Real ID: Why you want to get one soon

Yahoo

11-02-2025

(WSPA) – For 7 years we've been implementing the Real ID in South Carolina, and now a new deadline is fast approaching. So should we take this one seriously?
With 40% of adults in this state still lacking the more secure ID the answer is, yes. Get one soon or face long lines at the DMV and TSA checkpoints.
Waiting at the DMV is fun, said no one.
But for a million South Carolinians who still don't have a 'Real ID-compliant license,' there are looming consequences if you don't go soon.
'If you wait for more than a day you're a fool. The lines are going to grow,' Kevin Shwedo, the Executive Director of the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles. said.
Starting May 7th, if you don't have a star on your license you can't get into secure federal buildings, except for jury duty, military bases and you're gonna have trouble at the airport.
Tiffany Cherry, Spokesperson for the Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport, said Homeland Security will require a Real ID to get through TSA checkpoints unless you have a valid passport or military ID.
Before you're cut off from flying altogether, the mandate will enter its final phase from May 7th of this year to May 7th of 2027.
'In that time if you don't have it you'll have to do extra screening that means more time at the checkpoint,' Cherry said.
'I don't want to do anything that's going to require additional time to get through checkpoints,' Monica Gillespey said after we told her the news at the airport.
Turns out the Texas resident didn't realize her license renewal 4 years ago put her in the clear.
'Well, lookie there. So, I don't have to do anything, it's already done. Yeah Texas,' she said after seeing the star on her license.
But in SC where 40% of adults like Quintez Moiman have yet to get one, it's not that simple.
'I'm pretty sure you have to do it online,' he said.
The truth, you can't. In South Carolina, you have to go in person.
'Oh OK. Another reason to go wait at the DMV then,' Moiman said.
Director Shwedo also confirmed you cannot book an appointment at South Carolina DMVS, but he did say the DMV website can save you time.
The DMV website shows current wait times at all locations. A good strategy is to head to one that gets less foot traffic. By the way, make sure you use the right DMV website since there are lookalikes that may try to charge you extra.
A few more things to keep in mind; there's no additional cost to get a Real ID, just your standard $25. Also, in the state of SC, you don't legally need one to vote or drive.
Before you go, the Sweet Caroline Motor Vehicles App can help you make sure you have all the documentation you need. And folks, the burden of proof is real. But don't take my word for it.
'The sexist point of view is, the people who are going to be handling the most documents are the ladies with the most name changes,' Shwedo said.
Here's why. Men who have not changed their name only have to bring in:
an original birth certificate or current passport
two forms of mail showing residency
your social security number (you don't need your card, but you have to have the right number)
Women who have changed their name and don't have a valid passport, have to bring in documentation of every name change since birth:
birth certificate
marriage certificate
perhaps a divorce decree or more
plus the two forms of mail
a social security card that matches your current name
Shieeda Boyd, in Columbia, learned that the hard way. We met her on her 5th attempt at getting a Real ID, and it was a no-go.
'I've been married for 16 years. It's never been a problem, and now this last time I had to come and get it renewed and it won't do it,' Boyd said.
The problem is that the name on her social is still her maiden name.
'It's just frustrating because now I have to take off and go through Social Security and that's not easy,' Boyd said.
The point is, you don't know the hurdles until you go, so Shwedo's tongue-in-cheek advice?
'Come now. Or wait until the middle of March and meet your neighbors,' he said with a laugh. By that time, he knows, the line will already be much longer.
Starting in September, the SC DMV will be rolling out a new more secure driver's license system which could further add to your wait time for a license. At that time DMV locations will no longer be making and handing out licenses, but they will instead be mailed to drivers by a third-party distributor with added security features.
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