South Carolina Death Certificate - How to Get Certified Copies

An independent guide to ordering certified death certificates in South Carolina. Fees and processing times change, so confirm them with the state office.

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Independent service, not a government agency. GetDeathCertificates.com is an independent information site. We are not the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control - Vital Records, we are not affiliated with any government agency, and we do not issue death certificates. You can order directly from the state office yourself at its South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control - Vital Records website.

Getting a Death Certificate in South Carolina

Obtaining certified death certificate copies in South Carolina requires submitting a request to the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control - Vital Records. Fees and processing times are set by that office and change, so check the current fee and turnaround on its South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control - Vital Records website before you order. Online ordering through this site is not available right now; ordering directly from the state office is usually the fastest and cheapest option.

Step-by-Step Process

  1. Determine eligibility: In South Carolina, only authorized persons may request death certificates. See the "Who Can Request" section below.
  2. Gather required documents: You will need to provide specific documentation with your request. See the "Required Documents" section below.
  3. Submit your request: Requests can be submitted to the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control - Vital Records by mail, or in person at the state office by appointment.
  4. Pay the official fees: The state office sets the fee per certified copy and the payment methods it accepts. Check current fees and accepted payment methods with the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control - Vital Records website.
  5. Receive your copies: Certified copies are mailed to your address after processing. Processing times vary by office and season; ask the office for its current turnaround and whether expedited handling is offered.

Required Documents

  • Completed DHEC 1447 form
  • Photo ID
  • Proof of eligibility
  • Payment

Who Can Request a South Carolina Death Certificate

South Carolina restricts access to death certificates to authorized individuals. Eligible requestors include:

  • Spouse
  • Parent
  • Child (18+)
  • Sibling (18+)
  • Grandparent
  • Legal representative

South Carolina Vital Records Office Contact

South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control - Vital Records

Address
2600 Bull Street, Columbia, SC 29201
Phone
(803) 898-3630
Website
State office website
Cost
Check current fees with the office
Processing Time
Varies - check with the office

Counties in South Carolina

Death certificates in South Carolina can be requested for deaths that occurred in any of the state's 46 counties.

Show all 46 South Carolina counties
  • Abbeville
  • Aiken
  • Allendale
  • Anderson
  • Bamberg
  • Barnwell
  • Beaufort
  • Berkeley
  • Calhoun
  • Charleston
  • Cherokee
  • Chester
  • Chesterfield
  • Clarendon
  • Colleton
  • Darlington
  • Dillon
  • Dorchester
  • Edgefield
  • Fairfield
  • Florence
  • Georgetown
  • Greenville
  • Greenwood
  • Hampton
  • Horry
  • Jasper
  • Kershaw
  • Lancaster
  • Laurens
  • Lee
  • Lexington
  • Marion
  • Marlboro
  • McCormick
  • Newberry
  • Oconee
  • Orangeburg
  • Pickens
  • Richland
  • Saluda
  • Spartanburg
  • Sumter
  • Union
  • Williamsburg
  • York

Order from the South Carolina vital records office

Online ordering through this site is not available right now. You can order a certified death certificate directly from the South Carolina vital records office (link below) - this is usually the fastest and cheapest option.

South Carolina vital records office

Start an order (online ordering opening soon)

Related: Find Funeral Homes in South Carolina

If you are working with a funeral home in South Carolina, our directory lists funeral homes across the state. Browse funeral homes in South Carolina.

Frequently Asked Questions - South Carolina

The state office sets the government fee and it can change, so check the current fee on the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control - Vital Records website.

Processing time depends on the vital records office and how it receives your request, and it changes over time. Check the current turnaround, and whether expedited handling is offered, on the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control - Vital Records website.

Most requests in South Carolina go through the state vital records office at South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control - Vital Records. Some counties may have local options - contact us or check the county health department website.

Death certificates are issued by the vital records office for the state where the death occurred, not where the person lived. If the death occurred in South Carolina, you request it from South Carolina vital records regardless of where the deceased resided.

Related: funeral homes in South Carolina | how it works | frequently asked questions | how to order