The state is now issuing Real ID licenses and identification cards.

If you intend to get a Real ID, the Department of Motor Vehicles encourages you to avoid long lines and get the new ID before the September 30, 2020 deadline. So far about 26% of South Carolinians have a Real ID.

It is likely that lines will get longer the closer we get to September 30.

Why would you need a Real ID?

To board any commercial airline flight, enter a secure federal building, or visit a military installation on and after October 1, 2020, you must have a REAL ID or another federally approved identification such as a valid US Passport or military ID.

Do you need to change your current ID soon?

There is no need to rush to DMV now. In fact, unless your driver’s license or ID card is expiring, there is really no reason to wait in line to change your card right now.

If you do decide to get a Real ID, make sure you take the correct documentation to change your current license or ID card to a Real ID.

To buy a REAL ID, you must bring original or government-issued copies of all of the following:

• Proof of identity (Government-issued birth certificate or valid US Passport)

• Proof of SSN (SSN card, W-2, non-1099, 1099)

• 2 proofs of current, physical SC address (no PO boxes)

• Proof of all legal name changes (Marriage license(s), divorce decree(s), court order(s); If a customer has a valid US Passport/Passport Card in his or her current, legal name and the name on all other documents match, the valid US Passport/Passport Card may be used as this category and proof of identity)

You can get more information about needed documentation at http://www.scdmvonline.com/DriverServices/Drivers-License/REAL-ID and at https://www.scdmvonline.com/SCTRNS/Public/Transactions/Info.aspx .