South Carolina Department of Health 2026: Services, Phone & Records
Most people searching for the South Carolina Department of Health are really looking for the South Carolina Department of Public Health, also called DPH. The old DHEC structure changed in 2024, so health services, environmental services, food safety, facility complaints, and professional license lookup may now route to different official agencies.
This guide helps South Carolina residents, seniors, caregivers, parents, workers, patients, employers, licensees, and out-of-state users choose the right official route for phone numbers, vital records, appointments, WIC, vaccinations, immunization records, facility complaints, local health department services, public records, and professional license lookup.
Quick answer: what the South Carolina Department of Public Health helps with in 2026
South Carolina DPH is the official public health agency for many health services formerly associated with DHEC. Common tasks include vital records, public health clinic appointments, WIC, vaccinations, immunization records, public health data, healthcare facility quality, facility complaints, local public health services, and public records requests.
| What you need | Best official route | Prepare first | Important warning |
|---|---|---|---|
| South Carolina Department of Health phone number | DPH Directory | County, service needed, callback number, appointment question | DPH is the newer name for many public health services formerly searched as DHEC. |
| Health department appointment | Care Line or Web Chat | Name, county, phone, service, preferred date, insurance/payment question | Call 1-855-472-3432 or use Web Chat for clinic appointment help. |
| South Carolina birth certificate | DPH Vital Records | Full name, date of birth, place of birth, valid ID, eligibility proof, payment | All vital records offices can issue births from any South Carolina county. |
| South Carolina death certificate | DPH Death Certificates | Decedent name, date of death, county, ID, relationship or authority proof | Online vendor death certificate orders are limited to immediate family members. |
| Marriage certificate or divorce report | DPH Vital Records, court or county route when needed | Names, event date, county, ID, purpose, payment | A certificate/report is not always the same as a court decree or complete court file. |
| Vaccines or immunization records | DPH Public Health Clinics, Vaccinations, or Vaccination Records page | Vaccine record, child school form, ID, insurance, appointment details | Call first because appointment slots can fill quickly before school season. |
| WIC appointment | SC WIC program or Care Line | Income, residency, pregnancy/child details, ID, proof documents | WIC appointment may be in-person or over the phone depending on route. |
| Health facility complaint | DPH Healthcare Quality complaint portal | Facility name, address, dates, patient/resident details, documents | Practitioner license complaints may route to LLR, not DPH. |
| South Carolina license lookup | South Carolina LLR Licensee Lookup | Board, profession, license number, name, status | Doctors, nurses, pharmacists and many professionals are checked through LLR. |
| Public records / FOIA | DPH FOIA Requests | Program, record type, date range, subject, names, county, facility if relevant | FOIA is not the same as ordering a birth certificate or medical record. |
Use DPH for public health and vital records. Use LLR for many professional licenses. Use the Department of Agriculture for many retail food safety complaints. Use SCDES for many environmental services that moved out of the former DHEC structure.
South Carolina health route finder: DPH, LLR, Agriculture or Environmental Services?
Because South Carolina reorganized the old DHEC structure, the safest first step is to choose the correct agency before calling, paying, or filing a complaint.
SC health service router
Select your task. The answer below shows the best official route and what to prepare.
DHEC changed: what “South Carolina Department of Health” means now
Older search results may still say DHEC. Under South Carolina’s restructuring, the old Department of Health and Environmental Control became separate agencies on July 1, 2024. The health-related public health agency is now the South Carolina Department of Public Health. Environmental services moved separately to the South Carolina Department of Environmental Services, and some food safety responsibilities are now handled by the South Carolina Department of Agriculture.
Use DPH
Vital records, clinics, appointments, WIC, vaccinations, health data, facility quality and public health services.
Use SCDES
Many environmental programs moved to the South Carolina Department of Environmental Services after the split.
Use Agriculture when directed
DPH complaint pages state retail food safety complaints such as restaurants and grocery stores are housed under the South Carolina Department of Agriculture.
Use LLR
Many professional license lookups and renewals are handled by South Carolina Labor, Licensing and Regulation.
