How to Find Birth Records in South Carolina

Quite a number of states use birth records to determine such information as population growth and determine health policies using them. They are kept as confidential information in most states and you might find it hard to find birth records. This article will assist you on how to find birth records in South Carolina.

Located in the coastal southeastern part of the United States, South Carolina has a population of about 5.2 million. The state began recording birth in 1915 on a statewide scale. There are no births that were registered in South Carolina before 1915 except for the City of Charleston which have birth records from 1877 – 1902.

Even though statewide birth registration began in 1915 in South Carolina, there is no complete birth record index on the state that is available online. Available birth record indexes include the following:

South Carolina Birth and Christenings (1681 – 1935)

South Carolina US Births (1915 – 1917)

There are delayed birth records found in South Carolina that goes ways back to the 1800s. One source to consider for searches of delayed birth records in the state would be South Carolina Delayed Births (1766 – 1900).

Birth Records in South Carolina

Birth records are used for purposes such as obtaining a Social Security Number, passport, driver’s license, personal identification and employment to name some of them. The state uses these records to determine how to use state resources. Information found on most South Carolina birth records include:

• The name of the individual
• Place of birth
• Date of birth
• Sex of the individual
• The names of the parents
• Mother’s maiden name
• Mother’s marital status at birth
• Birth registration number
• Date and place of registration

Birth Records Restrictions in South Carolina

Birth records in South Carolina are public records. However, there are restriction that comes with accessing them. Not everyone is permitted to obtain a copy of a certified birth certificate in the state except for birth records that are over a hundred years. The following individuals qualify to obtain certified copies of birth certificates from the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC):

• The individual (registrant) named on the birth certificate, must be at least 18 years old
• The Parents named on the birth certificate
• The legal guardian of the individual named on the certificate (certified court order endorsing guardianship is required)
• A legal representative of the individual, individual’s parents, and individual’s guardian
• Individual’s close relatives or their legal representative in the case of a deceased registrant (must submit an original, certified copy of the registrant’s death record with their request)

Eligible individuals who qualify to obtain certified copies of birth certificates in South Carolina are expected to provide the following details:

• Full name of the record owner and the date of birth
• Place of birth (County)
• Full names of record owner’s parents
• Record owner’s mother’s maiden name
• Record owner’s full name, day time telephone number, and mailing address
• Statement of the relationship between the applicant and the record owner

The state of South Carolina currently does not process applicants requests which do not have some form of legal photo identification document with it. Accepted form of identification in the state include the following:

• A United States DMV Office supplied photo identification. Examples are driver’s license and learner’s permit (unexpired)
• Current school or employer photo identification card
• Military card (unexpired – active duty or retired member)
• Unexpired United States Passport
• The United States Citizen Identification Card (form l-197)
• Unexpired temporary Resident Card (form l-688)
• Unexpired permanent Resident Card (form l-551)
• Weapon or gun permit supplied by federal, state, or municipal government (unexpired)
• Unexpired Foreign Passport
• Unexpired Re-Entry Permit (l-327)
• Refugee Travel Document (form l-571 – unexpired)

How to Obtain Birth Records in South Carolina

The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control through its Office of Vital Records, is the one responsible for maintaining and issuing out birth certificate in South Carolina. There is no online platform where it can offer these services to the eligible applicants.

Getting Birth Records Online in South Carolina

It has however partnered with third vital records vendors to enable individuals who are interested in birth records to access them.

For records which are more than a 100 years, which are regarded as public records, interested parties can access those freely on third party vital records sites. These sites come highly recommended for such searches as they quicker and search on a wider scale.

Searches on them require that you provide full name of the record owner and their current location (city, county or state). These are details that will sift out unwanted outcomes from your lookup.

These third party sites may have information that is different from that from government sources as they are not sponsored by the government.

Getting Birth Records in Person in South Carolina

Applicants must first complete the Vital Records Birth Application Form which is to accompanied with a valid photo identification document and appropriate fees. Applicants are also advised to call the Vital Records Office to find out what is expected of them before submitting their application.

Getting Records by Mail in South Carolina

To get birth records by mail in South Carolina, applicants must start by completing the Vital Records Birth Application Form. They must then mail with their legal photo identification document and proof of payment in a stamped self-addressed envelope to:

Office of Vital Records
SC DHEC
2600 Bull Street
Columbia, SC 29201

With these ideas on how to find birth records in South Carolina, you have a picture of how to go about searching for birth records in the state.