Will My Record Have a Raised Seal?

No. DPH no longer issues what is traditionally defined as "raised seal" certificates. South Carolina stopped issuing the "raised seal" in March 1999.

From July 2008 to August 2016, all vital record certifications were issued on a security paper with a green border, a gold state seal in the lower left corner and the DHEC logo in the lower right corner.

SC DHEC adopted a new logo in 2016. Beginning in August 2016, vital record certifications are issued on security paper with a blue border, a gold state seal in the lower left corner and the DHEC logo in the lower right corner.

The certificate issued by South Carolina is acceptable for all legal purposes including obtaining a US Passport.

How Do I Request an "Apostille"?

An apostille, which is sometimes required by foreign governments, is issued by the S.C. Secretary of State's Office.

For information about obtaining an apostille, visit the S.C. Secretary of State's website (https://sos.sc.gov).