Socastee Birth Records
Socastee birth records are part of South Carolina's statewide vital records system. Socastee is an unincorporated community in Horry County near Myrtle Beach along the Grand Strand. Birth records for Socastee residents fall within the Horry County vital records system. The Horry County Health Department in Conway handles local vital record services. Certified birth certificates are available from the state Office of Vital Records in Columbia or through VitalChek online. This page explains how to request Socastee birth records.
Socastee Quick Facts
Horry County Health Department Birth Records
Socastee residents can access birth card services through the Horry County Health Department at 2267 Air Base Road, Conway, SC 29526. This office is a branch of the state vital records system and can issue short form birth cards for any South Carolina birth registered from January 1, 1915 to present.
Long-form certified birth certificates are issued only by 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 provides current forms and ordering options for Socastee birth records.
The county health department can also issue death certificates for deaths that occurred in Horry County within the last five years. For older records or records from other counties, contact the state office.
How to Request Socastee 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 2600 Bull Street, Columbia, SC 29201. Online orders go through VitalChek. The first copy is $17.00. Walk-in service is also available at the state office in Columbia.
The DPH Vital Records page is your best resource for current processing times and any updates to the ordering process for Socastee birth certificates.
Who Can Get Socastee Birth Records
Access to certified Socastee 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 provide a certified death certificate. The SC Department of Social Services may also access records for child support and paternity purposes.
All applicants must include 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. Socastee area birth records from 1924 and earlier are now open to the public.
Socastee Birth Records History
Socastee has roots as an early Horry County settlement along the Intracoastal Waterway area. The community grew substantially in the latter half of the 20th century as Myrtle Beach expanded its metro area. Statewide birth registration in South Carolina began January 1, 1915. For families with early roots in the Socastee area, church records, census data, and family Bibles are the primary sources for pre-1915 births.
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. The Horry County Health Department in Conway can assist. The South Carolina Department of Archives and History at 8301 Parklane Road, Columbia, SC 29223 holds historical materials for Horry County. The SCDAH online index provides access to selected records. The FamilySearch South Carolina vital records wiki lists free databases for earlier Horry County research.
Nearby Cities
Socastee is in Horry County, between Myrtle Beach and Conway. Nearby cities include Myrtle Beach to the east and Carolina Forest to the north. Use the links below for birth record resources in nearby cities.