Obtaining Birth, Marriage Certificates and Apostilles in South Carolina

Are you in need of authorized copies of your birth or marriage certificates? Perhaps you require a state apostille from South Carolina for official purposes. Look no further! This comprehensive guide will walk you through the steps to obtain these vital documents and authenticate them with a state apostille.

Gathering Authorized Copies of Birth and Marriage Certificates

Birth Certificates

Born in the United States

If you were born in the United States, follow these steps to obtain a certified copy of your birth certificate:

1. Contact the vital records office in your birth state or territory to find out:

• How to order a certified copy online, by mail, or in person
• How to expedite the process
• The cost for each certified copy

1. Provide the city and county where you were born.

U.S. Citizen Born Abroad

If your parents reported your birth to the U.S. embassy or consulate in your birth country, they issued a Consular Report of Birth Abroad (CRBA). Learn how to replace a consular report of birth abroad.

Lost All Your IDs

If you’ve lost all your identification documents:

1. Check with your birth state’s vital records office for specific requirements.
2. Most states have alternative ways to verify your identity, such as:

• Your sworn statement of identity
• A notarized letter and a copy of the photo ID from the mother or father listed on your birth certificate

1. If you cannot obtain a copy of your birth certificate, try to replace your driver’s license first.

Marriage Certificates

To obtain a certified copy of your marriage certificate:

1. Contact the vital records office in the state or country where you were married.
2. Provide necessary details such as the date of marriage, names of spouses, and location of marriage.
3. Follow their instructions for ordering a certified copy.

Securing a State Apostille from South Carolina

Understanding Apostilles

• An apostille is a state certification of the signature on a public document.
• The public document must be signed by an elected or appointed official or an authorized staff member whose signature is filed with the Office of the Secretary of State.
• Documents notarized by a commissioned South Carolina Notary Public may also be certified with an apostille.

Steps to Obtain an Apostille in South Carolina

1. Prepare the following:

• South Carolina Authentication Cover Letter
• A self-addressed stamped return envelope
• Personal or company check/money order payable to the Secretary of State’s Office (or cash) for $5.00 per document
• The documents to be authenticated

1. Mail or deliver the documents to:

   SC Secretary of State's Office
   Attn: Authentications
   1205 Pendleton Street, Suite 525
   Columbia, SC 29201

3. Notes:

• Verify document correctness before submission.
• Only documents that will be sent to a foreign country can receive certification.
• Foreign language documents must be accompanied by an English translation signed by the translator (with the translator’s signature notarized).

Resources and References

• South Carolina Secretary of State – Apostilles
• South Carolina Apostille – Harbor Compliance

By following these steps and utilizing the provided resources, you’ll be well on your way to obtaining authorized copies of your birth and marriage certificates and securing a state apostille from South Carolina. Remember to carefully review the requirements and gather all necessary documents to ensure a smooth process. 🌟