Still haven’t gotten your REAL ID in South Carolina? You have more time
The federal government will extend the government’s Oct. 1 deadline to get the new federal driver’s license, giving thousands of South Carolinians who are practicing social distancing during the state’s coronavirus outbreak more time to get one.
The new deadline will be Oct. 1, 2021, announced U.S. Homeland Security Acting Secretary Chad Wolf.
“The federal, state and local response to the spread of the Coronavirus here in the United States necessitates a delay in this deadline,” Wolf said in a statement. “Our state and local partners are working tirelessly with the Administration to flatten the curve and, therefore, we want to remove any impediments to response and recovery efforts. States across the country are temporarily closing or restricting access to DMVs.”
South Carolina residents had until Oct. 1 this year to get the REAL ID, which gets people on a domestic flight, allows them to enter a federal building or enter a military base if they don’t have already a passport or federal ID card. But Monday, President Donald Trump said his administration wanted to postpone the deadline as the confirmed number of cases continued to rise in the United States and in South Carolina.
The S.C. Department of Motor Vehicles has so far issued more than 1.2 million REAL ID cards as of March 1, but there are thousands more South Carolinians who have not gotten one. That has caused worry for DMV director Kevin Shwedo, who has rang the alarm bell repeatedly that there are likely to be long lines at DMV offices and airports because so many people have not gotten their new card.
A REAL ID extension could, however, help ease some of that panic.
States had urged the Trump administration to push back the deadline so as not to cause a surge at Department of Motor Vehicles’ offices ahead of Oct. 1 while medical professionals urge people to practice safe social distancing so they won’t catch the coronavirus.
In South Carolina, health officials announced Tuesday there are 342 confirmed cases of the virus in 36 of the state’s counties. That number is sure to increase as more tests are administered. So far, five people in the state have died after contracting COVID-19.
Some states have closed DMV offices. Others, including in South Carolina, have remained open, considering its employees essential.
Last week, the National Governors Association called on the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to extend the REAL ID deadline, saying it was concerned about the virus’ impact on states, the travel industry and the economy.
“On behalf of the nations’ governors, we urge the Department of Homeland Security ... to institute an extension of the REAL ID program for no less than one year,” the association wrote. “We believe an extension will allow all of us to focus our efforts on combating the spread and severity of COVID-19. More time will also give Congress the ability to pass legislation that will update the 2005 REAL ID Act and bring it up to speed with today’s technology. This will also give DHS time to make regulatory changes.”
South Carolinians are still encouraged to go online at scdmvonline.com to see if they are eligible for the new ID card and can order one.
The new ID cards at $25 and have a gold star in the right-hand corner. The new card is not necessary to drive, vote or apply for or to get federal benefits. Individuals also don’t need the card to enter a post office, go to a hospital or serve on a federal jury or testify in federal court. The DMV also offers a non-REAL ID license, which says on the card, “not for federal identification.”
Unless documents already are on file, to get the card license holders will need:
▪ a government-issued birth certificate or U.S. passport;
▪ proof of a Social Security number;
▪ two proofs of a current S.C. address;
▪ and records of any name changes.
The spread of the coronavirus in South Carolina has also caused concern over whether residents will be able to pay DMV fees on vehicles. Charleston County Treasurer Mary Tinkler sent a letter to Gov. Henry McMaster Monday, asking he allow the DMV to waive all late fees for March motor vehicle bills, writing she can assure the governor “that it is a relevant concern of our state’s taxpayers.”
The Governor’s Office told The State Tuesday they are looking into the request.
Editor’s Note: This story has been updated to reflect the new deadline to get a REAL ID.
BEHIND THE STORY
MOREWhat you should know about the coronavirus
The coronavirus is spreading in the United States. Officials are urging people to take precautions to avoid getting sick, and to avoid spreading the disease if they do contract it.
Click the drop-down icon on this card for more on the virus and what you should do to keep yourself and those around you healthy.
What is coronavirus?
Coronavirus is an infection of the respiratory system similar to the flu. Coronaviruses are a class of viruses that regularly cause illnesses among adults and children, but this outbreak has spawned a new disease called COVID-19, a particularly harsh respiratory condition that can lead to death.
Health officials believe COVID-19 spread from animals to humans somewhere in China. It spreads among humans by physical person-to-person contact, including via coughs. That’s why health officials urge sick individuals to avoid contact with other people.
For more information, visit the website for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
What are the symptoms?
Symptoms are similar to the flu and include fever, coughing and shortness of breath.
How can I stop the spread of the coronavirus?
Wash your hands regularly with soap and water, and cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze.
If you develop symptoms similar to the coronavirus, you should seek medical attention. Stay home from work or school and avoid contact with others. It can take up to 14 days after coming into contact with the virus to develop symptoms.
COVID-19 is a new condition and there’s much about the disease we still don’t understand. For now, taking precautions is the best way to stop the spread of the coronavirus.
This story was originally published March 24, 2020 at 11:31 AM.
