Death Index in Kershaw County

Kershaw County is centrally located in South Carolina, with Camden as the county seat. The county sits about 30 minutes from downtown Columbia, less than 90 minutes from Charlotte, and within two hours of the Port of Charleston. Death records for Kershaw County begin with statewide registration on January 1, 1915. An elected coroner handles death investigations, and the state vital records system holds certified death certificates from 1915 forward. This guide covers where to search the Kershaw County death index and how to request records.

Kershaw County Death Index History

Kershaw County has a long history in South Carolina, with Camden recognized as one of the oldest inland cities in the state. The county is positioned at the center of the East Coast, roughly halfway between New York and Miami, and serves as a regional hub for the Midlands. Camden's role as the county seat means all county government offices, including the coroner and probate court, operate from this location. The county's central location made it a crossroads for trade and settlement, and its historical records reflect that deep history.

Statewide death registration in South Carolina began January 1, 1915. Every death in Kershaw County from that date forward must have a death certificate filed within five days. The certificate is prepared by the attending physician or the coroner, depending on the nature of the death. These certificates are submitted to the county health department as the local registrar and then forwarded to the state vital records system in Columbia.

Before 1915, Kershaw County death records do not exist in the state vital records system. Researchers looking for pre-1915 deaths should check probate court files, church burial records, cemetery surveys, and historical newspaper obituaries. The SC Department of Archives and History holds some earlier historical documents that may include Kershaw County death-related records.

Kershaw County Death Records and Government

The Kershaw County government portal at kershawcountysc.org links to all county departments relevant to death records. The coroner, probate court, and health department are all accessible through this portal. The county government offices in Camden are the primary local contacts for death investigations, burial permits, and death certificate questions for Kershaw County deaths.

The county portal is the best starting point for locating current office hours, phone numbers, and contact information for every Kershaw County department involved in the death records process.

Searching Kershaw County Death Records Online

Free online resources provide access to Kershaw County death index entries from 1915 through 1967. The SC DPH Death Indexes 1915-1967 are searchable on the state health department website at no cost. These indexes list the name of the deceased, the county of death, the date of death, and a reference number for the full certificate. Searching this index before ordering a certified copy can save time and money.

The Ancestor Hunt free South Carolina death records directory aggregates links to online indexes and genealogy databases that cover Kershaw County. This resource is especially useful for researchers who want to check multiple collections in one place before requesting official records.

Note: The state death index covers the period from 1915 through 1967 for free online access. Records after 1967 require a direct request to the state or local vital records office.

Requesting Kershaw County Death Certificates

Certified death certificates from 1915 forward are issued by the South Carolina Department of Public Health. Requests can be submitted online, by phone through VitalChek at 1-877-284-1008, or by mail to SC Department of Public Health, Vital Records Section, P.O. Box 2046, West Columbia, SC 29171. In-person requests go to 2600 Bull Street, Columbia, SC 29201. The office is open Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM.

The non-refundable search fee is $12. Additional copies ordered at the same time cost $3 each. All requesters must show a valid government-issued photo ID. Records less than 50 years old are available only to immediate family members or their legal representatives. Records 50 years or older are open to any member of the public under South Carolina law. The SC Department of Archives and History at 8301 Parklane Road, Columbia, SC 29223, holds microfilm of death certificates as a lower-cost option for genealogical research.

South Carolina Law and Kershaw County Death Records

Kershaw County death records fall under SC Code Title 44, Chapter 63. This statute governs the entire vital records system, including the requirement to file certificates within five days, the role of county health departments as local registrars, and state maintenance of the central death index. Electronic filing is now required statewide for all certificates. Every Kershaw County death from 1915 forward is captured in this system.

The Kershaw County Coroner operates under SC Code Title 17, Chapter 5, which grants coroners the power to investigate deaths, hold inquests, and report findings to state agencies. The coroner coordinates with law enforcement and health officials when a death requires investigation. After 50 years, death records shift from restricted to open public access. This threshold is consistent across all South Carolina counties and allows genealogical researchers broad access to historical Kershaw County death records.

Nearby Counties

Kershaw County borders several Midlands and Pee Dee region counties. Death records are filed in the county where the death occurred, so confirm the right county before searching.

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