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Driver’s license and state ID in South Carolina

Update your name
YesAfter your legal name change
Gender markerThe sex or gender field (M, F, or X) printed on an ID document or stored in an agency's record.
LimitedM or F with a court order

To change the sex on a South Carolina driver's license or ID you need a family court order recognizing the change, usually together with your amended birth certificate. Only M or F is available. The SCDMV does not publish this policy, so confirm before your visit. A corrected card costs $10.

Main cost
$10
Apply
In person
Typical wait
7 to 15 business days

Draft from official sources, September 24, 2026. Not yet checked by a person. How we verify

On this page
  1. How it works
  2. Steps
  3. Costs and fee waivers
  4. Forms
  5. Requirements
  6. After you finish
  7. Tips
  8. Laws and other guides
  9. Sources

How it works

South Carolina has no statute or published SCDMV procedure for changing the sex marker. Advocates report that the SCDMV updates the marker when you bring a court order for the gender marker change or a replaced or amended birth certificate showing your sex. In practice, if you were born in South Carolina you get both from the same process: a family court order (see the name change guide) that you then use to amend your birth certificate. The Harriet Hancock Center advises bringing both to the DMV.

There is no X option. Your name is changed at a branch with Form 4057 and Form 447-NC, after you update Social Security. You can do the name and marker together at one visit and pay one $10 fee.

Steps

  1. Get the court order and, if born in SC, your amended birth certificate[5][6]

    Petition the family court for a name and gender marker change (see the name change guide). If you were born in South Carolina, use the certified order to get an amended birth certificate from Vital Records (see the birth certificate guide).

  2. Update Social Security at least 48 hours before (if changing your name)[1]

    The SCDMV checks your name against Social Security's records. Change your name with SSA first and wait at least 48 hours. SSA currently will not change the sex field; that does not stop the SCDMV name change.

  3. Visit an SCDMV branch[1][2][6]

    Bring your current card, a certified copy of the court order, your amended birth certificate (if you have one), completed Form 447-NC, and Form 4057 if your name is changing. Pay $10 (cash avoids the card processing fee). If you have not yet bought your first REAL ID, you will need the full REAL ID document set, and your first REAL ID costs $25.

    Cost
    $10 duplicate or modified license or ID card

  4. Receive the new card by mail[3]

    Cards are printed centrally. You get a temporary certificate at the branch, valid up to 30 days, and the card arrives in 7 to 15 business days. Go back to a branch if it has not arrived in 30 days.

    Time
    7 to 15 business days

Costs and fee waivers

No fee waiver is available for this step.[2]

The SCDMV lists no fee waiver for a modified card. If your ID card is within a year of expiring and you are 17 or older, renewing it is free.

WhatCostNotes
Duplicate or modified license or ID card[2][1]$10First REAL ID is $25. ID card renewals are free for people 17 and older within a year of expiration. Card payments add a $1 + 1.7% processing fee.

More detail

Forms2 forms: 447-NC

Open a form for tips on filling it out.

Forms everyone files (1)

447-NCApplication for a Beginner's Permit, Driver's License, or Identification Card (non-commercial)Required

How to fill it out

  • Fill in your new legal name if it has changed. Your name, date of birth, and SSN must match Social Security's records.
  • In the Sex box, check Male or Female to match your court order or amended birth certificate. There is no X.
  • A parent or guardian signs for applicants under 18.

Open 447-NC[4][1]

Forms only some people need (1)

Change of Address, Name, Date of Birth, and/or Social Security NumberSometimes required: Only if you are also changing your name.

Open the form[1]

RequirementsWhere you live, age, timeline
Where you live
You must live in South Carolina and hold or be applying for an SC license or ID.[3][6]
Age
ID cards are available from age 5; licenses follow the usual age rules. For anyone under 18, a sex-marker court order would require the family court process for minors (both parents and a guardian ad litem).
How long it takes

The DMV step is one visit plus 7 to 15 business days for the card. Getting the court order first usually takes a few months.

After you finishUpdate voter registration (the SCDMV passes address changes to the Election Commission, but check your name too), then your bank, employer,…

Update voter registration (the SCDMV passes address changes to the Election Commission, but check your name too), then your bank, employer, and insurance. US passports and Social Security records currently cannot show a changed sex marker; carry a copy of your court order when traveling internationally if your documents do not match.

Tips2 tips from people who have done this
  • Staff practice may vary by branch because the policy is not written down. If you are turned away, ask for a supervisor and contact the Harriet Hancock Center's legal program.
  • You can change your name without changing your marker. Name only needs the court order (or marriage/divorce papers) and the SSA update.
Laws and other guides1 law, 1 other guide

Laws and rules

Other trusted guides

Sources

6 sources. Numbers in the text, like [1], point here.Show all
  1. Change My Address or NameSouth Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles, Official page. accessed
    “You must change your name with the Social Security Administration at least 48 hours before visiting the SCDMV to change your name.”
  2. FeesSouth Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles, Official page. accessed
    “Duplicate or Modified License or ID: $10”
  3. Identification CardsSouth Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles, Official page. accessed
    “You will receive the ID card in the mail in seven to 15 business days.”
  4. Form 447-NC, Application for a Beginner's Permit, Driver's License, or Identification CardSouth Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles, Form. accessed
    “Sex: Male / Female”
  5. South Carolina identity documentsAdvocates for Trans Equality, Organization. accessed
    “Submit either a court order for gender marker change or a replaced or amended birth certificate showing correct gender”