Photo ID Requirements

ID Requirements for Voting

When voting in person, you will be asked to show one of the following current and valid Photo IDs:

  • SC Driver's License
    • Includes standard license and REAL ID
  • SC Department of Motor Vehicles ID Card
    • Includes standard ID card and REAL ID
    • Includes SC Concealed Weapons Permit
  • SC Voter Registration Card with Photo
  • Federal Military ID
    • Includes all Department of Defense Photo IDs and Veterans Affairs Benefits Card
  • US Passport
    • Includes US Passport ID Card

IF YOU ALREADY HAVE ONE OF THESE PHOTO IDS, YOU ARE READY TO VOTE.

Be sure to bring your Photo ID with you to the polling place.

What if I do not have one of these Photo IDs?

Make your voting experience as fast and easy as possible by getting a free Photo ID from your county voter registration and elections office or your local DMV office.

What if I forget to bring my Photo ID when voting in person?

You may vote a provisional ballot that will count only if you show your Photo ID to the county voter registration and elections office prior to certification of the election (usually Thursday or Friday after the election).

What if I can't get a Photo ID?

Bring your non-photo voter registration card with you to the polling place.  You may vote a provisional ballot after signing an affidavit stating you have a reasonable impediment to obtaining Photo ID.  A reasonable impediment is any valid reason, beyond your control, which created an obstacle to obtaining a Photo ID. Some examples include:

  • a disability or illness
  • a conflict with your work schedule
  • a lack of transportation
  • a lack of a birth certificate
  • family responsibilities
  • a religious objection to being photographed
  • any other obstacle you find reasonable

This ballot will count unless someone proves to the county board of voter registration and elections that you are lying about your identity or about having the listed impediment.

To vote under the reasonable impediment exception:

  • Inform the poll managers that you do not have a photo ID and could not get one.
  • Present your current, non-photo registration card.
  • Sign the affidavit provided by the poll managers stating why you could not obtain a Photo ID.
  • Cast a provisional ballot that will be counted unless the county board of voter registration and elections has reason to believe your affidavit is false.
What ID is required when returning an absentee ballot?

Photo ID is required when returning an absentee ballot in person. Acceptable Photo IDs:

  • Driver’s license issued by a state within the United States
  • Another form of identification containing a photograph issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles or its equivalent by a state within the United States
  • Passport
  • Military identification containing a photograph issued by the federal government
  • South Carolina voter registration card containing a photograph of the voter.

ID Requirements for Registering to Vote

If registering to vote by mail or in person, provide a copy of one of the following items:

  • Any current, valid Photo ID; or
  • A utility bill, bank statement, paycheck or government document showing your name and address in your county.