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How do I register to vote in South Carolina?

Federal & State Law Editorial TeamLast reviewed: 2026-05-17

South Carolina's registration process is straightforward but the state retains strict felony disenfranchisement and a photo-ID requirement at the polls.

1. Eligibility (S.C. Const. art. II, § 4; S.C. Code § 7-5-120)

  • U.S. citizen.
  • 18 years old by Election Day.
  • SC resident of the county and precinct.
  • Not serving a sentence for a felony or offense against election laws — voting rights restored after completion of sentence, including probation and parole (S.C. Code § 7-5-120(B)(3)).
  • Not under court-ordered mental incompetence.

    • 2. How to Register

  • Online: scvotes.gov (requires SC DL/ID).
  • Paper: mail to county Board of Voter Registration.
  • In person: DMV, county Board of Voter Registration, NVRA agencies.
  • Email/fax for military and overseas voters via the Federal Post Card Application.

    • 3. Deadline

  • 30 days before Election Day (S.C. Code § 7-5-150).
  • No same-day registration.

    • 4. ID Requirements

  • SC DL/ID or last 4 of SSN at registration.
  • At the polls: photo ID required (S.C. Code § 7-13-710) — SC DL, SC ID, SC voter registration card with photo, federal military ID, or US passport. Voters without ID can sign a "reasonable impediment" affidavit and cast a provisional ballot.

    • 5. College Students

  • May register at school address; out-of-state student IDs not accepted — get a free SC voter registration card with photo at the county elections office.

    • This is legal information, not legal advice.

    When to Talk to a Lawyer
    • Your registration was improperly denied or purged
    • You have a felony conviction with disputed restoration status (especially probation/parole)
    • You were challenged at the polls and your reasonable-impediment provisional ballot was rejected
    Related Statutes & Laws
    • S.C. Const. art. II, § 4
    • S.C. Code § 7-5-120
    • S.C. Code § 7-5-150
    • S.C. Code § 7-13-710
    • 52 U.S.C. § 20503

    This is legal information, not legal advice. Laws vary by jurisdiction and change frequently. Always verify current law with official sources and consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction for advice on your specific situation.