IMPORTANT NOTICE !!!
Due to construction, the State Office Walk-in Customer Service area will be closed beginning November 3. Walk-in services will not be available at the State Office. All other methods of ordering described below will be available. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause our customers.
Note: All applicants must provide a photocopy or show a valid government, school or employer issued photo identification. Applications without proper identification will be rejected and not processed.
3 Ways to apply for a report of divorce
Walk-in: Average processing time is 30-45 minutes
Requirements:
- A completed application form (pdf)
- A $12 non-refundable standard searching fee; $3 for each additional copy
- Photo ID
- State office – Processes reports of divorce
- 2600 Bull St., Columbia, SC 29201
Mail: Average processing time is 2-4 weeks (standard), 3-5 business days (expedited)
Requirements:
- A completed application form (pdf)
- A $12 non-refundable standard searching fee; $17 for expedited service
- Photo ID
- 2600 Bull St., Columbia, SC 29201
- full name of person whose record is being requested;
- the full date of divorce;
- the county where the divorce was granted.
Phone and online orders: VitalChek is not affiliated with the State of South Carolina and a $12.95 charge in addition to state fees is applied.
- Call 1-877-284-1008 (toll-free) or visit VitalChek 7 days a week, 24 hours a day.
- Average processing time is 5-7 business days.
Who can obtain a certified copy of a divorce report?
You are entitled to obtain a certified copy of a divorce report if you are:
- one of the divorced parties (husband or wife)
- their adult child(ren)
- a present or former spouse of either divorced party, or their respective legal representative.
- Other applicants may be provided a statement that the divorce occurred, including the date and county of divorce.
How do I amend or change the information on a divorce report?
Refer to the clerk of court in the county where divorce was granted.
What information is needed to apply for a divorce report?
- Full name and date of birth of the husband
- Full name and date of birth of the wife
- Date of divorce
- County where the divorce hearing was held
- Signature of the person requesting the divorce record and their current mailing address
- Relationship between the divorced parties and the person requesting the certified copy
- Full name and complete mailing address where the certified copies are to be mailed
- Area code and daytime telephone number of the person requesting the divorce record
- Any additional information you consider helpful in searching the divorce indexes (Example: nicknames, etc.)
How long will it take to receive a divorce report?
Walk-in:
Average processing time is 30-45 minutes
Mail requests:
2-4 weeks (standard), 3-5 business days (expedited)
Phone or online:
5-7 business days
How can I check on the status of a divorce report request?
If you have not received any response to your request within 30 days of submission, you may call 803-898-3630 or e-mail (mileslb@dhec.sc.gov) for an update.
For additional information, contact Vital Records.