How much do death certificates cost in South Carolina?
The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) charges a $12 non-refundable search fee that includes one certified copy if the record is found. Each additional copy ordered at the same time costs $3. Expedited processing adds $5, bringing the first copy to $17.
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Standard search (includes 1 copy) | $12 |
| Each additional copy (same order) | $3 |
| Expedited search (includes 1 copy) | $17 |
| VitalChek online | State fee + ~$8.75 processing fee |
The search fee is charged whether or not a record is found. Online orders through VitalChek include additional processing and shipping fees.
How to order
Through a funeral home (fastest)
Your funeral director orders the first batch as part of their services. This is the fastest route for recently filed death certificates.
From DHEC (state level)
The DHEC Vital Records office in Columbia handles requests for deaths that occurred anywhere in South Carolina.
- In person: Visit the DHEC office in Columbia. Expedited processing (with the $5 surcharge) is available for on-site requests.
- By mail: Send a completed application with a money order or cashier's check payable to "S.C. DPH." Include a copy of your photo ID.
- Online: Order through VitalChek, DHEC's authorized third-party vendor. Expect additional processing fees of approximately $8.75 per order.
Payment by personal check is not accepted for mail orders. In person, DHEC accepts credit cards, debit cards, and cash (no bills larger than $50).
From your county vital records office
County health departments and some county clerk offices in South Carolina may also issue death certificates. Contact the county where the death occurred for local availability and fees.
Processing times
| Method | Typical timeline |
|---|---|
| Funeral home | 2 to 4 weeks |
| DHEC in person (expedited) | Same day to several business days |
| DHEC by mail (standard) | 4 to 8 weeks |
| VitalChek online | 5 to 10 business days + shipping |
In-person requests with expedited service are the fastest option from the state office. Mail orders with standard processing can take over a month.
How many copies do you need?
Order at least 8 to 10 certified copies. You will need them for banks, insurance companies, the Social Security Administration, and the probate court. South Carolina's low per-copy cost for additional copies ($3 each) makes it inexpensive to order extra.
For a full breakdown, see our guide on how to get death certificates.
Who can order?
South Carolina limits certified death certificates to individuals with a direct and tangible interest in the record, including:
- Spouse, parent, or child of the deceased
- Grandparent, sibling, or grandchild
- The executor or personal representative of the estate
- An attorney or legal representative acting on behalf of the family
- A government agency with an official need
You must provide a valid photo ID and state your relationship to the deceased.
What to know about South Carolina specifically
Among the cheapest in the country. At $12 for the first copy and $3 for each additional, South Carolina has some of the lowest death certificate fees in the United States. Ten copies cost just $39.
No personal checks by mail. DHEC only accepts money orders or cashier's checks for mail requests. Plan accordingly if you are ordering by mail.
Probate filing. If you are handling the estate, South Carolina's Probate Court handles all estate cases. Small estates with personal property under $45,000 may qualify for a simplified affidavit process. You will need at least one certified death certificate for the filing. See our guide on how probate works in South Carolina.
You can stay organized through the estate process with our interactive checklist.
Managing a South Carolina estate?
Our free checklist walks you through every step, customized for your state.
Open the Checklist