Vital records ID requirements change in 2008

COLUMBIA - Vital records will only be issued upon proof of identity by a valid government, school or employer-issued picture identification document beginning Jan. 1, 2008, the S.C. Department of Health and Environmental has announced.

"A vital record in the wrong hands, especially a birth certificate, provides information about a person that can be misused for many illegal purposes," said Luanne Miles, director of DHEC's Division of Vital Records. "The 9/11 Commission report and other government studies have detailed the growing problems relating to false identities and misuse of birth certificates. State vital records offices across the country are reviewing practices to lessen the opportunity for fraud and to decrease the likelihood of issuance of vital records to those who are not entitled to them.

"Although DHEC's Vital Records office has a very long history of protecting the confidentiality and security of vital records, additional security measures are needed to address these growing problems in identify fraud and to protect our customers, the citizens of South Carolina," Miles said. "DHEC is focused on working to reduce the risk of identity theft."

"We take our responsibility to protect vital records very seriously," Miles said. "We are making every effort to balance security needs with good customer service and will guide customers about how to meet the new requirements. While we expect an adjustment period, we believe most people will understand and appreciate that this tightening security measures helps protect them from fraud. We hope we can reduce any inconvenience by alerting customer about the new requirements in advance."

According to Miles, in January of 2008, anyone requesting a vital record must provide a valid government or employer-issued photo identification.

"Customers asking for service from any county or state vital records office will be asked to show their photo identification," Miles said.

"Anyone submitting a request by mail will need to include a viewable copy of their identification. Requests received by mail that do not include a copy of a valid photo ID must be returned unprocessed."

Signs have been posted in each of DHEC's 46 county offices as well as the state office in Columbia. For more information, call (803) 898-3630.

Acceptable ID Documents

Any United States' Division of Motor Vehicles office-issued picture identification, i.e., an unexpired driver's license, ID card or learner's permit,

Current school or employer picture identification card

Military card (unexpired - active duty or retired)

United States passport (unexpired)

Foreign passport with visa (l-94 or l-94W - unexpired)

Re-entry permit (l-327 - unexpired)

Refuge travel document (form l-571 - unexpired)

United States citizen identification card (form l-197)

Temporary resident card (form l-688 - unexpired)

Permanent resident card (form l-551 - unexpired)

Weapon or gun permit issued by federal, state or municipal government (unexpired)