Beginning May 7, 2025, individuals planning to use their South Carolina-issued driver’s license to fly out of Columbia Metropolitan Airport (CAE) will need to have a gold star indicating that their license is REAL ID compliant to clear the security checkpoint and board a domestic/commercial flight.
Please note: Travelers who do not present a REAL ID-compliant license or acceptable alternative beginning May 7, 2025, will not be permitted through the security checkpoint. (Source: www.dhs.gov/real-id)
Acceptable alternative forms of identification include:
- Valid and current US Passport
- US Passport Card
- Military ID
- DHS Trusted Traveler Card (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST)
- Permanent Resident Card
For a complete list of acceptable alternative forms of identification, please visit. www.tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/identification.
MINORS: The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) does not require children under the age of 18 to provide identification when traveling by plane within in the United States.
To obtain a REAL ID, individuals living in South Carolina are encouraged to visit a local South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles (SCDMV) site. Per the SCDMV website, individuals will need the following to receive a REAL ID:
- Proof of identify (Birth certificate or unexpired US Passport)
- Social Security Number
- Two proofs of current, physical South Carolina address
- Proof of all legal name changes