Below are the four most common documents that are necessary for travel, applications, finances, and just in general to have on hand for your own personal use. Below you’ll find information for locating South Carolina vital records and driving records, Social Security cards, and U.S. passports.
If there are any other documents or information that you feel you need help finding or should be a document that you need on hand, a great book in the library is How to find out anything : from extreme Google searches to scouring government documents, a guide to uncovering anything about everyone and everything, by Don MacLeod, call number Prof. Series. ZA 3075 .M33 2012 . This book gives tips on how to find accurate information efficiently and find information that normally would be harder to find without the guidance of MacLeod.
Vital Records include many different types of records, but most importantly, a birth certificate. Having a birth certificate is important for applications, such as the bar and for a passport, and needing a certified original copy is necessary. Vital records for an individual can be found on the website in the county that you were born in. Requesting the records may have an expense tied to it, it is different for each county and state. As an example, the South Carolina Department of Health & Environmental Control is included here.
Request a birth certificate at DHEC Vital Records:
- On DHEC, scroll down to the Vital Records link, left side of webpage, as seen above;
- Click on Vital Records forms;
- The next screen will have a list of common forms, click on Certified Copy of Birth Certificate;
- Complete the application form; and
- Print the form, send to DHEC with proof of identity and fee payment.
Driving Records are also an important to have for applications, especially the bar application. Each state does the process differently, i.e., timeliness of request, and it is important to know what your state’s process is to get it on time and not become frantic when a deadline is approaching. Other uses for a driver’s record are for businesses to verify your information, court proceedings, investigations, insurance agencies, and commercial driver’s licenses.
Request your driving record at South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles online:
- On SCDMV online, scroll down to the option, “Get Driving Record.”
- You must identify yourself with your Driver’s License number, Date of Issuance, Social Security Number, and Date of Birth.
- Follow all other applicable instructions.
- Pay $6 processing fee for record request.
Passports are extremely important to have for international travel, they’re required. Obtaining one is a lengthy process and the application should be completed far in advance, so a trip is not canceled. You can apply at the United States Department of State – Bureau of Consular Affairs. This link provides all necessary forms, how to identify which form to use, how to take a passport photo, processing time, and where to apply.
Passport photos:
- Submit one color photo, taken in last 6 months.
- Use a clear image of your face. Do not use filters commonly used on social media.
- Have someone else take your photo. No selfies.
- Take off your eyeglasses for your photo.
- Use a white or off-white background without shadows, texture, or lines.
Processing time? Routinely, 4-6 weeks
Where to apply? There is an online list of Acceptance Facilities, by Mail, or Passport Agency or Center
Passport Fees? See the chart below.
Social Security cards are arguably the most important record to obtain and keep in your possession for safety of your identity. Your card can be used for tax purposes, start a job, open a bank account, apply for a loan, apply for a passport, and claim government benefits. If your card is ever stolen or lost, the website above provides processes for ordering a replacement card or report a stolen number.
Requesting a new card:
- On the left-hand side of the site, scroll down to request new card for the first time.
- There you will be prompted to go through an application process to have your card sent to you.
- This card will be mailed to you, so ensure that you have the correct address and keep an eye out for it once your request has been processed.
Reporting a Stolen Number:
- Again, go to the left-hand side of the site and choose Report a Stolen Number.
- Reporting a stolen number will be reported to the Federal Trade Commission.
- This page will take you to an application that will ask a series of questions to help the FTC what the next steps are for your social security number.
Diana Lewis
Juris Doctor Candidate, 2024
Sol Blatt, Jr. Law Library Research Fellow
Resolved Law Journal Member
Moot Court Advocacy Board Member
Charleston School of Law
The Barrister 