Identification Cards in South Carolina

Identity Cards in South Carolina

A South Carolina ID card can be used as an alternative form of photo identification if you do not have a driver's license or learner's permit. You can use your SC ID card for a number of things, including voting, opening a bank account, and proving your age. Whether you're a resident of South Carolina or born outside of the country, applying for a SC ID card is an easy process as long as you meet the eligibility requirements.

South Carolina REAL ID Cards

The South Carolina DMV issues federally-compliant REAL ID cards in addition to non-compliant IDs. As of October 1, 2021, only the REAL ID will function as federal identification for domestic travel and entry into federal and military buildings—a standard ID card will not after this date.

You have the choice to apply for a non-compliant identification card or upgrade to a REAL ID. For more detail, visit SCDMV's guide to REAL IDs.

SC ID Card Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible for an identification card in South Carolina, you must:

  • Be 5 years old or older.
  • Be a resident of South Carolina.
  • Not have a valid SC driver's license or beginner's permit.
  • Consent to share your information with Selective Services, if you're a male between 18 and 25 years old.

Apply for a South Carolina ID Card

South Carolina identification cards are valid for 8 years from the issue date. If you are a non-U.S. citizen, your card may expire earlier depending on the length of your visa.

U.S. Citizens

If you are a U.S. citizen, you must visit a SC Department of Motor Vehicles office in person to apply for a SC identification card. You must bring:

If you are under 18 years old, your parent or legal guardian must sign your application. If you are an emancipated minor, you must submit an original or certified copy of a court order, marriage certificate, or active military order to prove your emancipation.

New to South Carolina?

If you are new to South Carolina, you must surrender all of your out-of-state licenses and identification cards before you can get a SC ID card. If your out-of-state license or identification card is lost, you must submit a completed Affidavit for Lost/Surrendered Driver's License (Form DL-49).

Non-U.S. Citizens

If you are not a U.S. citizen, but you ARE a legal resident of South Carolina, you can apply for a SC ID card at an International Customer Office.

You must bring:

  • Documents proving your identity, date and place of birth, and authorized length of stay in the U.S. (e.g. I-94, current passport, or current employment authorization card I-766).
  • Documents proving your current physical SC residency (e.g. recent utility bill, current SC payroll stub, or SC student ID card).
  • Your Social Security card or a letter from the Social Security Administration.
  • Documents showing your name change, if applicable (e.g. adoption records, marriage certificate, or court ordered name change).

Please refer to the International Customer's Checklist (Form MV-94) for a full list of documents required.

Documents in a Foreign Language: You will need to bring in original translated versions of your documents if they aren't in English. They will need to be translated by a qualified translator who is authorized to teach or translate a specific language.

SC Identification Card Fees

Your South Carolina ID card is valid for 8 years from the issue date and will cost:

  • $15 if you're 5 to 16 years old.
  • No fee if you're 17 years old or older.

You will pay the same fee whether you are applying for, renewing, or replacing your SC ID card.

If you are eligible for and would like a Veteran" status on your ID card, it will cost you an additional fee when you apply, renew, or replace your SC ID card.

The SC DMV accepts the following payment options:

  • DMV Office Cash, *check, credit, and debit.
  • Mail *Check only.
  • Online Credit and debit.

Checks are to be made payable to the " S.C. Department of Motor Vehicles".

Renew Your South Carolina ID Card

You can renew your South Carolina ID card online, or in person at a SC DMV office. If you are upgrading from a non-compliant ID card to a REAL ID, use the document checklist to see if you're eligible to apply online; otherwise, you'll need to renew in person and bring all appropriate documents.

Online Renewal

Visit the SCDMV's online renewal service to see if you are eligible to renew your identification card online. You can also check to see if SCDMV has the appropriate documents on file for you to upgrade to a REAL ID.

In-Person Renewal

To renew your SC ID card in person, visit your local SC DMV office. You will need a completed Application for a Beginner's Permit, Driver's License, or Identification Card (Form 447-NC).

Change Your SC ID Card Information

If you change your name or address, you must tell the SC DMV within 10 days of the change.

Change Your Address

You can change your address online, by mail, or in person at your local SC DMV office.

Online

To change your address online, visit the SC DMV's online address change service. You will need your:

  • Current ID card number and issue date.
  • Social Security number.
  • A valid VISA, MasterCard, or Discover card to pay the $15 fee for a new ID card, if applicable.

See the SC Identification Card Fees" section above for information on fees and payment options.

By Mail or In Person

To change your address on SC DMV records by mail or in person, you will need to complete an Application for Name and/or Address Change, Date of Birth and/or Social Security Correction, or Special Mailing (Form 4057).

To receive an updated SC ID card showing your new address, you will also need to complete an Application for a Beginner's Permit, Driver's License, or Identification Card (Form 447-NC).

Bring your application and valid payment to your local SC DMV office, or send them to:

DMV Alternative Media P.O. Box 1498 Blythewood, SC 29016

See the SC Identification Card Fees" section above for information on fees and payment options.

Change Your Name

To change your name with the South Carolina DMV, you must visit a SC DMV office in person. You cannot change your name online or by mail.

You will need:

If you need an updated card showing your new name, you will also need:

See the SC Identification Card Fees" section above for information on fees and payment options.

Replace a Lost or Stolen South Carolina ID Card

If your South Carolina ID has been lost or stolen, you should report it to your local police. To get a replacement ID card, you need to visit a SC DMV office in person. You cannot apply for a replacement ID card online or by mail.

You will need:

See the SC Identification Card Fees" section above for information on fees and payment options.

You may need additional documentation if you have replaced your identification card more than one time in the last 12 months.

Military and Selective Service ID Cards in SC

Veterans

If you are a veteran who served honorably in the United States Armed Forces, you can apply to have Veteran" status on your South Carolina identification card. When you apply for your ID card, you will also need to bring one of the following completed documents:

  • Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty (Form DD-214), if you were discharged after January 1, 1950.
  • Certificate of Discharge or Enlisted Separation Paper, if you were discharged before 1950.

It will cost you an additional $1 fee to add the Veteran" status to your SC ID card.

If you wish to add the status to your existing SC ID card, you will need to visit a SC DMV office in person with one of the above documents.

Selective Service

If you are a male between 18 and 25 years old, the SC DMV will provide your information to the Unites States Selective Service when you apply for, renew, or replace your SC ID card. Women do not need to share their information with the Selective Service.

You are not eligible for a SC identification card if you do not give your consent to the SC DMV to give your information to the Selective Service.

If you are a male under  18 years old and apply for a South Carolina ID card, your information will be given to the Selective Service when you turn 18 years old. If you do not wish to share your information with the Selective Service, you must surrender your ID card to the SC DMV before this date.

If you are not a U.S. Citizen, you must consent in person at a SC DMV office.

Forms

447-NC
Application for a Beginner's Permit, Driver's License, or Identification Card (Non-Commercial Credential)
Use this DMV form to apply for a South Carolina learner's permit, driver's license, identification card, OR moped/motorcycle license. Can be used to request an original, renewal, duplicate, or correction.
DL-49
Affidavit for Lost/Surrendered Drivers License
Submit to the SC Department of Motor Vehicles if you lost OR must surrender your driver's license, learner's permit, or ID card.
MV-94
International Customers' Checklist
The DMV's checklist of required items for people from out-of-country who are applying for a SC identification card, learner's permit, or driver's license.
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