South Carolina - good secondary option for the south
SC's one of those states that doesn't get enough love around here, but if you're in the southeast it's honestly a really solid fallback option. I picked one up recently just to have in the rotation, and figured I'd share some detailed thoughts since there's not a ton of reviews on it.
Microprint accuracy – this is usually the first thing I check with any SC attempt. The real version has pretty fine microprint running along the top of the "South Carolina" text and also in the border of the state seal. On the one I got, it's there and readable under a loupe, but it's not perfect. The spacing's a little inconsistent compared to a real DL, and some of the smaller letters look a bit smudged if you really zoom in. That said, it passes a quick glance without raising eyebrows. For most bouncers or cashiers it'll go unnoticed unless they're like, specifically looking for it with a magnifier.
UV light response was actually pretty solid. Under a blacklight, the state outline and the "South Carolina" text glow a nice bright yellow-green – close to the authentic color, maybe a touch brighter. The background security threads also fluoresce correctly, though I noticed the intensity's a bit uneven in one corner. Overall brightness is good though, not too dim or ghosty. If you're comparing side-by-side with a real one the slightly off color might be noticeable, but for a typical bar or club UV check it blends right in.
OVI color-shifting – the state seal uses a metallic ink that shifts between copper and green depending on the angle. On this card the shift's definitely there, but it's not as crisp as a genuine. The transition feels a little slower and the copper tone is a bit more red than the real deal. Still, it catches light nicely and passes a quick tilt test. The embossed text on the front also has a decent tactile feel, though not quite as pronounced as I've seen on some other states, honestly.
Card material feel is where this one surprised me, tbh. The thickness is spot on – it matches the real SC laminate feel. The surface has that slightly waxy, flexible finish that real SC IDs have, not the stiff PVC nonsense you get from some other options. The lamination is well-done with no bubbling or peeling at the edges. It even has that subtle bend resistance that feels right when you handle it. Honestly, the physical feel is pretty much the strongest part of this card.
Overall I'd give it like a solid 7.5 out of 10. It's not a perfect replica – the microprint could be sharper and the OVI shift could be more precise – but for a secondary ID in the southeast it does the job. Good to point it out as an option if you're in the region and want something that actually matches the local vibe.
Anything that blends in regionally without being the most scrutinized state is a win.
Columbia and Charleston basics would be all you need to know geography-wise.
SC is not as talked about as FL or TX but the template is solid and it works well throughout the southeast. Bouncers in GA and NC see it regularly enough that it does not raise any flags.