South Carolina
1 Check ID Rules
IDs for Voting in Person
Option 1: Show Photo ID
South Carolina asks registered voters to show a photo ID when they vote in person.
Your ID:
- Must have your name and photo.
- Doesn’t need a current address.
- Cannot be expired.
You can show:
- South Carolina driver’s license
- South Carolina state ID card
- South Carolina voter registration card (with photo)
- US passport or passport card
- Military or veteran identification
- South Carolina concealed carry permit
Option 2: Sign Form Giving Reason for No Photo ID
Don’t have an accepted form of photo ID? You can still vote!
You have to give a specific reason why you could not get one.
What to do:
- Go to your voting location.
- Tell election workers you do not have a photo ID and could not get one.
- Show your South Carolina voter registration card (without photo).
- Sign a form (called an “affidavit of reasonable impediment”) explaining why you do not have photo ID.
- Cast your ballot!
South Carolina accepts reasons like:
- Missing birth certificate or other necessary documents
- Lack of transportation
- Disability or illness
- Work schedule
Check the FAQ section below for the full list!
Option 3: Vote a Provisional Ballot and Return with ID
If you do not have photo ID or a qualifying reason, ask for a provisional ballot.
Provisional ballots are backup ballots. They make sure you can still vote if there is a problem.
To make your vote count:
- Provide an accepted photo ID to your county election office.
- Do this before results are official (usually by the Thursday or Friday after Election Day).
IDs for Voting by Mail
Only some South Carolina voters can vote by mail.
Requesting Your Ballot
Apply for an absentee ballot and give a reason why you cannot vote in person.
Provide the last 4 digits of your Social Security number on your application. No ID is required.
Returning Your Ballot
A witness (anyone age 18+) must watch you sign the ballot envelope and add their signature. You do not need to include a copy of your ID.
If you drop off your ballot in person, you must show ID. Any photo ID accepted for voting works!
Frequently Asked Questions
What reasons allow me to vote without photo ID in South Carolina?
You can vote without photo ID if you lack it for one of these reasons:
- Missing birth certificate or other necessary documents
- Lack of transportation
- Disability or illness
- Work schedule
- Family responsibilities
- Religious objection to photographs
- Another obstacle that stopped you
Can I use a digital or mobile ID to vote in South Carolina?
The state has no official policy on digital IDs. Contact your county election office for guidance.
Do I need a REAL ID to vote in South Carolina?
You do not need a REAL ID to vote in South Carolina.
REAL ID is a set of national security standards for states to follow when they issue driver’s licenses and state ID cards.
How to get a REAL ID in South Carolina:
- Go in person to get your driver’s license or state ID card.
- Provide multiple documents to confirm your identity.
Visit the South Carolina DMV website to see what is required.
2 Register
Who can vote in South Carolina?
You need to register before you can vote in South Carolina.
You can vote in South Carolina if you meet these requirements:
- You are a citizen of the United States.
- You are a resident of South Carolina.
- You are at least 18 years of age on Election Day.
You cannot register to vote in South Carolina if:
- You were convicted of a felony, and your right to vote has not been restored.
- You are under a court order that takes away your right to vote.
How to Register
Required ID Information
You have to verify your identity when you register to vote.
If you have a driver’s license or state ID card:
- Give your license or ID number on the registration form.
If you do not have either ID:
- Give the last 4 digits of your Social Security number.
- Don’t have a Social Security number? Leave this part of the form blank.
If you do not provide an ID number when you register:
- Be ready to show an accepted ID the first time you vote!
Register to Vote Online
You can use this form below to register in South Carolina online.
Other Voter Registration Options
- Complete a registration form and return it by mail.
- Visit your local election office or a voter registration agency to register in person.
FAQ: Registering to Vote
Can I register and vote on the same day in South Carolina?
No, South Carolina does not allow you to register and vote on the same day.
Check South Carolina’s voter registration deadlines here!
If the registration deadline for an upcoming election has passed, you can still apply to register.
Your registration will be processed, and you will be registered to vote in future elections.
How do I fix or update my voter registration information?
If you cannot find your registration information or if any details are incorrect:
- Update your name, address, or political party affiliation by submitting a new registration.
- Contact your county election office if you have questions or need to make other changes.
Can I register to vote in South Carolina if I have been convicted of a crime?
Each state has its own laws about whether citizens with previous criminal convictions can vote.
To check if you can register in South Carolina, visit Restore Your Vote.
Can I register to vote in South Carolina if I attend college in South Carolina?
College students can vote using their South Carolina school residence address.
You can decide whether to register in your home state or where you attend school.
You may only register and voter in one location.
Register to Vote in South Carolina
Don’t have a state-issued ID? VoteRiders is here to help!
3 Vote
Voting in Person
You must confirm your identity when you vote in person.
You can:
- Show an accepted form of photo ID.
- Sign a form giving the reason you do not have photo ID.
- Vote a provisional ballot and provide ID later.
Where to Vote
Find your voting location and more information here!
Voting by Mail
Only some South Carolina voters can vote by mail. You have to give a specific reason why you cannot vote in person.
Accepted reasons include:
- You will not be in your county during early voting and Election Day.
- You have a physical disability or illness.
- Your work schedule conflicts with voting hours.
- You are age 65 or older.
Check here for the full list of reasons!
How to Request a Ballot
Submit an absentee ballot application to your county’s election office. You can send it by mail or deliver it to the office in person.
No ID is required. You will be asked to provide the last 4 digits of your Social Security number.
How to Return Your Ballot
Completed ballots can be returned by mail or in person.
Where to drop off in person:
- Early voting location
- County election office
Be ready to show photo ID if you drop off your ballot in person!
Do not bring your completed ballot to a polling place on Election Day.
FAQ: Voting by Mail
How do I track my South Carolina mail ballot?
Track your ballot’s status using the South Carolina voter information portal.
Can I fix my South Carolina mail ballot if it is rejected?
There is no process to “cure” (fix) a rejected ballot in South Carolina.
