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How to Get ID & Documents in South Carolina

South Carolina issues state identification cards through the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles (SCDMV). At just $5, South Carolina has one of the lowest state ID fees in the nation. The state also provides reentry support through the South Carolina Department of Corrections (SCDC).

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Quick Answer

Visit an SCDMV office with proof of identity (birth certificate or passport), Social Security card, and two proofs of South Carolina residency. A state ID costs just $5 — one of the lowest fees in the country — and is valid for 5 years. Processing typically takes 7-10 business days for the permanent card to arrive by mail.

South Carolina ID Agency

South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles (SCDMV)

Website: scdmvonline.com

Phone: (803) 896-5000

State ID Card

Cost: $5

REAL ID: $5

Processing: 7-10 business days by mail

Online renewal: Yes

Requirements:

  • Proof of identity (birth certificate, passport, or other primary document)
  • Social Security card or document showing full SSN
  • Two proofs of South Carolina residency (utility bill, bank statement, lease agreement)
  • Proof of legal presence for non-citizens

South Carolina's $5 state ID fee is one of the lowest in the nation, making identification highly accessible. IDs are valid for 5 years. REAL ID-compliant cards require proof of legal presence, full SSN, and two proofs of SC residency. The SCDMV also offers free voter registration photo ID cards for registered voters. A temporary ID is issued at the office while the permanent card is mailed.

Birth Certificate

Agency: DHEC Vital Records

Cost: $12

Online ordering: Yes

Processing: 3-5 weeks by mail; same day in person at Columbia office

Order online: scdhec.gov/vital-records

South Carolina birth certificates can be ordered online, by mail, or in person at the DHEC Vital Records office in Columbia or at county health departments. Online orders go through the SC DHEC online portal or VitalChek with additional service fees. The cost is $12 per certified copy. You must provide valid ID and proof of eligibility.

Special Programs & Fee Waivers

Reentry ID Program

The South Carolina Department of Corrections (SCDC) operates reentry programs that include identification assistance for individuals being released from state facilities. The SCDC works with the SCDMV and DHEC Vital Records to help individuals obtain birth certificates, Social Security cards, and state IDs before release. The state's Reentry Program coordinates these efforts.

Homeless Provisions

South Carolina does not have a formal statewide fee waiver specifically for homeless individuals. However, with the ID costing only $5, the financial barrier is minimal. Organizations such as the South Carolina Coalition for the Homeless and local shelters provide assistance with obtaining ID documentation.

Fee Waivers

South Carolina offers free voter registration photo ID cards for registered voters who lack qualifying identification. The standard $5 state ID fee is already one of the lowest in the country. Some nonprofit organizations and county social services departments provide additional financial assistance.

Recommended Order to Get Your Documents

If you have no documents at all, this is the order most reentry specialists recommend. Each document makes the next one easier to get.

  1. 1
    Birth certificate -- This is the foundation document. You can usually order it by mail with minimal ID. It unlocks everything else. Cost in South Carolina: $12.
  2. 2
    Social Security card -- Always free. With your birth certificate, you can get a replacement SS card at any SSA office or online at ssa.gov. You can replace up to 3 cards per year, 10 in a lifetime.
  3. 3
    State ID card -- With your birth certificate and SS card, you have everything needed for a state ID at the SCDMV. Cost: $5.
  4. 4
    Other documents -- Once you have a state ID, you can open a bank account, apply for benefits, get a job, register to vote, and apply for a driver's license, passport, or other documents.

Pre-Release Document Planning Timeline

If you or someone you know is currently incarcerated, start the document process as early as possible. Many states allow document applications from inside the facility.

6-12 months out

Request a birth certificate by mail from your birth state. Contact your case manager or reentry coordinator about ID assistance programs. Ask if your facility has a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Social Security Administration for in-facility SS card processing.

3-6 months out

Apply for your Social Security card replacement. If your facility has a partnership with the SCDMV, begin the state ID application. Gather any educational transcripts, vocational certificates, or GED documentation earned during incarceration.

1-3 months out

Confirm your documents are ready or in process. If your facility issues a DOC/prison release ID card, make sure it will be provided on release day. Identify the nearest SCDMV office and SSA office to where you will be living.

Release day

Get your prison release ID card, any documents your facility has prepared, and your personal property. Your release ID is a valid form of identification at many government offices. Visit the SCDMV as soon as possible to get your state ID.

Federal Release Identification Card (BOP)

If you or someone you know was incarcerated in a federal prison, the Bureau of Prisons (BOP) issues a Federal Release Identification Card with REAL ID-level security features. This card is accepted by TSA for domestic air travel and by many state SCDMV offices as a valid form of identification. Over 16,700 cards have been issued since October 2023.

The federal release ID is nota REAL ID, but it can be used as proof of identity when applying for a state ID or driver's license. It includes your photo, date of birth, and federal inmate number. Ask your unit team or case manager about the Federal Release Identification Card program before your release date.

Note: This program is for federal (BOP) facilities only. State prison release IDs vary by state -- see the reentry program section above for South Carolina-specific information.

