Wait Times Increased at Vital Statistics Offices

Please be advised that all Vital Statistics offices are experiencing longer than usual wait times due to REAL ID implementation. We encourage you to visit your local office when possible, instead of driving to the Columbia State Office. Each county office can issue birth certificates for individuals born in South Carolina. Individuals can also use online services to obtain South Carolina birth certificates.

Certificates for deaths that occur in South Carolina must be filed electronically with the S.C. Department of Public Health.

Why?

In 2022, the South Carolina General Assembly passed S.C. H3325 which requires funeral homes and medical certifiers to complete, certify and file death certificates electronically.

Exemptions

The law provides only for an exemption when a family member is handling the disposition of the body for a friend or relative without compensation (called a "Natural Burial").  In such cases, the medical certification must still be submitted electronically.

How to Access Electronic Filing System & Training

Funeral directors and medical certifiers who have not previously used the DPH electronic system to file death certifies will need to:

  • Obtain a user ID
  • Receive training on how to use the system to file death records.

You can click here to access the Web Deaths portal.

Call 1-803-898-3630 to request access and training. Our staff will gather basic information from you when you call, and a field consultant will follow-up to schedule your training and provide details.

For more information contact vitalrecords@dph.sc.gov.

Tags
Web Death System
Statewide