The secretary of state is the chief clerk of state government in South Carolina and is responsible for registering businesses and trademarks, regulating charities, authorizing cable franchises, commissioning notaries public, and serving as the filing office for municipal records..

[3] Article VI of the Constitution of South Carolina provides for the election of a secretary of state.

The secretary is tasked with overseeing the escheatment of real property in the state and regulating charitable organizations, fundraisers, and employment agencies.

[10] It is organized into eight divisions: Business Filings; Trademarks; Charities; Notaries, Boards and Commissions; Service of Process; Municipalities; and Information Technology.

This includes the sale of goods, commercial paper, bank deposits and collections, letters of credit, bulk transfers, bills of lading and investment securities.

[16] The Information Technology Division is responsible for maintaining the office's online services and cybersecurity.