County Jail vs. State Prison: Different ID Situations

State prison releases typically have access to pre-release ID programs and reentry services. Many state corrections departments partner with the SCDMV to issue state IDs before release. Your facility case manager or reentry coordinator can help navigate this process.

County jail releases often get little or no document assistance. Jail stays are shorter, and most county jails do not have formal reentry ID programs. If you are released from county jail without ID, your best resources are:

  • Call 211 for local reentry and ID assistance programs
  • Contact your local Legal Aid office for help with documents
  • Ask your parole/probation officer about ID assistance
  • Visit a local shelter or reentry center -- many help with document recovery
  • Some SCDMV offices accept jail release paperwork as a secondary form of ID

Born in a Different State?

If you were born in a state other than South Carolina, you will need to order your birth certificate from the state where you were born. Every state has a vital records office that processes mail-in requests. You can also use VitalChek.com (official partner for most states) to order online, though they charge a processing fee on top of the state fee.

If you are currently incarcerated in South Carolina but were born elsewhere, your case manager or reentry coordinator can often help you request your birth certificate by mail from your birth state. Start this process at least 6 months before your release date, as out-of-state requests can take 4-8 weeks.

Born outside the U.S.? You will need a Consular Report of Birth Abroad (for U.S. citizens born overseas), a Certificate of Naturalization, or a Permanent Resident Card (green card). Contact the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) or a local immigration legal aid organization for help.

Social Security Card -- Key Facts

Replacing your Social Security card is always free -- do not pay anyone for this service. You can get a replacement online at ssa.gov/myaccount, by mail, or in person at any SSA office. You are limited to 3 replacement cards per year and 10 in your lifetime.

Prison-SSA partnership: Many federal and state correctional facilities have a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Social Security Administration that allows inmates to apply for replacement cards using their prison ID as proof of identity. Ask your case manager if your facility participates. The SSA processes these applications and mails the card directly to the facility or to a designated release address.

No ID at all? If you have no other identification, the SSA may accept alternative evidence of identity. Visit an SSA office in person and explain your situation. Bring any documents you have, including prison release papers, medical records, or school records. See our guide for getting ID with no documents.

Other Important Documents

U.S. Passport -- A valid federal photo ID that can also serve as proof of citizenship. Useful as a backup ID. Costs $130 (book) or $30 (card). Apply at a passport acceptance facility (usually a post office). See our felon passport guide.
Criminal Record / RAP Sheet -- You have the right to request your own criminal history. This is useful for expungement applications, job interviews, and housing applications. Contact the South CarolinaState Police or use the FBI's Identity History Summary (costs $18, submitted via fingerprint card). See our guide to checking your own record.
Military Discharge Papers (DD-214) -- Veterans need their DD-214 for VA benefits, healthcare, and employment preferences. Request a copy from the National Personnel Records Center (free). Many county recorders also keep copies on file.
Selective Service Registration -- Males 18-25 are required to register. Registration is needed for federal financial aid (Pell Grants), federal jobs, and citizenship applications. Register or verify status at sss.gov.
Educational Transcripts & Vocational Certificates -- If you completed a GED, vocational training, or college courses during incarceration, contact the facility's education department for official transcripts before or soon after release. These documents help with employment and education applications. See our education & training guide.
Voter Registration -- Check your voting eligibility in South Carolina and register to vote. See our South Carolina voting rights guide.

Step-by-Step Guides

More South Carolina Guides

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a South Carolina state ID cost?
A South Carolina state identification card costs just $5 and is valid for 5 years, making it one of the most affordable state IDs in the nation at $1 per year.
Can I get a free voter ID in South Carolina?
Yes, South Carolina offers a free voter registration photo ID card for registered voters who do not have another acceptable form of photo identification. You can apply at any SCDMV office.
How do I get my South Carolina birth certificate?
Contact DHEC Vital Records. You can order online through the DHEC portal or VitalChek, by mail, or in person at the DHEC Vital Records office in Columbia or at county health departments. The cost is $12 per certified copy.
What help is available when leaving a South Carolina prison?
The South Carolina Department of Corrections (SCDC) provides reentry programs that include help with identification documents. The SCDC coordinates with the SCDMV and DHEC to obtain necessary documents before release. Contact your case manager to start the process.
Can I renew my South Carolina ID online?
Yes, eligible South Carolina residents can renew their state ID online through the SCDMV website at scdmvonline.com. You must meet certain eligibility requirements and have no changes to your personal information that require new documentation.
Do I need a REAL ID in South Carolina?
A REAL ID-compliant card (marked with a gold star) is required for boarding domestic flights and entering federal facilities. South Carolina SCDMV issues REAL ID-compliant cards at the same $5 cost. You will need proof of legal presence, your full SSN, and two proofs of SC residency.

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Disclaimer: This is informational only, not legal advice. Requirements and fees change frequently. Contact your local SCDMV, vital records office, or Social Security office for exact current requirements. For help, call 211 or visit 211.org.
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