How Do I Get a Death Certificate in South Carolina?

Use our free calculator to determine how many certified death certificates to order based on your specific situation, and see exactly what it will cost in your state.

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Death certificate requirements and fees vary by state and are subject to change. This calculator provides estimates based on publicly available data. Contact your state vital records office for current pricing and availability.Data verified 2026-07-10

Frequently Asked Questions

In South Carolina, the first certified copy costs $12, with additional copies at $3 each when ordered at the same time. Copies ordered together cost less than placing separate orders later. The estate settlement plan outlines each account and institution that typically requires a certified copy.

Death certificates in South Carolina are issued by the South Carolina Department of Public Health - Vital Records Section. Online ordering is available through VitalChek. Most funeral homes also assist families with ordering certificates at the time of death.

Standard processing in South Carolina takes 4 weeks ($12 non-refundable search fee). Expedited service is available with 5 business days ($17 non-refundable search fee) processing for an additional $17. Funeral homes typically handle initial certificate orders at the time of death.

In South Carolina, death certificates can be requested by: Immediate family of decedent, Legal representative of immediate family member. Requesters typically need to provide Valid government, school, or employer issued photo ID and Completed application.

The South Carolina Department of Public Health - Vital Records Section has death records from 2005 to present. Records become public 50 years after the date of death.

The number of certified copies depends on the deceased's accounts and assets. Banks, insurance companies, government agencies, and retirement plans each typically require an original certified copy. Most families need between 8 and 15 copies. The South Carolina estate settlement plan lists each step of the estate settlement process to help determine the right number.

Death Certificates in South Carolina

Certified death certificates are required by nearly every institution that holds accounts or policies in the deceased's name. The first copy costs $12 and additional copies cost $3 each when ordered together — significantly less than placing separate orders later.

Death certificates are needed at the very start of estate settlement — well before the 8 months creditor claim period begins. Institutions require a certified copy before releasing account information or processing claims. Simple estates in South Carolina typically take at least 6 months to close.

For a step-by-step walkthrough of the entire process, the estate settlement plan covers every task from the first week through final distribution. The South Carolina probate cost calculator provides a comprehensive overview of costs and timelines.