How to obtain a death certificate in South Carolina

After a loved one passes away, obtaining a death certificate is one of the most important steps that needs to be taken. This document is crucial for arranging the funeral, carrying out organ donation, executing the will, and other such actions.

The process of obtaining a death certificate varies from state to state and even from county to county. To make the process easier, we have compiled the information you need to obtain a death certificate based on your location.

If your loved one passed away in South Carolina, you may order their death certificate online, by phone, by mail, or in person. Details for obtaining a death certificate in these different ways are below:

1. Online

   To order a death certificate online, visit VitalChek, a third-party vendor, and follow the prompts. You will need a credit card for payment.

2. By Phone

   To order a death certificate by phone, call VitalChek, a third-party vendor, at (877) 284-1008. You will need a credit card for payment.

3. By Mail

   To request a death certificate by mail, fill out this application and send it along with a payment and copy of photo identification (specified on the application) to the address below:

   DHEC Vital Records

   2600 Bull Street

   Columbia, SC 29201

4. In Person

   To request a death certificate in person, visit the DHEC State Vital Records Office at the address below 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. M-F. You will need a method of payment and a government, school, or employer-issued ID. 

   DHEC State Vital Records Office, Columbia

   2600 Bull Street

   Columbia, SC 29201