South Carolina vital records marriage certificates are official documents issued by state and county authorities that legally confirm a marriage union. These records are essential for name changes, insurance claims, inheritance, immigration, and genealogical research. The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) serves as the central repository for most modern marriage records, while county probate courts maintain historical and recent licenses depending on the date. Accessing these records requires specific personal details, valid identification, and payment of statutory fees. Whether you need a certified copy for legal purposes or a digital image for family history, knowing the correct process saves time and avoids delays.
How to Request a South Carolina Marriage Certificate
There are three primary ways to obtain an official marriage certificate in South Carolina: online through VitalChek, by phone, or via mail or in-person submission to the DHEC Vital Records Division. Each method has distinct requirements, processing times, and delivery options. Online requests via VitalChek are the fastest, with processing in 5–7 business days and delivery by email or standard mail. Phone orders can be placed 24/7 at 1-877-284-1008 and follow the same verification steps as online requests. Mail and in-person submissions require a completed request form, notarized signature, copy of government-issued photo ID, and a $12 fee paid by check or money order. These typically take 10–12 business days to process.
Required Information for All Requests
No matter which channel you use, you must provide the full legal names of both spouses as they appear on the marriage license, the exact date of the marriage, and the county where the license was issued. For security and verification, applicants must also submit a government-issued photo ID such as a driver’s license, passport, or state ID card. If requesting by mail, the signature on the form must be notarized. Missing or incorrect information will delay processing, so double-check all details before submitting.
Fees and Payment Methods
The standard fee for the first certified copy of a South Carolina marriage certificate is $12. Each additional copy ordered at the same time costs $3. Accepted payment methods vary by request type: online and phone orders accept major credit and debit cards (Visa, MasterCard, American Express), while mail and in-person requests require cash, personal check, or money order made payable to “SCDHEC.” Do not send cash through the mail. Payment must accompany the request form, and incomplete submissions will be returned without processing.
Where to Get Marriage Records Based on Date
The location of your marriage record depends heavily on when the license was issued. South Carolina maintains a split system for vital records storage. Marriage certificates from July 1950 to November 2009 are held at the DHEC Vital Records Office in Columbia. For marriages before July 1950 or after October 2009, the original records are kept by the probate court in the county where the license was issued. This means researchers and applicants must determine the correct jurisdiction based on the marriage year to avoid delays.
Records Before July 1950
Marriage licenses issued before July 1950 are not stored at the state level. Instead, they are maintained by the probate judge’s office in the county where the marriage took place. To request one of these records, contact the specific county probate court directly. You’ll need to provide both spouses’ full names, the marriage date, and a copy of your photo ID. Fees range from $10 to $15 per copy, and processing times vary by county but usually take 5–15 business days. Some older records may also be available on microfilm at the South Carolina Department of Archives and History.
Records After October 2009
Starting in October 2009, South Carolina shifted responsibility for new marriage licenses back to county probate courts. Therefore, any marriage that occurred after this date must be requested directly from the county where the license was issued. Each probate court sets its own hours, fees, and procedures, so it’s best to call ahead. For example, Richland County processes requests Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and issues certified copies the same day if all requirements are met. Always bring a completed request form, valid ID, and exact payment.
Online and Phone Ordering Through VitalChek
VitalChek is the official third-party vendor authorized by SCDHEC to handle online and telephone marriage certificate requests. The portal allows users to submit secure requests 24 hours a day, seven days a week. To place an order, visit the VitalChek website and select “Marriage Certificate” under South Carolina services. You’ll enter both spouses’ names, marriage date, county, and your contact information. A valid photo ID number is required for identity verification. Once submitted, the system processes the request within 5–7 business days. You can choose to receive a PDF via email or a paper copy by mail.
Phone Orders: Fast and Convenient
For those who prefer speaking directly to an agent, phone orders are accepted at 1-877-284-1008. The call center operates around the clock, including weekends and holidays. An operator will guide you through the same verification steps used for online orders, collecting names, dates, county, and ID details. Payment is processed over the phone using a credit or debit card. Delivery options and timelines match the online service: 5–7 business days for processing, with email or postal delivery available.
