Michael Graham

Do you have the proper driver’s license?

You need the gold star to TRAVEL by air even domestically inside of the USA. Starting May 7th, 2025 a REAL ID will be required to fly domestically or you will have to use your passport as identification for any flight! 

How do you know if you already have Real ID? Look for the GOLD STAR (as above).

Of course you will always need your passport to travel internationally!  Here are the South Carolina Details:New South Carolina driver’s licenses and identification cards, some of which are compliant with REAL ID, are now available for purchase. There’s been no change in the price of any card the SCDMV issues. The new cards are valid for no more than eight years.A REAL ID will be your license or your ID.

You are not issued separate cards. Either you will hold a REAL ID license, REAL ID ID (no driving privileges), standard license that says “Not for Federal Identification,” or a standard ID (no driving privileges) that says “Not for Federal Identification.” A gold star on your license or ID designates it as a REAL ID.

Regardless of whether you buy a REAL ID or not, you must still have an unexpired US Passport to travel internationally.Documents needed to buy a REAL ID.

If you’re interested in changing your current card to a REAL ID and are ineligible for online purchasing, you must bring to the SCDMV:Proof of Identity: Examples: Government-issued birth certificate or unexpired US Passport proof of SSN: Examples: Social security card or W-2 Form that has your social security number and name and your employer’s name two Proofs of Current, Physical SC Address: Examples: Current, unexpired South Carolina driver’s license or identification card and a no more than 90-day-old utility bill with the same name and address. View a complete list of all accepted address documents on the (SCDMV Form MV-93).Proof of all Legal Name Changes: Examples: Marriage license or court order issued by your county’s probate or family court. You must show a complete name change history that links your birth certificate name to your present day name. If you have a valid US Passport or US Passport Card with your current, legal name, you may use that as your name change document. 

Not in South Carolina?   Here are the federal guidelines:https://www.dhs.gov/real-id/real-id-faqs