South Carolinians running behind on getting their REAL ID licenses have gained a little more time to come into compliance with the new standards.

On Wednesday, it was announced that the U.S. Department of Homeland Security had approved a request from the state to extend the REAL ID deadline until Oct. 10, 2018. According to the S.C. Department of Motor Vehicles, unexpired South Carolina driver’s licenses and IDs can still be used to board domestic flights, enter federal buildings, and visit military installations until the new 2018 deadline. The SCDMV expects this to be the last extension the state will have to request.

On Oct. 1, 2020, anyone hoping to board a domestic flight must have a REAL ID license or ID, valid passport, military ID, or other federally approved form of identification. Passports will still be required for international travel.

“You will have time to change your current card to a REAL ID, but you’re encouraged to begin the process now by bringing all required documents to an SCDMV branch,” said REAL ID Project Manager Melissa Cisson in a press release. “You put yourself in a better position to avoid the line and potentially be able to order your REAL ID license from home next year.”

According to the SCDMV, more than 65,000 South Carolina residents have provided the required documents to receive a REAL ID-compliant form of identification. Anyone hoping to do the same must be able to provide their proof of identity such as a birth certificate of passport, proof of their Social Security number, two proofs of their current South Carolina address, and proof of all legal name changes.

“While this agency fully anticipated this extension and saw no barrier to receiving it, we’re pleased that DHS did the right thing for the people of the state,” said SCDMV Executive Director Kevin Shwedo. “South Carolinians can rest assured knowing their state-issued licenses and IDs are still accepted for federal activities that will eventually require a REAL ID.”

Help keep the City Paper free.

No paywalls.
No newspaper subscription cost.
Free delivery at 800 locations from downtown to North Charleston to Johns Island to Summerville to Mount Pleasant.

Help support independent journalism by donating today.