If you see an old DHEC PDF, old DHEC phone number, old DHEC food complaint route, or old environmental application, confirm the current official agency before submitting documents or payment.
South Carolina Department of Public Health phone number, directory and call script
The DPH directory lists the main line as 803-898-3300. For appointments or the Care Line, the directory lists 1-855-472-3432. For vital records, the directory lists 803-898-3630. For health facility and CNA abuse complaints, the directory lists 1-800-922-6735.
803-898-3300
Use when you need DPH routing but do not know the exact program.
1-855-472-3432
Use to make or reschedule public health clinic appointments and Care Line service questions.
803-898-3630
Use for birth, death, marriage certificates and divorce reports.
1-800-922-6735
Use for health facility and CNA abuse complaint routing when DPH Healthcare Quality applies.
Use this short call script
Say: “I need help with [appointment, vaccine, WIC, birth certificate, death certificate, marriage certificate, divorce report, immunization record, facility complaint, public records, or local health department service]. My county is [county]. Which official DPH page or phone number should I use?”
Before calling, write down your county, ZIP code, service need, appointment question, record type, and callback number. Ask for the exact building address before visiting because some services are offered at different regional offices.
South Carolina public health clinics, appointments, Web Chat and local services
South Carolina DPH public health clinics provide services such as immunizations, STD/HIV/Hep C services, WIC, family planning and other local public health services. Appointment availability can vary by county and service.
| Service | Ask before visiting | Bring or prepare |
|---|---|---|
| Immunizations | Which vaccine is available, cost, age eligibility, appointment time | Vaccine record, insurance card, Medicaid/Medicare card, school form, ID |
| STD, HIV, Hep C services | Testing days, confidentiality, cost, results timing, treatment/referral | ID if required, contact method, symptom timeline, exposure date if known |
| WIC | In-person or phone appointment, walk-in hours, pre-application route | Proof of income, ID, address, pregnancy/child details, Medicaid/SNAP/TANF if applicable |
| Family planning | Eligibility, appointment type, payment, documents, referral rules | ID, insurance, income details if requested, medication list |
| Local health department help | Correct building, service hours, last check-in, appointment rules | County, ZIP code, appointment confirmation, any official forms |
DPH appointment pages may show temporary closures or service changes. If your appointment is urgent or you are traveling far, call 1-855-472-3432 before you drive.
South Carolina vital records: birth, death, marriage certificates and divorce reports
South Carolina DPH Vital Records is the state’s official records keeper for life events such as births, deaths, marriages and divorces occurring in South Carolina. The Vital Records office phone number is 803-898-3630.
State Vital Records Office
2600 Bull Street, Columbia, SC 29201. Office hours for vital records pages are commonly listed as 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Office locationsMailing route
S.C. Department of Public Health, Vital Records Section, P.O. Box 2046, West Columbia, SC 29171.
Open formsCheck current fees
DPH vital records fee pages explain search fees, certified copies and payment details.
Check fees| Record type | Prepare before ordering | Common mistake |
|---|---|---|
| Birth certificate | Full name, date of birth, place of birth, parent details, valid photo ID, proof of relationship if needed | Ordering from South Carolina when the birth occurred in another state. |
| Death certificate | Decedent name, death date, county, purpose, ID, relationship or authority proof if needed | Not asking the receiving agency which version or proof it accepts. |
| Marriage certificate | Names, marriage date, county, ID, purpose, payment | Confusing a marriage certificate with a full county court or probate file. |
| Divorce report | Names, divorce date, county, court if known, ID, purpose, payment | Ordering a report when a court decree is required. |
| Correction or amendment | Current certificate, proof documents, ID, application, explanation and payment | Sending incomplete proof and delaying the correction. |
Do not rely on old DHEC forms from random websites. Use DPH’s current vital records forms, fee page and office location page before mailing documents or visiting a regional office.
South Carolina birth certificate: online, mail, drop-off and regional office checklist
Use the South Carolina DPH birth certificate page when the birth occurred in South Carolina. DPH states that all Vital Records offices can issue births from any county in South Carolina.
