Order official South Carolina Death Records and Vital Records online

Death records are essential documents serving multiple purposes, from legal processes and genealogical research to settling estates. For residents and researchers needing access to South Carolina death certificates, understanding the proper procedures is crucial to obtaining these records smoothly and efficiently.

Who Can Request Death Records?

According to the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC), only certain individuals can request death records. These include:

• • Immediate family members (spouse, parent, child, or sibling);
• • Legal representatives of the family;
• • Other individuals with a demonstrable legal interest or need.

Proof of relationship or legal interest may be required.

What Documents Are Required?

When applying for a South Carolina death certificate, you need to provide specific documents. These include:

• • A completed application form, which can be downloaded here;
• • A valid government-issued photo ID;
• • Proof of relationship or legal interest where applicable;
• • Payment for the application fee.

Ensure all documents are current and correctly filled out to avoid delays in processing.

How to Obtain South Carolina Death Records

There are several ways to obtain South Carolina death records:

By Mail

To request by mail, send the completed application form, necessary documents, and a money order or check for the fee to:

SC DHEC – Vital Records
2600 Bull Street
Columbia, SC 29201

In Person

You may visit any county Public Health Department Office to submit your request in person. Bring the required documents and the applicable fee. Check the office hours before visiting.

Online

For online requests, South Carolina partners with VitalChek. To request a death certificate online, visit VitalChek. This method is convenient and often faster.

Regardless of the method, ensure all information is accurate and complete to prevent processing delays.

How Much Do Death Records Cost?

The cost for a South Carolina death certificate is $12 for the first copy and $3 for each additional copy of the same record ordered at the same time. Expedited services may be available for an additional fee through VitalChek.

Processing Time

Processing times vary depending on the method of application:

• • Mail requests usually take 2-4 weeks;
• • In-person requests can often be fulfilled on the same day or within a few days;
• • Online requests through VitalChek typically take 5-7 business days but can be expedited for an additional fee.

Ensuring all required documents and information are provided accurately is key to avoiding delays.

In conclusion, obtaining a South Carolina death certificate or other death records involves specific steps and requirements. By following these guidelines carefully and ensuring all necessary documents are correctly completed and submitted, you can obtain the required records efficiently. For any specific queries or further assistance, do not hesitate to reach out directly to the South Carolina DHEC.

If the event was recorded locally or if you need immediate access to detailed records, it is preferable to contact your county vital records office directly. Find the contact details of your local county vital records office here.