REAL ID extended one year
March 26, 2020
On March 26, 2020, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced it would extend the enforcement date of the Federal REAL ID Act of 2005 from October 1, 2020 to October 1, 2021.
“I’m pleased to see DHS made this necessary decision in light of current events impacting our state and nation related to COVID-19,” said South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles (SCDMV) Executive Director Kevin Shwedo. “This extension gives South Carolinians additional time and further ensures wait times at SCDMV offices remain low versus growing to four or six hours like we have been anticipating.”
To date, the SCDMV has issued more than 1.2 million REAL ID driver’s licenses and identification cards. Customers are encouraged to take advantage of SCDMVonline.com to see if they’re eligible to purchase their REAL ID license from home. There are still 350,000 people eligible to buy their REAL ID license online because all of their documents are already on file. We encourage people to take advantage of this opportunity.
While online, the SCDMV's Sweet Caroline tool can answer your REAL ID-related questions and confirm if you have all necessary documents to purchase a REAL ID if required to visit the SCDMV in person.
Sweet Caroline reminds South Carolinians that photocopies, notarized photocopies, and non-government-issued copies are not accepted. The only exception to this is proof of address documents. Documents needed to buy a REAL ID include all of the following:
· Proof of Identity (Government-issued birth certificate or valid US Passport)
· Proof of Social Security Number
· Two Proofs of Current, Physical SC Address
· Proof of all Legal Name Changes
Sweet Caroline reminds South Carolinians that photocopies, notarized photocopies, and non-government-issued copies are not accepted. The only exception to this is proof of address documents. Documents needed to buy a REAL ID include all of the following:
· Proof of Identity (Government-issued birth certificate or valid US Passport)
· Proof of Social Security Number
· Two Proofs of Current, Physical SC Address
· Proof of all Legal Name Changes
In the fall of 2020, it will become more difficult for South Carolinians to purchase their REAL ID licenses online. South Carolina Act #220 of 2018 takes effect in October which requires a vision screening to renew a driver’s license. South Carolinians who want to take advantage of online purchasing must have a vision screening on file with the SCDMV, submitted via an electronic portal by their eye care professional, to purchase a REAL ID license online.
The new implementation date for becoming REAL ID compliant is October 1, 2021. As of this date, you must have a REAL ID to board a domestic, commercial flight, enter a secure federal building, or visit a military installation unless you have a valid US Passport, military ID, or another accepted form of federal identification. A regular REAL ID license is $25.