Frequently Asked Questions
The federal REAL ID Act of 2005 adopted the recommendations of the 9/11 Commission. The REAL ID Act says that some federal entities cannot accept licenses or ID cards that do not meet the requirements of the REAL ID Act. This includes, but is not limited to, domestic, commercial air flights, federal buildings, and military installations. If you do not have a REAL ID or another federally accepted identification, you will not be able to board a plane, enter a secure federal building, or visit a military installation.
In April 2017, Governor Henry McMaster signed into law Act #6 which authorized South Carolina to issue both REAL IDs and standard, or non-REAL ID, licenses and ID cards. South Carolinians have the option to buy a license or ID with a gold star, designating it as a REAL ID, or one that says “Not for Federal Identification.” Cards that say “Not for Federal Identification” and those issued prior to February 20, 2018 are not REAL IDs and cannot be used to board a domestic, commercial flight, enter a secure federal building, or visit a military installation on and after May 3, 2023.
South Carolinians who do not want a REAL ID license or ID card can purchase a card that says “Not for Federal Identification” or can continue with their current license or ID and renew it as normal when it is about to expire. Cards that say “Not for Federal Identification” and those without a gold star cannot be used to board a domestic, commercial flight, enter a secure federal building, or visit a military installation on and after May 3, 2023.
Until May 3, 2023, all unexpired South Carolina licenses and ID cards will be accepted to board a domestic, commercial flight. If your license expires after on or after May 3, 2023, and you have no reason to board a domestic, commercial flight, you can continue with your license as normal. If you have a reason to board a domestic, commercial flight on or after May 3, 2023, you may want to consider purchasing a REAL ID before May 3, 2023.
No. Most regular South Carolina licenses or ID cards, regardless of if it is a REAL ID marked with a gold star or a card that says “Not for Federal Identification” cost the same.
Most regular South Carolina licenses, regardless of if it is a REAL ID marked with a gold star or a card that says “Not for Federal Identification” cost $25.
Identification cards are free for people who are 17-years-old or older, regardless of if the ID card is a REAL ID marked with a gold star or a card that says “Not for Federal Identification.” ID cards for people who are 16-years-old or younger cost $15.
If you have a license and switch to an ID card, you lose all driving privileges.
South Carolinians who received their first South Carolina license during or after November 2010, should first check to see if they’re eligible to purchase their REAL ID license online from home. If you believe you fall into this category, you should login with your license number, date of birth, and social security number to begin the process.
If eligible, you will pay with a valid debit or credit card and the new REAL ID license will be mailed to the address on file.
If not eligible for online purchasing and for all first-time license or ID applicants, you must bring to an SCDMV branch all required documents to be eligible for a REAL ID. The only difference between the documents required for a REAL ID and a card that says “Not for Federal Identification” is an additional address document. REAL ID requires two proofs of address.
To purchase a REAL ID in person, you must bring:
Proof of Identity (Government-issued birth certificate or valid US Passport)
Social Security Number (SSN) - Electronically Verified by SCDMV
Two Proofs of Current, Physical SC Address
Proof of All Legal Name Changes, if applicable
You can provide your social security number on the application and the SCDMV will verify your Social Security number electronically in person (no document is required). However, South Carolinians can obtain a free replacement social security card, either by filing online at
socialsecurity.gov or contacting your local Social Security field office. The replacement that you order online is an exact copy of what the SSA has on file for you. If you need to make any changes to your social security card, you must follow the SSA’s procedure.
The SCDMV accepts a number of common documents to provide your residential address, including but not limited to, the following:
School records or transcripts showing an applicant's residential address;
A postmarked letter from a relative;
Or, an unexpired SC beginner’s permit, license, or ID card.
You must contact the appropriate issuing authority or agency to obtain government-issued copies. For example, if you have lost your South Carolina birth certificate and need a government-issued copy, you must contact the
South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control’s Vital Records Office. If you have lost your social security card, you will need to contact the
Social Security Administration.