York County Birth Records
York County birth records are part of South Carolina's statewide vital records system. The York County Health Department in Rock Hill is the local office for short form birth cards. Certified long-form birth certificates are available from the state Office of Vital Records in Columbia or online through VitalChek. The York County Probate Court and county government resources can also assist with research related to York County births and family records. This page explains how to request birth records and what local resources are available.
York County Quick Facts
York County Health Department Birth Records
The York County Health Department is at 454 S. Anderson Road, Rock Hill, SC 29730. 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 confirms that a birth is on record with the state and includes the person's name, date of birth, and birthplace.
Long-form certified birth certificates are only available from 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 took over vital records duties from the former DHEC on July 1, 2024. The DPH Vital Records page provides current ordering information, forms, and hours.
The county health department in Rock Hill can also issue death certificates for deaths that occurred in York County within the last five years. For older records or records from other counties, contact the state office in Columbia.
How to Request York County Birth Certificates
The search fee for a South Carolina birth record is $12.00, which is non-refundable under S.C. Code Ann. § 44-63-110. This fee covers a search and 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, complete Form D-2595 from the DPH birth certificates page. Include a copy of your photo ID and your payment, then mail to the Office of Vital Records, 2600 Bull Street, Columbia, SC 29201. For online orders, use VitalChek. The first copy is $17.00. Walk-in service is available at the state office in Columbia during regular business hours.
Who Can Request York County Birth Records
Access to certified York 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 include a copy of a valid government-issued photo ID such as a driver's license, state ID, passport, or military ID. Under Section 44-63-80(D), birth records become publicly available 100 years after the date of birth. York County birth records from 1924 and earlier are now open to the general public.
York County Probate Court and Related Resources
The York County Probate Court handles matters that can intersect with birth records, including adoptions, paternity proceedings, and estate matters involving family history. Probate court records may contain relevant information for researchers tracing York County births and family lines.
The York County Probate Court is located in the county seat of York. It handles vital record-related matters and can be a useful resource for York County birth research.
The York County government quick links page provides access to a range of county services, including courts, public records, and other resources relevant to York County birth record requests.
York County Birth Records History
York County is one of South Carolina's original counties, established in 1785. The county seat is the town of York, though Rock Hill is the largest city in the county and is home to the county health department. Statewide birth registration began January 1, 1915. For families with roots in York County before that date, researchers must look to 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. The York County Health Department in Rock Hill can assist with this process. The South Carolina Department of Archives and History at 8301 Parklane Road, Columbia, SC 29223 holds historical records for York County. Their phone is 803-896-6196 and 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 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 collections can help trace York County families before official registration began.
Amending York County Birth Records
Errors on a York County birth certificate are corrected through the DPH at the state level. The SC Justice birth certificate amendment guide explains what supporting documents are needed, such as hospital records, school records, insurance documents, and military records. Under S.C. Code Ann. § 44-63-140, the DPH also handles amended birth certificates following adoption. Contact the Office of Vital Records at (803) 898-3630 for amendment questions.
Cities in York County
The county seat of York County is the town of York. The cities of Rock Hill and Fort Mill are also located in York County and are covered on our cities pages. Residents can access birth records through the county health department on S. Anderson Road in Rock Hill or through the state Office of Vital Records in Columbia.
Nearby Counties
York County is in the north-central part of South Carolina near the North Carolina border. It borders Cherokee County to the northeast, Union County to the east, Chester County to the south, and Lancaster County to the southeast. Use the links below for birth record resources in neighboring counties.