How Do You Get a Copy of a South Carolina Birth Certificate?
Obtain a copy of your South Carolina birth certificate through one of four methods: in person, by mail, by phone or online. As of 2014, only the person listed on the birth certificate, a parent named in the document or the legal guardian of the birth certificate holder is allowed to obtain copies.
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Visit a regional office
As of 2014, the South Carolina Vital Records Division offers 17 regional offices located in four primary state regions: Upstate, Midlands, Pee Dee and Lowcountry. Offices provide long-form and short-form birth certificates. Requests require a completed application form, a $12 searching fee and a government, school or employer-issued photo ID card. Requests are processed within 30 to 45 minutes.
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Request birth certificates by mail
Submit a completed application form and a photocopy of an approved photo ID card. As of 2014, requests sent by mail require a $12 searching fee. Requests are processed within two to four weeks.
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Order copies by phone
Contact VitalChek, the telephone processor for South Carolina birth certificates, by calling its toll-free number. Requests must be accompanied by identifying information, such as a Social Security number or government-issued ID number. As of 2014, telephone requests require a $17 searching fee plus a $9.50 VitalChek service fee. Processing takes an average of five to seven business days.
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Request certificates online
Submit an online birth certificate request through the VitalChek website. Only the person named on the birth certificate may order online. Be prepared to display personal identifying evidence, such as a government-issued ID card. Online requests require a $17 searching fee plus a $9.50 VitalChek service fee. Processing may take up to seven business days.
