CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCBD) – Do you have a gold star on your South Carolina’s drivers license? Starting next summer, you'll need one if you plan to fly within the U.S. After several extensions, the long-awaited REAL ID requirement is set to take effect on May 7, 2025. That means you’ll need a compliant driver’s license or identification card to board domestic flights, enter federal buildings, or visit military installations. Congress passed the Real ID Act in 2005 to establish minimum security standards for state-issued driver’s licenses and ID cards following a recommendation from the 9/11 Commission. Here’s what to know about obtaining a REAL ID in South Carolina: Where can I get a REAL ID? The South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles (SCDMV) offers several options for obtaining a REAL ID, provided you have the correct documentation. In person:The process for changing your driver’s license, motorcycle license, or non-commercial license is the same as renewing your license. Visit an SCDMV branch, bring the appropriate documentation, and purchase a REAL ID. You have options on how to obtain a REAL ID driver's license or identification card. To purchase a REAL ID, you must have the correct documentation with you if the documents are not already on file with the SCDMV. Online Renewals: You may be eligible to purchase a REAL ID online if the required documentation is already on file with the SCDMV and a state-licensed eye professional has submitted a Certificate of Vision Examination on your behalf. You can click here to find out if you’re eligible for online renewal. If purchased online, your REAL ID may take up to 15 business days to arrive.   REAL ID commercial driver's licenses and licenses for international customers are not available online. More information can be found here. What documents are needed to get a REAL ID? To obtain a REAL ID, you will need to provide the following documents to the SCDMV:   Proof of Identity (i.e. government-issued birth certificate or unexpired US passport) Proof of Legal Name (i.e. marriage license, divorce decree, US passport or passport card with full, legal name) Two proofs of current, physical South Carolina address (i.e. current, unexpired SC driver’s license, utility bill, pay stub) Proof of Social Security Number You can find a complete list of accepted documents here. Additional documents may be required if moving from out of state or depending on other circumstances. Contact your local SCDMV branch for more information. All documents must be in their original format. Copied or scanned versions of documents will not be accepted. How much does it cost to get a REAL ID? Like most South Carolina licenses, a REAL ID costs $25. That includes cards marked with a gold star and those that read "Not for Federal Identification." Identification cards are free for people 17 and older. ID cards cost $15 for those 16 and under. Are REAL IDs optional? Obtaining a REAL ID is completely optional if you don’t plan to fly domestically or visit federal facilities and military installations. You can use a valid US Passport, military ID, or another federal identification accepted by TSA, instead of changing your SC license or ID to a REAL ID.  You still need an unexpired US Passport to travel internationally. I don’t have a REAL ID. Can I still use my standard driver’s license or ID card? You do not need a REAL ID to do any of the following, according to SCDMV:   Drive Vote Apply for or receive federal benefits Enter federal facilities that do not require ID, such as a post office Access a hospital or receive life-saving medical services Participate in law enforcement proceedings or investigations, such as serving on a federal jury or testifying in federal court Do REAL IDs expire? A REAL ID license is only valid for eight years, according to the SCDMV. For more information on obtaining a REAL ID in South Carolina, visit the SCDMV website.