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Legal Information: South Carolina

Restraining Orders

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Laws current as of July 2, 2024

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

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