South Carolina Birth Records

South Carolina began statewide birth registration in January 1915, following a 1914 law that mandated uniform record-keeping. Before 1915, births were recorded randomly by counties, churches, or midwives.

South Carolina birth records are the official documents that record the details of every birth occurring within the state. South Carolina only issues the long-form birth record. The state no longer issues or processes requests for the short-form birth certificate.

Long-form birth certificates are full, detailed records. They contain comprehensive data, such as the full names of the registrant, date, time, and place of birth, birth weight, parental information, hospital of birth, attending physicians' information, birth registration number, and filing date. The long-form birth certificate is ideal for various legal and administrative purposes.

South Carolina issues two types of birth certificates: Authorized or Certified copies and Informational copies. The authorized copy of the birth certificate is a legal document with an official seal, signature, and security features. It is required for official purposes, such as enrolling in school or applying for government benefits.

The informational copy of a birth record is not a legal document, usually marked with "Information, Not for Legal Purposes". It contains the same details as a certified copy but lacks official validity. Informational birth records are ideal for family history projects or resolving personal questions about ancestry.

How To Order a South Carolina Birth Certificate?

Generally, you may order certified copies of your birth certificate from January 1915 to the present at the South Carolina Department of Public Health Vital Records Section. You can obtain certified copies of your birth record by mail or at the Vital Records Office. Birth certificates may also be ordered online or by phone through an approved third-party vendor.

To request the record by mail, fill out the Vital Records Birth Application form. Include copies of a document that identifies you with the application form, and pay the fees. Mail the record request to:

You may also visit the state office during business hours to order certified copies of your birth record. Complete the Vital Records Birth Application form and include all relevant documents and fees. The Vital Records office in Richland County also accepts expedited processing for drop-off requests for birth records. The physical address of the state's Vital Records office is at:

Generally, all requests for certified copies of the birth certificate should include a valid government ID of a school ID, or an employer-issued photo ID. Certified copies of birth records cost $12. There is an additional $3 if you want copies of the record. Similarly, persons who wish to process the record request faster may pay an additional $5 to expedite the request process.

Are Birth Records Public in South Carolina?

Birth records are not public records in South Carolina. Members of the public cannot inspect or obtain copies of another person's birth certificate. The state restricts access to birth records to protect individuals' privacy. However, certain people, usually those with a direct and tangible interest in the document, can obtain certified copies of birth records under specific circumstances.

Who Can Order A Birth Certificate in South Carolina?

Under South Carolina law, certified copies of birth records are restricted from the public. Only those with a direct, legal, or familial interest may obtain birth certificates. Per state law, eligible individuals include:

• The registrant
• The parents named on the certificate
• Legal guardians and representatives
• Immediate family members, including spouses, children, and siblings, with proof of relationship
• Legal representatives, such as attorneys or executors of estates
• Persons with a court order
• Government agencies

How Long Does it Take to Get A South Carolina Birth Certificate?

The South Carolina Division of Vital Records processes mail and requests for birth certificates within 4 weeks. Persons who order the document in person can get it within 30 to 45 minutes. Expedited processing of birth certificates, available only in the Vital Records in Richland County, is typically processed within 5 business days. Online and phone requests for birth certificates through the third-party vendor are typically processed within 5 - 7 business days.

Where Can I Find South Carolina Birth Records Free?

South Carolina treats birth records as confidential and usually issues them to only qualified persons. However, persons ineligible to obtain the certified birth certificate may be able to find informational copies of South Carolina birth records from other sources at no cost.

Although the National Vital Records Archives does not hold state-issued birth certificates, it offers guidance and tools to help you locate the jurisdiction where the birth occurred. The South Carolina Department of Archives and History's online portal includes digitized birth certificates and indexes from before the state mandated statewide recording of births. You can view birth records between 1915 and 1918 for free on the platform.

FamilySearch.org covers a vast collection of South Carolina birth indexes and images. Although it requires registration, access to many birth records, especially those dating pre-1915, is free. Similarly, Ancestry.com is a free genealogical platform that provides free access to a wide range of South Carolina's birth records. You can access the indexes of birth records at your local public library.

Reliable third-party websites like PublicRecords.us compile public records from multiple government and non-governmental sources to give you a comprehensive database of current and historical marriage records in South Carolina. They offer basic searches for marriage records and can be a great resource when beginning your search for informational copies of birth records.

When Would I Need My South Carolina Birth Records?

A certified South Carolina birth record is your primary proof of U.S. citizenship and identity. It proves your name, date and place of birth, and parentage, facts that are used to verify your identity and citizenship under the following situations:

• Applying for a U.S. passport
• Obtaining or replacing a Social Security Card
• Obtain a state-issued ID and driver's license
• Enrolling in public schools, colleges, or universities
• Applying for a marriage license
• Petitioning for a legal name change
• Obtain state and federal benefits, such as Medicaid and Medicare

How Much is A Replacement Birth Certificate in South Carolina?

A replacement South Carolina birth certificate is obtained from the State's Vital Records Office when your original birth record has been destroyed, stolen, lost, or damaged. The process to replace your birth records is similar to requesting a certified copy of the birth record.

To obtain the record, download and complete the Vital Records Birth Application form from the South Carolina Division of Public Health, Vital Records Division website. Submit a valid government, employer, or school-issued photo ID and pay the fee of $12.

When Can the Public Access South Carolina Birth Certificates?

In South Carolina, certified birth certificates for individuals born within the last 100 years are confidential and only available to authorized persons during that period. However, once 100 years have elapsed since the date of birth, the records become a public record. The general public may obtain uncertified copies of the record without demonstrating eligibility.

How To Correct an Error on a South Carolina Birth Certificate?

If your birth record contains errors, you can amend it to ensure it reflects your true identity. Generally, you may correct spelling mistakes, incorrect dates, wrong parental information, legal name changes, and gender marker changes on your birth record.

To correct your South Carolina birth certificate, request the Application for Amendment of Birth certificate form from the Constituent Service of the State's Division of Vital Records. Fill out the form and clearly state the error and the correct information. Gather documents to support the correct information, such as hospital records, school records, or court orders, if the change involves a legal name change or correcting your gender marker. Mail the application form, supporting documents, and fees to the Division of Vital Records. It costs $15 to amend your South Carolina birth certificate.

Does South Carolina Provide Non-binary Birth Certificates?

No. South Carolina does not offer a non-binary "X" or other gender-neutral option on birth certificates. Only the "M" (Male) and "F" (Female) gender markers are permitted on birth records. While the state does permit correcting your birth gender from male to female and vice versa, the state has no provision to alter your birth record to reflect a third gender marker.