What travelers need to know as real ID deadline nears
SAVANNAH, Ga. (WSAV) – The countdown is on – real ID enforcement is officially one week away. Starting May 7th, South Carolinians and Georgians will need an updated ID to fly domestically or access federal buildings.
While Georgia is nearly fully compliant, many South Carolina residents scramble to catch up.
A gold or black star on your driver's license means you're ready to fly. But if you don't see it on the top right-hand corner… don't wait! The federal real ID enforcement deadline is just one week away, and millions across the southeast still need to get up to speed.
The Real ID Act was passed after 9/11 to boost national security, but its enforcement was delayed—until now. Starting May 7, 2025, the TSA will require a real ID or another accepted form, like a passport or military ID, for domestic flights and federal buildings.
Georgia is nearly 100% compliant, but in South Carolina, nearly 1 million residents, or 38 percent, still don't have theirs. The DMV says wait times are around 20 minutes, and coming prepared with the right documents helps. For quicker service, you can go on a Tuesday or Thursday. Without a real ID, you could miss your flight or be turned away at secure locations.
'We will continue to be issuing real IDs as we have since 2018. People can come and see us after the deadline in May or June, and we can still get them turned around and they'll be taken care of. We are more busier than usual at SCDMV of the offices right now,' shared Mike Fitts, the Public Information Officer for the South Carolina DMV.
South Carolinians can visit any DMV or use the Sweet Caroline app, while Georgians should head to a DDS Center – just make sure to bring proof of identity, your social security number, and two documents showing your current address.
Fast facts on where to go:
Deadline: May 7 — required for domestic flights and federal building access.
Where to get it: South Carolina – any SCDMV, Georgia – can visit any DDS location.
What you'll need: proof of identity (like a birth certificate or passport), social security number, and two proofs of residency (like utility bills or a lease).
There's still time, but the clock's ticking – so check your ID now and plan that DMV visit!A real ID isn't legally required, but it'll make travel much easier down the road. This will keep your summer travel stress-free.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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