What Documents You Need to Get a Real ID in South Carolina

The Documents South Carolina Requires for Real ID

To get a Real ID in South Carolina, you need to bring one document proving your identity, one proving your Social Security number, one proving your South Carolina residency, and one proving your date of birth. The SCDMV calls this the 1-2-3-4 document rule: one primary identity document, two secondary documents (one for SSN and one for residency), and proof of your current legal name if it has changed.

You cannot use the same document twice. For example, a driver's license counts as your primary identity document, so you cannot also use it to prove residency. The documents must be originals or certified copies — photocopies are not accepted. If a document is in a language other than English, you must bring a certified English translation along with the original.

South Carolina does not require you to bring your Social Security card itself, though you may. The SCDMV accepts a W-2 form, tax return, or 1099 as proof of your SSN instead. This matters because many people no longer carry their Social Security cards.

Key Takeaways

You must bring an original or certified copy of one primary identity document, such as a valid passport, birth certificate, or current out-of-state driver's license.
Proof of your Social Security number can be your card, a W-2, a tax return, or a 1099 form — you do not need the card itself.
South Carolina residency must be shown with a recent utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or government mail dated within the last 60 days.
If your name has changed since your birth certificate was issued, bring a certified copy of the document that changed it — marriage license, divorce decree, or court order.
All documents must be originals or certified copies; photocopies will not be accepted at the DMV counter.

Primary Identity Documents Accepted in South Carolina

Your primary identity document must be current and valid. The SCDMV accepts a valid U.S. passport, a valid passport card, a valid driver's license or ID card from another U.S. state or territory, a valid military ID, or a certified copy of your birth certificate issued by the vital records office in the state or country where you were born.

If you are using a birth certificate, it must be a certified copy with the raised seal or embossed seal from the issuing vital records office — a photocopy or uncertified copy will not work. If your birth certificate is from outside the United States, it must be accompanied by a certified English translation.

If you are using an out-of-state driver's license, it must not be expired by more than one year. If it is expired beyond that, the SCDMV will not accept it as your primary document, and you will need to use a passport or birth certificate instead.

Proof of Social Security Number

The SCDMV accepts your Social Security card itself, but you have other options that many people find easier. A W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a federal tax return showing your full SSN all count as proof. If you use a tax return, it must be an original or certified copy — a photocopy is not accepted.

If you do not have any of these documents, you can request a replacement Social Security card from the Social Security Administration. That process takes about two weeks by mail. You cannot proceed with your Real ID appointment until you have one of these documents in hand.

Proof of South Carolina Residency

Your residency document must show your current name and current South Carolina address, and it must be dated within the last 60 days. The SCDMV accepts a utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet), a lease or rental agreement, a mortgage statement, a property tax bill, homeowner's or renter's insurance policy, or government mail such as a tax notice or voter registration card.

Bank statements and credit card statements are not accepted as proof of residency. If you have just moved to South Carolina and do not yet have a utility bill or lease in your name, you can use a mortgage statement, property tax bill, or a letter from your landlord on letterhead stating your name, address, and move-in date. The landlord letter must be original and signed.

If you live with a family member and are not on the lease or utility bill, you can bring a notarized affidavit from the person whose name is on the bill, stating that you live at that address. The affidavit must include the resident's name, address, and signature, and it must be notarized.

Proof of Date of Birth and Name Changes

Your primary identity document (passport, birth certificate, or driver's license) already proves your date of birth, so you do not need a separate document for this. However, if your legal name has changed since your birth certificate was issued, you must bring the document that changed it.

If you married, bring a certified copy of your marriage license. If you divorced, bring a certified copy of your divorce decree. If you changed your name by court order, bring a certified copy of the court order. These documents must be certified copies with the seal of the issuing court or vital records office — photocopies are not accepted.

If you have changed your name more than once, bring certified copies of all the documents in order. For example, if you married and then divorced and took back your maiden name, bring both the marriage license and the divorce decree.

Documents You Do Not Need to Bring

You do not need to bring your Social Security card if you have a W-2, tax return, or 1099. You do not need to bring a separate proof of date of birth if your primary identity document shows it. You do not need to bring a letter from your employer or school, even if you just moved to South Carolina for work or school.

You do not need to bring your current South Carolina driver's license or ID card if you are upgrading to Real ID — the SCDMV will handle that as part of your transaction. You do not need to bring a passport if you have a birth certificate and another form of ID. You do not need to bring multiple documents in the same category; one valid residency document is enough.

What to Do If You Do Not Have All the Documents

If you do not have a certified birth certificate, you can order one from the vital records office in the state or country where you were born. Most states process orders within two to four weeks. You can order online, by mail, or in person at the vital records office. Costs vary by state but typically range from $15 to $30.

If you do not have proof of residency because you just moved, ask your landlord or mortgage company for a statement dated within the last 60 days. If you do not have a utility bill yet, a recent lease or mortgage statement will work. If you are staying with family, a notarized affidavit from the person on the lease or bill is your fastest option.

If you have lost your Social Security card and do not have a W-2 or tax return, you can request a replacement card from the Social Security Administration. You can explore online at ssa.gov, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or in person at your local Social Security office. Replacement cards are free and typically arrive within two weeks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a photocopy of my birth certificate?

No. The SCDMV requires an original or certified copy with the raised or embossed seal from the vital records office. A photocopy, even if notarized, will not be accepted. You must order a certified copy from the vital records office in the state or country where you were born.

What if my name on my documents does not match exactly?

Minor differences such as a middle initial versus a full middle name are usually acceptable. However, if your name differs significantly across documents, bring a certified copy of the document that changed your name — marriage license, divorce decree, or court order — to explain the discrepancy.

Can I use a bank statement as proof of residency?

No. The SCDMV does not accept bank statements or credit card statements. You must use a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, property tax bill, insurance policy, or government mail dated within the last 60 days and showing your current address.

Do I need to bring my Social Security card if I have a W-2?

No. A W-2, tax return, or 1099 form is sufficient proof of your Social Security number. You do not need to bring your card itself. However, you may bring it if you have it — the SCDMV will accept it.

What if I was born outside the United States?

You must bring a certified copy of your birth certificate from the vital records office in the country where you were born, along with a certified English translation. If you have a valid U.S. passport, you can use that as your primary identity document instead and skip the birth certificate.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.