COLUMBIA, S.C. (WCBD) — Beginning this autumn, South Carolina will cease issuing same-day driver’s licenses and ID cards, opting to mail them instead to improve the process and security measures.
The Department of Motor Vehicles is revamping licenses, beginner’s permits, and ID cards to be constructed from more durable materials and incorporate advanced security features that increase resistance to tampering.
Officials said the new design will highlight “iconic” state symbols, such as the Palmetto Tree and the South Carolina State House.
The agency also intends to transition to centralized production of all licenses, permits, and ID cards, which means the 66 SCDMV branches across the state will stop providing them over the counter.
The process for obtaining one of these cards will stay mostly the same, however.
Customers will still visit a branch to submit documents and complete any necessary testing in person. Then, a temporary driving certificate or ID certificate — valid for driving, voting, and other purposes — will be given in place of the physical card.
Permanent cards are then expected arrive by mail in seven to 15 business days, according to the agency.
“This change modernizes the way we produce licenses and ID cards to make them more secure and reduce the chance of counterfeiting,” said SCDMV Executive Director Kevin Shwedo. “First and foremost, these updates will better protect South Carolinians from becoming victims of identity fraud. Additionally, they will provide a more secure and reliable credential for law enforcement, merchants, retailers, and other parties who count on the authenticity of the licenses and identification cards we issue.”
Officials said current South Carolina driver’s licenses and ID cards will remain valid until their expiration dates.
With the change, South Carolina joins 45 other states and the District of Columbia in using a centralized production model.