Use the full legal record details
Prepare the person’s full name on the birth record, date of birth, city or county of birth, parent details, valid photo ID, proof of relationship or legal authority if required, and payment method.
Know where drop-offs are accepted
DPH’s birth certificate page states that drop-offs are only accepted at the state office in Richland County. If you plan to drop off a request, confirm the latest location and hours first.
South Carolina death certificate: estate, insurance, benefits and immediate family rules
A South Carolina death certificate may be needed for probate, estate, bank, insurance, benefits, pension, Social Security, veterans benefits, real estate or family records. Ask the receiving office exactly what it needs before ordering.
Which certificate is accepted?
Before ordering, ask the bank, court, attorney, insurer or benefits office whether it needs a certified copy and what details must appear.
Decedent and requester details
Have the decedent name, date of death, county, your ID, relationship or legal authority proof, mailing address and payment ready.
DPH states that only an immediate family member of the decedent may order a death certificate through an online vendor. Check the official page before using an online order route.
South Carolina marriage certificates and divorce reports: certificate versus court file
South Carolina DPH Vital Records provides marriage certificate and divorce report routes, but a certificate or report is not always the same as a court decree, final judgment, or complete county court file.
Use DPH Vital Records
Use when a certified record or report from South Carolina Vital Records is accepted by the receiving agency.
Use court or county route
Use when the receiving agency asks for a divorce decree, judgment, court order or complete court file.
If a legal, immigration, retirement, banking or benefits office asks for a final decree, do not assume a DPH divorce report will satisfy the requirement. Ask the receiving agency first.
South Carolina vaccinations, immunization records and school shot appointments
South Carolina DPH public health clinics offer immunization services, and DPH provides vaccination record guidance. For school, childcare, college, work, military or travel requirements, confirm what type of record or form is accepted before the appointment.
Schedule early before school rush
DPH warns that appointment slots can fill quickly before the school year. Parents should schedule early for school-required vaccines and bring the child’s record or school form.
Ask what record format is accepted
Schools, employers, colleges and programs may require a specific immunization certificate, registry record, provider printout or official form. Ask before ordering, printing or scheduling.
South Carolina WIC: appointment, pre-application, eWIC and clinic help
South Carolina WIC provides nutrition support for eligible women, infants and children. DPH WIC pages say users can call 1-855-472-3432 to make an appointment or begin the process through the online pre-application.
Call or pre-apply
Call 1-855-472-3432 or use the WIC pre-application to begin the process.
Prepare proof
Have identity, address, income, pregnancy, infant or child information ready if requested.
Use mobile support
eWIC family tools can show upcoming appointments and nearby clinic information.
If you are helping a daughter, grandchild, foster child or family member, ask whether the participant must be present and what permission documents are required.
South Carolina restaurant complaints, grocery complaints and foodborne illness routing
Food safety routing changed after the DHEC restructuring. DPH’s healthcare complaint page states that retail food safety complaints such as restaurants and grocery stores are housed under the South Carolina Department of Agriculture. For illness and public health concerns, still collect strong details before reporting.
| Collect this | Example | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Business name and address | Restaurant, grocery store, food truck, school, event, facility address | Helps route the report to the correct agency and locality. |
| Date and time | When you ate, purchased, handled or served the food | Helps compare possible exposure windows. |
| Food item | Dish, drink, packaged food, ingredient, buffet item or takeout order | Helps identify the suspected source. |
| Symptoms and timing | Vomiting, diarrhea, fever, stomach cramps, start time, number of people sick | Helps public health staff determine whether a broader issue may exist. |
| Proof if available | Receipt, order number, photos, label, packaging, leftover food details | Supports a stronger report. |
If symptoms are severe, involve blood in stool, dehydration, confusion, high fever, pregnancy, an infant, an older adult, or someone with a weakened immune system, seek medical care. Do not wait for a complaint response.
