South Carolina Apostille Services — Birth, Marriage, Diplomas, FBI & Business

If you need to present a South Carolina–issued document overseas, the receiving authority will almost certainly ask for anapostille (for Hague Convention countries) or, if the destination is not a Hague member, for a state authentication followed by consular legalization.This requirement touches many everyday records: a birth certificate from the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC)Center for Health Statistics, a marriage certificate recorded by a county/municipal office and issued by DHEC Vital Records,a divorce decree certified by a Clerk of Court,diplomas or transcripts from the University of South Carolina (USC), Clemson, College of Charleston, Coastal Carolina, The Citadel,Winthrop, Furman, Wofford, MUSC, or South Carolina State, or a notarized power of attorney for a property closing abroad.The apostille is a standardized one-page certificate that verifies the signature and official capacity of the South Carolina official or notary who signed your document,so it can be recognized internationally without additional embassy steps when the destination participates in the Hague Convention.

South Carolina’s global connections run deep—port logistics through Port of Charleston, advanced manufacturing in the Upstate (automotive, aerospace, medical devices),coastal hospitality from Hilton Head to Myrtle Beach, higher education and research in Columbia, Greenville, and Charleston, and agriculture and trade statewide.Families, students, and companies frequently need documents that “travel well.” This comprehensive guide explains who issues apostilles in South Carolina, which documents qualify,how to prepare each category correctly, realistic timelines, pitfalls to avoid, and when an expedited in-person filing is the smarter move versus DIY mail-in.

Quick Answer

Authority: Apostilles and authentications for South Carolina documents are issued by the South Carolina Secretary of State — Apostilles & Authentications in Columbia.

Eligible Documents: Certified vital records (birth/death/marriage from DHEC Vital Records; divorce decrees from the Clerk of Court),court orders certified by the appropriate Clerk of Court, notarized documents (POAs, affidavits, consents), academic records (diplomas/transcripts with registrar certification or sealed packets),and business records (Articles, Certificates of Existence/Status, state-certified copies). Federal documents (e.g., FBI background checks) must be apostilled by the U.S. Department of State in Washington, D.C.

Turnaround: DIY mail-in commonly takes 4–6+ weeks. With complete readiness, in-person filing can produce same-day or 24-hour results.

Price: $145 per document, government fees included. Same-day scans included. U.S. shipping optional ($20 flat); international by quote.

What Is an Apostille?

An apostille is a certificate created under the 1961 Hague Apostille Convention. It verifies the authenticity of an official’s signature and title (e.g., state registrar, court clerk, university registrar, or notary public).It does not judge the content of your document; instead, it certifies that the signer was legitimate and duly authorized in South Carolina when they signed or sealed the document.

If both the issuing jurisdiction (South Carolina/USA) and the destination country are Hague members, the apostille makes your document self-authenticating overseas—no embassy visit necessary.For non-Hague destinations, your document follows a two-step path: (1) a South Carolina authentication issued by the Secretary of State and (2) consular legalization by the destination country’s embassy/consulate in the U.S.The correct route depends on the destination country and sometimes the specific ministry or registry receiving your file.

Who Issues Apostilles in South Carolina?

The South Carolina Secretary of State (Columbia) issues apostilles and authentications for documents originating in South Carolina. The common categories include:

• Vital Records — Certified birth, death, and marriage certificates issued by the DHEC – Center for Health Statistics (Vital Records).Divorce decrees are certified by the Clerk of Court for the county where the judgment was entered.
• Court Records — Name changes, guardianships, adoptions, probate orders, criminal dispositions, and judgments certified by the appropriate Clerk of Court with the court’s seal and certification page.
• Notarized Documents — Affidavits, powers of attorney, parental travel consents, translator affidavits, company authorizations, employment verifications, and other statements notarized by a South Carolina notary public.(South Carolina permits traditional and, where authorized, remote online notarization—confirm acceptance with your destination.)
• Academic Records — Diplomas, transcripts, and registrar letters from University of South Carolina (USC), Clemson University, College of Charleston,Coastal Carolina University, The Citadel, Winthrop University, Furman University, Wofford College, Presbyterian College,South Carolina State University, Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC), and technical colleges. Registrar certification or sealed packets are typical.
• Business Records — Articles of Incorporation/Organization, Certificates of Existence/Status (Good Standing), and certified copies from the SC Secretary of State — Business Filings;plus notarized corporate instruments (board resolutions, incumbency certificates, POAs) executed by officers or counsel per the recipient’s checklist.

