(WRDW/WAGT) -- The South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles has released images of the new REAL ID cards.
They say South Carolina residents will begin seeing these and non-compliant cards in the first quarter of 2018.
The READ ID cards are compliant with the federal REAL ID Act of 2005. These cards may be used as identification to pass security at airports nationwide, enter secure federal buildings, and visit military installations. Instead of a REAL ID license or ID, you may use a valid US Passport or other federally accepted identification for the above activities in the future. A valid US Passport is still required for international travel.
The state is also issuing new non-compliant licenses and IDs will say “Not for Federal Identification” across the top.
Beginning October 1, 2020, these cards and current South Carolina licenses and IDs, may not be used as identification to pass security at airports nationwide, enter secure federal buildings, and visit military installations. Individuals with this card or the state’s current card must present a different form of federally accepted identification, such as a valid US Passport or military ID, for the above activities in the future.
Changing your current card and purchasing a REAL ID is voluntary, but you must have a REAL ID or other federally approved identification in the future for the federal activities above. People who will not be passing airport security or visiting federal facilities do not need to take any action besides renewing their current card as normal when it expires.
The SCDMV must be printing the cards in order to submit its certification for full compliance with the US Department of Homeland Security.
Once that certification occurs, all unexpired SC driver’s licenses and identification cards will be valid to pass airport security, enter secure federal facilities, and visit military installations until October 1, 2020. While you have until 2020 to change your card, you’re encouraged to visit the SCDMV sooner to avoid anticipated long lines closer to 2020.