Get your certified South Carolina Divorce Certificate

A certified copy of your South Carolina divorce certificate serves as official proof of your marital status change. Whether you’re updating legal documents or handling financial matters, a certified record is often required.

Here are common reasons you may need one:

• Legal Name Change – Required for updating identification, passports, and Social Security records.
• Remarriage – Some states or countries require proof of divorce before issuing a marriage license.
• Child Custody & Support – Courts and government agencies may request certified copies for custody, visitation, or financial support modifications.
• Property & Asset Division – Used in real estate transactions, retirement account settlements, or dividing shared assets.
• Government Benefits & Insurance – Needed for Social Security, military benefits, and updating life insurance policies.
• Immigration & Travel – Some visa or citizenship applications require proof of marital history.

💡 Pro Tip: Always order multiple copies to avoid delays when handling legal and personal affairs.

Divorce certificates are often useful or required for:

Applying for a driver's license

Applying for a new passport

Issuing or obtaining a Social Security Card

Applying for Social Security benefits

Claiming pension or insurance benefits

Genealogy research

Claiming family inheritance

Applying for a new job

Enrolling in school

Enlisting in the military

Obtaining a marriage license

A South Carolina divorce certificate is an official document issued by the SC DPH - Vital Records Office that verifies the legal dissolution of a marriage. While its design may differ depending on the year of issuance, it always includes key security and authentication features.

• Full Name of the Person: The full legal names of the spouses.
• Date of Birth: The exact date of divorce of the spouses.
• State Seal: A raised, embossed, or printed multicolor or black and white seal of the issuing authority, which validates the document.
• Signature of State Registrar: The signature of the state registrar or authorized official responsible for issuing the divorce certificate.
• Printed on Security Paper: Printed on specialized paper to prevent counterfeiting.

In some instances, a certified divorce certificate may also include:

If you lose your divorce certificate:

1. Request a replacement copy. A divorce certificate can be used for identity fraud if it falls into the wrong hands.
2. Apply for a certified replacement copy in person, by mail, or online through VRO. You must complete the application, gather the required identification and documents, and pay the fees determined by the SC DPH - Vital Records Office.
3. 1. For applying by mail: Send your application, documents, and a check or money order for the replacement fee to the SC DPH - Vital Records Office at:
      
      South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control, Vital Records
      2600 Bull Street, Columbia, SC 29201
      
   2. For online submissions: Complete the application and upload your documents through the VRO website (payable by credit card online).
3. SC DPH - Vital Records Office will mail the certified copy(s) after processing.

Corrections or amendments to a South Carolina divorce certificate are allowed when errors were made in the original document. The SC DPH - Vital Records Office oversees this process and requires specific documentation based on the nature of the correction.

To request a correction, applicants must:

1. Complete the Amendment Request Form provided by SC DPH - Vital Records Office
2. Provide supporting documentation verifying the correct information, such as:
3. • A certified copy of a court order (for significant changes).
   • Government-issued identification showing the correct name.
   • Marriage or birth certificates to support corrections to personal details.
3. Pay the amendment processing fee, which varies based on the complexity of the change.

Divorce certificate amendments are possible when information was entered incorrectly during original preparation

• Process must follow state law requirements
• Documentation needed to verify changes
• May require court orders for certain changes
• Original or certified copies of supporting documents may be required

Common errors that may need correction:

• Misspelled names
• Incorrect dates
• Wrong location information

Note, the SC DPH may require:

• Legal documentation to verify changes
• Court orders for certain amendments
• Original or certified copies of supporting documents

Typically, requests to correct or amend a divorce certificate will require the following:

• A completed amendment application
• Supporting documentation
• Appropriate fee(s)

When filing a vital record with a foreign government, an apostille certification is often required. An apostille for South Carolina vital records can be acquired through the Secretary of State or Vital Records Online (VRO).

VRO offers online apostille services that are accepted by governments and organizations in over 100 countries. Their service includes professional assistance for obtaining apostilles for divorce certificates in all 50 states, starting at $149, plus government fees.

Once the apostille is issued, it will be sent to you by FedEx or DHL for global delivery. This ensures that your documents arrive at your doorstep regardless of location, whether in the US or internationally.

If you request by mail, you’ll need to provide the following:

1. Certified copy of vital records.

• Must be certified by the issuing government agency.

2. South Carolina Authentication Cover Letter (PDF)
3. Self-addressed stamped return envelope;
4. Include a personal or company check or money order made payable to the Secretary of State’s Office, or cash in the amount of $5.00 for each document.
5. Documents to be authenticated.

Mail-in Orders:

Walk-in Orders: