Union County Birth Records
Union County birth records are part of South Carolina's statewide vital records system. The Union County Health Department in Union provides local access to short form birth cards. Certified long-form birth certificates are available only from the state Office of Vital Records in Columbia or through VitalChek online. Union County also has a historical resource worth noting: an Index to Vital Records from 1921 to 1937 is available for researchers. This page covers how to request Union County birth records and where to find historical documents.
Union County Quick Facts
Union County Health Department Birth Records
The Union County Health Department is at 201 S. Herndon Street, Union, SC 29379. This office is a branch of the state vital records system and can issue short form birth cards for any South Carolina birth registered from January 1, 1915 to present. The short form card confirms that the birth is on record with the state and includes basic identifying information.
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 assumed vital records responsibilities from the former DHEC on July 1, 2024. The DPH Vital Records page provides current forms and ordering details.
The county health department can also issue death certificates for deaths that occurred in Union County within the last five years. For older records or records from other counties, contact the state office in Columbia.
How to Request Union County Birth Certificates
You can request a Union County birth record by mail, online through VitalChek, or in person at the state office in Columbia. All three methods use the same fee structure. The search fee is $12.00, which is non-refundable under S.C. Code Ann. § 44-63-110. This fee includes 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, download Form D-2595 from the DPH birth certificates page. Include a copy of your photo ID and payment, then mail to the Office of Vital Records, 2600 Bull Street, Columbia, SC 29201. For online orders, VitalChek is the authorized vendor. The first copy is $17.00 online.
The CDC guide to South Carolina vital records confirms the fee structure and provides guidance on what to include with a Union County birth record request.
Who Can Request Union County Birth Records
Access to certified Union County 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 with documentation, 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. Union County birth records from 1924 and earlier are now open to the public.
Union County Birth Records History and Index
Union County was established in 1785 and is one of South Carolina's original counties. Statewide birth registration began January 1, 1915. However, Union County has a valuable historical resource for researchers: an Index to Vital Records from 1921 to 1937 is available. This index can help researchers verify births in Union County during that period and serves as a useful complement to the state registration system.
For births before 1915, no systematic state records exist for Union County. Researchers should consult church records, family Bibles, census data, and court documents. 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. Supporting evidence such as family Bible entries, school records, and census data can help establish a pre-1915 Union County birth.
The South Carolina Department of Archives and History at 8301 Parklane Road, Columbia, SC 29223 holds historical records for Union County. 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 access to selected documents.
The Library of Congress resource guide on South Carolina vital records covers the history of record-keeping in the state and points researchers to key databases relevant to Union County.
Genealogy Resources for Union County
The FamilySearch South Carolina vital records wiki lists free databases including 1681-1935 South Carolina Births and Christenings and 1766-1900 South Carolina Delayed Birth Certificates. These resources can help trace Union County families before the official registration period. The South Carolina Historical Society also holds family histories and personal records organized by surname that may include Union County materials.
For amendment questions, the SC Justice birth certificate amendment guide explains the process for correcting a Union County birth record error under S.C. Code Ann. § 44-63-140. Contact the Office of Vital Records at (803) 898-3630 for amendment assistance.
Cities in Union County
The county seat of Union County is the town of Union. No cities from our major city list are located in Union County. Residents can access birth records through the county health department on S. Herndon Street in Union or through the state Office of Vital Records in Columbia.
Nearby Counties
Union County is in the upstate region of South Carolina. It borders Spartanburg County to the north, Cherokee County to the northeast, York County to the east, Chester County to the south, and Laurens County to the west. Use the links below for birth record resources in neighboring counties.