South Carolina § 37-1-203 - Jurisdiction and service of process.
Full text of South Carolina South Carolina Code of Laws § 37-1-203 — Jurisdiction and service of process., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 37-1-203. Jurisdiction and service of process.
(1) Subject to constitutional and statutory jurisdictional limitations, the courts of this State may exercise jurisdiction over any person with respect to any conduct in this State governed by this title or with respect to any claim arising from a transaction subject to this title. In addition to any other method provided by statute, personal jurisdiction may be acquired in a civil action or proceeding instituted in a court by the service of process in the manner provided by this section.
(2) If a person is not a resident of this State or is a corporation not authorized to do business in this State and engages in any conduct in this State governed by this title, or engages in a transaction subject to this title, he may designate an agent upon whom service of process may be made in this State. The agent shall be a resident of this State or a corporation authorized to do business in this State. The designation shall be in writing and filed with the Secretary of State. If no designation is made and filed or if process cannot be served in this State upon the designated agent, process may be served upon the Secretary of State, but service upon him is not effective unless the plaintiff or petitioner forthwith mails a copy of the process and pleading by registered or certified mail to the defendant or respondent at his last reasonably ascertainable address. An affidavit of compliance with this section shall be filed with the clerk of the court on or before the return day of the process, if any, or within any further time the court allows.
HISTORY: 1962 Code SECTION 8-800.123; 1974 (58) 2879; 1982 Act No. 385, SECTION 5; 2016 Act No. 244 (H.5040), SECTION 2, eff June 5, 2016.
Effect of Amendment
2016 Act No. 244, SECTION 2, in (1) and (2), substituted "person" for "creditor", and in (1), deleted "over a creditor" following "personal jurisdiction".
Part 3
Definitions
Source: official South Carolina text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About South Carolina § 37-1-203
What does South Carolina Code of Laws § 37-1-203 cover?
Section 37-1-203 ("Jurisdiction and service of process.") is part of the South Carolina Code of Laws, the codified statutory law of South Carolina. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite South Carolina § 37-1-203?
A common citation format is "South Carolina Code of Laws § 37-1-203" (South Carolina). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of South Carolina law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the South Carolina official source linked on this page or consult a licensed South Carolina attorney.
How does South Carolina § 37-1-203 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in South Carolina can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in South Carolina.