Carolina, you need to take a certified copy to the court clerk at the Family Court where you live. The clerk will give you a copy of the order that shows it has been filed and will tell you to take a certified copy to the local law sheriff’s office to be entered into the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) Registry or for enforcement purposes.1
If you need help registering your protection order, you can contact a local domestic violence organization in South Carolina for assistance. You can find contact information for organizations in your area here on our SC Advocates and Shelters page.
1 S.C. Code § 20-4-350
Do I have to register my order of protection in South Carolina in order to get it enforced?
South Carolina state law gives full protection to an out-of-state protection order even if it contains protections that could not be included in a South Carolina order of protection as long as you can show the officer a copy of the order and can truthfully tell the officer that you believe the order is still in effect.1 It does not have to be entered into the state or federal registry in order to be enforced by a South Carolina police officer, but the officer does need to believe that it is a valid (real) order.
1 S.C. Code § 20-4-330
Will the abuser be notified if I register my order of protection?
Under the federal Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), which applies to all U.S. states and territories, the court is not permitted to notify the abuser when a protective order has been registered or filed in a new state unless you specifically request that the abuser be notified.1 However, you may wish to confirm that the clerk is aware of this law before registering the order if your address is confidential.
However, remember that there may be a possibility that the abuser could somehow find out what state you have moved to. It is important to continue to safety plan, even if you are no longer in the state where the abuser is living. We have some safety planning tips to get you started on our Safety Tips page. You can also contact a local domestic violence organization to get help in developing a personalized safety plan. You will find contact information for organizations in your area on our SC Advocates and Shelters page.
1 18 USC § 2265(d)
What if I don't register my order of protection? Will it be more difficult to have it enforced?
It should not be more difficult to get your order of protection enforced even if you do not register it in South Carolina. South Carolina state law does not require registration or entry into the NCIC for an order to be enforced, and law enforcement officials must enforce an out-of-state order as long as you can show them a copy and tell them that it is still valid.1
If you are unsure about whether registering your order is the right decision for you, you may want to contact a local domestic violence organization in your area. An advocate there can help you decide what the safest plan of action is for you in South Carolina. To see a list of local domestic violence organizations in South Carolina, go to our SC Advocates and Shelters page.
1 S.C. Code § 20-4-340
Does it cost anything to register my order of protection?
There is no fee for registering your order of protection in South Carolina.1
1 S.C. Code § 20-4-350(F)
