REAL IDs Recertified: TSA Recognizes Continued South Carolina Compliance

The Transportation Security Administration formally recertified the State of South Carolina’s uninterrupted compliance with federal REAL ID requirements July 30, fulfilling the rolling recertification mandate outlined in the Code of Federal Regulations. 

Since issuing its first REAL IDs in February 2018, the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles has maintained rigorous security protocols, secure document verification, and tamper-resistant card production. 

In the certification letter, the TSA Regional Security Director, Kerwin P. Wilson, commended the SCDMV for its “continued efforts in support of our shared goal of maintaining the security of REAL ID driver’s licenses and identification cards.”

Over 70% of nearly 4.7 million South Carolinians hold a REAL ID. The state’s continuous security certification guarantees that the millions of residents with REAL IDs can use them to board domestic commercial flights, enter secure federal buildings, and access military installations.

A REAL ID in South Carolina costs the exact same $25 as a standard, non-compliant credential. Obtaining a REAL ID requires presenting proof of identity—such as a birth certificate or unexpired U.S. passport—a Social Security number, two proofs of current, physical South Carolina address dated within 9 months, and proof of any legal name changes.

Residents wishing to transition their standard card to a REAL ID can review required documents at dmv.sc.gov.