BLYTHEWOOD – While testing continues on the state’s new secure driver’s licenses and identification cards, 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.
Compliant Card
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, a valid US Passport or other federally accepted identification may be used for the above activities in the future and is still required for international travel.
Non-compliant Card
The state’s new non-compliant licenses and IDs will say “Not for Federal Identification” across the top. Beginning Oct. 1, 2020, non-compliant and current SC licenses and IDs, will not pass security at airports nationwide, secure federal buildings or 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 US Passport or military ID, for the above activities.
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.
The cost is the same for a REAL ID or a non-compliant card.
The new cards will be available to the public in 2018. To get a REAL ID, you can begin the process now of changing your current driver’s license. For 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 have a Class D, E, F, G, M, or any combination of those license 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.
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 Oct. 1, 2020. For more information, visit www.scdmvonline.com. For questions about REAL ID, please email [email protected] or call 803-896-5000.
