Self-help information through various links, documents, publications, etc. Check the Community Directory Channel for more resources.
There are 14 resources
Expedited Services
(Separate Website)
This page explains how to get copies of vital records in an expedited manner by telephone or by mail.
By: SC Department of Health and Environmental Control
Fee Schedule for Vital Records Services
(Separate Website)
SC Department of Health and Environmental Control
Freedom of Information Act Requests from the U.S. Department of Justice
(Separate Website)
This web site contains information about how to use the Freedom of Information Act to obtain information from the Department of Justice.
By: U.S. Department of Justice
Governor's Office of Ombudsman Home Page
(Separate Website)
The goal of the Office of the Ombudsman is to satisfactorily resolve or appropriately refer virtually any conceivable question, concern or request a citizen might have.
By: Governor's Office - Ombudsman
How to Obtain a Certified Copy of a Birth Certificate
(Separate Website)
By: SC Department of Health and Environmental Control
How to Obtain a Certified Copy of a Death Certificate
(Separate Website)
By: SC Department of Health and Environmental Control
How to Obtain a Certified Copy of a Marriage License
(Separate Website)
By: SC Department of Health and Environmental Control
How to Obtain a Certified Copy of a Report of Divorce or Annulment of Marriage
(Separate Website)
By: SC Department of Health and Environmental Control
How to Use the Federal Freedom of Information Act
(Separate Website)
This booklet is designed as a general "do-it-yourself" guide to using the federal Freedom of Information Act. This is the ninth edition of the guide, which was originally published in 1976 and has been updated and expanded to include recent court opinions that affect the FOI Act. This booklet was researched and edited by The FOI Service Center, a project of the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press. It describes how to use the Act as an effective investigative tool, and provides sample letters, forms and directories to assist you in dealing with the government promptly and effectively.
By: The Reporters' Committee for Freedom of the Press
Keep America Safe and Free
(Separate Website)
The ACLU Campaign to Defend the Constitution
The urgency in our campaign to keep America both safe and free has never been greater as more than 150 sections of the Patriot Act are set to expire or "sunset" unless Congress votes to reauthorize, and expand, the bill. Resources on this page will help to educate yourself and others about what's at stake with the sunsets and to take action to preserve the checks and balances that shield our fundamental freedoms from excessive government power.
By: American Civil Liberties Union
Online Search for Unclaimed Property
(Separate Website)
By: State Treasurer
On-Site Customers
(Separate Website)
If you prefer to appear personally at DHEC's offices to request copies of vital recoreds, review this page for directions and instructions.
By: SC Department of Health and Environmental Control
Requests by Mail
(Separate Website)
Where do you send requests for copies of vital records, and what information will DHEC need to fulfill your request? Find out here.
By: SC Department of Health and Environmental Control
Using the Freedom of Information Act: A Step-by-Step Guide
(Separate Website)
The Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) was passed by Congress in 1966 and amended in 1974. FOIA creates procedures so that any member of the public may obtain the records of the agencies of the federal government. The purpose of this Guide is to help you exercise your right to "open agency action to the light of public scrutiny." This document contains detailed information, instructions and sample letters designed to help you make an effective FOIA request.
By: American Civil Liberties Union