Vital Records Online (VRO) is a US-based platform for ordering vital records from South Carolina. Securely obtain birth, death, and marriage certificates conveniently from home, and rest assured that your private information remains confidential.
Summary:
State lawmakers created South Carolina’s first State Board of Health in 1878 after a series of yellow fever outbreaks killed 20,000 Americans. The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (SC DHEC or DHEC) is the government agency responsible for public health and the environment in the US state of South Carolina. It was created in 1973 from the merger of the South Carolina State Board of Health and the South Carolina Pollution Control Authority.
The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control – Vital Records is responsible for registering every birth (death, stillbirth, marriage, and divorce) that occurs in the State of South Carolina as well as preserving, amending, and issuing certified copies of those records in accordance with state law.
Learn how to obtain official South Carolina vital records, including birth, death, marriage, and divorce certificates. Find out what information they contain, where to order them, and why they are important to have.
Start your application online for SC vital records
Request a certified copy of live birth for your baby or child.
Vital records, including birth, death, and marriage certificates, are indispensable for verifying identity, citizenship, and familial connections. These records serve various purposes, facilitating marriage, school enrollment, military service, and international travel. They also play a pivotal role in legal contexts, aiding in resolving legal disputes, claiming inheritances, and conducting genealogical research. Furthermore, vital records can also disclose insights into your lineage, revealing ancestors’ full names and the dates and places of their births and deaths.
In the unfortunate event that a vital record is lost, it is urgent to report the loss to the authorities and promptly apply for a replacement. Refer to the FAQ sections for more information on the importance of birth, death, and marriage certificates.
The SC DHEC – Vital Records Office maintains vital records at both the county and state levels, with each county having the authority to certify and issue vital records for events that occur within its jurisdiction.
The SC DHEC does not accept in-person requests; applicants must place their orders online, by telephone, or by mail. You may be able to request vital records directly from the local county office that issues certified copies of the original record, depending on the availability of the in-person services provided by the county. Below, you can find the complete list of South Carolina’s vital record issuing agencies, which includes locations, contact details, and access to online applications.
❗️If you’re seeking ancestral records for genealogy research in South Carolina, they are freely available from various public archives.
Visiting Vital Records Office
Ordering Vital Records Online
South Carolina residents can obtain vital records through online requests, mail, in-person, or phone. Online requests are the most reliable method, as they are available for all SC counties. The SC DHEC is responsible for producing and certifying copies of vital records, such as birth, death, and marriage certificates, provided the requester meets the eligibility requirements and follows specific instructions. While the state’s central or regional offices issue certified copies, only some counties may offer in-person or phone services for submissions.
Understanding the requirements defined by the SC DHEC for each type of vital record when ordering is essential for a successful application. The method of requesting a certificate affects costs, eligibility, processing times, and requirements. Before ordering a certified copy of a vital record from the SC DHEC – Vital Records Office, it is crucial to review the steps and conditions carefully to ensure you send all documents, the application form, and the appropriate fee payment to the correct vital record office to ensure securing a certified copy of the original record.
Ordering South Carolina vital records online is quick and effortless and involves two simple steps:
(Choose additional options if you need to insure, expedite, or obtain premium customer support for your application.)
Before beginning the online application, you must ensure you meet the eligibility criteria as an authorized individual and gather and prepare the necessary documents for upload during the application process. VRO’s streamlined system is designed to assist you in quickly assembling and generating the required documentation with the appropriate application form. VRO also facilitates the submission of your application packet directly to the vital records office of the health department that issues the certified birth, death, or marriage record. The online application can be completed from any device with internet access in as little as five minutes. Moreover, VRO’s procedures help minimize the likelihood of application rejections due to common errors and missing information or documents.
✔︎ Our $29 processing fee includes your automated document processing and first-class shipping & handling.
✔︎ Additional copies of your certified vital records can be purchased for the state’s fee during the online application to save future costs.
✔︎ Vital Records Online’s support team manages scanning and printing your application and documents. Learn more about how the online ordering and handling process works.
✔︎ A notarized sworn statement is not required when ordering a South Carolina birth, death, or marriage certificate online.
