Access Laurens County Birth Records
Laurens County birth records are held within South Carolina's statewide vital records system. The Laurens County Health Department in Laurens issues short form birth cards. Certified long-form birth certificates are only available through the state Office of Vital Records in Columbia or online through VitalChek. Whether you need a record for a legal matter, genealogical research, or personal documentation, this page explains how to find and request Laurens County birth records.
Laurens County Quick Facts
Laurens County Birth Records at the Health Department
The Laurens County Health Department is at 200 Pickens Street, Laurens, SC 29360. This office is your local contact for birth card requests and general questions about South Carolina vital records in Laurens County. Staff can issue a short form birth certification for any South Carolina birth from January 1, 1915 to present.
County health departments in South Carolina are branch offices of the state Division of Vital Records. They can issue the short form card but not the long-form certified birth certificate. The long-form document, which contains full details from the original record, is only available from the state Office of Vital Records at 2600 Bull Street, Columbia, SC 29201. The state office phone is (803) 898-3630. The DPH Vital Records page lists current services, forms, and contact information.
The county office also issues death certificates for deaths that occurred within Laurens County in the last five years. For deaths outside this window or in another county, contact the state office in Columbia.
Note: The Laurens County Health Department follows the same state fee schedule and identification requirements as all other South Carolina county offices.
How to Get a Laurens County Birth Certificate
You can request a Laurens County birth record by mail, in person at the state office, or online. Each method requires the same documentation and payment.
The search fee is $12.00, which is non-refundable per S.C. Code Ann. § 44-63-110. This covers a search of the records and one certified copy if the record is located. Additional copies at the same time cost $3.00 each. Payment must be by money order or cashier's check made out to "SCDHEC - Vital Records." To order by mail, complete the official Form D-2595, include your photo ID copy and payment, and mail to the Office of Vital Records, 2600 Bull Street, Columbia, SC 29201.
Online orders use VitalChek. The first copy is $17.00. Additional copies are $3.00. You submit your ID electronically and receive the certificate by mail. VitalChek operates around the clock, making it the most convenient option for many Laurens County residents.
VitalChek is authorized by the state and is the same platform used by Laurens County residents and residents across all 46 counties in South Carolina.
Who Can Obtain Laurens County Birth Records
South Carolina restricts access to certified birth certificates under S.C. Code Ann. § 44-63-80. Eligible individuals include the person named on the birth record if they are 18 years or older, a parent listed on the certificate, a legal guardian, a legal representative with documented authority, and immediate family members of a deceased person who submit a certified death record. The SC Department of Social Services may also access records for child support and paternity purposes.
All requestors must include a copy of a valid photo ID. Under Section 44-63-80(D), birth records become public once 100 years have elapsed from the date of birth. Laurens County birth records from 1924 and earlier are now publicly accessible.
Laurens County Birth Records History
South Carolina began mandatory statewide registration of births on January 1, 1915. Before that date, no statewide system existed for recording births in Laurens County or elsewhere in the state. For births before 1915, researchers must turn to church records, family Bibles, census entries, and other substitute documents to establish vital facts.
The FamilySearch South Carolina vital records wiki offers free access to databases including 1681-1935 South Carolina Births and Christenings and 1766-1900 South Carolina Delayed Birth Certificates. These tools can help researchers trace Laurens County families in the period before the official registration system began.
For individuals born before 1915 with no official 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 Laurens County Health Department can help with this process. Acceptable supporting evidence includes hospital records, school records, insurance documents, family Bible entries, and census records.
The South Carolina Historical Society holds family histories and personal records organized by surname that may be relevant to Laurens County genealogical research.
Amending and Correcting Laurens County Birth Records
If a Laurens County birth certificate contains an error or is missing information, you can request an amendment through the DPH. The amendment process is handled at the state level. The SC Justice birth certificate amendment guide explains what documents support a correction. Acceptable evidence includes hospital records, school records, insurance policies, military records (DD214), and parent birth records.
Under S.C. Code Ann. § 44-63-140, the state also issues amended birth certificates after adoption and has a process for eligible adoptees to access their original birth records. For questions about amendments to Laurens County birth records, contact the Office of Vital Records at (803) 898-3630. The DPH is required to provide interpreter services and translated materials for non-English speakers.
Genealogy Resources for Laurens County
The South Carolina Department of Archives and History (SCDAH) at 8301 Parklane Road, Columbia, SC 29223 holds historical materials for Laurens County and all other counties. Their phone is 803-896-6196. The archives are open Tuesday through Saturday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The SCDAH online index provides digital access to selected documents.
The forensic genealogist toolbox for South Carolina is a curated resource for researchers tracking down hard-to-find birth records and family history documents in counties like Laurens.
Note: The SCDAH requires first-time visitors to register before they can access the in-person collection.
Cities in Laurens County
The county seat of Laurens County is Laurens. No major cities from our city list fall within Laurens County. Residents can access birth records at the county health department on Pickens Street in Laurens or at the state Office of Vital Records in Columbia.
Nearby Counties
Laurens County sits in the upstate region of South Carolina. It borders Greenville County to the north, Greenwood County to the west, Newberry County to the south, and Abbeville County to the southwest. Use the links below to find birth record resources in neighboring counties.