Countdown to REAL ID Deadline in South Carolina

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Collage showcasing a REAL ID, a DMV office, and travel elements.

News Summary

As South Carolina approaches the May 7, 2025, deadline for REAL ID compliance, travelers need to ensure they have the necessary identification for air travel and access to federal buildings. A REAL ID is a crucial document for those flying or visiting secure locations. Thankfully, you can still drive, vote, and apply for benefits with your regular ID. Learn how to obtain your REAL ID and what documents you need to bring to your local DMV.

Countdown to REAL ID Deadline in South Carolina: What You Need to Know

Hey, Columbia! Are you ready for a little travel talk? As we glide through 2024, it’s time to set our sights on an important deadline coming up for all you adventurers out there. If you’re planning to travel by air, visit federal buildings, or step foot on military bases in South Carolina after May 7, 2025, you’ll need to make sure you have a REAL ID in your wallet. Let’s break down all the important details you need to know.

What is REAL ID?

So, what’s this REAL ID buzz all about? This form of identification was established by Congress in 2005 as part of the REAL ID Act, primarily to enhance security requirements following the tragic events of 9/11. With the deadline approaching, it’s vital to know how it affects you. Basically, a REAL ID is necessary if you want to board an airplane, enter a federal building, or gain access to military bases. When you see that little gold star on your ID, it indicates you’re GOOD to GO!

Don’t Worry, You’re Still Good to Drive and Vote

Worried about everyday activities? No worries! You won’t need a REAL ID to drive, vote, or apply for benefits. So if you’re just zipping around town or casting your ballot, your regular ID will do just fine. It’s just those traveling needs that require this extra step.

Columbia Metropolitan Airport Rules

Attention travelers! If you plan to fly out of Columbia Metropolitan Airport, you’ll need a REAL ID-compliant license to breeze through the security checkpoints. If you roll up with an ID that doesn’t meet the REAL ID standards, you won’t be allowed through security. Pack your bags wisely, folks—caught in the terminal with the wrong ID could throw a wrench in your travel plans!

Children and ID Requirements

Heads up, families traveling with kids! The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has made things a bit easier for you. Kids under 18 won’t need to present any ID when flying domestically. So you can focus more on family time and snacks instead of hunting down identification for the little ones.

How to Get Your REAL ID

Ready to get your REAL ID? Great! Here’s what you’ll need to do: you’ll have to visit a branch of the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles (SCDMV). Grab these required documents with you:

Proof of U.S. Citizenship
Proof of your Social Security Number
Two proofs of residency in South Carolina

Once you have everything sorted, the cost to get your REAL ID is $25 for adults and $15 for children aged 5-16. Your REAL ID will expire after eight years, so keep that in mind for future travels!

The Numbers Speak

Curious about how many folks have already gotten their REAL IDs? A huge chunk—over 2.7 million of the almost 4.5 million IDs—are already compliant, making up about 60% of IDs issued in South Carolina. That’s a growing number of travelers ready to pounce on their adventures!

History of REAL ID in South Carolina

It’s been a bit of a journey for South Carolina to adopt the REAL ID system, especially since it initially resisted implementing the measure. After legislation was passed in 2017 to allow the DMV to issue REAL IDs, we’ve seen increasing acceptance and compliance. Not to mention, the enforcement date has been postponed a couple of times, mostly due to the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. But now, we’re on the final countdown!

So, mark that May 7, 2025 date in your calendars, Columbia! Whether you’re traveling for business, pleasure, or family gatherings, staying prepared with your REAL ID is the way to go. Your future travels await!