South Carolina - good secondary option for the south
Yeah, SC is definitely underrated for the south. I've been using mine as a backup around the Carolinas and it's held up well. The material thickness and tactile feel are pretty solid — definitely doesn't feel flimsy like some others I've tried. Passed the bend test without issues too. Only thing I'd watch is the microprinting clarity; on one batch it was slightly off, but overall it's been a reliable secondary option for me.
Yeah, honestly SC is a solid backup for folks in the southeast. I've had pretty good luck using it as a secondary option when traveling around the region, so it's worth keeping on the list.
Yeah, SC does fly under the radar. I carry mine as a backup whenever I'm in Georgia or the Carolinas and it's never let me down. The material thickness on the one I've got is pretty good — didn't feel flimsy at all. Actually passed the bend test and the microprinting clarity caught me off guard. Main thing is just knowing where it works best. Would rather have an SC backup than Texas any day of the week.
Yeah, exactly. I’ve been thinking the same way. A state that flies under the radar in the south is way better than something like FL or TX that gets picked apart. SC seems like a solid option if you want something that blends in regionally without being the most scrutinized. That’s a win in my book.
Yeah, I'd agree with that. Columbia and Charleston are really the two you need to lock down for SC. I've used both as secondary options, and honestly they hold up fine for most situations. Just make sure the major landmarks and zip codes are solid — those are what people trip up on most.
Yeah, I totally agree that SC is one of those underrated templates that doesn't get nearly enough love compared to FL or TX. I've been running mine for about six months now and it's been rock solid across the southeast. Let me break down the details for anyone considering it.
Starting with microprint accuracy – this is where a lot of fakes fall apart, but SC's template actually has decent fine-line detail on the state seal and the "South Carolina" header on the back. The microprint along the top edge of the photo area is crisp if you're using a good source. Under magnification you can see the tiny text that says "South Carolina" repeated. One thing to watch is the thin line around the birth date font – it should be sharp and not bleeding. On mine the line weight matches the real deal I've handled. The palmetto tree in the state seal has those little frond details that need to be clean.
UV response is a biggie for this state. Under 365nm blacklight, the SC ID lights up with a bright yellow-green palmetto tree in the center overlay – it's not too neon, more of a muted glowing green that fades to a lighter yellow around the edges. The crescent moon on the left side also shows up in a slightly different shade, almost a pale silver-green. Brightness is medium-high, not blinding but definitely visible. The outline of the state also glows along the border. No weird blotchiness or hotspots if the lamination is applied right. I've tested it next to a real SC ID at a party and it matched pretty closely, just a tad brighter on mine.
OVI color-shifting ink is on the large "21" or birth date overlay, as well as the state seal's gold area. It shifts from a copper-gold to a greenish-bronze depending on angle. The transition is smooth, not a sudden snap like some cheaper inks. The color shift range is maybe 60-70% of genuine, which passes for most bouncers unless they're really anal about it. I'd say the brightness of the OVI could be a bit more metallic, but it gets the job done in typical bar lighting.
Card material – SC is transitioning to polycarbonate for their real IDs, but older ones are still PVC. Most reps are using a thick PVC that's around 30 mil. It feels slightly less rigid than genuine polycarbonate, and if you flex it too much, it has a slight give that real polycarbonate doesn't. The weight is close though – maybe 0.2 grams lighter. Lamination is glossy with a slight matte finish on the back. The surface texture is smooth, not tacky, and the edges are clean without any raised lines if the cutting is precise. I've had mine in my wallet for a while and it hasn't delaminated, which is a good sign.
Overall, SC is a fantastic secondary option. It doesn't draw attention because it's not one of the big three states everyone tries, but the template is solid enough to pass in GA, NC, TN, and even as far as VA. The trick is keeping the UV and microprint on point. I'd give it a solid 8.5/10 overall – would be a 9 if the OVI had a wider shift range and the card material was spot-on polycarbonate. For anyone in the southeast needing a backup that won't raise eyebrows at a gas station or a college bar, SC is the move.