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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.

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.

 Acceptable alternative forms of identification include:

* Valid and current US Passport

* U.S. 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, go to www.tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/identification.

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) doesn’t 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 should go to a local South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles (SCDMV) site.

According to 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.