Do I need proof of citizenship to register to vote in South Carolina?

No. South Carolina does not currently require documentary proof of citizenship to register to vote. However, if the federal SAVE Act passes, all states would be required to collect proof of citizenship for voter registration. Getting your documents in order now is recommended.

How much does a birth certificate cost in South Carolina?

A certified birth certificate in South Carolina costs In-person/online expedited search fee is $17 and includes one certified copy; mail standard search fee is $12; each additional copy is $3 (online/phone vendor and shipping fees may apply). Processing typically takes Average processing times: online/phone 5-7 business days, in-person 30-45 minutes, mail 4 weeks, and drop-off expedited option 5 business days or less. Use the official South Carolina vital records office for current details: https://dph.sc.gov/public/vital-records/birth-certificates. Remember: you must order from the state where you were born, not where you currently live.

What voter ID do I need in South Carolina?

South Carolina requires in-person voters are asked to show a current and valid photo id; voters without qualifying photo id may vote a provisional ballot if they sign the reasonable impediment declaration for voting. Check with your local election office or visit the South Carolina Secretary of State website for specific details on acceptable forms of identification.

Can I register to vote online in South Carolina?

Yes, South Carolina offers online voter registration. Visit your state's election office website to register or update your registration. The registration deadline is the deadline to register to vote in any election in south carolina is 30 days prior to election day.

South Carolina Voter Registration Guide

Current voter registration requirements, birth certificate ordering information, voter ID rules, deadlines, and official election office links for South Carolina.

POC: No current requirementPhoto ID required

Active POC Law

POC Law (Not Enforced)

No POC Requirement

Voter ID Requirement

In-person voters are asked to show a current and valid photo ID; voters without qualifying photo ID may vote a provisional ballot if they sign the reasonable impediment declaration

Online Registration

Available

Registration Deadline

The deadline to register to vote in any election in South Carolina is 30 days prior to Election Day

Proof of Citizenship Law

No current requirement

NoteNo enacted DPOC law as of Apr 2026. S. 128 (comprehensive DPOC bill) carried over by Senate Judiciary Committee in Jan 2026; could advance during 2025-2026 session. SC voters approved declaratory citizenship constitutional amendment in Nov 2024 but no implementing DPOC statute exists. SC Election Commission is operationally using enhanced SAVE system for citizenship verification of new registrants (access granted 2025).

What to Do Now

1Check if you have one of the accepted documents (passport, birth certificate, naturalization certificate)
2If your name has changed, get a passport in your current legal name
3Order your birth certificate now if you don't have one
4Verify your voter registration is current
5Keep originals safe - the SAVE Act requires originals, not photocopies

South Carolina Voter Registration Guide

What to Do Now

How to Order in South Carolina

Online

By Mail

In Person

South Carolina Resources

South Carolina Election Office(opens in new tab)

South Carolina Vital Records(opens in new tab)

Federal Resources

USA.gov Birth Certificates(opens in new tab)

U.S. Passports(opens in new tab)

Vote.gov(opens in new tab)

VoteRiders(opens in new tab)

Verification Sources

Source 1(opens in new tab)

Source 2(opens in new tab)

Source 3(opens in new tab)

Source 4(opens in new tab)

Source 5(opens in new tab)

Contact Your Senators

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need proof of citizenship to register to vote in South Carolina?

How much does a birth certificate cost in South Carolina?

What voter ID do I need in South Carolina?

Can I register to vote online in South Carolina?