South Carolina has central and regional offices for obtaining certified vital records via mail or in-person to accommodate both in-state and out-of-state residents. Those who live within a reasonable travel distance from the state health department office may apply in person. Be mindful to verify that the office accepts walk-ins and prepare for potential long queues upon arrival.
Residents residing abroad can conveniently request vital records through mail or expedited ordering online, circumventing the need for physical travel. These methods provide an efficient alternative for those living out of state or individuals who prefer to avoid possible closures or lengthy waiting times. Obtaining vital records involves similar steps, whether applying in person, by mail, or online.
If you choose to apply in person at a vital records office, prepare to complete the following steps:
Additionally, when ordering by mail, you will need the following:
VRO provides services tailored to each certificate type’s unique requirements to streamline the process of obtaining certified replacements for SC birth, death, or marriage certificates. VRO’s trained team of experts assists in minimizing errors, thereby expediting the processing time and success of vital record replacements for you or your family member.
❗️ To avoid your application being denied due to mistakes or incomplete information, review the requirements for each vital record before mailing it.
❗️ Be certain that your documents, application, and payment are submitted to the correct health department that issues certified copies from the preserved original record.
❗️ If you choose to mail your application and documents manually, it is recommended to purchase mail tracking to confirm their arrival at the correct office.
It’s essential to understand the prerequisites and conditions for obtaining birth, death, and marriage certificates to collect the necessary documentation for the application process.
Proof of Identity for Verifying Authorization:
The table below outlines the necessary documents and information needed to request certified copies of vital records from South Carolina. Applicants must provide proof of identity to the SC DHEC – Vital Records Office. Acceptable forms of identification typically include a driver’s license or a state-issued photo ID. However, other types of photo identification may also be acceptable, such as those issued by government bodies, schools, or employers, depending on the specific certificate required.
What Documents Are Required to Order Vital Records in South Carolina?
Ensure you have all the necessary documents required by the SC DHEC, as each type of certificate has unique conditions that must be met based on individual circumstances.
❗️ Without proper ID and a fully completed application, your request will be returned, causing considerable delays in processing your order.
| Certificate | Required Information | ID Requirements Options | Secondary IDs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Birth Certificate | Date of Birth, Daytime Phone Number, Email, Father's Name at Birth, Father's Place of Birth, Full Name of Person of Record, Mailing Address, Mother's Maiden Name, Mother's Place of Birth, Number of Children Born in State to this Parents, Parents´ Place of Marriage, Place of Birth, Purpose for the Certificate, Sex, Your Name, Your Relationship to the Person of Record, Your Signature |
College ID, Driver's License, ID Card, Learner Permit, Passport, Permanent Residents Card, Re-Entry Permit, Refugee Travel Document, Temporary Resident Card, US Citizenship ID, US Military ID, Weapon Permit, Work ID |
|
| Death Certificate | Age at Death, Date of Death, Daytime Phone Number, Email, Full Name of Person of Record, Mailing Address, Place of Death, Purpose for the Certificate, Sex, Your Name, Your Relationship to the Person of Record, Your Signature |
College ID, Driver's License, ID Card, Learner Permit, Passport, Permanent Residents Card, Re-Entry Permit, Refugee Travel Document, Temporary Resident Card, US Citizenship ID, US Military ID, Weapon Permit, Work ID |
|
| Marriage Certificate | Bride Name, Bride's Name Before Marriage, Date of Marriage, Email, Groom Name, Groom Name Before Marriage, Mailing Address, Phone Number, Place where License Was Issued, Your Name, Your Relationship to the Person of Record, Your Signature |
College ID, Driver's License, ID Card, Learner Permit, Passport, Permanent Residents Card, Re-Entry Permit, Refugee Travel Document, Temporary Resident Card, US Citizenship ID, US Military ID, Weapon Permit, Work ID |
Who can request vital records in South Carolina?
The person on record can apply for certified copies of their vital records. However, eligibility for third-party requests varies depending on the type of certificate being requested. In most cases, immediate relatives or legal representatives can apply on behalf of the person on record.
