South Carolina (SC) Vital Records

The process from the time you submit your application until you receive your legally valid copy of a South Carolina birth certificate usually takes 2-6 weeks. 

By including all the documentation required, you can avoid delays and longer processing times. 

You can also save time when applying for your South Carolina birth certificate or your child’s certificate by using our online Vital Records office database to find the correct location to receive your document.

There is a processing pay fee that must be paid in full to receive your birth certificate in South Carolina. It’s critical to add the payment with your application or your application will take longer. 

For the first copy of a certificate that you order, you must pay 12 dollars. 

For extra copies of the birth certificate made at the same time, a $3 fee will be added for every additional copy. 

Personal checks or money orders must be made payable to SCDHEC- Vital Records.

Only specific forms of identification will be considered valid. 

You may submit a photocopy of one of the following forms of photo identification along with your application for a South Carolina birth certificate:

• Driver’s license

• State non-driver’s license ID card

• U.S. passport

• Military ID card

• Student ID card

• Green card

• Concealed handgun license

• Company photo ID 

Whichever form of ID you choose should not be expired and have a photograph on the document.