South Carolina · How-To Guide
How do I get a copy of a death certificate?
South Carolina Department of Public Health, Office of Vital Records (state level - Columbia)
Details
What you need to know
Processing Time
Mail: several weeks; online: 5-7 business days; in-person: faster
Online Option
GoCertificates and VitalChek (authorized); immediate family only
Where to Go
SC Vital Records (Columbia); GoCertificates or VitalChek online (immediate family)
County-specific variations apply
State has death records since January 1915. Charleston city deaths from 1821 at Charleston County Health Department; Florence City deaths from 1895-1914 at Florence County Health Department; Newberry City deaths from late 1800s at Newberry County Health Department.
South Carolina Notes
Important state-specific details
- No personal checks accepted for mail orders.
- $12 nonrefundable mail fee; $17 in-person/online fee.
- Online order: only authorized vendors and immediate family.
- Order multiple copies at once - estates, insurance, banks, SSA, VA each need one.
Official Source
State office contact
State Office
SC Department of Public Health, Office of Vital Records - scdhec.gov/vital-records | (803) 898-3630 | 2600 Bull Street, Columbia, SC 29201