Mail and In-Person Requests
Traditional mail-in and walk-in requests remain popular for individuals who lack internet access or need to submit physical documents. To request by mail, download and complete the Marriage Certificate Request Form from the SCDHEC website. Include a clear copy of your government-issued photo ID, ensure your signature is notarized, and enclose a check or money order for $12 (plus $3 for each extra copy). Mail everything to: SCDHEC Vital Records, 2600 Bull Street, Columbia, SC 29201. Processing takes 10–12 business days, and the certified copy is mailed back to the address provided.
In-Person Service at DHEC
Walk-in service is available at the DHEC Vital Records Division located at 2600 Bull Street in Columbia. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., excluding state holidays. Bring the completed request form, a valid photo ID, and exact payment in cash, check, or money order. If your signature isn’t notarized, you may be able to have it notarized on-site for a small fee. Most requests are processed the same day, and you’ll receive your certified copy before leaving.
County Probate Courts: When to Contact Them
Because of South Carolina’s decentralized record-keeping system, many marriage records are not available through DHEC. If your marriage occurred before July 1950 or after October 2009, you must contact the probate court in the county where the license was issued. Each of South Carolina’s 46 counties operates its own probate office with unique contact details, hours, and procedures. The South Carolina Judicial Department website provides a complete directory of probate courts, including phone numbers and addresses.
How to Find Your County Probate Court
Start by identifying the county where the marriage license was issued. This information is often found on old wedding documents, family records, or through genealogical research. Once you know the county, visit the SC Judicial Department’s online directory to locate the probate judge’s office. Call ahead to confirm hours, fees, and whether an appointment is needed. Most courts charge between $10 and $15 per copy and require a photo ID. Processing times range from same-day service to two weeks, depending on workload.
Genealogy and Historical Marriage Records
Researchers tracing family history in South Carolina often need marriage records from the early 20th century or earlier. The South Carolina State Library offers guidance and resources for accessing these documents. Marriage licenses from 1911 to 1950 are held by county probate courts, while some pre-1911 records may be available on microfilm at the South Carolina Department of Archives and History. The State Library hosts workshops and maintains an online guide with step-by-step instructions for navigating these archives.
FamilySearch and Digital Access
FamilySearch provides digital images of South Carolina marriage certificates from July 1950 through November 2009. These records are accessible through their website and can be requested for a fee of $10 per copy. After payment verification, electronic delivery occurs within 3–5 business days. For marriages outside this date range, FamilySearch directs users to contact the appropriate county probate court. Their wiki page includes detailed instructions, form templates, and contact links for each county.
Certification, Apostilles, and Legal Use
Certified copies of South Carolina marriage certificates bear the official state seal and raised embossed signature, making them valid for legal purposes such as passport applications, Social Security name changes, and court proceedings. Only the DHEC Vital Records Division can issue certified copies. If you need your document authenticated for international use, the South Carolina Secretary of State offers apostille services. Submit a completed Apostille Request Form along with the certified marriage certificate and a $25 fee. Processing typically takes 5 business days.
What Makes a Copy “Certified”?
A certified marriage certificate includes specific security features: watermarked paper, a raised seal, and an official signature from the State Registrar. It also states the purpose of the certification (e.g., “for legal use”) and includes a unique control number. Uncertified copies or printouts from online portals are not accepted by government agencies or courts. Always verify with the requesting institution whether they require a certified copy before ordering.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Many applicants experience delays due to simple errors. The most common include misspelling a spouse’s name, entering the wrong marriage date, or failing to notarize a mail-in form. Always double-check names against the original license or wedding invitation. Use the exact date from the marriage certificate, not the ceremony date if they differ. For mail requests, ensure your signature is notarized—bank notaries are widely available and low-cost. Finally, confirm the correct county of issuance, as this determines where to send your request.
Tracking Your Request
If you order online or by phone through VitalChek, you’ll receive a confirmation email with a tracking number. Use this to monitor the status of your request on the VitalChek website. For mail-in requests, consider using certified mail with return receipt to confirm delivery. DHEC does not provide tracking for mailed submissions, so allow extra time during peak periods like summer months or holiday seasons.
