Rock Hill Birth Records
Rock Hill birth records are part of South Carolina's statewide vital records system, managed by Richland York County as the county of record. The York County Health Department is located in Rock Hill and is the local office for short form birth cards in York County. Full certified birth certificates for anyone born in South Carolina are available from the state Office of Vital Records in Columbia or through VitalChek online. This page covers how to request Rock Hill birth records and what resources are available for research.
Rock Hill Quick Facts
York County Health Department in Rock Hill
The York County Health Department is located at 454 S. Anderson Road, Rock Hill, SC 29730. Although York is the county seat, the health department is based in Rock Hill, which is the largest city in York County. This office can issue a short form birth card for any South Carolina birth registered from January 1, 1915 to present. The short form confirms that a birth is on record with the state.
Long-form certified birth certificates are only available through the South Carolina Department of Public Health Office of Vital Records at 2600 Bull Street, Columbia, SC 29201. The state office phone is (803) 898-3630. The DPH took over vital records duties from the former DHEC on July 1, 2024. The DPH Vital Records page has current ordering options and forms.
The York County Health Department in Rock Hill can also issue death certificates for deaths that occurred in York County within the last five years. For older records or records from other counties, contact the state office.
How to Request Rock Hill Birth Certificates
The search fee is $12.00, non-refundable under S.C. Code Ann. § 44-63-110. This covers a search and one certified copy if the record is found. Additional copies at the same time are $3.00 each. Payments must be by money order or cashier's check payable to "SCDHEC - Vital Records."
To order by mail, complete Form D-2595 from the DPH birth certificates page. Include a copy of your photo ID and payment, then mail to the Office of Vital Records, 2600 Bull Street, Columbia, SC 29201. For online orders, use VitalChek. The first copy is $17.00.
The York County Probate Court handles adoption proceedings, paternity matters, and estate cases that may involve birth record requests for Rock Hill residents.
Who Can Get Rock Hill Birth Records
Access to certified Rock Hill birth records is restricted under S.C. Code Ann. § 44-63-80. Eligible individuals include the person named on the certificate if they are 18 or older, a parent listed on the record, a legal guardian, a legal representative, and immediate family members of a deceased person who submit a certified death certificate. The SC Department of Social Services may also access records for child support and paternity purposes.
All applicants must provide a copy of a valid photo ID. Under Section 44-63-80(D), birth records become publicly available 100 years after the date of birth. Rock Hill birth records from 1924 and earlier are now open to the general public.
Rock Hill Birth Records History
Rock Hill developed as a railroad town in the mid-1800s and grew into the largest city in York County. Statewide birth registration in South Carolina began January 1, 1915. For families with roots in Rock Hill before that date, researchers should look to church records, census data, family Bibles, and city directories. The South Carolina Department of Archives and History at 8301 Parklane Road, Columbia, SC 29223 holds historical materials relevant to Rock Hill and York County. Their phone is 803-896-6196 and the archives are open Tuesday through Saturday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
For individuals with no official birth record, S.C. Code Ann. § 44-63-180 allows registration of a delayed birth certificate through the state registrar and the county health department. The York County Health Department in Rock Hill can assist with this process. The FamilySearch South Carolina vital records wiki lists free databases including 1681-1935 South Carolina Births and Christenings.
Amending Rock Hill Birth Records
Errors on a Rock Hill birth certificate are corrected through the DPH at the state level. The SC Justice birth certificate amendment guide explains what supporting documents the state will accept. Under S.C. Code Ann. § 44-63-140, the DPH also handles amended birth certificates following adoption. Contact the Office of Vital Records at (803) 898-3630 for amendment questions related to Rock Hill birth records.
Nearby Cities
Rock Hill is located in York County near the North Carolina border. Fort Mill is also in York County and is close to Rock Hill. Use the links below to find birth record resources in nearby cities.