How Can I Get a REAL ID in South Carolina?

Beginning May 7, 2025, your South Carolina driver's license, permit, or identification card must have a gold star to show it's a REAL ID to use it for specific federal purposes. Keep reading to see if maybe we can help with the fee(s).

Today, I went to the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to meet some individuals needing their REAL IDs. I arrived a little early to work in the quiet of my car. As a mom, I greatly value the quiet when I can find it. Yet, even at 8 a.m., the line to get into the DMV was so long it was almost off the sidewalk. Then, it occurred to me, with the REAL ID deadline coming up on Wednesday, May 7, 2025, these people might all be trying to beat the last-minute rush.

What is a REAL ID?

Beginning May 7, 2025, your South Carolina driver's license, permit, or identification card must have a gold star to show it's a REAL ID to use it for specific federal purposes. The goal of the REAL ID is to standardize identification cards across the fifty states and prevent the use of fake IDs.

Now, before you run out to get yours, let’s discuss who needs this document with the gold star.

Anyone who plans to travel by plane
Anyone who needs to access federal buildings and/or military bases.

Examples of federal buildings in Richland County include the Strom Thurmond Building, where the Social Security Administration and Internal Revenue Services are housed, and the Veterans Administration's Regional Office. If you work on a military base, you'll need the REAL ID to get to work. If you are part of our military and have a military ID, your ID is already federally approved! You do not need the REAL ID to vote, apply for benefits, or access healthcare.

The REAL ID will cost $25 for a driver’s license and $15 for an identification card.

Documents Needed

The DMV has a detailed form that explains each of the documents needed to get your REAL ID in more detail:

You need proof of identity, which could be your birth certificate or your U.S. Passport. It could also be a Certificate of Naturalization or Citizenship, but it will be one of those documents. These documents help prove your citizenship and date of birth.
Proof of your Social Security Number. This will be verified with the Social Security Administration.
Two proofs of your current physical address in South Carolina. Good news: Your unexpired SC driver's license or identification card can be counted as one document. The other document you use should not be more than 90 days old and cannot have a P.O. Box as the address.
Verification of all name changes. This would be any marriage licenses or divorce decrees. If your name has changed several times over the years, you will need as many of these documents as necessary to show the progression of your name change(s).
If you currently have an out-of-state driver’s license, you must also have your driving record from that state to show your driving history to receive your REAL ID from South Carolina.

Need Help?

Through the end of May, the Social Work Department within Richland Library has funds to help you purchase the documents you need to get your REAL ID and even pay for the REAL ID itself.
This program is made possible by funding from the United Way of the Midlands.

If you are interested, please call us at 803-509-8371 or email us at socialworker@richlandlibrary.com. If you need out-of-state documents, the sooner you start this process the better.

To find a DMV location near you, visit the SCDMV website at https://scdmvonline.com.

*This program is operated on a first-come, first-served basis, and funds are expected to run out before the end of May.