Find Chester County Death Index Records
Chester County death index records are available through the South Carolina Department of Public Health for all deaths recorded from January 1, 1915. Chester County sits in the north-central portion of South Carolina, with its county seat in Chester. This guide helps you locate death records, understand where to request certified copies, and find free online tools for searching the Chester County death index. Local offices and state resources both serve researchers and family members seeking Chester County death records.
Chester County Quick Facts
Chester County Coroner and Death Index
Chester County uses an elected coroner system. The coroner's office mission is to "Honor the deceased while serving the living." The coroner investigates circumstances surrounding deaths under their jurisdiction and conducts thorough investigations to determine cause and manner of death. The office also provides community outreach and educational work, with a particular focus on public safety and vehicle accidents.
The Chester County Coroner serves as the chief medical-legal officer for the county. The coroner identifies deceased individuals and determines cause and manner of death. The office works closely with the Chester County Sheriff's Office and other law enforcement when investigating deaths, particularly those from accidents, homicides, suicides, or suspicious circumstances. The coroner files death certificates with the county health department after completing each investigation.
As an elected position, the Chester County Coroner operates independently within the county government. This structure ensures death investigations are handled without interference. The coroner maintains records of all investigated deaths, including autopsy reports, toxicology results, and investigation files. Families may request autopsy reports from the coroner's office after the investigation is complete.
The Chester County Health Department is located at 203 North Page Street and can be reached at 843-623-2117. The health department provides birth and death certificates for Chester County residents.
The SC Department of Public Health Vital Records portal handles all certified death certificate requests for Chester County and the rest of South Carolina.
Chester County Death Certificate Requests
Certified copies of Chester County death certificates are obtained through the South Carolina Department of Public Health. You can order online through Go Certificates or VitalChek, by phone through VitalChek at 1-877-284-1008, in person at 2600 Bull Street, Columbia, SC 29201, or by mail to SC Department of Public Health, Vital Records Section, P.O. Box 2046, West Columbia, SC 29171. The state office is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM. In-person requests are typically processed the same day.
The standard search fee is $12. Additional copies ordered at the same time cost $3 each. Expedited service is $17. Valid government-issued photo ID is required for every request. Mail requests without ID are rejected without processing. Only immediate family members or legal representatives can obtain certified copies of records from the last 50 years. Records older than 50 years are public under SC Code Title 44, Chapter 63.
The SC DPH death certificates page has current forms and fee information. The CDC also maintains guidance at cdc.gov confirming current South Carolina vital records fees and procedures.
| State Vital Records |
SC Department of Public Health 2600 Bull Street Columbia, SC 29201 Phone: (803) 898-3630 |
|---|---|
| Chester County Health Dept. |
203 North Page Street Chester, SC Phone: 843-623-2117 |
| SC Archives | scdah.sc.gov | 8301 Parklane Road, Columbia SC 29223 |
Chester County Probate Court and Death Records
The Chester County Probate Court handles estate administration for residents who die in Chester County. When someone dies, their estate is opened through the Probate Court. The probate file contains the death certificate along with other documents about the deceased person's assets, debts, and heirs. These records are an important supplement to the official death index, especially for researchers working on family history in Chester County.
The court offers a full forms library including Probate Application/Petition (Form 300 ES), Affidavit for Collection of Personal Property (Form 420 ES), Affidavit of Heirs (Form 445 ES), inventory and appraisement forms, and Petition for Sale of Real Property (Form 430 ES). A Small Estate Affidavit is available for personal property under $25,000. The Probate Court handles marriages, guardianships, and conservatorships in addition to estates.
The Chester County Clerk of Court maintains all court records, processes fines and fees, and handles criminal record checks for a $10 fee. Marriage records from 1911 forward are held by the Probate Court. Divorce records are kept by the Clerk of Court. Both offices are located in Chester and can assist with death record research requests in Chester County.
Note: Researchers should be aware that online searches for Chester County often return results for Chester County, Pennsylvania. Always specify South Carolina when searching online to avoid confusion.
Historical Death Records in Chester County
Chester County was established in 1785 and was part of the Camden District during the colonial period. Researchers seeking colonial-era death records must look to Camden District records and early church registers. The Church of England recorded burials during the colonial period under the Church Act of 1706. The South Carolina Historical and Genealogical Magazine published many early parish registers that may contain Chester County entries.
Statewide death registration did not begin until January 1, 1915. For Chester County deaths before that date, the best sources are church records, cemetery records, estate papers, military records, and family Bibles. The Library of Congress South Carolina vital records guide recommends consulting the South Carolina Department of Archives and History for pre-1915 materials. The Archives holds microfilm copies of early court records, estate files, and military papers that can document deaths before the state system began.
The SC DPH Death Indexes 1915-1967 cover Chester County entries in the statewide system from the beginning of registration. The South Carolina Department of Archives and History also holds microfilm copies of death certificates from 1915 forward, available at a lower cost than certified copies from the Division of Vital Records. This is useful for genealogists who only need to confirm facts rather than obtain a certified copy.
Communities in Chester County
Chester County's county seat is the city of Chester, which is home to the coroner's office, probate court, health department, and clerk of court. All death records for Chester County residents are processed through the county coroner and filed with the state vital records system in Columbia.
Nearby Counties
Chester County borders several South Carolina counties. Death records are kept in the county where the death occurred. Confirm the correct county before requesting a record.