For birth certificate requests, only the individual on record, their parents, legal guardian, or legal representative can apply. Other immediate relatives can only apply if the individual on record is deceased.
For death certificate requests, only immediate relatives of the person on record or their legal representatives can make a request, as defined by the SC DHEC.
Refer to the table below to verify authorization to submit a request for each type of certificate and circumstance per the SC DHEC guidelines. All applicants must provide proof of identity, proof of relationship, or lawful representation with their request. If a third party is applying, additional documentation may be required to prove their eligibility.
| Certificate | Authorized People |
|---|---|
| Birth Certificate | Legal Guardian, Legal Representative, Parents, Person on Record |
| Death Certificate | Children, Grandchildren, Grandparents, Legal Representative, Other person of interest (personal and property rights), Parents, Siblings, Spouse |
| Marriage Certificate | Children, Ex-Spouse, Legal Representative, Person on Record, Spouse |
✔︎ If you can provide documentation of legal interest or hold a Power of Attorney from the person on record, you are eligible to request the vital record.
Do I need a notary with my application?
The SC DHEC – Vital Records Office does not require notarized statements from individuals or immediate family members requesting certified copies of birth, death, or marriage certificates, regardless of whether applying online, by mail, telephone, or in person.
The SC DHEC website offers extensive guidance on vital record corrections or amendments that may require a notary. https://scdhec.gov/vital-records.
✔︎ A notary is generally not required to obtain authorized copies of South Carolina vital records. A photocopy of your ID is sufficient to verify your identity.
Various factors influence the overall cost of replacing vital records. The fees set by the SC DHEC are $12.00 for each certified copy of a birth, death, or marriage record when applying by mail. If you apply in person, the fee increases to $17.00 for each record. For any additional copies of the same record ordered at the same time, the charge is $3.00 each. Moreover, the submission method can impact the total expense; the fee for VRO’s online Application Assistant starts at $29.
| Certificate | Fee | Additional Copy |
|---|---|---|
| Birth Certificate | $12.00 | $3.00 |
❗️ The SC DHEC charges a non-refundable $17.00 Search Fee for all orders.
✔︎ Additional copies can be requested during the same order to save future costs in case your vital records are lost, destroyed, or stolen.
VitalRecordsOnline.com processing fee is $29.
How long will it take to receive my vital records from South Carolina?
Processing and delivery times for birth, death, or marriage certificate replacements may vary based on the volume of requests received by the SC DHEC – Vital Records Office. Please refer to the table below for current processing times. The submission method of your application and documents influences the total time it takes to receive your vital record in the mail. Ordering through VRO for ordering streamlines compiling your documents and the application packet submission process, with the option to expedite your order to reduce the total time it takes to receive your certified replacement.
| Certificate | Processing Time | Rush Processing Time |
|---|---|---|
| Birth Certificate | 2 to 4 weeks | N/A |
| Death Certificate | 2 to 4 weeks | N/A |
| Marriage Certificate | 10 to 15 days | N/A |
| Divorce Certificate | 7 to 10 days | N/A |
❗️ The processing and replacement duration of birth, death, or marriage certificates by SC DHEC – Vital Records Office may increase based on a high volume backlog of orders.
❗️ A simple error, typo, or missing document can cause wait times to double, repeat shipping costs, or expose personal information.
When you submit your application via VRO, you can monitor the progress of your order status and processing. Every order includes prepaid first-class mail postage, enabling you to track the delivery of your application packet directly to the SC DHEC Vital Records Office.
If you submit your application packet to the SC DHEC manually, it is advisable to purchase first-class mail with tracking to ensure successful delivery. While the SC DHEC dispatches all vital records to your residence using USPS first-class mail to safeguard them, they are not liable for any misdirected or lost certificates during shipping. In the event that your vital record does not arrive and is presumed lost, it is critical to report the loss immediately. A minor mistake or typo in the mailing address could compromise your personal information.
❓ Find more frequently asked questions below the South Carolina counties office locations directory.
