South Carolina offers an affordable death certificate fee and a deeply discounted rate for additional copies — $12 for the first, then just $3 each. This guide explains every option, the cost, and how many copies you'll need to settle the estate.
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Which Agency Handles Vital Records in South Carolina?
Death certificates in South Carolina are issued by the South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH), Vital Records Office, located in Columbia. The agency was previously part of the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) before a 2024 state government restructuring split DHEC's public health functions into the standalone Department of Public Health. Website: dph.sc.gov/vital-records.
How to Order a Death Certificate in South Carolina
- Online or by phone: Order through VitalChek, the state's authorized vendor. The state charges a $17 non-refundable search fee for expedited vendor orders, plus $3 for each additional copy, and VitalChek adds its own processing fee on top.
- By mail: Submit a completed application form, a copy of your government-issued ID, and a money order or cashier's check payable to "S.C. DPH." Mail to: SC DPH Vital Records, 2600 Bull Street, Columbia, SC 29201. Allow 4–6 weeks.
- In person — Columbia: Walk-in service is available at the DPH office at 2600 Bull Street. Same-day service in many cases. As of January 1, 2026, office hours are Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Wednesday from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Through the funeral home: The funeral home can order certified copies on your behalf in the days after death.
How Much Does a Death Certificate Cost in South Carolina?
The standard search fee is $12, which includes one certified copy, with each additional copy ordered at the same time just $3. This is one of the best per-additional-copy rates in the country.
Pro tip
South Carolina's $3-per-additional-copy rate makes ordering extras cheap — 10 copies cost about $39 total. Order more than you think you need in your first request; coming back later means paying the $12 search fee again for the next "first" copy.
What will it cost in South Carolina?
- First certified copy
- $12
- Each additional copy
- $3
- Total for 10 copies
- $39
- Typical across all states
- $137Below average
The $12 search fee includes one certified copy.
Fees come from this guide and can change. Confirm with the issuing office before paying.
How Many Copies Should You Order?
Most South Carolina families need 8–12 certified copies: each bank, life insurance policy, the county Probate Court, Social Security, real estate transfers, vehicle titles, and retirement accounts.
How many copies do I need?
Check each institution you'll need to notify in South Carolina.
Check the boxes above for a suggestion. 2 spares are included by default.
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See the full checklist →Who Is Eligible to Request a Death Certificate in South Carolina?
South Carolina restricts certified copies to people with a direct interest. Eligible requestors include the spouse, parent, child, sibling, grandparent, or grandchild of the deceased; the personal representative of the estate; attorneys representing the estate; legal guardians; and authorized government officials. You must provide government-issued photo ID.
What to Do After You Receive Your Death Certificates
Once you have your certified copies in hand, these are the immediate next steps:
- Notify financial institutions — bring a certified copy to each bank, brokerage, and credit union where the deceased held accounts.
- File life insurance claims — each insurer needs an original certified copy.
- Contact Social Security — report the death at (800) 772-1213 or visit your local SSA office.
- Begin probate if the estate requires it — not every estate does.
- Update property titles — real estate, vehicles, and other titled assets each need a certified copy.
- Send notifications — Omuna's free notification templates help you draft letters to banks, insurers, and government agencies.
- Create a memorial page — Omuna's memorial editor lets you build a lasting tribute your family can share.
Pro tip
Omuna's After-Loss Checklist tracks all 40+ post-loss tasks so nothing gets missed.
You're reading about death certificates in South Carolina. Here's what else is on the list.
- Notify close family and friends
- Select a funeral home or provider
- Apply for death certificates (Multiple copies)this guide
- Locate the Will and legal documents
- Apply for social security survivor benefits
- Find and close bank accounts
- + 62 more tasks across all four phases
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Laws in South Carolina may change. Consult a licensed South Carolina attorney for guidance specific to your situation.