Socastee residents regularly need vital records for cruise departures from Charleston and Myrtle Beach ports, college enrollment at Coastal Carolina University and other regional institutions, real estate transactions involving waterfront properties, and employment verification in the growing hospitality and healthcare sectors throughout Horry County. The area’s popularity as a retirement destination creates additional demand for estate planning documentation.
Vital Records & Certificates in Socastee, South CarolinaHorry County Clerk of Court
Get birth certificates, marriage licenses, death certificates, and divorce records from the Horry County Clerk of Court. We also offer expedited passport services for Socastee residents with 3-day processing.
❓ Why You Need These Certificates
🛂 Need This Certificate for a Passport?
Most Socastee residents need their birth or marriage certificate for passport applications. Let us handle both together in one process.
Birth Certificates in Socastee
Socastee residents obtain birth certificates through the Horry County Clerk of Court at 1301 2nd Avenue in Conway, the county seat located about 12 miles inland from the community. Many local children are born at Conway Medical Center, Grand Strand Medical Center, or other Horry County healthcare facilities. Families relocating to Socastee’s waterfront neighborhoods often need certified birth certificates for school enrollment at Waccamaw High School or other county schools, establishing South Carolina residency, and passport applications for international travel. The clerk’s office maintains all county birth records and can process same-day requests for walk-in customers with proper documentation.
Requirements
Current government photo ID, appropriate payment, and verification of relationship to person named on certificate
Who Can Request
The person named on the certificate, their parent/legal guardian, spouse, child, grandparent, sibling, or authorized legal representative with proper documentation.
Processing Time
Common Uses
- ✓ Passport applications
- ✓ Driver’s license/State ID
- ✓ Social Security card
Marriage Licenses in Socastee
Couples planning waterfront weddings at venues like Waccamaw River front locations, TPC Myrtle Beach clubhouse, or beachside ceremonies near Huntington Beach must first secure marriage licenses from the Horry County Clerk of Court in Conway. South Carolina has no waiting period, allowing couples to marry immediately after receiving their license. Many Socastee area couples choose romantic sunset ceremonies along the Intracoastal Waterway or elegant receptions at local country clubs before filing their completed marriage documents with the county clerk.
Requirements
Both parties appear with valid photo ID, Social Security information, final divorce decrees if previously married
Popular Wedding Venues
Waiting Period
For Passport Name Change
Need to update your passport with your new married name? We can help expedite the process.
Update Passport with New Name →Death Certificates in Socastee
Families in Socastee obtain death certificates from the Horry County Clerk of Court office in Conway. Multiple certified copies are typically needed for insurance claims, Social Security administration, and estate settlement procedures. The clerk processes requests from immediate family members and legal representatives, maintaining comprehensive death records for all county residents including those from Socastee’s waterfront communities along the Waccamaw River.
Requirements
Valid identification and documented relationship to deceased or legal authorization to obtain records
Who Can Request
Spouse, parent, child, sibling, grandparent, legal representative of the estate, funeral director, or anyone with a documented legal or personal interest.
Processing Time
Special Instructions
Divorce Decrees in Socastee
Divorce records for Socastee residents are maintained by the Horry County Clerk of Court in Conway where divorce proceedings took place. Certified decree copies are essential for remarriage applications, property title transfers, and legal name restoration processes. The office provides access to historical divorce records with proper identification and payment of applicable copying and certification fees for authorized requesters.
Requirements
Government-issued photo ID, case information when available speeds processing
Processing Time
Special Notes
📄 Reverting to maiden name?
You’ll need your divorce decree to update your passport with your previous name.
Name Change Process →How to Order in Socastee
Travel to the Horry County Courthouse at 1301 2nd Avenue in Conway, approximately 15 minutes west of Socastee via Highway 544 or Highway 501. Office hours are Monday through Friday 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM. Free parking is available in courthouse lots and surrounding streets. The office accepts cash, money orders, and major credit cards for payment. Online ordering may be available for certain record types through the county’s website system, allowing Socastee residents to avoid the drive to Conway.
In Person
⏱️ Same Day
By Mail
⏱️ 2-3 Weeks
Online
⏱️ 1-2 Weeks
🏛️ Horry County Clerk of Court
Address
1301 2nd Ave, Conway, SC 29526, United States
Phone
Website
Office Hours
Get Directions
From Socastee, take Highway 544 west toward Conway, or use Highway 501 through downtown Conway to reach the Horry County Courthouse complex on 2nd Avenue.
⚖️ Government vs. Expedited Service
Choose the option that best fits your timeline
| Feature | Horry County Clerk (Government Service) | PassportsAndVisas.com (Expedited Service) |
|---|---|---|
| Processing Time | Same day (in-person) 2-3 weeks (mail/online) | 3 days guaranteed |
| Certificate + Passport | ✗ Separate processes | ✓ One-stop service |
| Personal Account Manager | ✗ Not available | ✓ Dedicated support |
| Error Checking | ✗ Your responsibility | ✓ Expert review |
| Tracking | ✗ No tracking | ✓ Real-time updates |
Need to Renew Your Passport?
Got your marriage certificate for name change? Complete your passport renewal in minutes online. We serve Socastee residents with 3-day expedited service.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about certificates in Socastee, South Carolina
How do I get to the Horry County courthouse from Socastee’s waterfront areas?
▼Can I order birth certificates online instead of driving to Conway from Socastee?
▼What’s the quickest way to get marriage licenses for Socastee waterfront weddings?
▼Are there any closer offices to Socastee than the Conway courthouse?
▼What are the peak busy times at the Horry County clerk office?
▼How long does it take to process vital records requests in Horry County?
▼What if I need records for someone born in Socastee before it was developed?
▼Can I send someone else to get my vital records from Conway?
▼What payment methods are accepted at the Horry County courthouse?
▼How far in advance should I get documents for Socastee area weddings?
▼Ready to Get Your Certificate & Passport?
Whether you need just a certificate or a complete passport service, we’re here to help Socastee residents get what they need quickly and easily.
📋 Just need the county clerk office?
🏛️ Visit Horry County Clerk WebsiteHours: Monday-Friday 8AM-8PM EST, Saturday 10AM-6PM EST
Emergency Service: Available 24/7 for urgent passport needs