Mail-In/Online Only Requests for Marriage and Divorce

To get a certified copy of a marriage or divorce that occurred in South Carolina, submit the request by mail or online. In-person and drop-off services for these requests are temporarily unavailable. See mail-in and online directions for a Marriage Certificate or Divorce Report.

In-Person Amendment Requests at Regional Offices

Beginning Nov. 17, 2025, the Richland County office (formally known as the State Office) will no longer process same-day amendment requests. Most in-person amendment requests submitted at regional offices, including the Richland County office, will be completed within 1–2 business days once reviewed by the amendment team in the central office. Court ordered amendments may take up to 2 weeks to allow for proper legal review and processing.

York Vital Records Office Temporarily Relocating

York Vital Records will be closed from Dec. 23 - 29, 2025. On Dec. 29, the office will reopen at its new, temporary location in the same building at 1070 Heckle Blvd., Suite 1200, Rock Hill, SC 29730.

For assistance during the closure, the nearest office is:
Richland County Vital Records
2600 Bull St., Columbia, SC 29201
Phone: (803) 898-3630

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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).

Secretary of State’s Office for an Apostille

About Vital Records (Certificates)

Adding a Father to Birth Certificate

Adoptions

Vital Records Forms

Birth Certificates

Death Certificates

Death Indexes, Genealogy

Divorce Reports

Electronic Filing Of Death Certificates

Fees - Vital Records (Birth, Death, etc)

ID Requirements

Marriage Certificates

Parentage

S.C. Vital Records Data and Statistics

Adoptee Information

Biological Parent Information

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vital records