Federal documents—FBI background checks, IRS letters, USDA/FDA/USDC export certificates, Social Security letters—must be apostilled by the U.S. Department of State in Washington, D.C., not by South Carolina.

When Do You Need an Apostille?

South Carolinians most often need apostilles for the following scenarios:

• Immigration & Long-Stay Visas — European and Latin American destinations (Italy, Spain, Portugal, France, Mexico, Colombia, Brazil, Argentina, etc.) frequently require apostilled vital records and a federally apostilled FBI report.
• Study Abroad & Professional Credentialing — Universities and licensing boards abroad request apostilled diplomas, transcripts, registrar letters, and sometimes notarized employment/licensure confirmations.
• Marriage Abroad — Civil registries often require apostilled birth/marriage records plus a notarized/apostilled single-status affidavit (“no impediment”).
• International Adoption — Dossiers typically include apostilled court orders, notarized medical/financial affidavits, and apostilled vital records.
• Dual Citizenship — Italian, Irish, Portuguese, Polish, and Spanish programs commonly require multi-generational South Carolina records with apostilles and certified translations.
• Business & Banking Overseas — Foreign banks/registries can ask for apostilled Articles, Good Standing/Existence, and board resolutions to open accounts or qualify entities abroad.
• Property & Estates — Apostilled probate records, wills, and death certificates are used to administer estates or transfer property outside the U.S.
• Manufacturing/Aerospace/Automotive — Supplier onboarding and cross-border tenders may require apostilled corporate authorizations, quality attestations, and POAs.

DIY vs. Expedited Service

Factor	DIY Mail-In	Our Expedited Service
Timeline	4–6+ weeks; mail & backlog delays possible	Same-day/24-hour possible with readiness
Risk of Rejection	Higher — wrong copy, stale issuance, incomplete notary wording	Lower — expert pre-check, destination-specific guidance
Visibility	Limited once mailed; course-correction is slow	Proactive updates; same-day scans for immediate use
Effort	You research, assemble, mail, and troubleshoot	We manage review, filing, monitoring, and delivery
Complexity	Consular legalizations & translation sequencing on you	We handle Hague and non-Hague routes end-to-end
Best For	No deadlines; low-stakes uses	Fixed interviews, start dates, closings, admissions

Pricing & ETA

Document Readiness (Make It “Apostille-Ready”)

Fast results start with flawless paperwork. South Carolina will not apostille photocopies, uncertified vital records, or incomplete notary certificates.Use the standards below to avoid returns and re-queues.

Vital Records (Birth, Marriage, Death)

• Birth & Death: Obtain certified copies from DHEC Vital Records (state registrar) in Columbia or through authorized county offices that issue state-registrar certificates. Photocopies or scans are not acceptable.
• Marriage: Request a certified marriage certificate from DHEC Vital Records (many marriages are on file statewide) or the local issuing office as directed. Ensure the certification page and raised/printed seal are present.
• Divorce: Order a certified decree from the Clerk of Court in the county where the divorce was granted. Some recipients require the full decree; others accept a short form/abstract. Ask before ordering.
• Freshness Window: If the foreign recipient requires issuance within 60–90 days, order fresh copies just before filing.
• Do Not Alter: Keep staples intact; do not laminate or highlight; avoid sticky notes/tabs that can damage seals.

Court Orders (Name Change, Adoption, Probate, Guardianship)

• Certified by Clerk: The order must bear the court’s seal and a signed certification by the Clerk of Court (or appropriate division).
• Complete Packet: Include every page referenced in the certification. Removing staples can invalidate the certification.

Notarized Documents (POA, Affidavits, Consents)

• South Carolina Notary Required: The notarial act must be performed by a duly commissioned South Carolina notary public (traditional or state-authorized remote online notarization, if acceptable to your destination).
• Complete Certificate: Use a South Carolina acknowledgment or jurat with venue (State/County), date, printed notary name, signature, commission number/expiration, and stamp/embossing as applicable.
• Destination Wording: If the foreign authority requires specific notary text, present it to the notary to avoid re-notarization.

