Summerville Birth Records
Summerville birth records are part of South Carolina's statewide vital records system. Summerville straddles both Dorchester and Berkeley counties, with most of the city in Dorchester County. Birth records for Summerville residents are determined by the county where the birth took place. The Dorchester County Health Department handles short form birth cards for the Summerville area. Certified birth certificates are available from the state Office of Vital Records in Columbia or through VitalChek online. This page explains how to request Summerville birth records.
Summerville Quick Facts
Dorchester County Health Department Birth Records
The Dorchester County Health Department is located at 500 N. Main Street, Summerville, SC 29483. This office can issue short form birth cards 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 and is accepted for many routine purposes.
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 has current forms and ordering information for Summerville birth records.
Note: Births that occurred in the parts of Summerville in Berkeley County would be recorded under Berkeley County. If you are unsure which county applies, contact the state Office of Vital Records for guidance.
How to Request Summerville Birth Certificates
The search fee is $12.00, non-refundable under S.C. Code Ann. § 44-63-110. This covers 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 available at the state office in Columbia during regular business hours.
The DPH Vital Records page is your best resource for current processing times and any updates to the ordering process for Summerville and Dorchester County birth certificates.
Who Can Get Summerville Birth Records
Access to certified Summerville 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 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. Summerville birth records from 1924 and earlier are now open to the general public.
Summerville Birth Records History
Summerville has roots going back to the 18th century as a summer retreat for low-country planters and their families. The town grew steadily and is now one of South Carolina's fastest-growing cities. Statewide birth registration in South Carolina began January 1, 1915. For Summerville families with roots before that date, church records, census data, and family Bibles are the primary sources.
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 Dorchester County Health Department in Summerville can assist with this process. The South Carolina Department of Archives and History at 8301 Parklane Road, Columbia, SC 29223 holds historical materials relevant to Dorchester County. The SCDAH online index provides digital access to selected records. The FamilySearch South Carolina vital records wiki lists free databases for earlier research.
Nearby Cities
Summerville is in the greater Charleston area and is one of the fastest-growing cities in South Carolina. Nearby cities include North Charleston, Goose Creek, and Charleston. Use the links below for birth record resources in nearby cities.