Get a REAL ID in South Carolina

Online or in person

No, one branch visitYou show original documents at an SCDMV branch. A duplicate bought online before your first REAL ID is a standard card. SCDMV's REAL ID information doesn't mention appointments; its appointment page covers road tests only.

Cost

Same as a standard cardAn 8-year license is $25. ID cards are free from age 17 and $15 for ages 5 to 16.

You leave with

Card by mail in 7 to 15 business daysYou leave the branch with a temporary certificate valid for up to 30 days.

Your plan

1. Gather your documents

   • Proof of identity, U.S. citizenship and date of birth
     Originals or government-issued copies; SCDMV doesn't accept copied or scanned versions. If your birth certificate shows you were born outside the U.S., bring a second document from this list to prove citizenship.
     Show accepted documents (bring 1)

     • Certified birth certificate issued by the county or the Vital Records Office (with file or tracking number and the registrar's signature; U.S. territory and delayed birth certificates count)
     • Unexpired U.S. passport or passport card
     • Certificate of Naturalization (N-550 or N-570)
     • Consular Report of Birth Abroad
     • Certificate of Citizenship (N-560 or N-561)
   • Two proofs of your SC address · 2 different documents
     Each with your name and current SC residential address (not a PO Box), both showing the same address, from two different organizations, and issued within the last 9 months.
     Show accepted documents (bring 2)

     • SC permit, license, ID or vehicle registration with your current address
     • SC Concealed Weapons Permit, or DNR hunting/fishing license or boat registration
     • Voter registration card (U.S. citizens' checklist only)
     • County tax bill or property tax receipt
     • Income tax return, W-2 or Form 1095-B
     • SC school records (report card, transcript, letter from your school)
     • Social Security check or annual statement
     • Current lease for an apartment, house or car
     • Utility bill, payment receipt or approved service application (water, sewer, gas, electricity, cable, internet or phone)
     • Credit card or bank statement, or signed letter on bank letterhead
     • Mortgage monthly statement or deed
     • Insurance bill, statement or policy from a company licensed in SC (insurance cards are not accepted)
     • Current letter of employment or pay stub
     • Postmarked mail delivered to your address, or USPS change of address confirmation
     • Letter from a parole officer, or from the director of an SC shelter or group home
     • Other document issued by a federal, state or municipal government

2. Fill out the application

   Complete the Application for a Beginner's Permit, Driver's License, or Identification Card (Form 447-NC). For a license, you'll also give the name of your SC auto insurance company.

   Form 447-NC (PDF) ↗

3. Choose an SCDMV branch

   You can go to any SCDMV branch. Check its hours and wait times on the location page first.

   Find an SCDMV branch ↗

4. At the branch

   Ask for a REAL ID, show your original documents and give your Social Security number. For a license, pass the vision test and pay $25. If you're moving from another state, you turn in your out-of-state license.

5. Wait for your card

   SCDMV prints cards centrally. You get a temporary certificate valid for up to 30 days, and the card arrives by mail in 7 to 15 business days. Visit a branch if it hasn't arrived in 30 days.