Advance Directive Form

South Carolina’s Advance Directive form authorizes a healthcare proxy and specifies an individual’s living and last will. It must be signed by the individual, proxy, and two witnesses.

How to Order a Death Certificate

Only the deceased’s immediate family members, their legal representatives, and persons holding documented proof of tangible interest can obtain a death certificate in South Carolina.

The following information is required for the request:

• Deceased’s name, sex, date of birth, social security number
• Date and place of death
• Applicant’s name, phone number. e-mail, address
• Applicant’s relation to the deceased and proof of the fact
• Copy of applicant’s government-issued photo ID

The certificate with one certified copy costs $12, and each additional copy ordered at the same time costs $3. Cash is only accepted when the request is handed in person.

The application can be delivered or mailed to:

SC DHEC, Vital Records

2600 Bull Street

Columbia, SC 29201

Digital Estate Planning Laws

SB 908 South Carolina Uniform Fiduciary Access to Digital Assets Act authorizes an individual’s legal representative who can access and control their digital assets and communications. This bill came into effect on June 3, 2016.

Death With Dignity or Aid-in-Dying or Physician-Assisted Death

South Carolina currently has no legislation regarding assisted death. Updates on this matter can be found here.

Organ Donation Registry

South Carolina’s organ donation registry can be accessed here.

Physician Orders for Scope of Treatment (POST)

South Carolina’s POST form should be completed only after a conversation with a patient or their representative. It’s necessary for patients who are at risk of a life-threatening clinical event due to a life-limiting medical condition.

Probate Laws

Information on South Carolina’s legislation on a decedent’s will regarding their estate and other assets can be found in Title 62: Probate Code.

Estate and Inheritance Tax

South Carolina has no estate or inheritance tax.