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Getting a REAL ID in South Carolina: What You Need and How to Get It

By Viola Travers · Practical Services & Civic Guide

What REAL ID is and why you need it

A REAL ID is a driver's license or ID card that meets federal security standards set by the Department of Homeland Security. Starting May 7, 2025, you will need a REAL ID to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building — a regular South Carolina driver's license will no longer work for these purposes.

South Carolina's SCDMV began issuing REAL IDs in 2009. If your current license does not have a gold star in the top right corner, it is not a REAL ID. You do not have to switch to a REAL ID if you do not fly or visit federal buildings, but many people choose to because it is the only ID that works for both purposes.

The process takes longer than a standard license renewal because the SCDMV must verify your documents in person. Plan for a visit to a DMV office and bring originals, not copies.

Key Takeaways

  • A REAL ID has a gold star and is required for domestic flights and federal building entry starting May 7, 2025.
  • You must visit a DMV office in person with original documents — you cannot renew by mail or online.
  • Required documents include proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, proof of residency, and proof of lawful status in the United States.
  • Processing takes two to four weeks, so apply before you have a trip planned.
  • If you are not a U.S. citizen, you will need a valid visa, green card, or work permit.

Documents you must bring to the DMV

Bring originals of all documents. The SCDMV will not accept copies, faxes, or photos. You need one document from each of these four categories:

Proof of identity: a valid U.S. passport, passport card, military ID, certified birth certificate, or foreign passport with a valid U.S. visa. If you use a birth certificate, it must be certified by the vital records office that issued it — a hospital copy does not count.

Proof of Social Security number: your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a Social Security Administration letter. A tax return with your SSN printed on it also works.

Proof of residency: a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, property tax bill, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days and showing your current South Carolina address. A cell phone bill does not count. If you live with someone else, you can use their bill if you bring a signed letter from them saying you live there.

Proof of lawful status: If you are a U.S. citizen, bring your passport or birth certificate (you already have one of these from the identity category). If you are not a citizen, bring a valid visa, green card, employment authorization document (EAD), or I-94 arrival/departure record. Expired documents do not work for this category.

How to apply in person at a DMV office

Visit any SCDMV office with your documents. You do not need an appointment, but wait times vary by location and time of day. The SCDMV website lists all office locations and hours.

Tell the staff member you want a REAL ID. They will verify your documents, take a new photo, and collect the fee. The fee for a REAL ID is the same as a standard driver's license renewal in South Carolina — currently $24 for an eight-year license or $16 for a four-year license. You can pay by cash, check, or card.

You will receive a temporary paper license on the spot. Your actual REAL ID card will arrive by mail in two to four weeks. The paper license is valid for driving until the card arrives.

If you have changed your name or address

If your name has changed since your last license, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The SCDMV will not accept a photocopy.

If you have moved to South Carolina from another state, you can apply for a REAL ID even if your out-of-state license has not expired. Bring your current out-of-state license along with your proof of residency in South Carolina. The SCDMV will issue a new South Carolina REAL ID and you will not need to wait for your old license to expire.

What happens if you are not a U.S. citizen

You can get a REAL ID if you have lawful status in the United States. Lawful status means you have a valid visa, green card, work permit, or other immigration document that allows you to be here legally. Undocumented immigrants cannot get a REAL ID.

Your visa or permit must be valid on the day you apply. If it expires before your REAL ID card arrives, you will not be able to pick it up. Plan your application so your immigration status is still valid when the card is mailed to you.

If your visa or permit will expire soon, consider renewing it first or waiting until after you renew it. You can contact USCIS or your visa sponsor to find out your renewal timeline.

If you lost your documents or cannot find them

If you do not have a certified birth certificate, you can order one from the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) vital records office. The process takes one to two weeks by mail. You can also visit their office in Columbia in person for faster service.

If you lost your Social Security card, you can order a replacement from the Social Security Administration online at ssa.gov or by visiting a local Social Security office. A replacement usually arrives in one to two weeks.

If you do not have a utility bill or other proof of residency, ask a family member or landlord if you can use a bill in their name with a signed letter from them. If that is not possible, some DMV offices will accept an affidavit of residency — a signed statement from you saying where you live. Call your local DMV office to ask whether they accept affidavits and what form they need.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to get a REAL ID or can I keep my regular license?

You can keep a regular license if you do not fly domestically or enter federal buildings. However, starting May 7, 2025, a regular license will not work for those purposes. Many people switch to REAL ID anyway because it works for both driving and federal purposes.

Can I renew my REAL ID by mail or online?

No. You must visit a DMV office in person every time you renew a REAL ID. The SCDMV must verify your documents in person to meet federal requirements. Plan for an office visit when your card is about to expire.

What if I do not have a birth certificate?

You can use a valid U.S. passport or passport card instead. If you do not have either, order a certified birth certificate from the South Carolina DHEC vital records office. You can request one online, by mail, or in person in Columbia. It takes one to two weeks by mail.

Can I use a photo from my phone or an old photo instead of taking a new one?

No. The DMV takes a new photo when you apply. This is part of the federal REAL ID requirement. You cannot bring your own photo.

How long does it take to get a REAL ID after I apply?

You receive a temporary paper license immediately. The actual REAL ID card arrives by mail in two to four weeks. The paper license is valid for driving the whole time you are waiting for the card.