(Columbia, SC) — The South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles (SCDMV) has announced a new design for state-issued driver’s licenses and identification cards, featuring over 40 updated security features and stylized artwork celebrating the Palmetto State’s heritage.
The redesigned cards are scheduled to begin rolling out at the Shop Road SCDMV branch in Columbia and in Lexington in late August, with a full statewide implementation planned later in the fall.
Key imagery on the updated cards includes the Statehouse, palmetto tree and crescent moon from the state flag, yellow jessamine (the state flower), Carolina wren (the state bird), and the loggerhead sea turtle (the state reptile). These updates come alongside significant technological enhancements aimed at increasing security, reducing fraud, and improving durability.
To accommodate the security enhancements, SCDMV is introducing a new two-step issuance process. Applicants will first visit an SCDMV branch to apply for a card, complete any required tests, and provide documentation. Instead of receiving a license or ID card on-site, customers will be given a temporary paper certificate valid for 30 days. This document can be used for driving, voting, and identification purposes, where accepted. Expired licenses or IDs will be returned to customers with a hole punched and may still serve as valid photo identification until the new card arrives.
The final card will be mailed to the customer within 7 to 15 days, and customers will be able to track their card’s status using a QR code on the temporary certificate.
All current South Carolina driver’s licenses and ID cards will remain valid until their printed expiration dates. Individuals do not need to take any action until they are notified to renew—SCDMV will issue renewal notices approximately 90 days before a card expires.
There will be no increase in cost for the new cards, which are available in both REAL ID and Not for Federal Use formats across all license and ID classes.
For more information or to locate your nearest SCDMV branch, visit www.scdmvonline.com.
