What S.C. residents need to know about ‘Real ID’ deadline
COLUMBIA, S.C. - Domestic flight travelers may see a change in the way they fly with a new identification standard kicking in next month.
The Real ID deadline is May 7. Travelers flying domestically or who are planning to visit federal buildings or military bases will need to be up-to-date on the new identification standard.
South Carolina driver’s licenses will have a star in the top right corner. Other states, such as Georgia, may see a star inside a circle.
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The new ID started rolling out in South Carolina in 2018. The South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles reports that 62% of licenses are already compliant, but over 1 million residents are still behind on the update.
Travelers who are not compliant may see delays or travel issues without the Real ID. However, other forms of identification can be used instead. SCDMV Executive Director Kevin Shwedo says other documents can be taken to the TSA.
“If you’ve got a valid US port, that counts as a Real ID,” Shwedo says. “If you’ve got a military ID card that’s valid and, for many … people in the state that’s either an active duty ID card, dependent ID card or that is a retiree ID card.”
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A trip to a SCDMV location is all travelers will need to be compliant. The executive director says to bring documents such as an original birth certificate, two proofs of address, such as a utility bill and bank statement, as well as Social Security number.
Shwedo also says women typically need more documents to make the change if they do not have a valid port and two proofs of address. All name change documents from birth will be required. These documents include all marriage certificates and divorce decrees.
The Real ID costs $25 at the SCDMV and is a new identification card that lasts up to eight years. Shwedo says DMV locations largely have average wait times right now.
“We have a state standard of 20 minutes from the time you walk into the door till you get to the counter,” Shwedo says. “We are achieving that on an average every day, but that could mean you may be waiting 40 minutes at the end of the day to where somebody that came in at the end of the door is waiting no minutes.”
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A driver’s license without the Real ID star but within the expiration date is still a valid form of identification for drivers. Shwedo says there is no rush to get the new standard license unless travelers plan to fly, enter federal buildings or military bases.
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