Vital Records & Certificates in Georgetown, South CarolinaGeorgetown Clerk of Court

Georgetown’s dual identity as a historic port city and growing coastal community creates diverse needs for vital records. From maritime employment requiring federal documentation to tourism industry jobs needing background checks, from college applications for students heading to USC or Clemson to genealogy research celebrating Lowcountry heritage, residents rely on efficient access to certified documents for life’s important transitions.

Georgetown families obtain birth certificates through the Georgetown Clerk of Court at 401 Cleland Street, conveniently located in the heart of the historic downtown district. Babies born at Tidelands Georgetown Memorial Hospital or nearby Grand Strand Regional Medical Center require certified copies for school registration, youth sports leagues, and college applications. South Carolina charges $12 for the first certified copy and $3 for each additional copy ordered simultaneously. The coastal location means many Georgetown families also need these documents for passport applications when traveling to international destinations or for maritime employment requiring TWIC cards.

Couples choosing Georgetown’s romantic waterfront setting for their weddings, from elegant ceremonies at the Kaminski House to intimate gatherings at Winyah Bay Heritage Preserve, secure marriage licenses at the Georgetown Clerk of Court office. The stunning backdrop of the Sampit River makes Georgetown a popular destination wedding location. South Carolina requires a 24-hour waiting period after license issuance, and licenses cost $50, remaining valid for 180 days from the date of issue.

Georgetown’s aging population and retiree community often requires death certificates for estate settlement, insurance claims, and veterans’ benefits processing. The Georgetown Clerk of Court provides certified death certificates for $12 each, with additional copies available for $3 when ordered together. Processing typically takes 2-3 business days once the death is officially registered with the state.

Divorce records for Georgetown County residents are maintained by the Family Court at the same Cleland Street location. Certified copies cost $2 per page plus a $10 search fee. Many residents require these documents for remarriage applications or property transfers related to the area’s valuable waterfront real estate market.

The Georgetown Clerk of Court office at 401 Cleland Street operates Monday through Friday from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM. Located in Georgetown’s historic downtown core, the courthouse offers convenient street parking along Cleland Street and nearby Front Street. The office accepts cash, checks, money orders, and credit cards. Visitors can easily combine their courthouse visit with a stroll through the charming Historic District or lunch at one of Front Street’s waterfront restaurants.

The courthouse is located at 401 Cleland Street in downtown Georgetown. From US-17, turn onto Front Street, then turn right onto Cleland Street. The courthouse will be on your right side.