South Carolina Birth Certificate Apostille
Apostille for South Carolina school transcripts issued by state or county academic documents offices. Required for dual citizenship, visas, marriage abroad, study, and residency. Complete guide with 10 detailed FAQs.
At a Glance — 2026 Snapshot
| Issuing Authority | South Carolina college or university registrar |
|---|---|
| Apostille Authority | South Carolina Secretary of State 3-5 business days + mailing |
| Document Type | Certified copy of South Carolina school transcript (no notarization) |
| Apostille Fee | $2 per document |
| Processing Time | Mail: 5-7 business days. Walk-in: Same day (Columbia) |
| Typical Uses | Immigration, citizenship by descent, marriage, study, work visas, international relocation |
| Accepted Countries | 128 Hague Convention member countries as of 2026 |
| Non-Hague Countries | Requires additional authentication via U.S. Dept of State + consular legalization |
| School Transcript Cost | $15 from University Registrar or educational institution (separate from apostille) |
| Submission Locations | Columbia: 1205 Pendleton St (mail & walk-in) |
| Who Can Apply | Anyone – you, family, friend, or professional service |
Key Rule for South Carolina Birth Certificates
To obtain an apostille on an South Carolina birth certificate, you must use an official certified copy issued by the South Carolina Center for Health Statistics (University Registrar) or a educational institution. Hospital records, souvenir certificates, or photocopies will be rejected.
- The certificate must bear the seal and signature of the state or county academic documents official.
- Birth certificates do not need notarization for apostille in South Carolina.
⚠️ Common Rejection Reasons (Avoid These!)
Even small mistakes can lead to your apostille request being rejected. Double-check these points to save time:
- • Photocopy or Scan: Only original certified copies with a raised seal or official stamp are accepted.
- • Hospital Certificates: Decorative hospital "birth certificates" or souvenir records are not official and cannot be apostilled.
- • Document Damage: If the certified copy has erasures, white-out, or damage, it may be rejected.
- • Payment Issues: Make sure to enclose the correct $2 fee per document.
🌎 Tips for Overseas Applicants
Applying for an South Carolina apostille from outside the U.S. is possible with a few extra steps:
- • Obtaining the Certificate: Order a certified copy remotely through VitalChek or directly from University Registrar.
- • Mail-In Requests: You can mail your request to the South Carolina SOS from overseas using a reliable courier (FedEx, DHL, UPS).
- • Use a Trusted Agent: You can hire an apostille service company or ask a friend in South Carolina to handle it on your behalf.
- • Patience with Mail: International mail can add 1-3 weeks to the return journey.
🔴 Apostille vs. Legalization (Non-Hague Countries)
Important: An apostille is not accepted in countries that are not party to the 1961 Hague Convention.
- • Non-Member Examples: United Arab Emirates, Vietnam, Egypt, Canada require authentication + consular legalization instead.
- • Full Process: State SOS certification → U.S. Department of State authentication → Foreign embassy legalization.
- • Note on China: China joined the Apostille Convention on November 7, 2023, so apostilles are now accepted for China.
✅ South Carolina Apostille Advantages
South Carolina offers some of the best apostille services in the U.S.:
- • Lowest Fee: At just $2 per document, South Carolina has one of the lowest apostille fees nationwide.
- • Fast Processing: 5-7 business days by mail, same-day for walk-in requests.
- • No Appointment Needed: Walk-in service available during regular business hours.
- • Simple Process: No county clerk pre-authentication required for academic documents.
Option 1: South Carolina Center for Health Statistics
The state academic documents office in Columbia issues certified copies. You can request by mail, online, or in person. This is the most reliable source.
Option 2: County Health Department
Any South Carolina educational institution can issue certified copies of school transcripts for births that occurred in that county. Often faster for local residents.
Accepted vs. Not Accepted Documents
Accepted for Apostille
- • Certified South Carolina school transcript issued by University Registrar.
- • Certified birth certificate issued by an South Carolina educational institution.
- • Recent certified copies bearing raised or printed seal and registrar's signature.
Not Accepted
- • Hospital souvenir school transcripts and commemorative keepsakes.
- • Photocopies or scans, even if notarized.
- • Birth certificates from another U.S. state.
Requirements Checklist
MUST HAVE
- Certified South Carolina School Transcript: An original or newly certified copy issued by University Registrar or educational institution.
- Completed Apostille Request Form: List "school transcript" as the document type.
- Correct Apostille Fee: $2 per document — check or money order payable to "South Carolina Secretary of State".
