Federal vs. State: South Carolina Specifics
The South Carolina Secretary of State in Columbia processes all apostille requests for documents originating in the Palmetto State. South Carolina requires documents to be either certified copies from a state or county agency, or notarized by a South Carolina Notary Public. South Carolina does not require county clerk pre-authentication for notarized documents. Vital records must be obtained from the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC), Division of Vital Records. Court documents require certification from the Clerk of Court in the issuing county. South Carolina's process is straightforward, though processing times may vary based on volume.
South Carolina Apostille Services
Reliable document authentication for Charleston, Columbia, and Greenville businesses. Direct processing through the South Carolina Secretary of State.
- Military & Defense: Authentication of military records, security clearance documents, and corporate filings for personnel at Fort Jackson, Shaw AFB, and other South Carolina installations.
- Tourism & Hospitality: Apostille services for business licensing, corporate filings, and partnership agreements for South Carolina's international tourism and hospitality ventures.
- Vital Records: Processing birth certificates, marriage licenses, and death certificates from the SC DHEC Division of Vital Records.
| Document Type | Prerequisite | Est. Processing |
|---|---|---|
| Charleston County Vital | SC DHEC Vital Records | 3-5 Days |
| Richland County Corporate | SC Notary Public | 2-4 Days |
| Greenville County Court | Clerk of Court Cert. | 3-5 Days |