South Carolina health facility complaints, CNA abuse complaints and facility lookup
DPH Healthcare Quality handles certain complaints involving licensed health care facilities and service providers. DPH complaint pages list an online complaint portal and a Healthcare Quality phone route at 1-800-922-6735 when users cannot submit online.
Use DPH Healthcare Quality
Use when your complaint is about a licensed health facility or service provider that DPH regulates.
File complaintSearch DPH-licensed facilities
Use DPH Find a Facility for an interactive map of DPH-licensed health care facilities and services.
Find facility| Prepare | Why it helps |
|---|---|
| Facility name and address | Helps DPH confirm whether the facility is under its Healthcare Quality jurisdiction. |
| Patient or resident details | Helps investigators understand who was affected. |
| Dates and timeline | Creates a clear sequence of events. |
| Staff names if known | Helps clarify who may have been involved. |
| Photos, discharge papers, letters or records | Supports the complaint with facts beyond memory. |
| Your contact choice | Anonymous complaints may limit follow-up or notification options. |
If a patient, resident or child is in immediate danger, use emergency services or the facility’s urgent safety route first. A complaint form is not a substitute for immediate protection.
South Carolina health license lookup: DPH versus LLR for doctors, nurses and professionals
Many people search “South Carolina Department of Health license lookup,” but professional licensing for many South Carolina health occupations is handled by the South Carolina Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation, often called LLR.
LLR Licensee Lookup
Search by board such as Medical Examiners, Nursing, Pharmacy, Physical Therapy and other boards.
Open lookupSC Board of Nursing
Use for nursing application status, licensee lookup, renewals, forms and board orders.
Open nursingBoard of Medical Examiners
Use for physician and medical board lookup, verification, renewal and application routes.
Open medical boardFor hiring, school, hospital, insurance or credentialing checks, search the official LLR lookup directly and save the search date, board, name, license number, status, expiration date and any public board order information shown.
South Carolina DPH public records and FOIA requests
Use DPH FOIA when you need public agency records from the South Carolina Department of Public Health. A FOIA request is not the same as ordering a birth certificate, death certificate, marriage certificate, divorce report, immunization record, or personal medical record.
Make the request narrow and searchable
Include the DPH program, record type, county, date range, facility, subject, names, inspection topic or complaint number if known. Broad requests such as “send all health records” often require clarification.
Use the right route for personal records
For a birth certificate, death certificate, marriage certificate or divorce report, use Vital Records. For a clinic medical record, contact the clinic or local health department that provided the service. For a professional license record, use LLR.
Write your request like this: “I am requesting [record type] from [program/facility] for [date range] involving [subject/county].” This is easier to process than a long paragraph with no date range.
South Carolina DPH maps: headquarters and Vital Records office
Do not drive to a DPH office only because an address appears in search results. Confirm which office handles your service, whether an appointment is required, and whether the service is offered online, by mail, by phone, Web Chat or at a regional office.
State of South Carolina Health Campus
400 Otarre Parkway, Cayce, SC 29033. Use for headquarters planning, not automatic walk-in service for every public health task.
State Vital Records Office
2600 Bull Street, Columbia, SC 29201. Confirm hours, ID, fees, appointment or drop-off rules before visiting.
If you need an appointment, call 1-855-472-3432 or use Web Chat first. If you need a vital record, check office locations and current forms. If you need a license lookup, use LLR online instead of driving to DPH.
Official South Carolina health links used in this guide
Use these official pages for current phone numbers, forms, fees, appointment routes, complaint portals, license lookup and public records. This independent guide does not collect records, process payments, schedule appointments or file complaints.
People also search for: South Carolina Department of Health Google and Bing intent guide
These are common search-style questions around “South Carolina Department of Health,” “SC DHEC,” and “South Carolina DPH.” Use the matching official route instead of opening random third-party pages.
South Carolina Department of Health phone number
Use DPH Directory for main line, vital records, appointment line and healthcare quality complaints.
Phone routeSouth Carolina DHEC
The old DHEC split into new agencies. Use DPH for public health, SCDES for many environmental services and Agriculture for many retail food safety complaints.