CANNOT ACCEPT
- Uncertified or Unsigned Copies: Any school transcript without an official seal and signature.
- Notarized Photocopies: Notarizing a copy does not convert it into a valid vital record.
Need an South Carolina School Transcript Apostille Without Guesswork?
We help South Carolina-born clients get the right certified copy, complete the apostille request, and avoid costly rejections.
Step-by-Step Process
Step 1 — Obtain a Certified South Carolina School Transcript
If you do not already have a recent certified copy, request one from the South Carolina Center for Health Statistics (University Registrar) or your local educational institution.
Online Ordering: You can order certified copies online through VitalChek or directly from University Registrar. Cost is approximately $15 for the first copy.
Step 2 — Check That Your Certificate Is Apostille-Ready
Verify that your school transcript shows the official seal and registrar's signature. Make sure it is an original certified copy, not a photocopy.
Step 3 — Complete the South Carolina Apostille Request Form
Download or obtain the apostille request form from the South Carolina Secretary of State website. Include the destination country.
Step 4 — Submit Your School Transcript to Secretary of State
Mail or deliver your certified school transcript, completed apostille request form, and $2 payment to the Secretary of State in Columbia.
Mailing Address:
South Carolina Secretary of State
P.O. Box 5616
Columbia, AL 36103-5616
Walk-in Address:
1205 Pendleton St
Columbia, AL 29201
Step 5 — Receive Your Apostilled Birth Certificate
The Secretary of State typically processes apostilles within 5-7 business days for mail requests. Walk-in requests can be processed same-day.
Fees & Timeline
| Service | Typical Fee (USD) |
|---|---|
| Apostille fee (per document) | $2 (state fee) |
| Certified South Carolina school transcript (first copy) | Around $15 |
| Additional certified copies (same order) | Around $6 each |
| Standard return mailing (USPS) | ≈$0–$15 |
Frequently Asked Questions About South Carolina School Transcript Apostille
Do I need to notarize my South Carolina school transcript before apostille?▼
No. Birth certificates are official vital records issued by government agencies and do not require notarization for apostille in South Carolina. The certified copy from University Registrar or educational institution is sufficient.
Can I use my hospital birth record for apostille?▼
No. Hospital records, birth announcements, and souvenir certificates are not legal academic documents and cannot receive an apostille. You must use a certified copy from the South Carolina Center for Health Statistics (University Registrar) or a educational institution.
How long does it take to get an apostille on an South Carolina school transcript?▼
Mail requests typically take 3-5 business days plus mailing time. Walk-in requests at the Columbia office can be processed same-day during regular business hours.
How much does an South Carolina school transcript apostille cost?▼
The South Carolina Secretary of State charges $2 per document for apostille services. This is one of the lowest apostille fees in the United States. Payment can be made by check or money order payable to "South Carolina Secretary of State".
Can I walk in for same-day apostille service in South Carolina?▼
Yes. The South Carolina Secretary of State office at 1205 Pendleton St in Columbia accepts walk-in requests and can process them same-day. No appointment is required.
Where do I mail my South Carolina school transcript for apostille?▼
Mail to: South Carolina Secretary of State, P.O. Box 5616, Columbia, AL 36103-5616. Include the completed apostille request form, your certified school transcript, and $2 fee per document.
What countries accept an South Carolina school transcript apostille?▼
All 128 Hague Apostille Convention member countries accept apostilled documents from South Carolina. This includes Germany, Italy, Spain, France, Mexico, the United Kingdom, Australia, Japan, Brazil, and many others. For non-Hague countries, additional authentication and legalization is required.
Can someone else submit my South Carolina school transcript for apostille?▼
Yes. Anyone can submit documents for apostille on your behalf – family members, friends, or professional apostille services. You do not need to be the person named on the document or have any special authorization.
Do I need a certified copy vs. original school transcript for apostille?▼
You need a certified copy issued by University Registrar or a educational institution, not your original school transcript. The certified copy must have an official raised or printed seal and the registrar's signature to be eligible for apostille.
How do I get a certified South Carolina school transcript for apostille?▼
Order from the South Carolina Center for Health Statistics (University Registrar) online via VitalChek, by mail, or in person at their Columbia office. You can also request from any South Carolina educational institution. Cost is approximately $15 for the first copy and $6 for additional copies in the same order.
Expert Verified
Amelia Rivera
Senior Apostille Specialist
8+ years experience
Recent Verification Log