Academic Records (Diplomas, Transcripts)

• Registrar Certification: Ask your school to issue a registrar letter attesting to the authenticity of the attached diploma/transcript, or to create a sealed packet addressed to the SC Secretary of State.
• Sealed Envelopes: Do not open sealed registrar packets. The Secretary of State must break the seal; opened packets are usually rejected.
• Name Variations: If your name changed (marriage/adoption), gather connecting records (and apostille them as needed).

Business Records (Articles, Good Standing/Existence, Resolutions)

• State-Certified Copies: If a foreign bank/registry requests state certification, order certified copies or a Certificate of Existence/Status from the SC Secretary of State — Business Filings.
• Notarized Corporate Instruments: Resolutions, incumbency certificates, officer statements, and POAs should be notarized correctly in South Carolina if requested by the recipient.

Step-by-Step Process (South Carolina & Federal)

1. Identify the Issuer: Is your document state/local (South Carolina) or federal? SC documents go to the South Carolina Secretary of State; federal documents go to the U.S. Department of State.
2. Make It Ready: Gather certified vital/court copies, complete notary certificates, registrar letters, sealed packets, or state-certified corporate copies per category.
3. Choose the Route: Hague destination = apostille. Non-Hague = South Carolina authentication + consular legalization. Confirm the destination’s rules.
4. Submit: File in person (fastest) or by mail if timing allows. Include correct fees and a clear return/shipping instruction sheet.
5. Monitor & Correct: If the office flags an issue (e.g., wrong copy, incomplete notary block), respond immediately to avoid returns and new queues.
6. Delivery: Receive same-day scans for immediate use; originals ship domestically or internationally per your preference.

“In South Carolina, speed comes from readiness: the right copy, the right certification, the right route. When those align, apostilles move quickly.”

Document Playbooks

Birth Certificate Apostille

A certified South Carolina birth certificate is routinely required for visas, dual citizenship, study abroad, and marriage abroad.Order a certified copy from DHEC Vital Records. Hague destinations accept a one-page apostille; non-Hague destinations require a South Carolina authentication followed by consular legalization.If the recipient is strict about signer recognition, request a state-registrar copy bearing a signature that the Secretary of State has on file.

Common uses: Spanish/Portuguese long-stay visas, Italian/Irish/Portuguese citizenship by descent, marriage abroad (civil registries), university enrollments, professional licensing abroad.

Marriage Certificate Apostille

South Carolina marriage certificates are generally issued by DHEC Vital Records (with many records available statewide).Request a certified copy with the proper certification page and seal. Many destinations also require a single-status affidavit (notarized and apostilled).If there was a prior marriage, an apostilled divorce decree is commonly required to prove capacity to marry.

Divorce Decree Apostille

Obtain a certified copy from the Clerk of Court for the county where the divorce was granted (e.g., Charleston, Greenville, Richland, Horry, York, Lexington, Spartanburg, Beaufort).Ask whether your recipient needs the complete decree or will accept an abbreviated form. For remarriage abroad, expect to present both the apostilled divorce decree and, after the new ceremony is recorded, an apostilled new marriage certificate.

Death Certificate Apostille

Apostilled death certificates are used for estates, life insurance, and property transfers abroad.If letters testamentary/administration or probate orders are required, those documents need their own apostilles. Confirm whether the foreign registry needs only the death certificate or a full probate packet.

Diploma & Transcript Apostille

Institutions such as USC, Clemson, College of Charleston, Coastal Carolina, The Citadel, Winthrop, Furman,Wofford, Presbyterian College, South Carolina State, MUSC, and technical/community colleges can provide a registrar letter or a sealed packet addressed to the Secretary of State.Do not open sealed envelopes; opened packets are typically rejected and must be reissued.

Notarized Documents (POA, Affidavits, Consents)

Ensure your notary block is South Carolina–compliant and complete. If your foreign authority provides specific language, bring it to the notary.Common items: real-estate POAs, parental travel consents, translator affidavits, company authorization letters, employment confirmations, experience attestations for licensing, and IP assignments.

Corporate Documents

For foreign banking or corporate setup, expect requests for Articles/Certificates of Incorporation or Organization, a Certificate of Existence/Status, and a board resolution granting signatory authority.Some banks insist on state-certified copies; others accept properly notarized officer statements (then apostilled). Ask the bank/registry for an exact checklist to avoid rework.

