South Carolina REAL ID Requirements

• An SC REAL ID card has a gold star and is needed to board airplanes or enter secure federal facilities.

• Without a REAL ID, another federally approved form of identification is needed to pass security at airports or enter secure federal facilities.

• A REAL ID is not needed to drive, vote, access hospital care, enter non-secured federal facilities (like a post office), or receive federal benefits.

• The cost of a REAL ID is the same as a beginner's permit, driver's license, or ID that is not a REAL ID.

• Requirements apply to first-time SC applicants and those returning after holding a license/ID in another state or with an expired SC document (over 9 months).

• If previously held an SC card, at least one updated document with the current address is required.

• Any out-of-state beginner's/learner's permit, driver's license, or ID must be surrendered.

• If a non-commercial license/ID was lost/stolen, a certified driving record from the issuing state is required.

• A CDL holder requires a replacement license from their state of record to surrender it to SC.

• The name of the automobile liability insurance company licensed in SC must be provided (not needed for a beginner's permit/ID).

• This information is verified electronically, per SC Code § 56-1-80(C).

• The Social Security number (SSN) will be electronically verified with the SSA.

• The SSN, date of birth, and name must match the SSA file, per 6 CFR § 37.11(e) and SC Code § 56-1-90.

• All documents are subject to verification and the list can change at the SCDMV's discretion.

• Non-English documents need a translation (qualified or certified translator).

• Qualified translators need a verification letter from their employer.

• Certified translators can present their ATA certification.

• Translations must use the Translation Document (SCDMV form 4030).

• The following documents are required:

Proof of SC Address

• Required by 6 CFR § 37.11(f) and SC Code §§ 56-1-40(7), -80(3)

• Must show the name and current SC address of residence (not a PO Box).

• Two proofs are needed for a REAL ID beginner's permit, driver's license, or identification card, from different organizations and showing the same address.

• Only one proof is needed for a beginner's permit, driver's license, or ID marked "NOT FOR FEDERAL IDENTIFICATION."

• Acceptable documents for proof of address:

• SC beginner's permit, driver's license, ID, or vehicle registration (address must be updated in the SCDMV system).

• SC Concealed Weapons Permit (CWP), hunting/fishing licenses, or boat/jet ski registration (Department of Natural Resources).

• Voter registration card; County tax bill or property tax receipt for the vehicle or home.

• State or federal tax records like income tax returns (including electronic tax file), W-2 Form, or Form 1095-B Health [insurance] Coverage if listed as a primary taxpayer or dependent.

• School records (SC school, college, or university): Report card (showing name and current SC address), Home Schooling Association letter/contract, official school/district letter (indicating enrollment period), transcript, tuition bill/receipt of student loan, or letter from out-of-state boarding school/career development institute (indicating SC residency).

• Social security check or annual statement.

• Current lease agreement for an apartment, house, or car.

• Utility bill, payment receipt, or approved application for services (mailed to SC address): water, sewer, gas, electricity, cable/satellite TV, internet, cell phone, or telephone.

• Financial statements (credit card/bank) or signed bank letter showing your name and SC physical address as the account holder.

• Home mortgage monthly statement or deed.

• Insurance documentation from a company licensed in SC: automobile or life insurance bill/payment receipt (cards not accepted), health insurance statement/payment receipt/explanation of benefits (cards not accepted), homeowner's/renter's insurance policy/payment receipt/bill (renter's policy needs another document confirming the address).

• Current letter of employment or payroll stub/statement.

• US Postal Service letter or item delivered by the US Post Office.

• Change of address confirmation letter or postmarked US mail with forwarding address label (containing first/last name, state, and zip code).

• Any postmarked mail delivered by the US Post Office (personal letters/magazines).

• Parolee letter from parole officer.

• Letter from director of SC social welfare institution (homeless shelter, battered women's shelter, halfway house, group home, orphanage) stating residency.

• Other documents issued by federal/state/municipal government.

Proof of US Citizenship/Proof of Identity and Date of Birth

• Required by 6 CFR 37.11(c) and (d); SC Code §§ 56-1-80 and -90
• One of the following original documents must be presented:
• Certified copy of birth certificate (with birth/file, book, volume, page or tracking number, and registrar's signature) issued by the county or the Vital Records Office.
• Birth certificate from a US territory (translated if not in English): American Samoa, Guam, Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico (after June 30, 2010), and US Virgin Islands.
• Delayed birth certificate.
• Unexpired US Passport or US Passport Card.
• Certificate of US Naturalization - USCIS Form (N-550 or N-570).
• US government issued Consular Report of Birth Abroad.
• Certificate of Citizenship (N-560 or N-561).
• If not born in the US, an additional document from this list is needed to prove US citizenship.

Documents Supporting Name Change(s)

• Required by 6 CFR 37.11(c); SC Code § 56-1-90
• Both the name and SSN must be electronically verified with the SSA.
• If the name has changed since birth, present one of the following:
• A court order or divorce decree changing the name.
• A signed, government-issued marriage license (can only be used once per marriage for middle/last name changes, cannot be used to change first name).
• An unexpired United States Passport or Passport Card (an expired passport or passport card can only be used in option d).
• At least three different documents showing the full name used for at least fifteen years, with a reasonable link.
• State law requires documents demonstrating name traceability if names have changed since birth.
• If the name was changed then reverted back, future name changes will not need documentation from prior name changes.
• If from a US territory, vision, knowledge, and skill tests must be successfully completed for commercial driver's licenses.