South Carolina residents can order a certified birth certificate online through two state-approved vendors: GoCertificates and VitalChek. Both connect directly to the South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH), the agency that issues birth records for anyone born in the state since 1915, and typically deliver a certified copy within 5–7 business days. Only the person named on the certificate can order online — parents, guardians, or other eligible requesters need to use phone, mail, or in-person options instead.
Who Can Order Online
Online ordering is limited to the individual named on the birth certificate, and you must be at least 18 years old. If you’re requesting a certificate on behalf of a child, a deceased relative, or someone else, you’ll need to apply by phone, mail, or in person instead — see the alternative methods below.
How to Apply Online
- Choose an approved vendor. DPH only recognizes two official online vendors — GoCertificates and VitalChek. Orders placed through any other website aren’t guaranteed to be processed.
- Fill out the online application. You’ll enter your full name, date of birth, county of birth, and your parents’ names as they appear on the original record.
- Verify your identity. VitalChek runs an online identity check so you can often skip mailing a physical ID; if you don’t pass verification, you’ll be asked to upload a valid government, school, or employer-issued photo ID.
- Pay the required fees by credit or debit card.
- Wait for processing and delivery. Average processing time is 5–7 business days, plus shipping. Expedited or signature-required delivery is available for an extra fee through VitalChek.
Online Ordering Fees
Both vendors charge similar base costs, though the exact processing fee differs slightly:
- GoCertificates: $17 non-refundable expedited search fee, $3 for each additional copy, plus an $8.70 processing fee
- VitalChek: $17 non-refundable expedited search fee, $3 for each additional copy, plus an $8.75 processing fee
Expedited shipping costs extra if you choose a faster delivery option.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Ordering through an unofficial website. Only GoCertificates and VitalChek are recognized by DPH — third-party sites that aren’t on this list may not deliver a valid certificate.
- Trying to order for someone else online. Parents ordering a child’s certificate, or anyone requesting on behalf of another person, must use phone, mail, or in-person channels.
- Failing identity verification without a backup ID ready. Have a photo ID on hand in case the automated check doesn’t clear you instantly.
- Assuming a hospital automatically sends the certificate. Newborn certificates are never mailed automatically — you must actively request a copy through one of DPH’s approved methods.
Other Ways to Apply
If online ordering doesn’t fit your situation, South Carolina offers three additional options:
- By phone through VitalChek (1-877-284-1008, available 24/7) — same fees as online, plus a $12.85 service charge; only the person named on the certificate may use this method.
- In person at the DPH State Vital Records Office in Columbia or a regional office — usually processed same day, with a $17 search fee plus $3 per extra copy.
- By mail to the state office only — takes about 4 weeks, with a $12 standard search fee plus $3 per extra copy.
Official Contacts
South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH), Vital Records
Website:
[Login to see the link]
Online Ordering (Approved Vendors):
[Login to see the link]
[Login to see the link]
Application Form (for mail, in-person, or drop-off requests):
[Login to see the link]
Phone:
(803) 898-3630
Phone Orders (VitalChek):
1-877-284-1008
Email (request status):
[Login to see the link]
Mailing Address (mail-in requests):
S.C. Department of Public Health
Vital Records Section
P.O. Box 2046
West Columbia, SC 29171
United States
In-Person / Drop-off Address:
DPH State Vital Records Office
2600 Bull Street
Columbia, SC 29201
United States
Join The Discussion
Ordering vital records online can save a trip, but the process still trips people up — from ID verification hiccups to unexpected processing delays. Have you ordered a South Carolina birth certificate online recently? Share your experience with GoCertificates or VitalChek, any tips for speeding up the process, or questions about eligibility if you’re requesting a certificate for a family member.
