South Carolina Real ID Requirements 2025
Starting May 7, 2025, you'll need a REAL ID or passport to board domestic flights and enter federal facilities. Here's everything you need to know about getting your SC Real ID.
⏰ Important Deadline
The federal REAL ID enforcement deadline is May 7, 2025. After this date, you'll need a REAL ID-compliant license or passport for domestic air travel.
What You Need for SC Real ID
South Carolina requires the '4 + 1' document formula:
1. Identity Document (Need 1)
- Valid US passport or passport card
- Certified birth certificate with raised seal
- Certificate of Naturalization (N-550 or N-570)
- Certificate of Citizenship (N-560 or N-561)
2. Social Security Number (Need 1)
- Social Security card (not laminated)
- W-2 form
- Pay stub showing full SSN
- 1099 form
3. SC Residency Proof (Need 2 Different)
- Utility bill (gas, electric, water, cable - within 90 days)
- Bank or credit union statement (within 90 days)
- Mortgage statement or property tax bill
- Lease agreement (current)
- Vehicle registration or title
- Voter registration confirmation
4. Legal Name Documentation
If your current legal name differs from your identity document:
- Marriage certificate
- Divorce decree
- Court order for name change
- Adoption papers
🚨 Critical Requirements
- Documents must be originals or certified copies
- Photocopies are NOT accepted
- All names on documents must match exactly
- Residency documents must show your current SC address
SC Real ID Fees
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Real ID (New/First Time) | $25.00 |
| Real ID (Renewal) | $25.00 |
| Real ID (Replacement) | $25.00 |
| Standard License (Non-Real ID) | $25.00 |
Real ID vs Standard License
✈️ Real ID Can Be Used For:
- Domestic flights
- Federal facilities
- Military bases
- Nuclear facilities
- All regular driving privileges
🚫 Standard License Cannot:
- Board domestic flights (after May 7, 2025)
- Enter federal facilities
- Access military bases
- Enter secure federal buildings
Common SC Real ID Mistakes
📋 Avoid These Pitfalls
- Bringing photocopies: All documents must be originals
- Old utility bills: Must be within 90 days
- Laminated Social Security card: Not accepted if laminated
- Name mismatches: All documents must show the exact same name
- P.O. Box addresses: Cannot be used as residency proof
- Expired documents: Identity documents must be current
Best Times to Visit SC DMV Offices
Based on our real-time data from SC DMV offices:
⏰ Shortest Wait Times
- Tuesday-Thursday: 8:00-10:00 AM
- Mid-afternoon: 2:00-3:30 PM
- Extended hours locations: Right at opening
🕐 Longest Wait Times
- Monday mornings: Weekend backlog
- Lunch time: 11:30 AM-1:30 PM
- Friday afternoons: Weekend prep rush
SC Real ID Application Process
- Gather all required documents (use our checklist above)
- Check wait times at nearby DMV offices
- Visit the DMV office with all original documents
- Complete application form (DL-14A)
- Provide biometric information (photo, signature, thumbprint)
- Pay the $25 fee
- Receive temporary license (valid for 45 days)
- Wait for Real ID to arrive by mail (7-10 business days)
Special Situations
Military Personnel
Active duty military can use military ID plus orders for identity verification. Spouses may use marriage certificate plus sponsor's military documentation.
College Students
Out-of-state students attending SC schools can use:
- School enrollment verification
- Dorm assignment or off-campus lease
- SC voter registration
Seniors (65+)
Senior citizens get discounted Real ID fees in some cases. Ask about senior discounts when you visit.
✅ Pro Tips for Success
- Bring extra documents in case of issues
- Check our wait times before leaving home
- Have exact change or card ready
- Allow extra time for first-time Real ID applications
- Consider visiting extended-hours locations
Find SC DMV Offices with Real-Time Wait Times
Don't waste time sitting in long lines. Check current wait times at all South Carolina DMV offices and choose the location with the shortest wait.