How Many Death Certificates Do I Need in South Carolina?
From Everendium · Last reviewed October 17, 2026
This guide covers South Carolina. For the general overview, see Getting Death Certificates: How Many You'll Need and Why.
Quick answer
South Carolina sets no required number of death certificates; the right count depends on how many banks, insurers, and agencies each need an original certified copy. What South Carolina does set is the price: A certified copy costs $12, a non-refundable search fee that includes one copy and takes about four weeks. An expedited $17 option brings processing to five business days or less. Each additional copy ordered at the same time costs $3. Online orders add a vendor fee of about $8.70 to $8.75.
This is one of the most common practical questions after a death. South Carolina sets no required number, but it does set the price, which makes the count worth deciding before you order.
Is there a set number required by South Carolina?
No. The right number depends on how many banks, insurance companies, and government agencies in your situation each need their own certified copy, not on South Carolina law.
What will the copies cost in South Carolina?
A certified copy costs $12, a non-refundable search fee that includes one copy and takes about four weeks. An expedited $17 option brings processing to five business days or less. Each additional copy ordered at the same time costs $3. Online orders add a vendor fee of about $8.70 to $8.75. At those rates, ten certified copies would cost $39 in state or agency fees, before any online-vendor or shipping charges.
Does it matter when I order in South Carolina?
The $3 price for additional copies applies only to copies ordered with the original request.
Which institutions typically require one?
Banks and credit unions, life insurers, retirement account administrators, the Social Security Administration, and the Department of Veterans Affairs (if applicable) are common examples, though your own list depends on your accounts and assets. See our general guide on getting death certificates.
Can I use photocopies instead?
Generally no. Most institutions require an original certified copy, though it’s worth asking each one, since policies occasionally vary.
Where can I order more in South Carolina?
Local and regional DPH offices can issue copies in person, and the Columbia office will mail them or hold them for pickup. Details on each option are in our guide to getting a death certificate in South Carolina.
Fees and rules change - confirm current details with the South Carolina Department of Public Health before you send payment.
Sources
About this review
Everendium Editorial Team · last reviewed October 17, 2026.
Fees, eligibility rules, and ordering options were checked on October 17, 2026 against the state's own published fee information, application forms, and county government pages listed in the sources. Death certificate fees change often, and some official pages were read only as search extracts, so the current fee should be confirmed on the agency's page before paying. Recommended for periodic re-verification. This is general information, not legal advice
Related reading
Make this easier for your family.
Record what you've just read in your Final Day Plan, then download it as a PDF. Nothing is stored online.