S.C. DMV Executive Director Breaks Down What Real ID Law Means for You

BLYTHEWOOD, S.C. (WOLO)- Most people know that a road funding bill passed this legislative session but you may not have heard about another bill that could have you wanting to get a new drivers license.

The South Carolina General Assembly overwhelmingly passed a Real ID bill this year, a measure meant to standardize government identification in the wake of 9/11. S.C. Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) Executive Director  Kevin Shwedo says Real ID is the equivalent of a national, identification card.

While you are not required to get a new license, the Real ID could eliminate the need for you to carry more than one form of federal ID in certain occasions.

“You really need a compliant card if you’re going to do one of three things: if you’re going yo go past a TSA screening point in an airport you’ll require a Real ID compliant card, a Real ID or a passport and the same goes for either a military installation or federal facility,” said Shwedo.

Starting May 15th, if you are interested in getting a Real ID, you must bring these documents to your local DMV.

“You have to have your original birth certificate, you have to have proof of social security number, and you have to have to proofs of address,” said Shwedo.

Officials say the IDs will not be produced until late 2017 or early 2018 but they hope to reduce possibly long lines by looking at your records early.

If you’re looking forward to getting a Real ID, don’t panic. You have until October 1st of 2020before you have to have some form of federal identification. To learn more about Real IDs, visit http://www.scdmvonline.com/Driver-Services/Drivers-License/REAL-ID