REAL ID Update
June 16, 2017
SCDMV Accepting Documents for REAL ID Implementation
South Carolina citizens who are interested in getting a REAL ID driver’s license or identification card may bring their identity documents to SCDMV branches across the state. The state was authorized to begin working towards full REAL ID compliance and implementation upon Governor Henry McMaster’s signature of House Bill 3358 in early April.
If you choose to bring your documents to the SCDMV early, you may be able to order a REAL ID license online in the future.
REAL ID licenses and IDs will not be available until early 2018.
If you’re visiting the SCDMV for another reason, you’re encouraged to begin gathering your documents and bring them during your normally scheduled visit, but there are three important things to remember:
- Receiving a REAL ID license or ID is optional. If you feel you will not be boarding a commercial flight or visiting a secure federal building or military base, you do not need a REAL ID license or ID.
- If you have a valid US Passport/Passport Card, military ID, or another federally approved identification, you may use that as your form of identification to board a commercial flight or visit a secure federal building or military base, but you must carry it with you when doing the above activities.
- On and after October 1, 2020, you must have some form of a federally approved identification (whether that is a REAL ID license or ID, US Passport/Passport Card, or another federally approved identification) to board a commercial flight, even within the US, or visit a secure federal facility.
If you received your SC beginner’s permit, license, or ID during or after November 2010, you should not have to bring in your documents again. For example, if you turned 15 during or after November 2010 and received your beginner’s permit, the SCDMV should have your documents in the system. Or, if you moved to SC during or after November 2010 and received an SC license, the SCDMV should have your documentation in the system.
If you believe you fall into the category above, you may confirm your documents are on file with the SCDMV by calling the Contact Center at 803-896-5000. If your documents are not on file and you’re interested in getting a REAL ID license or ID, in the future, you must bring your identity documents to an SCDMV branch.
South Carolina residents interested in getting a REAL ID license or ID in the future, or an original beginner’s permit, license, or ID (more information below) should bring all of the following types of documents with them:
- Two Proofs of Current, Physical SC Address
- Examples: No more than three-month-old pay stub with your name and address and a no more than three-month-old water bill with your name and address
These two proofs cannot come from the same source, such as a water bill from April and a water bill from March.
- Examples: No more than three-month-old pay stub with your name and address and a no more than three-month-old water bill with your name and address
- Proof of US Citizenship, Identity, Date of Birth
- Examples: Original or certified copy of your birth certificate or valid US Passport/US Passport Card
- Proof of Social Security Number
- Examples: Social security card or W-2 Form with your name, your employer’s name, and your social security number on it.
- Document(s) Supporting Legal Name Change
- Examples: Marriage License, Divorce Decree, or Court Order issued by your county’s family court
You must show a complete name change history, so bring all documents that prove name changes from birth to present. If you have a US Passport/Passport Card with your legal name, you may use this in place of your name change documents.
- Examples: Marriage License, Divorce Decree, or Court Order issued by your county’s family court
You may only bring documents that prove your own identity.
You must bring original or certified copies of all documents. The SCDMV will not accept copied or scanned versions. You can find a complete list of accepted documents on the United States Citizens’ Checklist (SCDMV Form MV-93).
Some of the requirements for international customers are different. International customers will not be able to get a REAL ID-compliant license online. They must visit an SCDMV branch and bring their identity documents in every time they complete a transaction. So, if you’re an international customer interested in getting a REAL ID license or ID in the future, you should keep your identity documents in a secure location until the SCDMV announces the cards are available. The documentation requirements for international customers are found on the International Customers’ Checklist (SCDMV Form MV-94).
Compliance with the federal law
The SCDMV was authorized to begin working towards full compliance of the REAL ID Act upon Governor Henry McMaster’s signature on House Bill 3358 in April of 2017.
As of this June 16, 2017 update, the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) granted South Carolina's extension to comply with the federal law until October 10, 2017. This means your current, unexpired SC driver's license or identification card may be used as your identification to enter secure federal facilities and military installations until October 10, 2017.
As of this June 16, 2017 update, you may use your current, unexpired SC license or ID as your identification to pass a TSA checkpoint at airports nationwide until January 22, 2018.
The SCDMV will request additional extensions to push the above dates back. As more information becomes available, updates will be posted.
If you choose to keep a non-compliant license or ID, you do not need to take any action other than renewing your card as normal when it expires.
About REAL ID
The United States Congress passed the REAL ID Act of 2005 as a result of the 9/11 Commission’s recommendation to standardize government-issued identifications, like driver’s licenses. This is a federal law that affects federal agencies, federal buildings, and military bases.
You do not need a REAL ID-compliant license or ID to do any of the following:
- Drive
- Vote
- Apply for or receive federal benefits for which you’re entitled (Veterans Affairs, Social Security Administration, etc.)
- Enter a federal facility that does not require an ID (i.e. a post office)
- Access a hospital or receive life-saving services
- Participate in law enforcement proceedings or investigations (serve on a federal jury, testify in federal court, etc.)
The SCDMV will continuously release information regarding the status of REAL ID in this state as it’s confirmed. Images of the REAL ID-compliant cards are not available at this time. Follow the agency on Twitter, @SC_DMV, and Facebook, @SCDMV. You may email your questions. You may visit the US Department of Homeland Security’s website for additional information.