Increased Processing Times and Mail-In Only Requests

All South Carolina Vital Statistics offices are experiencing longer than usual processing times due to REAL ID implementation. To get a certified copy of a birth or death that occurred in South Carolina, visit a local office or order online through authorized third-party vendors, VitalChek and GoCertificates.

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

Note: All applicants must provide a photocopy or show a valid government, school or employer issued photo identification. Applications without proper identification will be rejected and not processed.


Commonly Used Forms

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Adoptee & Biological Parent Forms

Effective July 1, 2019, Section 44-63-140 of the South Carolina Code was amended to allow adult adoptees, age 18 or older, who were born in South Carolina, to obtain a copy of the adoptee’s original birth certificate, and any evidence of the adoption held with the original birth record, if the biological parent has completed the necessary forms consenting to the release of the certificate. A biological parent may also indicate their contact preference and consent to release medical history information. 
This law applies to adoptions finalized after July 1, 2019.

For more information, contact us.

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vital records