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.