Fees, Processing Times, and Delivery Options
| Request Method | Fee (First Copy) | Additional Copies | Processing Time | Delivery Options |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Online (VitalChek) | $12 | $3 each | 5–7 business days | Email PDF or USPS mail |
| Phone (VitalChek) | $12 | $3 each | 5–7 business days | Email PDF or USPS mail |
| Mail to DHEC | $12 | $3 each | 10–12 business days | USPS mail only |
| In-Person (DHEC) | $12 | $3 each | Same day (if complete) | Hand-delivered |
| County Probate Court | $10–$15 | Varies | 5–15 business days | Mail or in-person pickup |
Contact Information and Office Hours
South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) Vital Records Division is located at 2600 Bull Street, Columbia, SC 29201. The office is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., excluding state holidays. Walk-in service is available during these hours. For mailed requests, allow 10–12 business days for processing. The main phone number for general inquiries is (803) 898-3630. For online or phone orders, contact VitalChek at 1-877-284-1008. The official website for forms and updates is scdhec.gov/vital-records.
Related Search Terms and Public Record Resources
People searching for South Carolina vital records marriage certificates often look for related services such as divorce decrees, birth certificates, death records, and background checks. These documents may be needed for legal proceedings, employment verification, or family research. While this page focuses on marriage records, many of the same channels—DHEC, county probate courts, and VitalChek—also handle other vital records. Always confirm which agency holds the specific document you need before submitting a request.
Frequently Asked Questions
Many users have similar questions about obtaining marriage records in South Carolina. Below are answers to the most common inquiries, covering eligibility, timing, fees, and special cases like adoptions or international use.
Can I get a marriage certificate if I was married in another state but live in South Carolina?
No. South Carolina vital records only include marriages that occurred within the state. If you were married in another state, contact that state’s vital records office. For example, if you married in Georgia, request your certificate from the Georgia Department of Public Health. South Carolina does not maintain out-of-state records, even for residents. However, if you later divorced in South Carolina, the divorce decree would be held here.
How long does it take to receive a marriage certificate after ordering by mail?
Mail-in requests to DHEC take 10–12 business days to process once received. Add 3–5 days for postal delivery each way, so total time from sending to receiving is typically 2–3 weeks. Delays can occur during holidays or if the form is incomplete. To speed up the process, use certified mail and ensure all fields are filled, your ID is copied clearly, and your signature is notarized. For faster service, consider online or phone ordering through VitalChek.
Do I need a certified copy for a name change?
Yes. Most agencies, including the Social Security Administration and DMV, require a certified marriage certificate for legal name changes. A certified copy includes the state seal and official signature, proving its authenticity. Printouts, photocopies, or PDFs without certification are not accepted. Order a certified copy through DHEC or your county probate court, specifying it’s for a name change. Keep the original in a safe place and make copies for daily use.
Can someone else request my marriage certificate?
Only immediate family members or legal representatives can request a certified marriage certificate. Acceptable requesters include spouses, parents, children, siblings, or attorneys with written authorization. The requester must provide their own photo ID and proof of relationship, such as a birth certificate or court order. Third parties without a direct relationship cannot access certified copies due to privacy laws. Uncertified copies for genealogy may be available to the public through certain archives.
What if my marriage was annulled instead of divorced?
An annulment is treated like a divorce in South Carolina vital records. The decree is filed with the county probate court and can be requested using the same process as a divorce record. You’ll need the case number, names of both parties, and the date of the annulment. Fees and processing times are similar to marriage certificates. Certified copies are required for legal purposes, such as remarriage or immigration. Contact the county where the annulment was granted.
Is there a discount for senior citizens or low-income applicants?
South Carolina does not offer fee waivers or discounts for marriage certificate requests. The $12 statutory fee applies to all applicants regardless of age, income, or status. However, some nonprofit legal aid organizations may assist with fees for qualifying individuals. Check with local legal aid offices or the South Carolina Bar Association for possible assistance. Always confirm current policies directly with DHEC or the county probate court before submitting your request.
Can I get an apostille for my South Carolina marriage certificate?
Yes. If you need your marriage certificate for use in another country, you can obtain an apostille from the South Carolina Secretary of State. First, get a certified copy from DHEC. Then, submit the certificate with a completed Apostille Request Form and a $25 fee. Processing takes about 5 business days. The apostille verifies the authenticity of the document for international recognition under the Hague Convention. Contact the Secretary of State’s office for current forms and mailing instructions.