Register a Service Dog in South Carolina

South Carolina does not require service-dog registration, and federal law does not either. The ADA explicitly forbids businesses from demanding certification or registration documents. What we provide at USAR is optional documentation — a real ID card, a Wallet pass, a public verification URL — that handlers find useful day-to-day even though it isn't legally required.

South Carolina handlers are protected by ADA Title III (public accommodations — restaurants, hotels, stores, taxis, doctor offices), the Fair Housing Act (housing, including "no pets" rentals), and the Air Carrier Access Act (airlines). State law adds another layer — see S.C. Code § 43-33-20 et seq.. Together those statutes mean a service-dog handler in South Carolina has equal access to virtually every place open to the general public.

Yes — but only two specific questions, and only if the dog's role isn't obvious. Business staff can ask: (1) Is the dog a service animal required because of a disability? and (2) What work or task has the dog been trained to perform? They cannot ask about your disability, demand documentation, require the dog to demonstrate the task, or charge a pet fee. That's federal ADA law, applied uniformly in South Carolina.

Anywhere open to the public — restaurants in Charleston, hotels statewide, grocery stores, hospitals, taxis and rideshare, trains and buses, government buildings, and most private businesses. The ADA carves out only narrow exceptions (sterile hospital environments, situations where the dog is out of control or not housebroken). Outdoor public spaces — parks, beaches, transit hubs — are also covered.

Yes. The federal FHA and South Carolina state housing law together require landlords to allow service dogs and ESAs as a reasonable accommodation, even in pet-restricted buildings. They cannot charge pet rent, pet fees, or pet deposits for service or assistance animals. A USAR record is not legally required for accommodation, but it shortens documentation requests.

Yes — the DOT Service Animal Air Transportation Form. The ACAA requires it for most U.S. airline cabin travel. CHS (Charleston International) handlers should submit the form to their airline at least 48 hours ahead. USAR's Premium and Elite packages include this form; it's also available standalone from the U.S. Department of Transportation.

Every USAR registration gets a public verification URL at /verify/?reg=YOUR-ID. The QR code on your printed ID card and Wallet pass links to it. A doorman, server, or gate agent scans, the page loads in a second, the record either says ACTIVE or it doesn't. Nothing to download, nothing to install. The Wallet pass auto-syncs when you update vaccinations or photos.

Pricing is transparent. Essential is $89 first year, $29.99/yr after that. Classic is $149 first year, $29.99/yr after. Premium is $219 (Service Dog and PSD) or $209 (ESA) — that includes the printed photo ID card, Wallet pass, certificate, housing letter, and DOT form. Elite is $349 (SD/PSD) or $299 (ESA). A standalone Lifetime registration is $79.99 one-time. Full tier comparison at /pricing/.