FBI Background Check (Federal)

The FBI background check is a federal document and must be apostilled by the U.S. Department of State—not by the South Carolina Secretary of State.Many visa programs (Spain, Portugal, Colombia, Brazil) require this federal apostille alongside South Carolina apostilles for vital records.

Guide: How to Apostille an FBI Background Check.

South Carolina Use Cases & Scenarios

Immigration & Family Relocation

A family in Mount Pleasant relocating to Lisbon may need apostilled birth certificates for the children (state-registrar copies), an apostilled Charleston County marriage certificate (or DHEC-issued copy),and federally apostilled FBI reports for both parents. Schools abroad might also request an apostilled enrollment letter or a notarized vaccination record (then apostilled). Watch 60–90 day issuance windows.

Study & Work Abroad

A Clemson graduate moving to Milan could be asked for an apostilled diploma and transcript, a notarized/apostilled scholarship letter, and a federally apostilled FBI check.Italy often requires certified translations—confirm whether to translate after apostille or to use a translator affidavit that itself is notarized and apostilled.

Marriage Abroad

A couple from Greenville marrying in Florence or Tulum may need fresh apostilled birth certificates, an apostilled single-status affidavit (notarized in South Carolina), and an apostilled divorce decree if applicable.Civil registries abroad frequently enforce 90-day issuance windows; plan orders accordingly.

Adoption

Adoption dossiers typically include apostilled court orders, notarized medical and financial statements, employment letters, and apostilled vital records.For non-Hague countries, expect the two-step South Carolina authentication + consulate legalization route; sequencing and courier planning matter.

Dual Citizenship

Italian, Irish, Portuguese, Polish, and Spanish citizenship by descent usually requires multiple generations of South Carolina records—each apostilled—plus certified translations.Build the family chain first, then apostille in batches so issuance dates align and remain “fresh.”

Manufacturing, Aerospace & Automotive

Supplier onboarding and cross-border contracts often call for apostilled corporate resolutions, POAs, quality/compliance attestations, and technical certifications.Banks abroad can require apostilled Certificates of Existence/Status and officer identification affidavits before releasing funds.

Counties, Cities & Campuses Served

We serve all of South Carolina, including but not limited to:

• Counties (examples): Charleston, Greenville, Richland, Horry, Lexington, York, Berkeley, Beaufort, Spartanburg, Aiken, Anderson, Florence, Dorchester, Pickens, Georgetown, Greenwood, Lancaster, Oconee, Kershaw, Sumter, Laurens, Cherokee, Colleton, Orangeburg, Newberry.
• Cities/Towns: Charleston, Columbia, North Charleston, Mount Pleasant, Rock Hill, Greenville, Summerville, Goose Creek, Sumter, Hilton Head Island, Florence, Spartanburg, Myrtle Beach, Aiken, Anderson, Greer, Mauldin, Greenwood, Easley, Conway, Beaufort, Bluffton, Hanahan, Hardeeville.
• Universities & Colleges (examples): University of South Carolina, Clemson University, College of Charleston, Coastal Carolina University, The Citadel, Winthrop University, Furman University, Wofford College, Presbyterian College, South Carolina State University, Medical University of South Carolina, Lander University, Francis Marion University, Anderson University, Bob Jones University, Converse University, Charleston Southern University, USC Upstate, USC Aiken, USC Beaufort, Tri-County Technical College, Greenville Technical College, Trident Technical College, Horry-Georgetown Technical College.

Hague vs. Non-Hague Destinations

Hague countries accept an apostille; non-Hague countries require a South Carolina authentication plus consular legalization.The route influences translation sequencing and appointment lead times at consulates.

• Hague Countries (examples): Italy, Spain, France, Germany, Portugal, Netherlands, Ireland, United Kingdom, Poland, Mexico, Colombia, Brazil, Argentina, Japan, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand.
• Non-Hague Countries (examples): China, United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Vietnam, Egypt, Kuwait. These typically require South Carolina authentication followed by consulate legalization.

We handle both pathways and provide same-day scans immediately after the state step so you can schedule consulates or upload to portals while originals are in transit.

