While testing continues on the state’s most secure driver’s licenses and identification cards to date, the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles (SCDMV) has released the images of the new REAL ID and non-compliant cards residents will begin seeing in the first quarter of 2018.
On the left, the state’s new REAL ID driver’s licenses and identification cards will be compliant with the federal REAL ID Act of 2005. These cards may be used as identification to pass security at airports nationwide, enter secure federal buildings, and visit military installations. Instead of a REAL ID license or ID, you may use a valid U.S. Passport or other federally accepted identification for the above activities in the future. A valid U.S. Passport is still required for international travel.
On the right, the state’s new non-compliant licenses and IDs will say “Not for Federal Identification” across the top. Beginning Oct. 1, 2020, these cards and current S.C. licenses and IDs, may not be used as identification to pass security at airports nationwide, enter secure federal buildings, and visit military installations. Individuals with this card or the state’s current card must present a different form of federally accepted identification, such as a valid U.S. Passport or military ID, for the above activities in the future.
Changing your current card and purchasing a REAL ID is voluntary, but you must have a REAL ID or other federally approved identification in the future for the federal activities above. People who will not be passing airport security or visiting federal facilities do not need to take any action besides renewing their current card as normal when it expires. Cards that are non-compliant (on the right above and current cards) still allow you to:
Drive,
Vote,
Post Office Box 1498, Blythewood, S.C. 29016
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, and
Participate in law enforcement proceedings or investigations.
There has been no change in the price of any cards the SCDMV issues. Whether you choose to purchase a REAL ID or a non-compliant card, the cost is the same.
The above cards will be available to the public in 2018. For those interested in getting a REAL ID, you can begin the process now of changing your current driver’s license. To change your card to a REAL ID, the SCDMV must have all of the following documents on file:
Proof of Identity (Government-issued birth certificate or valid US Passport)
Proof of Social Security Number
Two Proofs of Current, Physical SC Address
Proof of All Legal Name Changes
You may bring these documents to the SCDMV now. If you have a Class D, E, F, G, M, or any combination of those license (not a commercial driver’s license, identification card, or are an international customer) and are a US Citizen, you may be able to buy your new REAL ID license online in 2018 with a valid credit card. Your driving privileges must be in good standing for you to be eligible for online ordering and your last renewal cannot have been by mail.
If you have a commercial driver’s license, identification card, or are an international customer, you should gather the documents above and keep them in a secure location until the REAL ID is available for purchase in 2018. You must visit an SCDMV branch to buy your REAL ID.
The SCDMV must be printing the cards in order to submit its certification for full compliance with the US Department of Homeland Security. Once that certification occurs, all unexpired SC driver’s licenses and identification cards will be valid to pass airport security, enter secure federal facilities, and visit military installations until October 1, 2020. While you have until 2020 to change your card, you’re encouraged to visit the SCDMV sooner to avoid anticipated long lines closer to 2020.
Once the state is printing the new cards, there will be four styles of valid licenses in the state: REAL IDs, non-compliant cards, current cards, and cards with the red stripe across the top.
For the most up-to-date information, follow the agency on Facebook and Twitter. You may also visit www.scdmvonline.com. For questions about REAL ID, please email REALID@scdmv.net or call 803-896-5000.