South Carolina DMV will begin mailing driver’s licenses and ID cards this fall. Here’s what to know

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WCBD) — Starting this fall, South Carolina will no longer issue same-day driver’s licenses and identification cards, mailing them instead to streamline the process and enhance security features.

The Department of Motor Vehicles is redesigning licenses, beginner’s permits, and ID cards to be made from stronger materials and include advanced security elements that make them more tamper-resistant.

Officials said the new design will highlight “iconic” state symbols, such as the Palmetto Tree and the South Carolina State House.

The agency also plans to move to centralized production of all licenses, permits, and ID cards, meaning the state’s 66 SCDMV branches will no longer provide 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.