BLYTHEWOOD — Tuesday, the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles (SCDMV) unveiled designs for the state’s new driver’s licenses and identification cards, featuring enhanced security features and iconic visuals celebrating the Palmetto State.
The updated cards, which will begin rolling out this fall, showcase South Carolina’s heritage and natural beauty with imagery including the Statehouse, the Palmetto Tree and Crescent from the state flag, and tributes to the state flower - Yellow Jessamine, state bird - Carolina Wren, and state reptile - Loggerhead Sea Turtle.
In addition to the imagery the new design features more than 40 advanced security features and a new production process that incorporates laser engraving technology. These updates enhance durability and provide greater protection against counterfeiting and identity theft.
“These new licenses and ID cards showcase the Palmetto State while providing citizens with greater protection against becoming victims of identity fraud,” said Kevin Shwedo, Executive Director of the SCDMV. “We hope that South Carolinians will look on these new designs with pride and confidence.”
The design has already earned accolades for its connection to South Carolina’s native wildlife.
“The inclusion of iconic native species on this reimagined SC ID serves as a powerful reminder of our responsibility to protect the remarkable wildlife that calls South Carolina home,” said Greg Peccie, Vice President of Animal Care at Riverbanks Zoo and Garden. “Riverbanks is proud to continue collaborating in a shared commitment to the preservation of native species and the conservation of the vital habitats that sustain them.”
Because of the significant enhancements reflected in the new card, the SCDMV is transitioning to a centralized card issuance process using facilities certified for secure credential production — a method already used by 45 other states, the District of Columbia, and several federal agencies. While customers will still visit SCDMV branches in person to apply, test, and provide documentation, they will now receive a temporary certificate on-site, instead of receiving their license or ID card at the branch office. Customers will subsequently receive their license or identification card in the mail in seven to fifteen business days.
Temporary certificates are valid for up to 30 days and can be used for driving, voting, and identification where accepted. Expiring cards will be returned with a hole punch and can still be used as photo ID, where accepted, until the new card arrives. A QR code on the temporary certificate allows customers to track the status of their new card through production and mailing.
The SCDMV will begin piloting the new cards and issuance process in late August at two Midlands locations: Columbia (Shop Road) and Lexington. A full statewide rollout is expected later in the fall.
The agency wants to stress the following points with customers:
- No action required for current cardholders — all currently issued South Carolina licenses and ID cards remain valid until their listed expiration dates.
- Applies to all SC license types – the new card design applies to all current types and classes of South Carolina licenses and ID cards which will still be offered as both REAL ID compliant cards and Not For Federal Use (non-REAL ID compliant) cards.
- Don’t wait until the last minute to get your new license — allow time for mail delivery when renewing. SCDMV sends customers renewal notices by mail 90 days prior to the expiration of their current card to help with timely renewal and customers can continue to renew their license or identification card online if eligible.
- No price change — the cost of new licenses and ID cards remains the same and is among the lowest in the Southeastern U.S.
For more information and to view a list of Frequently Asked Questions regarding the new card design and process, visit the SCDMV webpage at https://scdmvonline.com.
Note: sample images accompanying this news release have been approved as safe for publication and will not compromise card security features.