DHEC routeSouth Carolina health department appointment
Call 1-855-472-3432 or use DPH Web Chat to make or reschedule clinic appointments.
Appointment routeSouth Carolina birth certificate
Use DPH Vital Records. All vital records offices can issue births from any county in South Carolina.
Birth routeSouth Carolina death certificate
Use DPH Death Certificates and ask the receiving agency what version it accepts before ordering.
Death routeSouth Carolina immunization records
Use DPH Vaccination Records and call 1-855-472-3432 for clinic appointment help.
Immunization routeSouth Carolina health facility complaint
Use DPH Healthcare Quality complaint portal or call 1-800-922-6735 when online filing is not possible.
Complaint routeSouth Carolina health license lookup
Use SC LLR Licensee Lookup for many health professional licenses, including nursing and medical boards.
License routeSafety, privacy and independent guide notice
HealthDepartmentGuide.org is an independent guide. It is not the official South Carolina Department of Public Health website, not DPH, not DHEC, not SCDES, not the South Carolina Department of Agriculture, not SC LLR, and not a county health department.
Do not send Social Security numbers, birth certificates, death certificates, driver licenses, passports, medical records, immunization records, payment cards, complaint evidence, license documents, or patient information to an independent guide page. Use only official secure portals and verified office contacts.
Phone numbers, forms, office hours, fees, appointment rules, eligibility, complaint routing and agency responsibilities can change. Confirm final details with DPH, LLR, SCDES, Agriculture, Vital Records or the appropriate local office before paying, mailing documents, filing a complaint or visiting.
South Carolina Department of Health FAQs
What is the South Carolina Department of Health called now?
Many public health services formerly associated with DHEC are now under the South Carolina Department of Public Health, also called DPH. The old DHEC structure split into separate agencies in 2024, including DPH and the South Carolina Department of Environmental Services.
What is the South Carolina Department of Public Health phone number?
The DPH directory lists the main line as 803-898-3300. For appointments and the Care Line, it lists 1-855-472-3432. For vital records, it lists 803-898-3630. For health facility and CNA abuse complaints, it lists 1-800-922-6735.
How do I make a South Carolina health department appointment?
Use DPH Public Health Clinics, call 1-855-472-3432, or schedule online using DPH Web Chat. Ask whether your service is available at the location, whether it is walk-in or appointment-only, and what documents or fees are required.
How do I order a South Carolina birth certificate?
Use the South Carolina DPH Birth Certificates page or current Vital Records forms. Prepare the full name on the record, date and place of birth, parent details, valid photo ID, proof of eligibility if required, payment method and mailing address.
How do I get a South Carolina death certificate?
Start with the South Carolina DPH Death Certificates page. Prepare the decedent name, date of death, county, your ID, relationship or legal authority proof, and payment. Ask the receiving agency what certificate version it accepts before ordering.
Can South Carolina DPH issue marriage certificates and divorce reports?
Yes, South Carolina DPH Vital Records provides marriage certificate and divorce report routes. However, if an agency asks for a court decree, final judgment or complete court file, you may need a county court or clerk route instead.
How do I get South Carolina immunization records?
Use the DPH South Carolina Vaccination Records page or contact a DPH public health clinic. If you need a school or employer form, ask what record format is accepted before scheduling or printing records.
How do I file a health facility complaint in South Carolina?
Use DPH Healthcare Quality’s complaint portal or call 1-800-922-6735 if you cannot submit online. Prepare the facility name, address, dates, patient or resident details, staff names if known, documents and your preferred contact method.
Is South Carolina health professional license lookup handled by DPH?
Usually no. Many professional licenses, including doctors, nurses, pharmacists and other boards, are handled through the South Carolina Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation, also called LLR. Use the official SC LLR Licensee Lookup.
Is HealthDepartmentGuide.org the official South Carolina Department of Public Health website?
No. HealthDepartmentGuide.org is an independent guide. It does not process vital records, collect fees, schedule appointments, verify licenses, file complaints, provide medical advice, or replace DPH, DHEC, SCDES, SC LLR, the Department of Agriculture or local health departments.