Georgetown County Birth Records and Certificates
Georgetown County has one of the longer histories of birth record-keeping in South Carolina. The county began recording births as early as 1883, which is more than 30 years before the state required it. Today, Georgetown County birth records from 1915 onward are managed through the South Carolina Department of Public Health. Residents who need a certified birth certificate can request one at the Georgetown County Health Department at 1931 Highmarket Street, Georgetown, SC 29440, or through the state vital records office in Columbia.
Georgetown County Quick Facts
Requesting Georgetown County Birth Records
The Georgetown County Health Department issues short form birth certificates for any South Carolina birth from 1915 to the present. You do not need to have been born in Georgetown County to request a certificate there. Any eligible person can walk in and request a record from any SC birth during that period.
To get a certified copy, you must show a valid government-issued photo ID and fill out the required request form. The non-refundable search fee is $12, which covers one certified copy if the record is located. Extra copies cost $3 each and must be requested at the same time. Payment is accepted by money order or cashier's check made payable to "SCDHEC - Vital Records." You can download the official application form D-2595 ahead of time to save your visit.
The state DPH office in Columbia can also process your request. Their address is 2600 Bull Street, Columbia, SC 29201, and their phone number is (803) 898-3630.
Georgetown County Birth Records History Before 1915
Georgetown County is notable among South Carolina counties because it began recording births in 1883. Most counties in the state did not maintain birth records before the state system started in 1915. Georgetown's early records make it a valuable resource for genealogists researching families from the late 1800s and early 1900s.
These pre-1915 Georgetown County birth records are not held by the DPH, which only covers records from 1915 forward. Researchers looking for records from 1883 through 1914 should contact the South Carolina Department of Archives and History (SCDAH). The SCDAH is located at 8301 Parklane Road, Columbia, SC 29223, and can be reached at 803-896-6196. Their online index is available at archivesindex.sc.gov.
The early Georgetown records may not be complete, but what survives can be extremely useful. Church registers and plantation records from the Georgetown area can also help fill gaps for births that were not formally recorded.
Note: Pre-1915 records from Georgetown County may require an in-person visit or written request to the SCDAH rather than an online search.
Online Access to Georgetown County Birth Records
The South Carolina DPH provides information about ordering birth records online through its official website. The image below shows the DPH birth certificates page, which outlines available ordering methods and required documents.
For online ordering, VitalChek is the authorized third-party service for South Carolina vital records. You can place an order through their site at any time. The fee is $17 for the first copy and $3 for each additional copy. VitalChek accepts major credit cards and ships by standard or express mail.
The VitalChek South Carolina ordering page walks you through each step. You will need to provide information about the person named on the birth record, your relationship to that person, and your own identifying details.
Who Is Eligible for Georgetown County Birth Records
South Carolina law defines who can receive a certified copy of a birth certificate. Under SC Code § 44-63-80, eligible requestors include the person named on the record, parents listed on the certificate, legal guardians, and authorized legal representatives. Not everyone can request a copy, and the office will verify eligibility before releasing any document.
The 100-year public access rule under § 44-63-80(D) allows anyone to request a birth certificate that is at least 100 years old. This is especially helpful for genealogy research involving Georgetown County birth records from the early part of the 20th century. Records from 1915 through 1925 are now open to all requestors under this rule.
If you are acting on someone else's behalf, you must bring a signed authorization letter from the person named on the record, along with your own photo ID. Courts and legal offices with proper documentation can also request records under separate provisions of the law.
Georgetown County Birth Records for Family Research
Georgetown County has a rich history tied to colonial-era plantations, the rice trade, and the Waccamaw Neck region. Family history research in this area often involves tracing multiple generations, and birth records are a key starting point. The image below shows the SC DPH vital records main page, which serves as the entry point for all record requests.
FamilySearch offers a detailed guide to South Carolina vital records that covers Georgetown County. Their South Carolina Vital Records wiki explains which records are available, how to access them, and what alternative sources exist when official records are missing.
The SC Historical Society is another resource for Georgetown area research. Their archives include family papers, church records, and regional histories that can support birth record research. Visit schistory.org for more information on their collection and access policies.
Delayed and Amended Georgetown County Birth Records
Some individuals born in Georgetown County may have delayed birth certificates on file. Delayed certificates were created after the fact for people whose births were not recorded at the time. This was common in rural areas and for home births in the early decades of statewide registration. SC Code § 44-63-180 covers the legal process for delayed certificates.
To file for a delayed certificate, the applicant must submit secondary evidence of the birth date and location. Acceptable documents may include school enrollment records, census entries, early medical records, or signed affidavits from people who have direct knowledge of the birth. The DPH reviews the evidence and makes a determination.
Amendments to existing Georgetown County birth records are also processed through the state DPH. Name changes, parent corrections, and adoption-related changes fall under SC Code § 44-63-140. Guidance on the amendment process is available through the SC Justice amendment resource.
Note: Delayed certificates may show a different format than standard birth certificates and will note that they were filed after the date of birth.
SC Vital Records Law and Georgetown County
The full body of law governing South Carolina vital records, including Georgetown County birth records, is found in SC Code Title 44, Chapter 63. The image below links to the state's CDC guide for obtaining South Carolina vital records.
Key provisions include the $12 non-refundable search fee (§ 44-63-110), eligibility for requesting records (§ 44-63-80), the 100-year public rule (§ 44-63-80(D)), and the process for amended and delayed certificates. The full statute is available at scstatehouse.gov.
Understanding the law helps set proper expectations before submitting a request. Knowing which section applies to your situation can also help you prepare the right documents.
Cities in Georgetown County
Georgetown County includes the historic city of Georgetown along with several smaller communities throughout the county. Georgetown is the county seat and the largest city, with many birth and vital records tied to this area.
Other communities in Georgetown County include Andrews, Pawleys Island, Murrells Inlet, and Garden City. Residents of these areas can use the Georgetown County Health Department or the state DPH office for birth record requests.
Nearby Counties
Georgetown County borders several other South Carolina counties. Family records and birth documents for people who lived near county lines may be found in more than one location.