Timelines, Dependencies & Risks

DIY by Mail: Budget 4–6+ weeks, including mailing, agency queues, and potential returns for corrections. If you have fixed travel dates, closings, start dates, or interviews, mail-in can be risky unless you start early.

In-Person Filing: With correct readiness, many South Carolina apostilles complete in 24 hours or less.Pre-checking certification types, seals, and notary language is the best defense against delays.

Federal Track (FBI): The U.S. Department of State apostille process is separate from South Carolina’s. Run state and federal tracks in parallel when timing is tight.

Translations & Consulates: Sworn translations and consular legalizations add time. Confirm whether translations follow the apostille or require a translator affidavit (notarized and then apostilled).

Mistakes to Avoid

• Sending federal documents to Columbia: FBI, IRS, USDA/FDA, and SSA letters must be apostilled by the U.S. Department of State—not by South Carolina.
• Submitting photocopies: Apostilles attach to certified copies or properly notarized originals—never to plain copies or scans.
• Incomplete notarization: Missing venue, incomplete certificate wording, no printed notary name, absent commission details, or missing stamp will trigger rejection.
• Opening sealed registrar packets: Don’t open them. If opened, obtain a new sealed packet from the school.
• Old vital records: If the recipient requires issuance within 60–90 days, order fresh copies before filing.
• Wrong translation order: Clarify whether translations come after the apostille or via a translator affidavit that itself is notarized and apostilled.
• Late starts: Embassy appointment backlogs and translation queues can add weeks. Start early or use expedited help.

Readiness Checklist

• Is the document state/local (South Carolina) or federal?
• Do you have a certified copy (vital/court) or a properly notarized original (affidavit/POA)?
• For school records, did the registrar prepare a sealed packet or provide a signed registrar letter?
• For corporate records, do you have state-certified copies or notarized resolutions/officer statements?
• Is your destination Hague (apostille) or non-Hague (authentication + consular legalization)?
• Does the recipient require a freshness window (often 60–90 days)?
• Do you need translations, and what is the proper sequence relative to the apostille?
• What is your deadline (visa interview, start date, closing, enrollment)?
• Will same-day scans let you begin downstream steps while originals ship?

FAQ

Who issues South Carolina apostilles?

The South Carolina Secretary of State — Apostilles & Authentications in Columbia issues apostilles and authentications for South Carolina documents.

Do I need a county pre-certification step?

Generally no. South Carolina authenticates state officials, court clerks, and notaries directly. Ensure your copy is properly certified or notarized in South Carolina.

Can South Carolina apostille my FBI background check?

No. FBI background checks are federal documents and must be apostilled by the U.S. Department of State in Washington, D.C.

How fast can South Carolina apostilles be completed?

Mail-in often takes 4–6+ weeks. With readiness and in-person filing, same-day or 24-hour results are frequently achievable.

Do apostilles expire?

An apostille doesn’t expire, but many consulates, schools, and banks require recent issuance of both the record and the apostille (commonly within 60–90 days).

Is shipping required?

No. We provide same-day scans. U.S. shipping of originals is optional ($20); international shipping available by quote.

Can you handle non-Hague legalizations?

Yes. We manage the South Carolina authentication and coordinate consulate legalization, including guidance on translation order and acceptable formats.

What if my notarized document was signed in another state?

Each state apostilles its own documents. A Georgia- or North Carolina–notarized affidavit must be apostilled in that state, not in South Carolina.

What if my name changed after my document was issued?

You may need apostilled supporting records (e.g., marriage certificate, name-change order) to connect identities for the recipient abroad.

Can I remove staples or add tabs?

No. Do not alter official packets. Removing staples, adding tabs, or highlighting can invalidate certifications.

Are you a government office?

No. We are experts in South Carolina and federal filings, but we are not a government agency.

Related Guides

• Birth Certificate Apostille
• Marriage Certificate Apostille
• Divorce Decree Apostille
• Death Certificate Apostille
• Academic Diplomas & Transcripts Apostille
• FBI Background Check Apostille (Federal)
• Power of Attorney & Notarized Documents Apostille

Disclaimer: Requirements and timelines reflect common practices of the South Carolina Secretary of State and the U.S. Department of State but may change without notice. Always verify destination-country preferences for issuance dates, translations, and consular steps.