SCDMV unveils new driver’s license, ID card designs

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WOLO)–  The South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles (SCDMV) unveiled on Tuesday (July 29) new designs for the state’s new driver’s licenses and identification cards.

The new license, and ID cards feature enhanced security features and iconic visuals celebrating the Palmetto State.

The updated cards will begin rolling out this Fall, according to SCDMV.

Officials say the cards showcase South Carolina’s heritage and natural beauty with imagery including the Statehouse, the Palmetto Tree, and Crescent from the state flag, and tributes to the state flower – Yellow Jessamine, state bird – Carolina Wren, and state reptile – Loggerhead Sea Turtle.

In addition to the imagery the new design features more than 40 advanced security features and a new production process that incorporates laser engraving technology.

These updates enhance durability and provide greater protection against counterfeiting and identity theft, say DMV officials.

“These new licenses and ID cards showcase the Palmetto State while providing citizens with greater protection against becoming victims of identity fraud. We hope that South Carolinians will look on these new designs with pride and confidence,” says Kevin Shwedo, Executive Director of the SCDMV.

While customers will still visit SCDMV branches in person to apply, test, and provide documentation, they will now receive a temporary certificate on-site, instead of receiving their license or ID card at the branch office.

Customers will receive their license or identification card in the mail in seven to fifteen business days.

The SCDMV will begin piloting the new cards and issuance process in late August at two Midlands locations: Columbia (Shop Road) and Lexington.

A full statewide rollout is expected later in the Fall.

The agency wants to stress the following points with customers:

• No action required for current cardholders — all currently issued South Carolina licenses and ID cards remain valid until their listed expiration dates.
• Applies to all SC license types – the new card design applies to all current types and classes of South Carolina licenses and ID cards which will still be offered as both REAL ID compliant cards and Not For Federal Use (non-REAL ID compliant) cards.
• Don’t wait until the last minute to get your new license — allow time for mail delivery when renewing. SCDMV sends customers renewal notices by mail 90 days prior to the expiration of their current card to help with timely renewal and customers can continue to renew their license or identification card online if eligible.
• No price change — the cost of new licenses and ID cards remains the same and is among the lowest in the Southeastern U.S.

For more information and to view a list of frequently asked questions regarding the new card design and process, visit the SCDMV webpage at https://scdmvonline.com.