Lexington County Birth Records
Lexington County birth records document every registered birth in this growing South Carolina county. Located just west of Columbia, Lexington County has maintained vital birth records since statewide registration began in January 1915. Residents seeking birth certificates for personal identification, legal matters, or genealogy research can access these documents through the county health department or the South Carolina Department of Public Health. This guide explains how to find, request, and use Lexington County birth records effectively.
Lexington County Quick Facts
How to Request Lexington County Birth Records
Requesting Lexington County birth records is straightforward. The county health department at 1070 South Lake Drive, Lexington, SC 29073 handles short form birth certificate requests for any South Carolina birth from 1915 to the present. You can visit in person during business hours or submit a request by mail. Either way, you will need to complete the state application form and provide acceptable identification.
The non-refundable search fee is $12.00 for each request. That fee covers one certified copy. Additional copies ordered at the same time cost $3.00 each. Payment must be made by money order or cashier's check made out to "SCDHEC - Vital Records." Personal checks are not accepted at most offices. Cash may be accepted in person, so call ahead to confirm payment options before your visit.
Most requests are processed the same day when you visit in person. Mail requests typically take one to three weeks depending on volume. If you need a record quickly, an in-person visit to the Lexington office is the fastest local option.
Note: The county health department issues the short form only. Long form or full-detail birth certificates must be requested directly from the state.
State Vital Records Office for Lexington County Births
The South Carolina Department of Public Health oversees all birth records statewide. The DPH Vital Records office is located at 2600 Bull Street, Columbia, SC 29201, and can be reached at (803) 898-3630. You can submit requests by mail, in person, or online through the VitalChek portal. The DPH issues both short form and long form birth certificates and keeps records for all South Carolina counties including Lexington.
The DPH website at dph.sc.gov/public/vital-records has the application form D-2595 available to download. You can print it, fill it out, and mail it along with a copy of your ID and the appropriate fee. This office was formerly known as DHEC before a state agency restructuring took effect on July 1, 2024.
Note: The DPH handles requests for all South Carolina births, not just Lexington County, so it is useful when seeking records from multiple counties.
Online Ordering for Lexington County Birth Certificates
South Carolina partners with VitalChek to offer online ordering of birth certificates. VitalChek charges $17.00 for the first copy and $3.00 for each additional copy ordered at the same time. You will also pay a service fee for the online transaction. This option is convenient for people who cannot visit a local office in person.
VitalChek processes orders from the state vital records system, so birth records for Lexington County are accessible through this portal. Orders placed online are typically processed within a few business days, and certified copies are mailed to you by first class or express mail.
Lexington County Birth Records for Genealogy Research
Family history researchers often find Lexington County birth records essential for tracing South Carolina ancestry. Records filed since January 1915 are held by the state vital records office and can be requested by qualified relatives. Records that are 100 years old or older are considered public under South Carolina law, making them accessible to a broader audience without proof of direct lineage.
The South Carolina Department of Archives and History (SCDAH) at 8301 Parklane Road, Columbia, SC 29223 holds older historical records that predate statewide birth registration. Their reading room is open Tuesday through Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Researchers can visit in person or consult the online index at archivesindex.sc.gov. The archives also hold delayed birth registration records for births that occurred before 1915 and were registered later under state provisions.
FamilySearch offers free digitized records and research guides covering South Carolina vital records. The FamilySearch South Carolina guide is a good starting point for understanding what documents exist and where to find them. For Lexington County specifically, look for church records, cemetery lists, and family Bibles that can supplement official birth certificates.
Note: Records over 100 years old are available to the public under SC Code 44-63-80(D), which removes the access restriction for older documents.
Who Can Obtain a Lexington County Birth Certificate
Access to birth records in South Carolina is restricted to protect personal privacy. Under SC Code 44-63-80, birth certificates less than 100 years old can only be requested by certain people. These include the person named on the record, parents listed on the certificate, legal guardians, and certain legal representatives with proper authorization. Government agencies may also access records for official purposes.
If you are requesting a record for a minor child, you will need to show proof of your parental relationship. Adopted individuals have the right to access their original birth records in South Carolina, though there are specific procedures under SC Code 44-63-140 that govern amended and adoption-related records. The SC Justice organization provides a helpful guide on birth certificate amendments in South Carolina.
Acceptable forms of identification include a current driver's license, state ID, passport, or other government-issued photo ID. Some offices may request a second form of ID. If requesting by mail, include a clear photocopy of your ID with your application.
Lexington County Birth Records Before 1915
Statewide birth registration in South Carolina began on January 1, 1915. Records before that date were not systematically collected by the state. For Lexington County births before 1915, researchers can explore several alternative sources. The SCDAH holds delayed birth certificate records, which were filed after the fact for people born before 1915 who needed proof of birth later in life.
Church records are valuable for pre-1915 Lexington County research. Many churches kept detailed baptism and membership rolls that list birth dates and parents' names. County probate court records, estate inventories, and census records also provide age and birthdate information that can help establish a birth year. The SC Historical Society at schistory.org maintains archives that may contain family and community records relevant to early Lexington County residents.
Note: Delayed birth registrations for pre-1915 births are handled under SC Code 44-63-180 and require supporting documentation such as a census record or sworn affidavit.
Amending or Correcting Lexington County Birth Records
Errors on a birth certificate must be corrected through the state vital records system. Common corrections include misspelled names, wrong birth dates, and incorrect parental information. The process requires you to submit documentation proving the correct information. Supporting documents might include hospital records, family Bibles, or sworn affidavits from witnesses.
The application for amendment is submitted to the DPH Vital Records office. There is a fee for the amendment process. Once the correction is approved, a new certified copy reflecting the correct information will be issued. The original record is retained, and the amended version is noted in the file.
For adoptees seeking original birth records or requesting updates after a legal name change, the procedures involve the family court system. The Lexington County Family Court can assist with court-ordered name changes that then feed into an amended birth certificate request through the DPH.
Using Lexington County Birth Records for Legal Purposes
Birth certificates serve as foundational identity documents. Residents of Lexington County regularly need certified copies for applying for a passport, enrolling children in school, obtaining a driver's license, accessing Social Security benefits, and handling estate matters. Only certified copies are accepted for these purposes. Photocopies or uncertified prints will not be accepted by government agencies or courts.
When ordering for legal use, make sure you request a certified copy rather than a plain informational copy. The state issues certified copies with a raised seal or security features that prove authenticity. Some agencies may require a copy issued within the last year, so check requirements before ordering.
The CDC also maintains a helpful reference guide at cdc.gov that outlines the steps for obtaining birth certificates in South Carolina. This resource is useful for understanding what documentation to expect and how the process works at the state level.
Note: Always request at least two certified copies when handling legal matters, as you may need to submit originals to multiple agencies.
Cities in Lexington County
Lexington County includes the town of Lexington and several communities that have grown rapidly in recent decades. Many residents in these areas were born at hospitals in Lexington or Columbia, and their birth records are held by the state system.
Even smaller communities within Lexington County that do not have their own city pages are served by the county health department and the state DPH office.
Nearby Counties
Lexington County borders several other South Carolina counties. If the birth you are searching for occurred in a neighboring area, you may need to check records in those counties as well.