Vital records office in South Carolina

How to obtain certified copies of birth, death, marriage, and divorce certificates from South Carolina for immigration filings, USCIS evidence, school enrollment, or any other purpose.

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Birth Event: Birth Search Fee: $12.00 – The $12 search fee is non-refundable. The required search fee includes one (1) certification, if record is located. Additional copies purchased at the same time are $3.00 each. Address: Office of Vital Records SC DPH PO Box 2046 West Columbia, SC 29171 Remarks: State office has records since January 1915. Acceptable method of payment is a money order or a cashier’s check made payable to SCDPH  – Vital Records . To verify current fees, the telephone number is (803) 898-3630. Information on how to obtain certified copies including expedited processing options is available at the  South Carolina Department of Public Health website . Anyone requesting a vital record must submit a photocopy of their valid picture identification. Death Event: Death Search Fee: $12.00 – The $12 search fee is non-refundable. The required search fee includes one (1) certification, if record is located. Additional copies purchased at the same time are $3.00 each. Address: Office of Vital Records SC DPH PO Box 2046 West Columbia, SC 29171 Remarks: State office has records since January 1915. Acceptable method of payment is a money order or a cashier’s check made payable to SCDPH  – Vital Records . To verify current fees, the telephone number is (803) 898-3630. Information on how to obtain certified copies including expedited processing options is available at the South Carolina Department of Public Health website . Anyone requesting a vital record must submit a photocopy of their valid picture identification. Marriage Event: Marriage Search Fee: $12.00 – The $12 search fee is non-refundable. The required search fee includes one (1) certification, if record is located. Additional copies purchased at the same time are $3.00 each. Address: Office of Vital Records SC DPH PO Box 2046 West Columbia, SC 29171 Remarks:  State office has records starting July 1950. Marriages prior to that date must be obtained from the Office of the Probate Judge in the county where the license was obtained. Acceptable method of payment is a money order or a cashier’s check made payable to SCDPH  – Vital Records . To verify current fees, the telephone number is (803) 898-3630. Information on how to obtain certified copies including expedited processing options is available at the South Carolina Department of Public Health website . Anyone requesting a vital record must submit a photocopy of their valid picture identification. Divorce Event: Divorce Search Fee: $12.00 – The $12 search fee is non-refundable. The required search fee includes one (1) certification, if record is located. Additional copies purchased at the same time are $3.00 each. Address: Office of Vital Records SC DPH PO Box 2046 West Columbia, SC 29171 Remarks: Reports of Divorce are available starting July 1962. SC DHEC does not have a copy of the divorce decree. The actual

South Carolina vital records office details

Why immigrants need certified vital records

USCIS, courts, schools, and many other US agencies require certified vital records (not photocopies) for:

  • I-130 family petition — birth certificate proves family relationship
  • I-485 adjustment of status — birth certificate of applicant and beneficiaries
  • N-400 naturalization — marriage certificate if applying under spouse-of-USC 3-year rule
  • Apostille — for use of US documents in foreign countries (your home country may require US apostille)
  • School enrollment — proof of date of birth
  • Real ID applications — proof of identity

Apostille and authentication

If you need to use a South Carolina vital record OUTSIDE the United States (e.g., for use at your home country’s consulate), you typically need an apostille from the South Carolina Secretary of State’s office. See /procedures/apostille-document/ for the process.

Last verified: 2026-05-27. General procedural information — not legal advice. Fees and processing times change; verify with the South Carolina office.