Calhoun County Birth Records
Calhoun County birth records are maintained through the South Carolina vital records system. The Calhoun County Health Department in St. Matthews serves as the local point of contact for short form birth cards. Residents can also request certified birth certificates directly from the state Office of Vital Records in Columbia or through the VitalChek online ordering system. This page provides guidance on how to find and obtain birth records in Calhoun County, South Carolina.
Calhoun County Quick Facts
Calhoun County Health Department Birth Records
The Calhoun County Health Department is the local office for vital records services in this county. It is located at 221 Old Orangeburg Road in St. Matthews, SC 29135. Staff there can issue a short form birth certification, also known as a birth card, for any South Carolina birth that occurred from January 1, 1915 to present. The short form confirms that a birth is on record with the state and includes basic identifying information.
It is important to know that county health departments cannot issue long-form certified birth certificates. That document, which contains the full details from the original birth record, is only available through the state Office of Vital Records in Columbia. For most legal purposes — including passport applications, school enrollment, and driver's license applications — you will need the long-form certificate from the state office. If you only need a quick verification of birth, the county office in St. Matthews can provide the short form card.
The county health department can also issue death certificates for deaths that occurred within Calhoun County in the last five years. For deaths outside that window or outside the county, you must contact the state office.
Note: Call the Calhoun County Health Department ahead of your visit to confirm current hours and what identification you need to bring.
How to Request Calhoun County Birth Records
There are three main ways to request a birth certificate for someone born in Calhoun County or anywhere in South Carolina. Each method uses the same fee structure, but processing times and convenience differ.
The South Carolina Department of Public Health Office of Vital Records accepts requests by mail. You must complete the official application Form D-2595, available as a download from the DPH birth certificates page. Include a photocopy of your valid photo ID and your payment. Mail the completed package to the Office of Vital Records at 2600 Bull Street, Columbia, SC 29201. Under S.C. Code Ann. § 44-63-110, the search fee is $12.00, which is non-refundable. This fee includes one certified copy if the record is found. Additional copies ordered at the same time are $3.00 each. Payment must be by money order or cashier's check made payable to "SCDHEC - Vital Records."
For online orders, VitalChek is the official third-party vendor authorized by the state. The first copy costs $17.00, which includes the state fee plus a service charge. You submit your identification electronically and receive your certificate by mail. This is typically the fastest route outside of visiting the state office in person.
The CDC vital records guide for South Carolina confirms the fee structure and provides federal guidance on what documentation to include with your request.
The CDC resource is a useful reference point for anyone unfamiliar with the South Carolina vital records system, including residents of Calhoun County who may be navigating the process for the first time.
Who Can Obtain Calhoun County Birth Records
South Carolina law restricts who may request a certified birth certificate. Under S.C. Code Ann. § 44-63-80, only certain individuals are eligible. The person named on the certificate must be at least 18 years old to request their own record. Parents named on the birth certificate, legal guardians, and legal representatives may also make requests. Immediate family members of a deceased person can request that person's birth certificate if they provide a certified death record. The Department of Social Services is also authorized to obtain birth records for child support and paternity matters.
All applicants must submit a photocopy of a valid government-issued photo ID. Acceptable forms include a driver's license, state ID card, passport, or military identification. You must also certify your relationship to the person named on the record.
Section 44-63-80(D) provides that once 100 years have passed from the date of birth, the record becomes available for public viewing. This means records from 1924 and earlier are now accessible to the general public in South Carolina.
Calhoun County History and Birth Records
Calhoun County was formed in 1908 from parts of Lexington and Orangeburg counties. It is one of South Carolina's smaller and more rural counties. The county seat is St. Matthews. Because statewide birth registration began on January 1, 1915, the earliest official birth records for Calhoun County date to that year. There are no known pre-statewide registration records specific to Calhoun County comparable to the early records in Charleston or Georgetown.
For births that occurred before 1915, a delayed birth certificate may be available. Under S.C. Code Ann. § 44-63-180, individuals with no official record can register a delayed birth certificate through the state registrar and the county health department in the county where the birth occurred. Supporting documents such as family Bible records, school records, and census entries can help establish a pre-1915 birth in Calhoun County. The guide on documenting a South Carolina birth covers the types of evidence that the state will consider.
The FamilySearch wiki for South Carolina vital records lists several databases that can help researchers locate early birth records. These include 1681-1935 South Carolina Births and Christenings and 1766-1900 South Carolina Delayed Birth Certificates. Both are available at no cost through the FamilySearch website.
The DPH website provides all the forms and instructions you need to request birth records, whether you are a Calhoun County resident or searching for records from elsewhere in South Carolina.
South Carolina Birth Records Law
The legal framework for vital records in South Carolina is found in Title 44, Chapter 63 of the South Carolina Code of Laws. This chapter governs how births are registered, who may access records, and what fees apply. It traces its origins back to 1878 and has been updated many times since.
Section 44-63-20 establishes the bureau of vital statistics and sets the system for registering and certifying births across the state, including Calhoun County. Section 44-63-30 designates the Director of DPH as the state registrar and requires secure, fireproof storage for all official records. Section 44-63-110 establishes the $12.00 non-refundable search fee. Section 44-63-140 covers amended and adoption-related birth certificates, including the process for adoptees to access original records under certain conditions. Section 44-63-180 covers delayed birth certificates for those born prior to 1915 who lack official documentation.
For help amending a birth certificate in South Carolina, the SC Justice birth certificate amendment guide explains what evidence to submit and how to work with the DPH to correct errors or add information to an existing record.
Understanding the law helps Calhoun County residents know their rights and what steps to take when requesting, correcting, or researching birth records in South Carolina.
Genealogy Resources for Calhoun County
Researchers looking for Calhoun County birth records in a genealogical context have several tools available. The South Carolina Department of Archives and History (SCDAH), located at 8301 Parklane Road in Columbia, holds historical documents and indexes relevant to Calhoun County. Their phone number is 803-896-6196. The archives are open Tuesday through Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The SCDAH online records index provides digital access to selected historical documents.
The South Carolina Historical Society holds manuscript collections that may include Calhoun County family records, personal documents, and historical vital records. Their vertical files are organized by surname. Researchers can search the online catalog and request reproductions of specific items.
For online genealogy research, FamilySearch offers free access to indexed birth and christening records from as far back as the 1600s in South Carolina. These databases can help fill gaps in the official vital records system for early Calhoun County families.
Note: The SCDAH requires first-time visitors to register before accessing the collection in person.
Cities in Calhoun County
Calhoun County's county seat is St. Matthews. No cities from our major city list are located in Calhoun County. All birth records for Calhoun County residents are handled through the Calhoun County Health Department in St. Matthews or through the state Office of Vital Records in Columbia.
Nearby Counties
Calhoun County borders several other South Carolina counties. If you are unsure which county handles your birth record, check the county where the birth occurred. Birth certificates are tied to the county where the birth took place, though all records are ultimately held by the state.