
Get Your South Carolina REAL ID Before May 2025 Deadline
By James Seidel
CC News Network
COLUMBIA, S.C., — Starting May 7, 2025, South Carolina residents must have a driver’s license or identification card with a gold star—indicating it is a REAL ID—to board domestic commercial flights, enter secure federal buildings, or access military installations. The South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles (SCDMV) encourages residents to purchase their REAL IDs early to avoid last-minute delays and longer lines.
What is a REAL ID?
The REAL ID Act of 2005 was passed by Congress as a post-9/11 security measure, standardizing identification requirements for federal purposes. A South Carolina REAL ID is marked with a gold star in the upper right corner. Without a REAL ID, licenses and IDs will read “Not for Federal Identification” and will not be valid for certain federal uses after the May 2025 deadline.
Who Needs a REAL ID?
A REAL ID is required if you plan to:
- Fly domestically on commercial airlines.
- Enter secure federal buildings or facilities.
- Visit military installations.
However, it is not mandatory if you:
- Do not fly or need access to federal or military facilities.
- Have another form of federally approved identification, such as a U.S. Passport, Passport Card, or military ID.
You do not need a REAL ID to drive, vote, access federal benefits, or visit facilities that do not require identification, such as post offices or hospitals.

What Documents Are Required?
To obtain a REAL ID, you’ll need to provide original or government-issued copies of the following:
- Proof of Identity:
- U.S. Birth Certificate or unexpired U.S. Passport.
- Proof of Legal Name Changes (if applicable):
- Marriage license, divorce decree, or court order showing the legal name change.
- Two Proofs of Current South Carolina Address:
- Examples: Utility bill, current South Carolina driver’s license, or identification card.
- Proof of Social Security Number:
- Social Security card or tax document with your SSN.
For a complete checklist, visit the SCDMV website or review SCDMV Form MV-93.
How to Get Your REAL ID
- In-Person at an SCDMV Branch:
Visit an SCDMV location with all required documents. Find a branch near you using the SCDMV website. - Online Renewal (If Eligible):
If your required documents are already on file with the SCDMV, and you have passed an electronic vision test through a licensed SC eye care professional, you may be eligible to renew online. Note that REAL ID commercial driver’s licenses (CDLs) and IDs for international customers are not available online. - Cost:
- Driver’s license REAL IDs cost $25 for an eight-year license.
- Identification cards are free for individuals 17 and older.
- For Commercial Drivers (CDLs):
CDL holders must also provide their FMCSA medical qualification certificate and complete additional requirements.
Special Considerations
- Veterans: Bring your Discharge Certificate (DOD Form DD-214) to add the “Veteran” designation to your REAL ID.
- International Customers: Additional documentation is required, including proof of authorized U.S. stay. These transactions can only be completed at select SCDMV branches.
Why Act Now?
The Department of Homeland Security has deemed South Carolina fully compliant with the REAL ID Act. Although current non-REAL ID licenses remain valid until May 6, 2025, the SCDMV encourages early adoption to avoid last-minute delays. If you wait, long lines and processing delays may occur closer to the deadline.
Do You Really Need a REAL ID?
REAL ID is optional if you already have federally approved identification (like a passport). However, if you plan to fly domestically or access certain federal buildings without these alternative IDs, you’ll need a REAL ID after May 7, 2025.
South Carolinians should review their needs and documentation requirements now to ensure they’re prepared for the upcoming deadline. For more information, visit the SCDMV website or call your local branch.
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