When a vital record, initially filed with the SC DHEC, needs to be presented to a foreign government, it is necessary to obtain an apostille. The South Carolina Secretary of State is responsible for issuing apostilles for these documents.
How can I get an apostille for a vital record?
Apostilles for vital records issued by the SC DHEC can be obtained through the SC Secretary of State or Vital Records Online. VRO provides a comprehensive apostille service for South Carolina vital records, recognized for its legal validity in over 100 countries by numerous governments and organizations. The service simplifies obtaining apostilles for birth, death, marriage, and divorce certificates, with the added benefit of professional assistance. The entire procedure can be completed online in three easy steps for a starting fee of $149 plus additional government charges.
Providing physical copies of your documents is often unnecessary, as the process can be completed online under most circumstances. Once your apostille documentation is finalized, it will be sent directly to you via esteemed courier services such as FedEx or DHL, whether you reside in the US or internationally.
You will need to provide the following information:
You can submit requests for vital record apostilles to the Secretary of State at the following addresses:
For standard mail or express shipping (UPS, DHL, or Federal Express), submit the request to the physical address:
SC Secretary of State’s Office Attn: Authentications,
1205 Pendleton Street, Suite 525,
Columbia, SC 29201
You can reach the office at (803) 734-2512 or online at https://sos.sc.gov/services-and-filings/apostilles/certification-vital-records.
An amendment signifies a modification to a vital record. The SC DHEC – Vital Records Office has outlined common scenarios to guide individuals through the legal steps to amend or correct birth, marriage, or a family member’s death certificate. While supplemental changes can be appended to the original vital record, the original document itself cannot be modified. Different forms are provided depending on the vital record and details requiring changes or amendments. In South Carolina, some amendments may necessitate a court order involving an attorney.
Correcting or amending vital records usually will require the following:
Learn more about correcting or amending birth, death, and marriage certificates.
Where can I search for free public records?
In South Carolina, many vital records are freely accessible to the public. However, obtaining these free public records can sometimes be a time-consuming process. For those interested in historical research or genealogy, birth certificates become public after a century (100 years). In contrast, death certificates are released after 50 years.
Are South Carolina Vital Records Open to the Public?
In South Carolina, state records are primarily public, although accessibility varies based on the record type and the date of the event. When conducting research, third-party websites offer the advantage of accessibility without restrictions to your physical location; however, cross-referencing the information is advisable to ensure accuracy as they may not always match official government records.
To find a record on a third-party website, the person requesting must provide the following information:
South Carolina birth, death, or marriage certificates can vary in appearance depending on the county or municipality that issued them. It’s advisable to familiarize yourself with what the certified copies look like in the issuing county to ensure you possess an officially certified copy. Official copies are usually distinguishable from informational copies, which often display a stamp or notice across the document, stating “Informational, Not a Valid Document to Establish Identity” or a similar phrase. Comparing the official, certified examples from the relevant agency can help confirm the authenticity of your certificate.
Authorized Copy:
Authorized (certified) copies of vital records are issued exclusively to individuals with a “direct and tangible interest” in the document. Authorized copies are recognized as legal documents accepted for official identification purposes. In contrast, informational copies are not valid for identity verification purposes.
Informational Copy:
Informational copies of vital records, often referred to as “short-form, non-certified, heirloom, or commemorative certificates,” serve as personal reference documents for genealogical research or display. They are not valid for legal purposes like establishing identity, obtaining a passport, or proving eligibility for benefits. When requesting an informational copy of a birth certificate, applicants still must provide an accepted form of identification but do not necessitate a notarized sworn statement.
For death and marriage records, anyone can request an informational “statement,” which requires the applicant to submit a photocopy of a current government, school, or employer photo ID.
Informational “statements” are unavailable for birth certificates. Instead, uncertified copies of birth certificates become accessible to the public after 100 years, while uncertified copies of death certificates are available after 50 years. Public availability of informational marriage “statements” may depend on the county that issued the original certificate and may also be limited to the individuals on record.
Find more references regarding birth, death, and marriage certificates in the resources section.
Visit the official South Carolina government website at https://scdhec.gov/vital-records
