Real ID

Do you have the proper driver’s license?
You need the gold star to TRAVEL by air.

Starting May 7th, 2025 a REAL ID will be required to fly domestically or you will have to use your passport as identification for any flight! 

REAL IDs Now Available in South Carolina

Even if you hold a driver’s license from another state, you need to determine if you need a REAL ID from that state (many states are in the same situation and have the same deadline).
Of course you will always need your passport to travel internationally! 

*You must have a reason to visit a military installation, and, even with a REAL ID, you may be subject to additional visitor control measures once on site.
https://www.scdmvonline.com/-/driver-services/drivers-license/real-id 

New South Carolina driver's licenses and identification cards, some of which are compliant with REAL ID, are now available for purchase. There’s been no change in the price of any card the SCDMV issues. The new cards are valid for no more than eight years.
A REAL ID will be your license or your ID. You are not issued separate cards. Either you will hold a REAL ID license, REAL ID ID (no driving privileges), standard license that says "Not for Federal Identification," or a standard ID (no driving privileges) that says "Not for Federal Identification." A gold star on your license or ID designates it as a REAL ID.
Regardless of whether you buy a REAL ID or not, you must still have an unexpired US Passport to travel internationally.
Documents needed to buy a REAL ID
If you’re interested in changing your current card to a REAL ID and are ineligible for online purchasing, you must bring to the SCDMV:

  • Proof of Identity
  1. Examples: Government-issued birth certificate or unexpired US Passport
  • Proof of Social Security Number
  1. Examples: Social security card or W-2 Form that has your social security number and name and your employer's name
  • Two Proofs of Current, Physical SC Address
  1. Examples: Current, unexpired South Carolina driver's license or identification card and a no more than 90-day-old utility bill with the same name and address. View a complete list of all accepted address documents on the United States Citizens’ Checklist (SCDMV Form MV-93).
  • Proof of all Legal Name Changes
  1. Examples: Marriage license or court order issued by your county's probate or family court. You must show a complete name change history that links your birth certificate name to your present day name. If you have a valid US Passport or US Passport Card with your current, legal name, you may use that as your name change document.