Still don’t have a REAL ID? Here’s how long SC residents have before time runs out
South Carolinians have a little more than a year to get the REAL ID, a federally recognized identification card needed to fly, or visit some secure federal buildings or military installations.
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security extended the REAL ID enforcement deadline to May 3, 2023, because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
That means, starting May 3 next year, that residents will no longer be able to use a non-REAL ID driver’s license as a form of identification to board a domestic or commercial flight, enter a secure federal building or visit a military installation, said Kyle McGahee, spokesman for the S.C. Department of Motor Vehicles.
“One main reason to get a REAL ID is travel convenience,” McGahee said.
For those who don’t have the REAL ID, others forms of federally recognized documents, like a U.S. passport or a military ID, can also be used in those instances. However, for domestic travel, the REAL ID “is the more convenient option for most people,” McGahee said.
A REAL ID, which has a gold star on the top right hand corner, is also not necessary to drive, vote, apply for or receive federal benefits or participate in law enforcement proceedings.
To get a REAL ID, South Carolinians will need the following documents:
▪ Proof of identity and citizenship, which includes certain documents, such as a birth certificate or an unexpired U.S. passport
▪ A social security number
▪ Two documents proving a current South Carolina address, which could include an unexpired S.C. drivers license, ID or a utility bill that is no more than 90 days old
▪ Proof of all legal name changes, which could include a marriage license, divorce degree or a court order
Looking to save a trip to the DMV? The REAL ID can be bought using the online renewal process if the required documents are already on file. Residents would also have to have an eye care professional licensed in South Carolina submit a certificate of vision examination to the S.C. DMV’s website for the renewal process.
Anyone with an unexpired driver’s license or ID likely has their documents already on file with the DMV. If not, South Carolinians will have to go apply for their license in person.
This story was originally published February 25, 2022 at 5:00 AM.
