South Carolina Secretary of State — key facts
Forms: South Carolina Authentication Cover Letter (PDF)
Mailing: Self-addressed stamped return envelope;
Payment: Personal or company check or money order made payable to the Secretary of State’s Office or cash in the amount of $5.00 for each document; and
Fees: $5.00 for each document
Address: SC Secretary of State's Office Attn: Authentications 1205 Pendleton Street, Suite 525 Columbia, SC 29201
Hours: between the hours of 8:30 am and 4:30 pm
Rejections: Documents that appear to be contrary to state or federal law, interest or policy will not be certified.
Translation: All documents in a foreign language must be signed, notarized, and accompanied by an English translation signed by the translator with the translator’s signature notarized.
Notarization: Documents that are signed by individuals who are not elected or appointed officials and whose signatures are not on file with the Secretary of State’s Office MUST be notarized by a commissioned South Carolina Notary Public.
Copies: Photocopies of vital records are not acceptable.
Authentication: All vital records must be certified by the issuing government agency.
Legalization chain: These documents will require a certification to be authenticated by the U.S. Department of State after receiving State authentication.